On Death and Dying: What the Dying Have to Teach Doctors, Nurses, Clergy and Their Own Families: Reader Reviews & Ratings

Nadia2026-10-29 15:08

The stories of patients cycling through grief stages show that grief is messy and non-linear, which relieved my guilt over not following a strict path. Kübler-Ross explains that denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance are not a checklist but fluid defense mechanisms. For instance, she describes a husband who lashed out at his wife with cancer because he lost his role as provider, revealing hidden terror. This insight helps caregivers understand that unspoken emotions like resentment are normal adaptive responses. By normalizing these reactions, families can avoid collective denial where everyone pretends death won't happen. Instead of forcing linear progress, we can offer empathy when loved ones regress from acceptance to anger. The book also highlights how medical systems often prioritize curing over caring, leaving patients feeling like broken machines rather than people. Honest communication with children, like telling them directly instead of saying they are sleeping, prevents long-term mistrust. Ultimately, this guide teaches us to honor life by facing death openly, transforming fear into a chance to live more intentionally with our loved ones while we still can.

Homer2026-10-27 22:35

This book helped me talk to my mom about her death.

Knox2026-10-21 11:10

The story of the husband who lashed out at his wife shows how role reversal causes hidden anger that destroys families silently.

Terry92026-10-17 20:40

This book really helped me understand why my family avoided talking about my mom's illness.

Otis2026-10-14 20:38

The story of Mrs. S finding purpose in faith despite her terminal cancer diagnosis moved me deeply.

Perry992026-10-14 16:45

Clara's silence hit home for me so hard.

Jeri2026-10-13 15:43

This book honestly shows how families hide their fear when someone is dying, and it makes me realize I need to talk sooner.

Keenan2026-10-13 01:00

This book changed how I talk to my parents about their health.

Harold182026-10-06 20:10

I feel less alone knowing the five stages aren't a strict checklist but fluid feelings everyone experiences differently during loss.

Dexter2026-10-06 10:53

Reading this made me realize how hard it is to talk about death with my own family.

Mae2026-10-06 08:50

Kübler-Ross challenges the idea of linear grief stages. Her stories show how emotions cycle or skip, making space for messy, real human experiences instead of forcing patients to follow a rigid checklist that ignores their unique needs and fears during loss.

Ian2026-10-06 04:11

Kübler-Ross shows that grief is not a straight line, which gives me permission to feel messy emotions.

Vera862026-10-05 15:23

This book broke my silence about death. It taught me that honest conversations save families from years of regret and help everyone face the end with more dignity and less fear.

Augusta22026-10-05 10:27

Kübler-Ross explains that grief isn't a straight line, which helped me stop judging my own messy emotions.

Dusty2026-10-01 12:15

Kübler-Ross shows that grief cycles back and forth, so stopping at one stage is a myth that hurts families trying to find peace.

Abel992026-09-30 14:50

The idea that denial is just a buffer for the mind, not stubbornness, made so much sense and gave me permission to take my time processing the news.

Tonya2026-09-24 10:16

I found the example of the husband lashing out at his wife while she was dying heartbreaking because it showed how role reversal hides deep terror.

Anabel2026-09-21 20:35

This book made me realize how much we avoid talking about death.

Colby2026-09-21 17:52

The story of the husband lashing out at his dying wife perfectly explained my own hidden guilt and fear.

Dale952026-09-20 18:23

The story about the husband lashing out at his wife perfectly captures how role loss creates hidden anger.