Chosen by Angela SchellenbergLicensed trauma therapist

Books about anticipatory grief

Q: What is the best book to start with for anticipatory grief?

Angela’s first pick on this shelf is Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, MD. In her words: “A surgeon's honest reckoning with how we die in modern medicine. Read it before a loved one is dying, if you can.”

Q: What other books does Angela recommend for anticipatory grief?

Also on this shelf: Final Gifts by Maggie Callanan & Patricia Kelley; The Long Goodbye by Meghan O'Rourke; A Beginner's Guide to the End by BJ Miller, MD & Shoshana Berger; When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. Each one has a short note above on who it helps.

For the grief that begins before they go.

If you are caring for someone you are also losing, this is its own particular kind of carrying.

5 books · each with Angela’s note on who it helps

See the books ↓

The 5 books

Being Mortal Atul Gawande, MD4.5 · 41 ratings Angela saysA surgeon's honest reckoning with how we die in modern medicine. Read it before a loved one is dying, if you can. View on Amazon

Final Gifts Maggie Callanan & Patricia Kelley Angela saysTwo hospice nurses on what the dying often try to communicate at the end, and how to listen for it. View on Amazon

The Long Goodbye Meghan O'Rourke Angela saysA memoir of caregiving for and losing her mother to cancer. Particularly good on grief in cultures that look away from it. View on Amazon

A Beginner's Guide to the End BJ Miller, MD & Shoshana Berger Angela saysThe practical book. What to do, what to ask, what to plan, while there is still time. View on Amazon

When Breath Becomes Air Paul Kalanithi4.2 · 43 ratings Angela saysA neurosurgeon writes about facing his own death. A book to read alongside someone you are losing. View on Amazon

Common questions

What is the best book to start with for anticipatory grief?

Angela’s first pick on this shelf is Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, MD. In her words: “A surgeon's honest reckoning with how we die in modern medicine. Read it before a loved one is dying, if you can.”

What other books does Angela recommend for anticipatory grief?

Also on this shelf: Final Gifts by Maggie Callanan & Patricia Kelley; The Long Goodbye by Meghan O'Rourke; A Beginner's Guide to the End by BJ Miller, MD & Shoshana Berger; When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. Each one has a short note above on who it helps.

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