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Beyond Knowing: Mysteries and Messages of Death and Life from a Forensic Pathologist
Working as a medical examiner, Dr. Janis Amatuzio has found that by listening and talking to loved ones of the deceased, she can offer them a sense of closure. In doing so, she has heard — and here retells — extraordinary stories of spiritual and otherworldly events surrounding the transition between life and death.
As in her first book, Forever Ours, Dr. Amatuzio presents the amazing, heartfelt accounts told to her by grieving family members, patients, doctors, nurses, clergy, and police officers. Along with these stories, she shares her own story — reflecting on the course of her career, the bonds she has formed over the years, the lessons she has learned, and her conclusion that “Everything truly is all right.”
This powerful book honors the mystery of life and death, exploring the realms of visions, synchronicities, and communications on death’s threshold. Told in the voice of a compassionate scientist who sees death every day, these stories eloquently convey the patterns of truth Dr. Amatuzio has found in what she sees and hears. Beyond Knowing explores the wisdom the living might find in these accounts and shows how that wisdom changes lives.
As in her first book, Forever Ours, Dr. Amatuzio presents the amazing, heartfelt accounts told to her by grieving family members, patients, doctors, nurses, clergy, and police officers. Along with these stories, she shares her own story — reflecting on the course of her career, the bonds she has formed over the years, the lessons she has learned, and her conclusion that “Everything truly is all right.”
This powerful book honors the mystery of life and death, exploring the realms of visions, synchronicities, and communications on death’s threshold. Told in the voice of a compassionate scientist who sees death every day, these stories eloquently convey the patterns of truth Dr. Amatuzio has found in what she sees and hears. Beyond Knowing explores the wisdom the living might find in these accounts and shows how that wisdom changes lives.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2006
19 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 23, 2015
I found this book incredibly irritating. Based on the reviews, I was hoping for a beautifully written, insightful and yet scientific also analysis of the last moments of life, but what I read was an autobiographical essay of her experiences that was more descriptive than insightful. In addition, the stories were really boring and focused much more on her, her father, her career than the title of the book. Bummer, and falsely advertised. Sorry to be so negative, but I was expecting work on par with Atul Gawande's forays into medicine and end-of-life experiences.
August 13, 2012
This was a well written, beautiful book about the way some people have connected with loved ones, after they pass on. Very inspiring.
FAVORITE QUOTE FROM BOOK: "It's the loneliness for people, places, and times that no longer exist, except in my mind."
FAVORITE QUOTE FROM BOOK: "It's the loneliness for people, places, and times that no longer exist, except in my mind."
January 10, 2012
I enjoy reading books about forensic pathology and was in the mood for such a book today. Unfortunately, while the book was good, it wasn't exactly what I had in mind. Dr. Amatuzio is a forensic pathologist in Minnesota with a quarter-century of experience, so I was expecting a recollection of some of her most memorable cases that fit the 'mysteries and messages' portion of the title, and it was. However, most of these recollections come from discussions she had with friends, family, and strangers who heard her speak on her beliefs that the deceased remain to watch over their loved ones and let them know that life will go on. In a few cases, she describes her duties as a county coroner, going to presumed crime scenes, to determine whether the deceased individual was a victim of foul play or a natural death. Once determining it was a natural death, she ends up speaking to friends and loved ones who indicate that they had a dream or vision of the deceased in a very peaceful state near the time of their death.
I too believe in this, though I've been fortunate not to lose anyone close to me (beside a dog, but I was told within a few hours that my family had to put him down, which hurt so deeply on an emotional level that my mind has effectively removed that day from my memory) for nearly 15 years. My mother, however, cared for my paternal grandfather in his last days, and is convinced that while she slept that last night, she became aware of his spirit leaving his body and the complete silence being what woke her. When I lose someone close to me, as inevitably will happen, I hope to either see them again or a sign telling me they made it to heaven safely and are now there to help me make the same journey when it is my time.
My favorite stories in the book both felt close to home. One was of a woman who lost her beloved Blue Heeler dog to illness and was greiving her lost when she saw the dog, playful as a puppy, in a colorful meadow. Living with a Blue Heeler now, it reminded me of my own dog and how I'd like to remember him once he too gets old and leaves us. The other story I particularly liked was of a man who received a kidney-pancreas transplant, and during the surgery left his body and met the donor, a young man killed in a car accident. While the donor's death made the news due to circumstances, he lived in another state and the recipient had never met him nor known his identity before going to the OR. I work for a kidney and pancreas transplant program, and most of our recipients receive organs from donors whose deaths only make the newspaper via the obituary page, but I can't help but wonder if any of them have 'met' their donor during the surgery.
Overall, an interesting read, and the author's feelings are aligned with my own, but if you're expecting a book primarily about forensic investigation of the manner and cause of people's deaths, you may be disappointed.
