Books

Through books, we can gain insights, comfort, and practical tools for dealing with grief, loss, and making conscious decisions about the end of life. Here are suggestions for books that explore death and grieving from different perspectives.

• “When will the grief go away?” by Frida Hard.
  A book as a support in life with concrete tools and reflection tasks to process grief and feel secure in everyday life. In the book, Frida shares her own journey and gives you concrete tools and reflection tasks to process the grief and give you support, regardless of what it is based on.‍
• “Dealing with Death a Handbook” by Jakob Ratz Endler
  Jakob Ratz Endler, a doctor with extensive experience in death, takes us into the emergency room, the operating room and talks with patients and relatives. With warmth and matter-of-factness, he portrays what death really looks like, and how we can prepare for it. The book also raises important issues such as organ donation and the right to refuse treatment, and can help open up significant conversations on the subject.

• “Life must have meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl (Original title: “Man's Search for Meaning”)
  A classic book in which Frankl shares his experiences of concentration camps and develops his philosophy of finding meaning in life, even in the most difficult circumstances. The book is about how we can find purpose, even when death feels near.

• “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion (Original title: “The Year of Magical Thinking”)
  A poignant and personal story of Joan Didion's grieving process after the sudden death of her husband. The book explores how we deal with loss and the emotional reactions that follow the death of a loved one.
• “Doctor of Death: Medicine and What Matters in the End of Life” by Atul Gawande (Original title: “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End”)
  Gawande examines how modern medicine deals with aging and death. He argues that we should focus more on quality of life than on extending life at all costs. The book offers a new perspective on end-of-life care.
• “Tibetan Book of Life and Death” by Sogyal Rinpoche (Original title: “The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying”)
  This book combines Tibetan Buddhist wisdom with practical insights about death, the process of dying, and how to live a meaningful life by preparing for death. It provides both spiritual guidance and practical advice.
• “About Death and Dying” by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (Original title: “On Death and Dying”)
  This book introduces Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's five stages of grief (denial, anger, negotiation, depression and acceptance). It provides an insight into both the physical and emotional experiences that people go through at the end of life.
• “When the breath becomes air” by Paul Kalanithi (Original title: “When Breath Becomes Air”)
  Kalanithi was a doctor who was self-diagnosed with cancer. In this book, he reflects on life, death and the meaning of it all as he is forced to confront his own mortality. A touching and philosophical story about the limits of life and death.
• “Death: A Memoir” by Cory Taylor (Original title: “Dying: A Memoir”)
  Cory Taylor writes about his own experiences of being aware of one's mortality and confronting death in an open and reflective way. The book offers an honest and thoughtful perspective on death and how we live our lives.
• “Death Denial” by Ernest Becker (Original title: “The Denial of Death”)
  In this book Becker examines how people deny their own mortality and how this denial affects our lives and choices. It explores the psychology of death and why we so often search for ways to avoid or ignore the thought of death.
• “The Death of Ivan” by Leo Tolstoy (Original title: “The Death of Ivan Ilyich”)
  A classic short story about Ivan Ilyich, a man who is confronted with his own death after a sudden illness. The book depicts his inner struggle and his thoughts on the meaning of life as he realizes that he has not lived an authentic life.

Films

Films that offer different perspectives on death, grief and the meaning of life. They shed light on what happens when we are confronted with death, both on a philosophical and emotional level.

• “The Last Journey” (2024)
  A warm and humorous story about reconnecting with life, loved ones and oneself; a reminder of the transience of life and how meaningful it is to dare to reflect, feel and love before time runs out.

• “Bucket List — Beautiful is the Earth” (Original title: The Bucket List, 2007)
  Two elderly men, played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, decide to carry out a list of things they want to do before they die. A touching film about friendship and living life to the fullest.
• “The Society of Dead Poets” (Original title: Dead Poets Society, 1989)
  A teacher (Robin Williams) inspires his students to live authentically and embrace life, which also means thinking about death. A film about creating meaning in life before it's too late.
• “The Sixth Sense” (Original title: The Sixth Sense, 1999)
  A psychologist (Bruce Willis) tries to help a young boy who claims to be able to see dead people. The film combines suspense with a deeper examination of life, death and what happens afterwards.
• “A Ghost Story” (Original title: A Ghost Story, 2017)
  A man returns as a ghost after his death and witnesses the life that goes on without him. A slow and emotional reflection on time, death and existence.
• “The Farewell — The Last Family Feast” (Original title: The Farewell, 2019)
  A young woman returns to China to say goodbye to her grandmother, who does not know that she is dying. The film explores culture, death and grief in a touching way.
• “Ikiru — To Live” (Original title: Ikiru, 1952)
  A Japanese film by Akira Kurosawa about a man who learns he has cancer and tries to find meaning in his life before it's too late. A strong reflection on death and the importance of living with purpose.
• “My Life — My Life” (Original title: My Life, 1993)
  A man, played by Michael Keaton, who is diagnosed with cancer tries to create memories for his son by documenting his thoughts and experiences about life and death. A film about loss, family and leaving a legacy.
• “The Green Mile” (Original title: The Green Mile, 1999)
  A death row inmate with supernatural powers touches life and death in a profound way. The film deals with justice, faith, forgiveness and death.
• “Lovely Bones” (Original title: The Lovely Bones, 2009)
  A young girl is murdered and watches from her own sky while her family tries to cope with her death. The film explores grief, justice and the afterlife.

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