Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Life Lessons: Two Experts on Death and Dying Teach Us About the Mysteries of Life and Living: Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, David Kessler: 9781476775531: Amazon.com: Books
Life Lessons: Two Experts on Death and Dying Teach Us About the Mysteries of Life and Living: Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, David Kessler: 9781476775531: Amazon.com: Books
4.7 out of 5 stars 160 customer reviews
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Ten years after Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s death: “An inspiring…guide to life, distilled from the experiences of people who face death” (Kirkus Reviews)—the beloved classic now with a new introduction and updated resources section.
Is this really how I want to live my life? Each one of us at some point asks this question. The tragedy is not that life is short, but that we often see only in hindsight what really matters.
In her first book on life and living, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross joined with David Kessler to guide us through the practical and spiritual lessons we need to learn so that we can live life to its fullest in every moment. Many years of working with the dying have shown the authors that certain lessons come up over and over again. Some of these lessons are enormously difficult to master, but even the attempts to understand them can be deeply rewarding. Here, in fourteen accessible chapters, from the Lesson of Love to the Lesson of Happiness, the authors reveal the truth about our fears, our hopes, our relationships, and, above all, about the grandness of who we really are.
-----------------------
Editorial Reviews
Review
"This is a thought-provoking book, one which in my opinion should be made compulsory. It is insightful, inspirational, intelligent, soothing, emotive, and informative about our seemingly arbitrary existence." (Patricia Devine, The Irish Independent)
About the Author
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, MD, [1926–2004] was a Swiss-born psychiatrist, humanitarian, and co-founder of the hospice movement around the world. She was also the author of the groundbreaking book On Death and Dying, which first discussed The Five Stages of Grief. Elisabeth authored twenty-four books in thirty-six languages and brought comfort to millions of people coping with their own deaths or the death of a loved one. Her greatest professional legacy includes teaching the practice of humane care for the dying and the importance of sharing unconditional love. Her work continues by the efforts of hundreds of organizations around the world, including The Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation: EKRFoundation.org.
David Kessler is the world’s foremost expert on grief. His experience with thousands of people on the edge of life and death has taught him the secrets to living a fulfilled life, even after life’s tragedies. He coauthored On Grief and Grieving and Life Lessons with Elizabeth Kübler-Ross and You Can Heal Your Heart: Finding Peace After a Breakup, Divorce or Death with Louise Hay. He is the author of Finding Meaning, Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms, and The Needs of the Dying, praised by Mother Teresa.
David’s work has been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Business Week, and Life Magazine, and on CNN, Fox, NBC, PBS, and CBS. David has served on the Red Cross Aviation Disaster Team and has volunteed for decades as a Los Angeles Police Department Specialist Reserve Officer. He lectures for physicians, nurses, counselors, police, and first responders and leads talks and retreats for those dealing with grief.
Product details
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Scribner; Updated edition (August 12, 2014)
-----------------
160 customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
-------------------
Top Reviews
Jane
5.0 out of 5 starsThe ultimate in peace, understanding and compassion for creating and living a life that flows with acceptanceNovember 20, 2015
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
It's really difficult for me to adequately describe how wonderful this book is. I had gone through severe emotional turmoil and searched for understanding and guidance for a year before I found "Life Lessons" As a consequence, I highlighted many paragraphs and sentences in this book and reread some of them daily. When I finish with reading the book's highlighted areas, I start over from the beginning again. This book was a lifesaver. It is absolutely non-judgmental, compassionate and inspires peace for the soul. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
16 people found this helpful
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Jessica
5.0 out of 5 starsOne of the Greatest Books of My LifeMay 1, 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
When I went through the toughest break up of my life, I read this book on my ipad. I needed to find out what lessons could be learned from all my pain and take a fresh look at my life to see if I was going in the direction that would cultivate highest self. Reading about life lessons yelled me start to heal. I learned so much I bought it as a paperback and gave it to my newly ex-boyfriend so he could get the most out of our breakup as well and grow from it as I was starting to do. He was thankful and read it happily. We enjoyed a few conversations afterward about our takeaways.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"On these journeys we may be given a lot, or just a little bit, of the things we must grapple with, but never more than we can handle. Someone who needs to learn about love may be married many times, or never at all. One who must wrestle with the lesson of money may be given none at all, or too much to count."
"When we face the worst that can happen in any situation, we grow. When circumstances are at their worst, we can find our best."
