How to Die in the 21st Century

Emotionally insightful and respectful, How to Die in the 21st Century offers useful, often comforting information about one of the most enduring taboos. Gould writes, “I firmly believe that contemplating death can make its inevitable experience better for ourselves and for those around us” - and this intelligent and compassionate book makes a compelling case for that belief. * Books+Publishing *
This book is your handbook for death in the 21st century - a compassionate, practical and surprisingly hopeful guide to understanding mortality… Honest, witty and deeply reassuring, Gould invites readers to confront mortality not with fear, but with curiosity and courage… If you have ever wondered about alternative funerals, modern grief, sustainable burial options or simply how to begin the conversation about death, this is the book you’ve been waiting for. * Readings *
Modern death denialism has real consequences for all of us, says Gould. It can leave us floundering when a loved one dies, ill equipped for mourning, insensitive to the grief of others and terrified of our own mortality. Her very practical, down-to-earth and wry advice aims to help us be prepared for the inevitable. She advises using the “d word” rather than euphemisms, facing up to what happens to the body after death, prior consideration of “disposal” and what makes for a good funeral. “If we can overcome our fears, our potential for better dying is boundless.” * The Sydney Morning Herald *

Dr Hannah Gould is a cultural anthropologist specialising in contemporary death, religion and material culture in Australia and Asia. Hannah is a Lecturer in Buddhist Studies and Fellow with the DeathTech Research Team at the University of Melbourne. Alongside academic research and publishing, she creates public programs to advocate for more equitable systems of deathcare for all. To date, this has included work as a presenter with ABC Catalyst and as Academic Advisor and on-screen talent for the SBS documentary series Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye. She regularly appears on radio and writes for outlets such as The Conversation and ABC News. How to Die in the 21st Century is her first book.

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