50 pages 1 hour read

From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

Caitlin Doughty

From Here to Eternity

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Worldwide • 2010s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death by Caitlin Doughty and Landis Blair explores diverse cultural death practices globally. Through various personal experiences, it reveals how different societies honor their deceased. The book examines traditions, rituals, and beliefs surrounding death, emphasizing how these practices shape individuals' and communities' views on mortality and remembrance.

Informative

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.5

48,062 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Caitlin Doughty and Landis Blair's From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death offers an intriguing exploration of diverse death rituals. Readers appreciate its respectful yet humorous tone, insightful cultural perspectives, and stunning illustrations. Some find the narrative fragmented, but overall, it is praised for demystifying death with empathy and curiosity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read From Here to Eternity?

A reader who enjoys From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death would be intrigued by cultural anthropology, death customs, and a blend of humor and sensitivity. Fans of Mary Roach's Stiff or Doughty's Smoke Gets in Your Eyes will find a similar exploration of mortality and cultural practices.

4.5

48,062 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Caitlin Doughty

The author and narrator who explores cultural diversity in death practices, often with enthusiasm and curiosity, while questioning her role in thanotourism.

A collaborator of Doughty who reconnects with her Mexican heritage to find culturally meaningful ways to mourn after personal loss, highlighting contrasts between American and Mexican death customs.

An entrepreneur and founder of Recompose, she innovates human composting as an eco-friendly death care option and explores societal implications of this process.

A Buddhist priest in Tokyo who creatively manages space for ashes in his temple by using technology to design an innovative columbarium that aligns with his spiritual beliefs.

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Worldwide • 2010s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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