How many books have you read about dying? Let me be clear– not books about death, as in a main character dies and the plot revolves around the resulting effects of his or her passing, but books about the process of dying itself? For me the answer is really simple- none. I can’t say that it’s a topic that I’m particularly fond of contemplating– not for myself or my loved ones. I have healthy young children and doing-just-fine middle-aged parents, so I have the luxury of not really being forced to confront anyone’s impending mortality any time soon hopefully. So when I was offered the book The Household Guide to Dying, my first reaction was, “Um, I think I’ll pass.” I’m so glad that I resisted my urge to continue to avoid this topic, even in literary form, because Debra Adelaide has written one incredibly poignant, gripping, gut-wrenching, and yes- even humorous book, and I’m grateful to have added this character to my collection.
Delia, of Dear Delia fame, (imagine a household advice columnist and author who combines the practicality of “Heloise Hints” mixed with a substantial dash of snark and wit) is dying, and being the organized and prepared person that she is, she decides to bring a purpose to her experience by adding one final title to the list of Household Guides she has written over the years. She has already tackled The Garden and The Kitchen in previous editions, among other universal themes, so why not Dying? As she faces her imminent demise from a cancer that refuses to bow to a slew of treatments, she funnels the energy she has left into making preparations for her family, tying up some of those figurative loose ends, and of course, creating one last ultimate Guide.
While that may sound like a spoiler-filled summary, believe me when I say that I have given nothing away, honestly. This story is intricately woven so as to present the reader with little nuggets of information at various times in the narrative that all fit together neatly by the end. I usually get somewhat annoyed with books that seem to unnecessarily flit through time through flashbacks or irregular jumps, but as this book meandered through time, I saw it as a completely natural way to tell this particular story. Being in the present one moment, and then portraying events from fourteen years previous worked for this novel precisely because the author is simulating the experience of being inside a woman’s head as she peruses her memories in an attempt to find closure in relation to the major events of her life.
It’s a well-documented fact that I am a ‘crier’ when it comes to books and movies that portray even an ounce of tender emotions, so it will come as no surprise that I used a fair share of tissues for this one. However, it should be noted that I also chuckled almost as frequently. What I found most remarkable about the book as a whole was that I would be reading along, enjoying the distinctively straightforward voice of Delia as narrator, when BANG- a passage would literally knock the wind right out of me, and if I had thought that the previous part was sad or poignant or touching, the latest section magnified those characteristics tenfold. While it is undeniable that this novel is filled with pain and loss, there is an unmistakable joy and gratitude that is palpable as well. Debra Adelaide has created a beautiful novel that swells with emotion and self-reflection, and Delia is a character who will live long in my memory.
Enter a comment if you’d like to win a book (U.S. residents only). We’ll announce the winner next week.
Sad, humorous, silly, and thought-provoking books line the shelves of Dawn’s small home, along with the dried-out sippy cups and wayward Goldfish crackers of her children. Her blog, my thoughts exactly, is surprisingly neat and organized, though.
gahome2mom says
I am into genealogy and we often take our family to the cemetery. We actually enjoy it.Death isn’t so scary if you know where you destiny lies.(heaven) I’d like to read this book to see what the author has to say about it. lol
Mariah says
Please enter me, thanks.
Mariah
penguinqueen(at)hotmail(dot)com
Mocha with Linda says
Sounds like a book I would love to read.
Amy says
Sounds like a good one!
Rita says
Thank you, you have interested me with your great review.
Jo says
This book is a book I think I would enjoy reading
[email protected]
Rachel says
Sounds like a great book! I’m a crier, too. Especially since I’ve been pregnant!
Angie says
Sounds like a great book.
Holly says
This one looks so interesting. I’d love to read it.
edj says
Ok, your review was intriguing enough that I’ll bite, although at first the title didn’t sound interesting. Or, it did sound interesting but too dark.
Nancy says
Sounds like a good book, love to win.
Heidi V. says
I would have passed on the title also but your review has got me curious.
Just Mom says
I cry vey easily and enjoy every minute of a book that makes me weep! Enter me for this one and thanks for hosting.
Laura says
I’d love to win this one.
Literaturecrazy says
Sounds like a book I’d love (based on the book-to-tissue ratio), please enter me (heathernkemp(at)hotmail(dot)com).
Stacie says
I used to work in Hospice and still volunteer for them. I am very interested in this book. Thanks! Staciele(at)netins(dot)net
Page Turner (Heather) says
This sounds like a fascinating, well-written book. Please enter me in the give-a-way.
Susieqtpie says
Sounds great! Love to read it … yep i’m a crier too! lol
AShley says
Sounds really interesting, I’d love to read it.
cris says
Thanks for the giveaway – I was expecting something a little different given the title, but this sounds really interesting.
Debbie says
Please include me in your giveaway.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9(at)verizon.net
Anita Yancey says
Sounds very interesting. Love to read it. Please enter me.
Kristiina aka Loving Heart Mommy says
I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book!
Fresh Girl says
I’d love to win this one — sounds fascinating!
Annmarie says
I hope you’re still taking entries for this. I had never heard of this book & your review makes it sound interesting. With its title, it’s not a book I probably would have ever picked up. Thanks for the intro!
Terra Heck says
I’d like to read this book. Please count me in to win it.