Category Archives: Lending Insight




“The End of Your Life Book Club,” by Will Schwalbe

A reflection about the books you read when a loved one nears death

In 2007, Will Schwalbe’s mother, Mary Anne, was diagnosed with hepatitis after returning from a humanitarian trip to Pakistan.  Months later, her doctors discovered she was suffering from an advanced stage of pancreatic cancer, a disease which is usually fatal … Continue reading

Posted in Lending Insight | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Hidden Humanity Within “Gates of Heaven” by Errol Morris

A look at the animal burial industry reveals how humans view love, loss and death

When Roger Ebert names your documentary one of the top ten best films ever made, you know you’ve done something right. Errol Morris received such a distinction for his 1978 classic, “Gates of Heaven.” Although the film is now almost … Continue reading

Posted in Lending Insight | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst

A best-selling classic to help children understand loss

  “The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst addresses the issue of separation by reassuring children that even though they can’t always physically be with their loved ones, there is an invisible string always connecting them to the people they love, … Continue reading

Posted in Lending Insight | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment



”Finding Peace When Your Heart is in Pieces” by Dr. Paul Coleman

A psychologist brings us back to the individualistic approach to mourning

  When you read Dr. Paul Coleman’s “Finding Peace When Your Heart is in Pieces,” don’t expect to get simple, cookie-cutter advice about loss. You won’t find trite tips such as “How to heal from a loss in five easy … Continue reading

Posted in Lending Insight | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment



”The Ultimate Journey” by Stanislav Grof, M.D.

Psychedelics-inspired overview of cross-cultural perspectives on death and the afterlife lends insight into human consciousness

What do psychedelic substances, rights of passage and fear of death have in common? A lot, according to Stanislav Grof, M.D. Grof is the author of “The Ultimate Journey: Consciousness and the Mystery of Death.” He has served as Chief … Continue reading

Posted in Lending Insight | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Grief is a Mess by Jackie Schuld

"Grief is a mess" by Jackie Schuld

While Jackie Schuld’s book “Grief is a Mess” gives you the initial impression of being a sweet child’s book, it is anything but. Jackie may be a young woman, but the words she shares throughout her book clearly come from … Continue reading

Posted in Lending Insight | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments