A Better Death

'Illuminating, inspiring and intensely practical' HUGH MACKAY, author of The Good Life 'Brimming with pathos and profound insights' KON KARAPANAGIOTIDIS, author of The Power of Hope

Of all the experiences we share, two universal events bookend our lives: we are all born and we will all die. We don't have a choice in how we enter the world, but we can have a say in how we leave it.

In order to die well, we must be prepared to contemplate our mortality and to broach it with our loved ones, who are often called upon to make important decisions on our behalf. These are some of the most important conversations we can have with each other - to find peace, kindness and gratitude for what has gone before, and acceptance of what is to come.

Dr Ranjana Srivastava draws on two decades of experience to share her observations and advice on leading a meaningful life and finding dignity and composure at its end. With an emphasis on advocacy, leaving a legacy, and staying true to our deepest convictions, Dr Srivastava tells stories of strength, hope and resilience in the face of grief, and offers an optimistic meditation on living and dying well.

At last, a book that teaches us how to die with kindness, courage and grace' CAROLINE BAUM, author of Only The perfect balm for a fearful and technocratic world' MICHAEL McGIRR, author of Books that Saved My Life What a gift! Read it and give it to everyone you love' KATE RICHARDS, author of Madness: A Memoir Irresistibly compassionate, convincing and wise' MORAG ZWARTZ, author of Being Sam `Moving and informative, this book will leave an indelible mark' AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY

Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM is an oncologist, award-winning writer, broadcaster and Fulbright scholar.

“'Uplifting and forthright, calm and positive - and alive to all our needs'”

A book brimming with pathos and profound insights on facing death with compassion, kindness and forgiveness for ourselves and those we may be caring for who are dying. In helping us grapple with our own mortality with unflinching honesty and pragmatism Dr Srivastava empowers us to live our lives to the full with an urgency and authenticity that will transform all our lives for the better.' -- Kon Kon Karapanagiotidis, author of The Power of HopeDeath is a subject most of us try to avoid, and all of us need to discuss. I can't imagine a better starting-point for that conversation than Ranjana Srivastava's illuminating, inspiring and intensely practical book. The things we most want in a doctor - kindness, compassion, empathy and the reassuring blend of technical skill and professional integrity - are all here, shining through every word.' -- Hugh Mackay, social researcher and author of The Good Life At last, a book to help us prepare for the end of life, with tremendous warmth, wisdom and compassion' -- Caroline Baum, author of OnlyUplifting and forthright, calm and positive - and alive to all our needs' -- Michael McGirr, author of Books that Saved My Life

Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM is a practising oncologist, internationally published and award-winning author, broadcaster and Fulbright scholar. She is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and works in the public hospital system. In 2017, Ranjana was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her contribution to doctor-patient communication and was recognised by Monash University as Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Her writing has been published worldwide, including in Time magazine and The Week, and in prominent medical journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, Journal of the American Medical Association. In 2018 she was a finalist in the Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism for her work as a regular columnist for The Guardian newspaper. Her acclaimed non-fiction books include Tell Me the Truth: Conversations with My Patients about Life and Death (shortlisted, NSW Premier's Literary Awards),Dying for a Chat: The Communication Breakdown Between Doctors and Patients (winner, Human Rights Literature Prize) and What it Takes to be a Doctor (finalist, Australian Career Book Award). She lives in Victoria. See

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