"You undoubtedly have faults, but they are not you. You maybe have a disease, but you are not your diagnosis. You may be rich, but you are not your credit rating... All these things are changeable. There is a part of you that is indefinable and changeless, that does not get lost or change with age, disease, or circumstances. There is an authenticity you were born with, have lived with, and will die with."
This book teaches so much and I have read my highlighted versions over and over again. This is a book you either keep easily accessible or buy electronically so you have it everywhere you go.
Read less
9 people found this helpful
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Niki Collins-queen, Author
5.0 out of 5 starsPowerful and wise!July 1, 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Elizabeth Kübler-Ross joins with David Kessler in their book "Life Lessons: Two Experts on Death and Dying Teach Us About the Mysteries of Life and Living" to guide us through life lessons and live fully in every moment.
"Life Lessons" is Elizabeth's eighteenth book. It's a special gift as it's the last book she wrote before her death in 2004. She had a stroke on Mother's Day in 1995 that left her paralyzed and next to death's door for many months. But she did not die. She says she's still learning the lessons of life. God is shrewd; her head was not affected by the strokes. She can't use her left leg and arm but she can talk and think. It's her final lesson. She must work on receiving, on learning to say thank you. To be nurtured rather than nurturing. Throughout her life, she gave and gave, but never learned to receive. She must learn patience and surrender.
Elizabeth says each of us has a Mother Teresa and a Hitler. The Mother Teresa is the best in us and the Hitler is the worst in us. The goal in life is to find the best, get rid of the worst and be authentic by standing in our truth. Admitting we have the capacity to be inauthentic and carry negativity is essential so we can work on the problem and release it. It's not always easy to find out who we are authentically. The reality of the world is that some relationships don't work out; there are supposed to be disagreements and disappointments.
David says the grandest kind of perfection of who we are includes being honest about our dark side and imperfections. Elizabeth says the windstorms of life, makes us who we are. We are here to heal one another. Most of us spend a lot of energy keeping a lid on our unfinished business. We want unconditional love. To be loved for who we are rather than what we do or don't do. However, when we feel unloved, it is not because we are not receiving love; it's because we are withholding love from ourselves and others. Love has to come from within. We can't solve all our loved ones problems but we can try to be there for them.
In working with the dying and the living it became clear to Elizabeth and David that most of us are challenged by the same lessons: authenticity, love, relationships, loss, power, guilt, time, fear, anger, play, patience, surrender, forgiveness and happiness. The fourteen chapters reveal the truth about theses topics, show we are put on the earth to learn the lessons, we are not alone and we are all connected. Also to watch love grow and to see how relationships enrich us.
I attended one of Elizabeth's five-day Living, Dying and Transition workshop in the early 80s. It had a profound effect on me and changed how I viewed the world. She showed us how everyone has the capacity to love others unconditionally and that it is our unfinished business that keeps us from doing so. In her workshop she created an environment where we were encouraged to express our hurt and rage in an atmosphere of love and acceptance, so we could be done with it. Feelings were not talked about but felt. If sad, we cried; if angry, we were given a rubber hose and an old telephone book and told, "Have at it!" I was skeptical about what this outpouring of negativity would accomplish. Yet it worked. I was amazed how angry, depressed people transformed themselves into radiant, loving persons right before my eyes. I realized in this workshop that we are all connected and that our life stories are much the same.
Read less
8 people found this helpful
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Francie Nolan
3.0 out of 5 starsMight Be Good for Beginners in This AreaJanuary 19, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
If you've read a few books by NDE peeps or Kubler-Ross' memoir, there isn't much new in this book as to what's important in life. I wanted more anecdotes from people who were dying and had lessons to share versus short lectures on subjects I'm familiar with. I absolutely adored and was riveted by Kubler-Ross' memoir. Check that out. I might read it again.
If you haven't read many books by NDE's or Kubler-Ross or Brian Weiss, etc., then this might appeal to you.
One person found this helpful
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Denise Escamilla Ortiz
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat insight into what life is all about.December 1, 2011
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is the first book written by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross that I read, and I am delighted with it. I enjoyed every bit of it. The book is also written by David Kessler, and both give us a beautiful lecture about life. I honestly think that not many of us find true joy in living and life itself. We torment ourselves with trivial everyday's stuff but miss the big picture altogether. And if anyone understands what life is all about its the dying. They know there is no more time left to waste and they trully find peace and happiness in their lasting time here. Through lots of anecdotes with their patients they share with us they remind us how to handle loss,, anger, fear, etc. They also give us a good lesson in relationships, love, happiness, and forgiveness among other aspects of life. Basically life is the school and those are the lessons we are here to learn and master. And above all we should always strive to find happinness, which is never found in the outside world or our circumstances, it's something that we can find within all the time. Definitely a good read.
