Death: An Exploration: Learning to Embrace Life's Most Feared Mystery

by Loren Mayshark

Discover Insights about Coping with Life's Most Feared Mystery
This book will help anyone who is interested in learning more about death, coping with a loss, approaching death, or explaining death to a child. It is an exploratory journey that includes multiple viewpoints, including Steve Jobs's embrace of his death, Ray Kurzweil's striving for immortality, and Joseph Campbell's view of death as the "ornament of life." The book looks at death from the perspectives of atheists, Christians, and Tibetan Buddhists, among many others. Interestingly, it considers the often unexplored aspects such as the curious relationship between death and ayahuasca. It is a guidebook, offering insights and comfort on a topic that many find frightening or macabre.
The author grew up with a skeleton in his living room, and surrounded by other symbols of death. His unusual upbringing makes him uniquely qualified to serve as guide. As you join him in discovering more about death, you will find yourself enjoying a fuller life.
Highlights of what you will learn...


Theories from Great Contemporary Minds
Spiritual Insights
Scientific Discoveries
Personal Reflections
Reviews


"In Loren Mayshark's Death: An Exploration: Learning to Embrace Life's Most Feared Mystery, he writes, 'experiencing death has dragged me into emotional pits and has also compelled me to deep contemplation. This journey has filled me with wonderment as well as remorse.' I found those sentences to be humble ones which transmit the abstract premise of his book into something we can explore in a concrete way. His narrative voice is at the same time both scholarly and personal. It lets the reader join him in trying to figure out what this concept of death is. His observations emerge out of his curious youth, grow to an adolescent's pondering, and then further mature with the wise citations of well-researched information from philosophers, scientists, and other distinguished thinkers.
The author makes no definite assertions in his book, allowing the reader to stay open to nuance. Like Mayshark, we are all immature in answering death's puzzling question." -Peter Hamilton, author ofThe Devil Hates a Coward
"In Death: An Exploration: Learning to Embrace Life's Most Feared Mystery, Loren Mayshark shares his personal inquiry of what death is or could be in the stories of others as they faced the inevitable and find solace in religion, science, nature, spiritual guidance. But the exploration doesn't stop there. While knowing and understanding death often remains a conundrum, this exploratory primer suggests what is separate can be whole; what defines death, defines life. Death: An Exploration: Learning to Embrace Life's Most Feared Mystery is a terrific read for those embarking on their pursuit of the illusive, the contrary, the inescapable: death... and life."
-Linda A. Lavid, author of The Dying Of Ed Mees

Genres: Nonfiction

101 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2016

About the author

Loren Mayshark was fortunate to have parents who offered him opportunities to see the world and introduce him to many exciting places which instilled in him a passion for travel. As his wanderlust grew, he journeyed to more than thirty US states and at least as many foreign countries while visiting four continents.

After college, he supported his itinerant lifestyle by working dozens of jobs including: golf caddy, travel writer, construction worker, fireworks salesman, substitute teacher, and vineyard laborer. Predominantly his jobs have been in the restaurant industry. He cut his teeth as a server, Maître D, and bartender at San Francisco’s historic Fisherman’s Grotto #9, the original restaurant on the Fisherman’s Warf. While working with a colorful crew of primarily Mexican and Chinese co-workers, he gained a passion for Spanish and spent several months wandering through South America.

While living in New York City he attended both the famed Gotham Writers’ Workshop and the prestigious New York Writers Workshop where he was inspired to assiduously learn the craft of writing. He is a regular contributor to Can the Man, an alternative media resource focused on social justice, and the Jovial Journey (thejovialjourney.com), a website dedicated to food, drink, and travel. He has written for The Permaculture Research Institute and Uisio among other prominent outlets. He received a B.A. in World History from Manhattanville College in 2004 while minoring in World Religions. He attended the graduate history program at Hunter College in Manhattan.

Loren is the winner of the 5th Annual Beverly Hills Book Awards for Death: An Exploration - Learning to Embrace Life's Most Feared Mystery.

