Lending Library Catalogue

Book List

Many of these books are available to borrow from South Shore Libraries or from our office:

When Breath Becomes Air – by Paul Kalanithi
A moving memoir written as the author faces terminal illness at the age of 36. He wrestles with important questions of life and what makes it worth living while facing death.

You Won’t Always Be This Sad – by Sheree Fitch
The author allows us to share in the experience of grief after the death of her son at age 37. A profound and moving read. Note: This is for adults, unlike most of her other books.

Being Mortal: Medicine and what matters in the end – by Atul Gawande
An excellent read written by a surgeon with great insight. He looks at the modern practice of medicine and how it has changed how we die. Written with great compassion and lots of great examples, it makes us think about how we want to die and what is important in the end.

It’s Ok That You’re Not OK – by Megan Devine
“Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture that Doesn’t Understand” is the subtitle and this is an honest look at what grief looks like. The author writes from her own experience – personal and as a therapist, of the truth of loss, love and healing. She also gives excellent guidance for those trying to help others who are grieving.

With the End in Mind – by Kathryn Mannix
“Dying, Death, and wisdom in an age of denial”. The author shares years of her experience as a palliative care doctor in telling stories that help us to understand dying and to approach it with more understanding.

“Listen” How to Find the Words for Tender Conversations – by Kathryn Mannix
This is the second book by Kathryn Mannix.  In this book, she uses her experience to help us better speak our minds , and give advice on how to handle those very difficult conversations that we must have at times in our life – like terminal diagnosis, noticing early signs of dementia in a loved one, a child coming out to their parents.

“Beyond Surviving” Cancer and your spiritual journey – by David Maginley
The author has experienced cancer himself and is an interfaith chaplain at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. This book is a compassionate look at how one can deal with the uncertainty of a difficult diagnosis, and find meaning in life. It has many spiritual insights.

Tear Soup – by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen
This is a lovely book for all ages that tells the story of making soup by adding many ingredients that make a good soup and also help one through a profound loss – things like good friends, exercise, comfort food. It is a story for everyone with lovely illustrations.

“Waterbugs and Dragonflies” Explaining Death to Young Children – by Doris Stickney
This is a story that is a meaningful way to explain death to young children.

“I Miss You” A First Look at Death – by Pat Thomas
This is a picture book that explores death for young children. Children’s feelings and questions about death are looked at in a simple but realistic way.