5 people found this helpful
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Is this really how I want to live my life? Each one of us at some point asks this question. The tragedy is not that life is short, but that we often see only in hindsight what really matters.
In her first book on life and living, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross joined with David Kessler to guide us through the practical and spiritual lessons we need to learn so that we can live life to its fullest in every moment. Many years of working with the dying have shown the authors that certain lessons come up over and over again. Some of these lessons are enormously difficult to master, but even the attempts to understand them can be deeply rewarding. Here, in fourteen accessible chapters, from the Lesson of Love to the Lesson of Happiness, the authors reveal the truth about our fears, our hopes, our relationships, and, above all, about the grandness of who we really are.
-----------------------
Editorial Reviews
Review
"This is a thought-provoking book, one which in my opinion should be made compulsory. It is insightful, inspirational, intelligent, soothing, emotive, and informative about our seemingly arbitrary existence." (Patricia Devine, The Irish Independent)
About the Author
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, MD, [1926–2004] was a Swiss-born psychiatrist, humanitarian, and co-founder of the hospice movement around the world. She was also the author of the groundbreaking book On Death and Dying, which first discussed The Five Stages of Grief. Elisabeth authored twenty-four books in thirty-six languages and brought comfort to millions of people coping with their own deaths or the death of a loved one. Her greatest professional legacy includes teaching the practice of humane care for the dying and the importance of sharing unconditional love. Her work continues by the efforts of hundreds of organizations around the world, including The Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation: EKRFoundation.org.
David Kessler is the world’s foremost expert on grief. His experience with thousands of people on the edge of life and death has taught him the secrets to living a fulfilled life, even after life’s tragedies. He coauthored On Grief and Grieving and Life Lessons with Elizabeth Kübler-Ross and You Can Heal Your Heart: Finding Peace After a Breakup, Divorce or Death with Louise Hay. He is the author of Finding Meaning, Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms, and The Needs of the Dying, praised by Mother Teresa.
David’s work has been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Business Week, and Life Magazine, and on CNN, Fox, NBC, PBS, and CBS. David has served on the Red Cross Aviation Disaster Team and has volunteed for decades as a Los Angeles Police Department Specialist Reserve Officer. He lectures for physicians, nurses, counselors, police, and first responders and leads talks and retreats for those dealing with grief.
Product details
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Scribner; Updated edition (August 12, 2014)
-----------------
160 customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
-------------------
Top Reviews
Jane
5.0 out of 5 starsThe ultimate in peace, understanding and compassion for creating and living a life that flows with acceptanceNovember 20, 2015
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
It's really difficult for me to adequately describe how wonderful this book is. I had gone through severe emotional turmoil and searched for understanding and guidance for a year before I found "Life Lessons" As a consequence, I highlighted many paragraphs and sentences in this book and reread some of them daily. When I finish with reading the book's highlighted areas, I start over from the beginning again. This book was a lifesaver. It is absolutely non-judgmental, compassionate and inspires peace for the soul. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
16 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Jessica
5.0 out of 5 starsOne of the Greatest Books of My LifeMay 1, 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
When I went through the toughest break up of my life, I read this book on my ipad. I needed to find out what lessons could be learned from all my pain and take a fresh look at my life to see if I was going in the direction that would cultivate highest self. Reading about life lessons yelled me start to heal. I learned so much I bought it as a paperback and gave it to my newly ex-boyfriend so he could get the most out of our breakup as well and grow from it as I was starting to do. He was thankful and read it happily. We enjoyed a few conversations afterward about our takeaways.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"On these journeys we may be given a lot, or just a little bit, of the things we must grapple with, but never more than we can handle. Someone who needs to learn about love may be married many times, or never at all. One who must wrestle with the lesson of money may be given none at all, or too much to count."
"When we face the worst that can happen in any situation, we grow. When circumstances are at their worst, we can find our best."
"You undoubtedly have faults, but they are not you. You maybe have a disease, but you are not your diagnosis. You may be rich, but you are not your credit rating... All these things are changeable. There is a part of you that is indefinable and changeless, that does not get lost or change with age, disease, or circumstances. There is an authenticity you were born with, have lived with, and will die with."
