The Good Death The New American Search to Reshape the End of Life [Paperback]

The Good Deathis the first full-scale examination of one of today's most complex issues: the profound change in the way Americans think about and confront death. Drawing on more than six years of firsthand research and reporting, noted journalist Marilyn Webb builds her account around intimate portraits of the dying themselves. She explains why some deaths become shockingly difficult--and needlessly painful--and how the struggles over end-of-life decisions can pit patient and family against hospitals, doctors, insurance companies, religious groups, and the law.

But there is good news as well. Webb describes many extraordinary programs and individuals who are changing the face of dying. An abundant source of comfort and hope,The Good Deathshows how the essential elements of humane--even uplifted--death are available to all of us, if we know what is possible, where to go for help, and how to prepare."A dear old teacher of mine taught me, in his dying days, that death need not be horrible. In fact, it can be enlightening and educational. In much the same spirit, Marilyn Webb'sThe Good Deathoffers an excellent road map for life's last journey."
--Mitch Albom, author ofTuesdays with Morrie

"Transforming death to a subject discussed openly by the dying, their families and the medical community is the greatest value of this book.  The Good Deathreceives my strongest endorsement and should be read by physicians and laypersons alike."
--S. Jay Olshansky, Ph.D.,The Journal of the American Medical Association

"Webb reminds us, through her firsthand observations, clearly and compellingly presented, that dying need not be a time of frantic terror, or terrible suffering."
--Robert Coles,The Washington Post

"An intelligent and compassionate look at one of our last taboos--and a hopeful message."
--Daniel Goleman, Ph.D., author ofEmotional Inlc4