Loren Mayshark’s first book Death: An Exploration won the 2016 Beverly Hills Book Award in the category of Death and Dying and was selected as the honorable mention recipient for book of the year in the 2016 Foreword INDIES Awards in the category of Grief/Grieving (Adult Nonfiction).

You can keep up with him on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/LorenMayshark

You can read more at: www.lorenmayshark.com

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a well written balanced book.
The author takes the reader on a journey to explore the way societies and religious communities embrace death and the process of dying.
The research undertaken allows them to make a number of excellent points without ever championing existing views. That this book will allow the reader to contemplate death in new and refreshing ways is the success such a book can hope to achieve.
That the book may very well also enhance one’s view of life and the act of living is an unexpected bonus for me.
I love the idea captured in this thought that humankind want to embrace immorality but often do not know how to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon.
I also value the thought that the certainty of death can give impetus, energy and ambition in life.
A short book that opens one’s mind to this somewhat gloomy subject we eagerly keep at arm’s length. This intelligent piece of writing with references to other subjects and individuals to follow up will hopefully be universally accepted and well received.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loren Mayshark gives an overview of perspectives on death and dying in 'Death: An Exploration: Learning to Embrace Life's Most Feared Mystery.' A lot of the quotes and viewpoints that he puts forth are certainly worthy of deep contemplation, such as "Why don't more people approach it, as many of our visionaries have, as a release?" He also made me think about childhood as being the happy places where you have everyone you love with you. This is usually the case; it's later when people you love die that you realize there is an open pit ahead with your name on it, and just as they poofed out of this earthly existence, so will you....too.

"Chapter II: Why Don't We Die Like Salmon" follows Eva Saulitis, a marine biologist, who visits spawning salmon every year. Their deaths become ever more meaningful to her after she's diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She comes to believe that the sterile nature of hospitals and machinery cut us off from a natural death. This resonates with me. Mayshark writes, "We force people to lives as human puddles." My own father died four years ago, after a heart attack and two weeks in an intensive care unit. From reading some hospice articles, I have learned that in the process of dying, heart attacks, pneumonia, and broken bones are 'angels of mercy,' because they usher the body out of this world quickly sans the slow decline.

Mayshark also talks about the extreme adventurer who flirts with death, about people who seem driven into nature to live along a knife's edge, and a few who hope to escape death through technology. I bought this as a kindle book and in the back I had access to highlighted footnotes, so I read a few of the back stories, which proved to be very interesting. There are many quotes and thoughts in here that I hope to hold in my consciousness. Recommended.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a short, concise book on the subject of death/dying. While it was not a compelling read, it offered some thoughts and theories on the subject.
I received this book from a Goodreads first reads giveaway.

[Stan Skrabut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the fortunate opportunity to read Death: An Exploration: Learning To Embrace Life's Most Feared Mystery by Loren Mayshark. I am not sure I would have read this book if it was my choice. However, Loren gifted this book to me, and after reading it, I am glad I did. As I read the book, I was struck by the fact that this was a personal exploration for Mayshark. It originated with the death of two family members before he became an adult. I have my own ideas about death and it was fascinating to see viewpoint of another. Read more

[Joseph Spuckler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death: An Exploration: Learning to Embrace Life's Most Feared Mystery. Mayshark has a B.A. in World History from Manhattanville College. He is the editor of cantheman.com, an alternative media resource focused on social justice, and The Jovial Journey (thejovialjourney.com), a website dedicated to food and travel.

Death is something we do not know first hand. We experience it through others -- family, friends, news, and pets. We have religions that promise eternal life in heaven, paradise, or Valhalla. Loved ones will go to a better place. Is that based on us having hope in our impending deaths or to make us feel less of a loss? Catholic funerals I have gone to call it a celebration rather than a mourning. The loved one is with God; we should all be happy. Other religions teach of a reincarnation that allows the spirit to return to life again.

Mayshark presents other people's ideas and thoughts on death in several short chapters. Steve Jobs' battle with cancer changed his outlook on life. What good is it to be the richest man in the cemetery? In a way, most would not understand, he accepted death as an achievement.