This book teaches so much and I have read my highlighted versions over and over again. This is a book you either keep easily accessible or buy electronically so you have it everywhere you go.
Read less
9 people found this helpful
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Niki Collins-queen, Author
5.0 out of 5 starsPowerful and wise!July 1, 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Elizabeth Kübler-Ross joins with David Kessler in their book "Life Lessons: Two Experts on Death and Dying Teach Us About the Mysteries of Life and Living" to guide us through life lessons and live fully in every moment.
"Life Lessons" is Elizabeth's eighteenth book. It's a special gift as it's the last book she wrote before her death in 2004. She had a stroke on Mother's Day in 1995 that left her paralyzed and next to death's door for many months. But she did not die. She says she's still learning the lessons of life. God is shrewd; her head was not affected by the strokes. She can't use her left leg and arm but she can talk and think. It's her final lesson. She must work on receiving, on learning to say thank you. To be nurtured rather than nurturing. Throughout her life, she gave and gave, but never learned to receive. She must learn patience and surrender.
Elizabeth says each of us has a Mother Teresa and a Hitler. The Mother Teresa is the best in us and the Hitler is the worst in us. The goal in life is to find the best, get rid of the worst and be authentic by standing in our truth. Admitting we have the capacity to be inauthentic and carry negativity is essential so we can work on the problem and release it. It's not always easy to find out who we are authentically. The reality of the world is that some relationships don't work out; there are supposed to be disagreements and disappointments.
David says the grandest kind of perfection of who we are includes being honest about our dark side and imperfections. Elizabeth says the windstorms of life, makes us who we are. We are here to heal one another. Most of us spend a lot of energy keeping a lid on our unfinished business. We want unconditional love. To be loved for who we are rather than what we do or don't do. However, when we feel unloved, it is not because we are not receiving love; it's because we are withholding love from ourselves and others. Love has to come from within. We can't solve all our loved ones problems but we can try to be there for them.
In working with the dying and the living it became clear to Elizabeth and David that most of us are challenged by the same lessons: authenticity, love, relationships, loss, power, guilt, time, fear, anger, play, patience, surrender, forgiveness and happiness. The fourteen chapters reveal the truth about theses topics, show we are put on the earth to learn the lessons, we are not alone and we are all connected. Also to watch love grow and to see how relationships enrich us.
I attended one of Elizabeth's five-day Living, Dying and Transition workshop in the early 80s. It had a profound effect on me and changed how I viewed the world. She showed us how everyone has the capacity to love others unconditionally and that it is our unfinished business that keeps us from doing so. In her workshop she created an environment where we were encouraged to express our hurt and rage in an atmosphere of love and acceptance, so we could be done with it. Feelings were not talked about but felt. If sad, we cried; if angry, we were given a rubber hose and an old telephone book and told, "Have at it!" I was skeptical about what this outpouring of negativity would accomplish. Yet it worked. I was amazed how angry, depressed people transformed themselves into radiant, loving persons right before my eyes. I realized in this workshop that we are all connected and that our life stories are much the same.
Read less
8 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Francie Nolan
3.0 out of 5 starsMight Be Good for Beginners in This AreaJanuary 19, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
If you've read a few books by NDE peeps or Kubler-Ross' memoir, there isn't much new in this book as to what's important in life. I wanted more anecdotes from people who were dying and had lessons to share versus short lectures on subjects I'm familiar with. I absolutely adored and was riveted by Kubler-Ross' memoir. Check that out. I might read it again.
If you haven't read many books by NDE's or Kubler-Ross or Brian Weiss, etc., then this might appeal to you.
One person found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Denise Escamilla Ortiz
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat insight into what life is all about.December 1, 2011
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is the first book written by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross that I read, and I am delighted with it. I enjoyed every bit of it. The book is also written by David Kessler, and both give us a beautiful lecture about life. I honestly think that not many of us find true joy in living and life itself. We torment ourselves with trivial everyday's stuff but miss the big picture altogether. And if anyone understands what life is all about its the dying. They know there is no more time left to waste and they trully find peace and happiness in their lasting time here. Through lots of anecdotes with their patients they share with us they remind us how to handle loss,, anger, fear, etc. They also give us a good lesson in relationships, love, happiness, and forgiveness among other aspects of life. Basically life is the school and those are the lessons we are here to learn and master. And above all we should always strive to find happinness, which is never found in the outside world or our circumstances, it's something that we can find within all the time. Definitely a good read.
