To Die Well: Your Right to Comfort, Calm, and Choice in the Last Days of Life

by Sidney Wanzer, Joseph Glenmullen

While every one of us hopes "to die well," this may not be possible without knowing our rights about care at the end of life. How can futile medical treatment be stopped? When might death be hastened? How can each of us retain control of these decisions? The information in To Die Well is both comforting and empowering. Knowing our rights to refuse treatment, as well as legal ways to bring about death if pain or distress cannot be alleviated, will spare us the frightening helplessness that can rob our last days of meaning and connection with others. Drs. Sidney Wanzer and Joseph Glenmullen do not shy away from controversy. They make clear what patients should expect of their doctors, including the right to sufficient pain medication even if it shortens life. They distinguish between normal sadness and depression. They also explain the ways to hasten death that are legal and possible for anyone, and those that require a doctor's help.

Genres: Nonfiction

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2007

Reviews

[Cheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently read 3 different books on "dying well" - this one gets the lowest rating. Just not a lot of useful information or "how to" here.

[Mary Helene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps it's dated, or perhaps the argument is more nuanced. The author is working hard to persuade and that earnestness distorts his premise. I think Dr. Wanzer does not take seriously the threat of abuse, for example. "There's never been a case of it!" I did appreciate the clarification that just because a treatment has been started does not mean it can't be stopped. The discussion of the care of those suffering from dementia could have been expanded and the entire argument would have benefited.

[Monty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite straight forward in addressing most aspects of end-of-life choices. Unfortunately it was published before the Death with Dignity Act in WA state was passed. I would recommend it to anyone with a terminal illness who is contemplating hastening their dying.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the 2007 edition, so in 2022, still good information, but not new information. Except, helium! Who knew?

[Barbara Hugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives information that is practical

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me immensely, and I do not use that word lightly, in communicating with hospice, my mother as she was dying, and my father, sister, family, and friends. I believe it helped us make sure my mother was comfortable, informed, and finally able to die where and how she wished. I believe it also helped with the memorial service and our journey following her loss.

I wish I had read more of it and been able to use the knowledge to assist my brother-in-law but he knew his limits.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding review of your legal right to die in the way you choose, pain-free and in the setting where you are most comfortable. Advice, in detail, on how you can protect yourself by the use of advance care directives, so that your wishes are carried out when the time comes. The authors advise anyone over 18 years old put an advance directive in place.

[Katische Haberfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent- clearly covers what you need to think about when facing death. Recommend for everyone, we all will die eventually- so it is our responsibility to ensure we get the death we want. Particularly relevant for anyone caring for a loved one with terminal illness.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful. Fits logically and intelligently
and humanely right beside the book
"Overtreated" (about the medicalization of
our lives).

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes a very strong case that the right to die is not about ending life, but is rather about shortening death.

Must Read - 5
Kept Attention - 5
Well-written - 5
Meaningful - 5
Accessible - 5