Dying Well - by Ira Byock (Paperback)

About the Book

Nobody should have to die in pain. Nobody should have to die alone. This is Ira Byock's dream, and he is dedicating his life to making it come true. "Dying Well" brings readers to the homes and bedsides of families with whom Dr. Byock has worked, telling stories of love and reconciliation in the face of tragedy, pain, and conflict.

Book Synopsis

From Ira Byock, prominent palliative care physician and expert in end of life decisions, a lesson in Dying Well.

Nobody should have to die in pain. Nobody should have to die alone.

This is Ira Byock's dream, and he is dedicating his life to making it come true. Dying Well brings us to the homes and bedsides of families with whom Dr. Byock has worked, telling stories of love and reconciliation in the face of tragedy, pain, medical drama, and conflict. Through the true stories of patients, he shows us that a lot of important emotional work can be accomplished in the final months, weeks, and even days of life. It is a companion for families, showing them how to deal with doctors, how to talk to loved ones--and how to make the end of life as meaningful and enriching as the beginning.

Ira Byock is also the author of The Best Care Possible: A Physician's Quest to Transform Care Through the End of Life.

Review Quotes

"[Byock's] book succeeds brilliantly in its intention, which is to advise and comfort the dying and those close to them." -- Washington Post

"[An] immensely moving yet practical guide." -- San Francisco Chronicle

"Life on the edge of the great crossing is explored in all its sadness and pathos, but Byock also makes room for wisdom, hope and even the joy of final understanding." -- Publishers Weekly

"If you love anyone on the planet -- and if a single other person loves you -- Dying Well is a book to read, think about, and discuss with those you love." -- BookPage

About the Author

Ira Byock, M.D., is director of Palliative Medicine at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and a professor at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. He is also the author of The Best Care Possible. He lives in Enfield, New Hampshire.