5 people found this helpful
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See all 160 reviews
Write a customer review
============
Showing 1-30
Aug 09, 2018Lea rated it it was amazing
One of the best non-fiction books I've read in a while.
Contains simple yet deep lessons we have to learn in our time. The main message is a well-known one, it is not tragic to die, it is tragic to never fully live, and to be dead inside while still living.
The chapters in here what to prevent living in an inauthentic way, without knowing yourself, with being what you truly are, or doing what you truly want, without finding the true meaning of your life. But, this is not a new age book, and nothing is sugar-coated. The book doesn't contain a special formula or way of thinking that will provide you with life without pain or sickness, but it does put a whole new perspective on suffering, one that can help you endure the storms that are a normal part of your life, accept what you can't change, and change what you can. I love the style of the book, the writing is simple, yet profound, and the lessons are interwind with author's personal stories about their patients, people they knew, themselves. It doesn't get boring or loses tempo for a second.
If you want to look back at the end and be satisfied with how you lived in any given circumstances, if you want to live to the fullest, if you what have no regrets, and be in peace with yourself and the people around you, if you always want to feel inner freedom and love, this is the book for you. I don't recommend this book just as a doctor working in palliative care, I recommend this book as a person and human being. Will re-read it in the future. (less)
Contains simple yet deep lessons we have to learn in our time. The main message is a well-known one, it is not tragic to die, it is tragic to never fully live, and to be dead inside while still living.
The chapters in here what to prevent living in an inauthentic way, without knowing yourself, with being what you truly are, or doing what you truly want, without finding the true meaning of your life. But, this is not a new age book, and nothing is sugar-coated. The book doesn't contain a special formula or way of thinking that will provide you with life without pain or sickness, but it does put a whole new perspective on suffering, one that can help you endure the storms that are a normal part of your life, accept what you can't change, and change what you can. I love the style of the book, the writing is simple, yet profound, and the lessons are interwind with author's personal stories about their patients, people they knew, themselves. It doesn't get boring or loses tempo for a second.
If you want to look back at the end and be satisfied with how you lived in any given circumstances, if you want to live to the fullest, if you what have no regrets, and be in peace with yourself and the people around you, if you always want to feel inner freedom and love, this is the book for you. I don't recommend this book just as a doctor working in palliative care, I recommend this book as a person and human being. Will re-read it in the future. (less)
Aug 31, 2012RH Walters rated it it was amazing
A friend of mine with cancer gave me this book, and it encompasses many of the things I've tried to learn from her. Some people don't get to the best part of their lives until the end, and the authors give us many anecdotes and insights about why that is. Sometimes hell is other people, and our perceptions, but this book shows that the opposite is also true.
Aug 21, 2012Roe rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This book has changed my life! No other book has had such a profound effect on me. All of life's most important lessons are explained and validated by personal experiences of the authors or others.
Dec 25, 2011Karen rated it it was amazing
Easily the best non-fiction book I have ever read. I did the first read through without skipping around or skimming. Just like a chapter book, page by page. I have no doubt I will read this book a number of times as it is a book not to be read so much as studied, committed to memory and applied. I have a hard copy that I'll soon attack with my highlighters and I plan to purchase a digital copy as well. Can't say enough positive things about this work. It quite literally changed my life when it gave me the information I desperately needed to make peace with my oldest son's very sudden and unexpected death from pulmonary embolism at the age of 28. It also gave me the knowledge that all is as it should be, so that I may let him go, while still looking forward to the time when we will be together again. This book is a gift! Treasure it!! (less)
Nov 11, 2011Denise rated it it was amazing
This is the first book written by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross that I read, and I am delighted with it. I enjoyed every bit of it. The book is also written by David Kessler, and both give us a beautiful lecture about life. I honestly think that not many of us find true joy in living and life itself. We torment ourselves with trivial everyday's stuff but miss the big picture altogether. And if anyone understands what life is all about its the dying. They know there is no more time left to waste and they trully find peace and happiness in their lasting time here. Through lots of anecdotes with their patients they share with us they remind us how to handle loss,, anger, fear, etc. They also give us a good lesson in relationships, love, happiness, and forgiveness among other aspects of life. Basically life is the school and those are the lessons we are here to learn and master. And above all we should always strive to find happinness, which is never found in the outside world or our circumstances, it's something that we can find within all the time. Definitely a good read.(less)
Nov 18, 2016Sylvia rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: 2016, espiritual, psicologia, superacion-personal
Las lecciones de vida que nos muestras Elisabeth y David creo que a todos nos pueden ayduar en cierto momento.
