It was a textbook for a course that I thought would actually be interesting . I thought there would be a lot more information about different cultures and their death beliefs/ rituals but really those stories are few and far between. This is really a book about the white bread part of the USA and people that have the insurance that can afford the awesome healthcare and the benefits that go with it. The parts about, „those without“ make up about 3 sentences in the entire book, which is interestin...

This book was an incredibly informative read. The subject of death can be a difficult one to study, and there were definitely parts during the book that I was feeling uncomfortable. Yet, to explore something so human was fascinating. We will all face death at some point, or someone in our life will, this book made me feel more prepared to handle these situations. In addition to that, as the book explores death and the understanding of death from different cultural views, it gives very rich insig...

The best book I've read on death and dying issues...everything from cultural attitudes on death to the psychological impact of different types of death (ie, death of a child, suicide,etc.), and the process of grieving. Excellent!

I read this for a Death & Dying class. While the class has been very impactful on me I am taking a star away for the usual textbook fail of operating from a gender binary perspective (no need to say "he or she" repeatedly, just say "they"!), and because several areas could use a more nuanced and honest appraisal of where racism shows up in medical and other fields related to death and dying. I felt it glossed over things several times. Other than that, it's honestly a great read even outside of

Absolutely adored this book, and extremely positive response from students. I used it for a Death, Grief, & Dying course. It also served as my first introduction to the field, so I appreciated its straightforwardness and thoughtful, reflective prose. It discusses theory and research, practical application useful for students and workers in human services, and sprinkles poetry and examples grounding discussions throughout. I taught every chapter, and the instructor resources are AWESOME, the best...

This doesn't seem like the average read, but it actually is very interesting. It is a look into the study of death and dying, and the subjects, problems and procedures surrounding death. Main topics include: cultural funeral practices, belief systems about the afterlife, and knowledge about planning and paying for a funeral.

This was a very easy to read textbook. It was interesting and kept my attention throughout. I would like to read an updated version. This one is about 20 years outdated and focuses a lot on AIDS. It would be interesting to read about how technological advances in the last 20 years affect thanatology.

Who knew a textbook could be so good? Although my class was asynchronous online, this fascinating book more than made up for it. Doesn’t hurt that one of the authors (DeSpelder) was a past instructor of my class.

Enlightening and usefulThis book forces you to look at things you may have been taught to a valid and consider things the world will tell you are better left to later. Read it now and explore all parts of life.

This is a very good book. So often, it can be difficult to look at and accept our eventual deaths. I found it very accessible and eye opening. It's definitely a book that I will keep around so that I can read it again.

I had to read this whole textbook cover to cover. I am unwell

Had to read it for a class, but it was a decent read.

Used this book for a Sociology class. Very helpful and a good read.

I purchased this book for a sociology course and I will keep it. I really enjoyed the stories and scenarios.

This book is more like a text book, and is full of information. I did not read it cover to cover, but selected parts to read that I thought would help me understand death and grieving. I recently lost a loved one. This book helped me gather information, to help myself. It's a good book for anyone that is grieving over a lost love.

This was my textbook for a course called Death and Dying. It was very interesting and provided a lot of information. My favorite parts were about how different cultures in the world and in different times dealt with the same events. I don't see people reading it as just a book unless they are very interested in the field or have just lost a loved one.

I feel very indifferent. It was definitely thorough, and maybe too much so. An interesting read if you want every detail of death in society spelled out. If you are looking for a more philosophical book or a text that challenges you to think critically, I would pass. I ended up skimming a lot because the major concepts were bogged down in lots of explanation.

Social and Psychological Aspects of Death & Dying GERO 437 Fall 2005This class (and this fantastic textbook and, to be entirely fair, a fantastic professor) turned me into a Gerontology major. Bravo!

Read this for my Psychology of Death and Dying class and really enjoyed. One of the most interesting textbooks I've had to read in a long time. Definitely recommend this class to anyone, or just read the book.

well, since we all ends up (death) in you know,,, this book tells about other culture on how they deals on death.. reason why people commits suicide.. everything bout death..

An amazing overview of all things related to death and dying. Very readable and a must read for anyone who is going to die or is currently working with the dying;

When it comes to death, I believe this is a classic for the student exploring death and dying in the human world.

For once I actually read a textbook for class! A lot of valuable information in this book covering all sorts of aspects of death and dying. A great resource for historical, cultural perspectives.

Not bad overall. I just am annoyed that it is used as the thanatology textbook to go to but it needs a lot of updates.

djd

The text for a sociology class I took on Death and Dying. Often difficult to read, due to the subject matter, but very useful for healthcare workers and others interested in end-of-life issues.

wasn't what I was expecting

more like a textbook but it has some really good stuff

I had to read this book for a class for uni, and I hated it so much. I hated it with a passion. I'm so relieved to finally have this book done and over. The content was displayed nicely, but the authors were very biased in some of the concepts, which made it very frustrating to read. I definitely suggest that you don't read unless it's required.

Read for psychology class, so I won't leave a star rating. Overall, good and informative textbook.