For author Suzanne O’Brien, RN, a good death is a calm one, with no fearful, panicked reactions from family members gathered around the deathbed. “Death doesn’t have to be scary,” she writes, “and our fear of it is misguided.” As a former hospice nurse and now a death doula, O’Brien knows what she’s talking about. A death doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical support to the dying and their families. O’Brien has had years of experience, and her book shows it.

“The Good Death” is full of practical advice and wisdom. It functions as a tool to remove the fear of death. The author says we tend to be fearful of what we don’t understand. Her book helps the reader understand everything involved, including the financial and spiritual aspects of a loved one’s death. The key is to plan ahead, she says, and she gives examples. What’s wonderful about this book is how it empowers families whose loved one is dying. After reading this book, family members can feel confident to take charge, instead of believing they must give up all control to an insensitive medical establishment bent on prolonging life at all costs. O’Brien emphasizes that “death is not a medical experience—it’s a human one.”

According to O’Brien, nine out of ten people want to die at home. The real-life stories she tells about people dying at home are both poignant and instructive. Family decisions about who must abandon their own home (and probably their job) to take care of a dying loved one can be difficult, fraught with conflict, guilt, and anger. Advance planning can prevent these scenarios, so part of the book is in the form of a workbook created just for this purpose. I learned so much reading O’Brien’s words! The last chapter was so awesome and uplifting, it brought me to tears. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to review “The Good Death,” which was provided to me with no obligation in the form of an advance review copy. It will be available from Amazon.com in March 2025.

"The Good Death" felt important for me to read because a family member I love has dementia and is nearing the end of her life. The book made me feel more empowered and determined that I can help facilitate a good death for her when that time comes. This is a gentle, reassuring book that offers practical ways to deal with caregiver guilt, sadness and anxiety. What a gift and resource for someone who is struggling. I am grateful I found and read this and will be giving to other caregivers who need. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Pub Date: March 18, 2025.

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The Good Death by Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, is an insightful and compassionate guide designed to help individuals navigate the challenging journey of supporting a loved one at the end of life. Drawing on over two decades of experience as a hospice nurse and palliative care professional, O’Brien offers practical advice, emotional support, and expert insights to empower readers to create a meaningful and comforting experience for everyone involved. The book addresses essential topics, such as easing the fear of death, providing care instructions for comfort, and strategies to prevent caregiver burnout.