Pero me pareció muy repetido todo, no tengo nada en contra de los libros motivacionales, pero este me pareció eterno...
Pero me pareció muy repetido todo, no tengo nada en contra de los libros motivacionales, pero este me pareció eterno...
Oct 07, 2017K.M. Weiland rated it really liked it
A beautiful book with interesting insights. Nothing unforeseen, but good reminders about what it really means to live a full and meaningful life with no regrets.
Jul 14, 2016David rated it liked it
I am troubled by this book. My biggest problem is that the foundation is that there is a God, and that everything will work out, and is supposed to. That philosophy I think can be quite dangerous, and can be an easy excuse for a lot of bad things. I find the advice to range for good to something I'd find at a 12 step meeting. I don't mean to insult 12 step meetings, but they are filled with average folk trying to do better, and there is a belief in collective wisdom, which isn't always justified. Many of the stories are quite touching. And, I think there is often contrary advice without trying to distinguish when each is appropriate. I am sorry to say I haven't found anything particularly profound or mysterious. Perhaps I am jaded, so others may find this book profound. I also really can't stand is trying to put meaning on the death of a child, I think it dishonors the dead child. (less)
Dec 26, 2011Renée rated it it was ok
It is somewhat interesting to read about the perspective of dying people.
It is very disturbing to read about it when the author is full of presumptions (you could call it lessons), in other words common sense psychological truths on life. I suppose most people would agree with it so would not be bothered by it.
But these ideas such as ´we humans all have the same value´, ´you must first love yourself before you can love someone else´ I don't buy unless it is explained. You may not be capable of explaining it, but then at least mention that.
Just scattering these ideas around as The Truth, annoys me. (less)
It is very disturbing to read about it when the author is full of presumptions (you could call it lessons), in other words common sense psychological truths on life. I suppose most people would agree with it so would not be bothered by it.
But these ideas such as ´we humans all have the same value´, ´you must first love yourself before you can love someone else´ I don't buy unless it is explained. You may not be capable of explaining it, but then at least mention that.
Just scattering these ideas around as The Truth, annoys me. (less)
By times cliche, other times some good reminders
Oct 13, 2018JZ marked it as abandoned
Shelves: audiobook, home, not-for-me, booorrrrring, pretentious, read-2018
My shelves say it all. I found this so boring, I couldn't bear to finish it.
The voice of the male author was tedious and pretentious in the extreme. It's as though he wanted to capitalize on his 'friendship' with Kubler-Ross when she was in bed and couldn't escape his attentions, when she had alienated so many people. Notice he puts her name first, because he couldn't sell this book without that.
Call me cynical, but there are so many books out there that are better.
The voice of the male author was tedious and pretentious in the extreme. It's as though he wanted to capitalize on his 'friendship' with Kubler-Ross when she was in bed and couldn't escape his attentions, when she had alienated so many people. Notice he puts her name first, because he couldn't sell this book without that.
Call me cynical, but there are so many books out there that are better.
Konečně kniha z oblasti osobního rozvoje, která mi přišla fakt dobře napsaná a mající hlavu a patu. Je rozdělena na kapitoly, přičemž každá kapitola nám sděluje určitou lekci. Ať už jde o Lekci odpuštění, Lekci hry nebo třeba Lekci lásky. V každé kapitole se autoři střídají a tak nám umožňují nahlédnout na problémy ze dvou pohledů, které se ve finále skvěle doplňují.
Kniha mě zase určitým směrem posunula a spoustu věcí, které se mi v životě dějí, vysvětlila. Určitě doporučuju!
Kniha mě zase určitým směrem posunula a spoustu věcí, které se mi v životě dějí, vysvětlila. Určitě doporučuju!
Een goede vriendin en tevens vrijwilligster in de palliatieve zorg leende me dit boek toen mijn eigen moeder haar laatste 15 dagen inging, op het moment dat haar nog maar amper 1 dag meer gegund leek.
Tijdens gestolen momenten verslond ik pagina na pagina, alsof ik door een onzichtbare kracht bij de hand werd genomen.
Kübler-Ross' inzichten zijn van een onschatbare waarde geweest in het omgaan met mijn eigen stervende moeder op een moment dat letterlijk 'levensvreemd' was en waarop het pijnlijk duidelijk werd dat sterven en het omgaan daarmee niet met een handleiding komen.