Mayshark also looks at life as part of death. Would there be a thrill in dangerous or seemingly dangerous undertakings if there was no death? Approaching death but not touching it provides excitement. What about immortality? Would it become boring? As we extend the human lifespan we must also consider the quality of life. Life has gotten longer, but has it gotten better? Is the process of mechanically extending life really living? 

Mayshark poses questions and other's view on death.  It is enough to get the reader thinking about the subject but it is hardly more than an introduction to death.  The source material, however, provides enough information for the reader to begin his or her own research.

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because in our society death is still a taboo subject. We tiptoe around it, we avoid it, and we never know what to say about it. This book includes various thoughts on death and has different perspectives about dying.

As someone who has been privileged to be with patients when they’ve died, I was curious to know what the author would say about the fear of dying. He did a great job providing a concise picture of several topics for the reader. However, for me, it was much too short and lacked the depth that I was looking for. I was disappointed that there wasn’t more of everything in this book. It didn’t help me “embrace life’s most feared mystery”, it did give me some food for thought however. It is a good springboard for further exploration of the topics he included and will pique the readers interest.

I received a copy of Death: and Exploration through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Red Scorpion Press and to Loren Mayshark for the opportunity.

[Gwen - Chew & Digest Books - · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was indeed a short exploration into the ultimate outcome of life, death. While short, it gave an enticing introduction into how other cultures view death compared to the United States' uptight almost formulaic and overly structured approach. (In my opinion.)

No matter how you deal with it culturally or personally, it's a fact of life and I appreciated the few views and quotes that were scattered throughout that may spark a new way of looking at it for readers that are new to exploring the subject whether out of interest or if they are actually coming to grips with a loss and grief.

My only qualm with it was that it was rather short and I do hope that it is in fact book 1 in a series. However, I tend to be death positive, meaning that I'm open to talking about it and exploring it from all angles and cultures. It is most likely just the right size for someone new to the issues.

[Mikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short tome was well worth the time it took to read and ponder over. I have my own understanding of what happens when mortal beings pass through the veil, the gossamer doorway we label 'death', but it's not my intention to pontificate here. Each must come to their own conclusions, if they think about death of the mortal entity at all. No, this book examined a number of different viewpoints and it was fascinating to me to explore similarities and differences. The bibliography gave a fair number of ways of exploring the topic further. The best advice? Find quiet places and ponder or meditate. Meditation, reading and personal spiritual experiences have molded my understanding. Recommended.

[Alan D.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This was just incredible. Not many books intimidate me, and this did it for sure. Don't be fooled by the length, for Mayshark is a terrific writer and his style impressed me to say the least. I'm definitely reviewing this on my YT channel.

Guau. Esto fue simplemente increíble. No hay muchos libros que me intimiden, y este lo hizo con certeza. No se dejen engañar por lo largo, ya que Mayshark es un excelente escritor y su estilo me impresionó por decir lo menos. Definitivamente voy a reseñar este libro en mi canal de YT.

[Ginae B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Loren Mayshark has had a somewhat interesting life, in regards to death. Really, he didn't have a choice. It was totally smooshed up on him.

However, his perspective is perfect for this award-winning book. He leaves his interpretations to you. View the end through his visage and see how you feel.

If you have already been thinking about death, there may not be a whole lot of insight for you. Still, Death: An Exploration is worth a scan.

[Roberta Wall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too elementary

[Shani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I admit it. The idea of death petrifies me to no end. When you have had to look into the exact face of it too many times it can scar you. For myself, losing my Mom was the worst thing that ever happened to me. I went through the grieving process and I admit, there are still times to this day that the memories are triggered and cause me issues. Death is a fear that most everyone has that can strangle the heck out of your existence if you let it. Yes, I too have had those moments.

I have to say, I have a huge amount of respect for anyone who has gone through loss. I now have even more respect for anyone who can write about the whole thing in a way that is understandable. We let our fears sometimes push out anything that is remotely rational. That is why I found myself taking a deep breath and started to read.

