On Living

Reviews / Votes

A brave and uplifting meditation on how important it is to make peace and meaning of our lives while we still have them -- Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love Illuminating, unflinching and ultimately inspiring, [On Living] presents "the spiritual work of dying" as a profound process with undeniable elements of beauty. A book to treasure. * People Magazine * As the title suggests, this is not just a book about dying. It's one that will inspire readers to make the most of every day. * Publishers Weekly * Powerful...in this quick read, Egan takes readers on an emotional journey through many unforgettable lives * Booklist * [Egan's] anecdotes are often thought-provoking combinations of sublime humor and tragic pathos... A moving, heartfelt account of a hospice veteran * Kirkus Reviews * Egan... works as a hospice chaplain, supporting the spirits of those who are dying. In this book, she compassionately describes and distills what she has learned in their service * Boston Globe * When I forget the importance of kindness, when I forget to listen, when I no longer recognize the comfort of a quiet presence, when no words will help, when I lose sight of what is most important, I will want On Living within arm's reach, always. I love this book -- Abigail Thomas, author of 'A Three Dog Life' and 'What Comes Next and How to Like It' Equal parts memoir and meditative text on the nature of life - and the many faces of faith -....this beautiful book will speak to parts of your heart that you didn't even realize were hurting. What's more: It might help heal them * Refinery29, Best New Books to Read This Month * I know from experience what a blessing hospice can be for patients and their families. Kerry Egan's insightful book is a blessing as well. A born storyteller, she allows us a glimpse into a little-known world, where ordinary people face death with wit, humor, sadness, and regret. Egan reveals that the job of a chaplain is mostly to listen to them as they work out how to set things right with those they love, and find meaning in their lives -- Kathleen Norris, author of The Cloister Walk, Amazing Grace, and Acedia and Me It's a brave thing to walk into the rooms of the dying with no props--to sit down, open your heart and your mind, and be present to whatever comes up. But that's exactly what chaplain Kerry Egan does, and in On Living, she reveals some of what she has learned. What does come up? Anger, love, regret, secrets, stories, and insights, well-told and well-felt -- Victoria Sweet, author of God's Hotel Thoughtful and refreshingly unpretentious . . . [Egan's] insights continue to resonate for days after you've finished reading * Washington Post on 'Fumbling' * Funny, honest, and self-deprecating... On Living adds to the understanding of end-of-life issues in an important and accessible way... If there is one thing death teaches us, it's how to live. * New York Times Book Review *