Deels instinctief en deels gesteund door dit boek kon ik écht in gesprek gaan met mijn stervende moeder, zonder het gevoel te krijgen afgewezen te worden op het moment dat zij me letterlijk vroeg haar "met rust te laten, allez, mijn hand niet zoveel vast te houden" omdat ze de psychische en fysieke ruimte nodig had om zich los te maken.
De dankbare glimlach op mijn moeders gezicht sprak boekdelen.
Een boek dat je leven -én dood- voor altijd zal veranderen. (less)
Tijdens gestolen momenten verslond ik pagina na pagina, alsof ik door een onzichtbare kracht bij de hand werd genomen.
Kübler-Ross' inzichten zijn van een onschatbare waarde geweest in het omgaan met mijn eigen stervende moeder op een moment dat letterlijk 'levensvreemd' was en waarop het pijnlijk duidelijk werd dat sterven en het omgaan daarmee niet met een handleiding komen.
Deels instinctief en deels gesteund door dit boek kon ik écht in gesprek gaan met mijn stervende moeder, zonder het gevoel te krijgen afgewezen te worden op het moment dat zij me letterlijk vroeg haar "met rust te laten, allez, mijn hand niet zoveel vast te houden" omdat ze de psychische en fysieke ruimte nodig had om zich los te maken.
De dankbare glimlach op mijn moeders gezicht sprak boekdelen.
Een boek dat je leven -én dood- voor altijd zal veranderen. (less)
Aug 26, 2013Johnny Stork rated it really liked it
This was a very enjoyable and well-written book, and one of the last from the pioneer on death and dying research, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. I had expected a focus on death and dying, but the title certainly provided a clue as to the actually emphasis - Life Lessons. There is so much wisdom available for living a happy and fulfilling life that can be realized by considering one's own mortality and by working with the dying. Most of us in the West act as if death is something that happens to everyone else - so many are filled with deep regrets by the time they reach their final days. By the time Kubler-Ross started writing this back in the late 90's she had suffered a few strokes and was partially paralyzed so she was able to add a great deal of personal reflection to the experience of dying. Highly recommended reading for anyone interesting in learning about the lessons of death and learning how to live a joyfull and fulfilling life. (less)
Jun 26, 2018Nunie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: 5-stars, favorites-2018, favorites, non-fiction
📖"Life has storms. Storms always pass." 📖
This book was enlightening and so much more. I think it is one of these books you have to come back to multiple times to remember what was being said and, most importantly, what you need to learn at the time you're reading it.
This book was enlightening and so much more. I think it is one of these books you have to come back to multiple times to remember what was being said and, most importantly, what you need to learn at the time you're reading it.
Mar 13, 2013Bart rated it really liked it
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross dedicated her work and life to understanding and sharing lessons on how we die. This book was written shortly before her death and after she had suffered a couple of strokes that left her paralyzed and in a wheelchair. She shares that she was angry and often very ugly to her friends and family. She mentions that at least 75% of her friends were no longer in her life. She and her friend David Kessler discuss the lessons they have learned over the years dealing with patients who were dying. The book has nice reminders about enjoying life more, conquering fear and showing more love for others, as well as many other lessons. It is worth the read. (less)
Mar 14, 2018Ben rated it it was amazing
These life lessons, when read with openness, have the power to change the direction of your life. The challenge is to remind yourself of them in daily life.
The book offers an invitation to pull up a chair at what seems to be a conversation and sharing of stories between two old friends. What is even more incredible is learning that Kübler-Ross is confined to a wheelchair recovering from multiple strokes when this book was written.
Balancing personal stories with that of the dying, this book shares some of the most profound wisdom I’ve read on what truly matters in life. (less)
The book offers an invitation to pull up a chair at what seems to be a conversation and sharing of stories between two old friends. What is even more incredible is learning that Kübler-Ross is confined to a wheelchair recovering from multiple strokes when this book was written.
Balancing personal stories with that of the dying, this book shares some of the most profound wisdom I’ve read on what truly matters in life. (less)
Jun 09, 2018Anelia rated it liked it · review of another edition
This is my first time reading a Self-Help book and, actually I couldn't put it down. It talks about many things I've felt and reading about them from a different perspective than mine was actually quite eye opening. Many of the things I already knew, yet I don't apply and other I had never thought about but I was able to find them in my self and I'm still trying to find others that are mentioned. I'm quite happy I read it and I feel like giving Self-Help books a big chance, there are things I fe ...more
Jul 29, 2018Meepspeeps rated it it was ok
This was a book club selection that was a combination of new age psycho babble and some really simple advice. Readers just have to figure out what's what and how to apply it. There are better books out there like Being Mortal and many devotionals.