If there was one thing that stood out to me, it was the ability Loren has to share a viewpoint on death that was understanding. I would dare say even approachable. There is a relatability there as well that makes you feel closer to the author as he explains the trauma he had faced and also what he had lived with. In fact I found it fascinating how the subject wasn’t shied away from in his childhood home. Willa May was interesting. However, I don’t think I could have lived with that day in and day out. I get jumpy over fake ones and bumps in the night!

The very fact that Loren chose his words so carefully (at least in my opinion) made the subject a lot easier to face. I found myself writing down some of the quotes he had shared by various inspiring people. He doesn’t sugar coat the whole existence of death, but helps the reader approach it with an open mind.

I now have a better appreciation for death in the sense of I now have a better explanation to the why of it. It helped my heart heal a little as well. You can never truly get over the loss of someone you love, but you can heal some of those cracks in your heart that were left when they are gone. Even though this was a darker than normal topic for me and had some fear, I feel lighter. I’ve been enlightened enough so that a chunk of the fear is gone. If you’re seeking out answers for a complex situation, this is the book for you!

I give it five out of five stars.

[Gina McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 starsAn engaging exploration into death and dying
By Gina111 on February 20, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
Loren Mayshark writes the thing we despise most - death. In "Death: An Exploration", Mayshark expounds that we should embrace death as a "duality" as in male/female, young/old, etc., ...that "if there is life, then logically there must be an opposite." Mayshark gives us reason to live a full life now, not to be intimidated by death and dying. He gives reliable references that people who embrace death "seem to live fuller lives."

Providing quotes from brilliant scholars, epic minds, and his own father, Mayshark gives reason to relax and revere death as an opportunity for renewal and rebirth. Sometimes philosophical, sometimes relying on his own experience, Mayshark writes a beautiful book that keeps you engaged; no matter your religious background or lack of belief, you will ponder your own mortality and exam your feelings about death. In his conclusion, Mayshark reiterates the beauty of nature and, if we pay attention and revere our earthly presence, nature provides a panoramic view to the cycle of life and inescapable death. Recommended reading for everyone.

[Heather Erickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating compilation of stories, quotes, and ideas about death


I very much enjoyed this book. It had tons of great quotes about death and dying, as well as stories about the different deaths of several well known people. The author put his own thoughts to page as well, in a way that blended well with the rest of the book.

The one thing I personally didn't like was that he spent an entire chapter focused on "eastern" religion while relegating "western" religion to one paragraph that was more out of the Saturday morning cartoons than the Bible. This was the most glaring example of personal bias and misinformation. For that reason, despite the good quality writing, I couldn't recommend this book. It is my personal opinion, so you can take it or leave it as you wish.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

This book is exactly what it claims to be - an exploration of death. The author delves into his own existential angst through a series of essays examining various views and cultural approaches to death. He writes, "For our entire lives we build a life, recognizing that it will inevitably slip away" (p. 63). How then do we live well with the persistent knowledge of our inevitable decline and the underlying fear of the unknown (i.e., the experience of death and what lies beyond it)? The book is short and highly readable and a helpful resource in wrestling with one's own personal angst on the subject.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a goodreads first-reads winner.

This is a very quick read which centers around different thoughts about death - death as release, as a transition, as something to be terrified of and everything between. The book is very much an overview, a bit too much of an overview to do anything but spur a person on to do more research and/or more pondering of just how you see death. If you are comfortable with death and/or really don't care about Steve Jobs, this is still an interesting short read, but might not offer much more than you already came to the book wtih.

[Ina Cawl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short guide book for any one intersted or scared of death

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick reading book. Pretty much a rehash of what other folks have said.

I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.

[Rania Ioannou · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very brief exploration of death which hardly touched upon the different aspects of death/dying. After all how could one explore the subject of death in 100 pages? It provides valuable food for thought but it feels more as a compilation of thoughts, ideas and theories than a well-thought-out study upon the subject of death.

[Blake Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book that is more of an overview than an exploration. As someone who thinks about death a lot, I was hoping the book would dive deeper into phenomenon of dying. While I was disappointed in the length, the quotes and anecdotes used to convey the author's feelings toward this unfortunate event are wonderful. I will be reading this book again.