Jun 30, 2015Katia Agafonova rated it really liked it
Хорошо написанная книга, структурирована по темам (эмоциям). Книга поможет тем, кто испытал потерю или живет рядом с обреченным на смерть человеком, но еще больше поможет встряхнуть заскучавших на жизненном пути.
Feb 18, 2015Marla rated it really liked it · review of another edition
I'm not sure when I read this -- sometime in the past 5 or 6 years, I would imagine. She's a genius.
Feb 08, 2013Anita rated it it was amazing
Read this book, and will never give it away. Taught alot about myself
Feb 25, 2018Nicole rated it it was amazing
"Go look now." - p. 224
This book will change your life. Your actions and the way you do things won't change,
but the way you think and approach life will after reading this book.
Don't skip around the chapters, read it in the order the authors put it in. It'll make more sense and be more fulfilling that way.
I encourage you to read it when you're older - about 18, 19. Definitely great for young adults who are on their way to start college. This book helps you set your own mindset and values. It helps you become more self-reflective of yourself and the world around you. That's such an important thing to do when you're a young adult, because you're trying to figure out who you really are. This book helps you with your self-awareness so much.
"I know what kind of pie I am; this is something we each find for ourselves. I can leave this life knowing who I am." - p. 38
I encourage young adults and over to read this book, and don't be put off by the advice Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler give you because it sounds cliche or impossible.
Their advice works - you just have to believe in yourself and that it can change your life first.
"Life is about being, not doing." - p. 32 (less)
This book will change your life. Your actions and the way you do things won't change,
but the way you think and approach life will after reading this book.
Don't skip around the chapters, read it in the order the authors put it in. It'll make more sense and be more fulfilling that way.
I encourage you to read it when you're older - about 18, 19. Definitely great for young adults who are on their way to start college. This book helps you set your own mindset and values. It helps you become more self-reflective of yourself and the world around you. That's such an important thing to do when you're a young adult, because you're trying to figure out who you really are. This book helps you with your self-awareness so much.
"I know what kind of pie I am; this is something we each find for ourselves. I can leave this life knowing who I am." - p. 38
I encourage young adults and over to read this book, and don't be put off by the advice Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler give you because it sounds cliche or impossible.
Their advice works - you just have to believe in yourself and that it can change your life first.
"Life is about being, not doing." - p. 32 (less)
Jan 18, 2019❀ Wiebke ❀ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: 5stars, non-fiction, read-in-2019, favorites
“The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to.”
I started reading this book at a time where I felt really down and craved some more insight into life and the feelings I was feeling, so I remembered that this book was still waiting on my kindle to be read by me and I can say that this was definitely a really good decision. This book is deeply emotional and touching and I couldn’t stop myself from crying at least 4 times and I’m normally not someone who is this touched by a book. For me, this book gave some great insights into how I want to interact with other people and what are the important things in life and it really helped me to see some things in my own life more clear and rational. I can definitely recommend this book to anyone because it really helps to understand your own feelings and relationships a little bit better. (less)
Dec 08, 2018Jutiphan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
The book starts a bit slow but as I open myself to tackle the book I’m able to ease into it.
While come conclusions and points made are similar to many other books however the way this book approaches is very interesting to follow through. It becomes an easy read with points to ponder along the way.
The content and viewpoint are solid. I never feel it’s being dragged or filler. It is for what it is a great read to have a better grasp about life and we will ponder and reflect our life along the way.
Highly recommended (less)
While come conclusions and points made are similar to many other books however the way this book approaches is very interesting to follow through. It becomes an easy read with points to ponder along the way.
The content and viewpoint are solid. I never feel it’s being dragged or filler. It is for what it is a great read to have a better grasp about life and we will ponder and reflect our life along the way.
Highly recommended (less)
Aug 10, 2018Sunsetlover rated it it was amazing
I read this book during college when I was going through a rough patch with a friend. It allowed me to see life in a new light. I learned that sometimes we forget to value the moments we think have no significance in our life. As a result, we realize what we had only when its too late. The anecdotes on life and death force you to think deeper into what truly matters in life. A lot of the lessons and insights are things we already know but have not put much thought into. I have forever changed my outlook on life after reading this, for the better. (less)