I too believe in this, though I've been fortunate not to lose anyone close to me (beside a dog, but I was told within a few hours that my family had to put him down, which hurt so deeply on an emotional level that my mind has effectively removed that day from my memory) for nearly 15 years. My mother, however, cared for my paternal grandfather in his last days, and is convinced that while she slept that last night, she became aware of his spirit leaving his body and the complete silence being what woke her. When I lose someone close to me, as inevitably will happen, I hope to either see them again or a sign telling me they made it to heaven safely and are now there to help me make the same journey when it is my time.
My favorite stories in the book both felt close to home. One was of a woman who lost her beloved Blue Heeler dog to illness and was greiving her lost when she saw the dog, playful as a puppy, in a colorful meadow. Living with a Blue Heeler now, it reminded me of my own dog and how I'd like to remember him once he too gets old and leaves us. The other story I particularly liked was of a man who received a kidney-pancreas transplant, and during the surgery left his body and met the donor, a young man killed in a car accident. While the donor's death made the news due to circumstances, he lived in another state and the recipient had never met him nor known his identity before going to the OR. I work for a kidney and pancreas transplant program, and most of our recipients receive organs from donors whose deaths only make the newspaper via the obituary page, but I can't help but wonder if any of them have 'met' their donor during the surgery.
Overall, an interesting read, and the author's feelings are aligned with my own, but if you're expecting a book primarily about forensic investigation of the manner and cause of people's deaths, you may be disappointed.
April 30, 2022
Amatuzio is a forensic pathologist who has also worked in internal medicine. In this highly readable book, she discusses her background, her childhood, and how she studied to eventually become a leader in her field of forensics. It gets more interesting as we advance through the pages. And I wanted to cruise to the end in a single read.
These later pages are filled with stories people shared with her about the loved ones they lost. Beautiful confessions of dreams, visits from the deceased, or significant signs from the departed that brought comfort and emotional healing.
Amatuzio takes these stories seriously, as she also had mystical experiences concerning the dead and dying. These tellings encourage the reader to recall their own fond experiences.
These later pages are filled with stories people shared with her about the loved ones they lost. Beautiful confessions of dreams, visits from the deceased, or significant signs from the departed that brought comfort and emotional healing.
Amatuzio takes these stories seriously, as she also had mystical experiences concerning the dead and dying. These tellings encourage the reader to recall their own fond experiences.
August 14, 2022
This book was recommended to me by my cousin. We are at an age where we have lost many family members. It is reassuring to hear the stories from these people. Their experiences reinforce what we have been taught in our faith, that all is well, that life goes on after death AND that it is wonderful!! It’s nice to know that our family members are in such a place waiting on us to join them❤️
The stories are well told and very interesting.
My only negative is that I got a bit bored with the scientific parts. I read for enjoyment now, not so much for learning new info😉
The stories are well told and very interesting.
My only negative is that I got a bit bored with the scientific parts. I read for enjoyment now, not so much for learning new info😉
June 13, 2022
I'm a big fan of Unsolved Mysteries and all things ghostly, otherworldly, near death experience adjacent, etc., so when a friend told me about this book of course I was in.
It's a super quick read. The best parts are the actually stories of people experiencing messages or visitations from their departed loved ones. I was less into the new age shlock that's mixed in, but she thankfully stays away from anything specifically religious.
Recommend to anyone who also enjoys these kinds of stories without the need to think too critically about them!
It's a super quick read. The best parts are the actually stories of people experiencing messages or visitations from their departed loved ones. I was less into the new age shlock that's mixed in, but she thankfully stays away from anything specifically religious.
Recommend to anyone who also enjoys these kinds of stories without the need to think too critically about them!
November 7, 2008
A while back, I enjoyed Forever Ours. This book was an exploration into death. The author, a forensic pathologist, had been encouraged in her profession to be objective and somewhat cold about process. However, her personal experiences taught her otherwise. Far too often people came to her with stories of messages from beyond the grave or premonitions that happened to come true. In this first book, the author essentially wanted to see if these stories had any truth and if she could prove existence of these types of mysterious happenings.
By the end of the experience, the author had begun to change. She couldn’t equivocally prove the existence of an afterlife. However, it was obvious that something she couldn’t explain was happening.
In Beyond Knowing, the author writes from a more peaceful place where she is curious about these happenings but no longer questions their existence. She has seen the healing that follows these experiences. It’s truly inspiring.
By the end of the experience, the author had begun to change. She couldn’t equivocally prove the existence of an afterlife. However, it was obvious that something she couldn’t explain was happening.
In Beyond Knowing, the author writes from a more peaceful place where she is curious about these happenings but no longer questions their existence. She has seen the healing that follows these experiences. It’s truly inspiring.
November 8, 2008
I loved this book. I already believed there was life after death, but then I got to sit with my dad while he passed away. There were some great moments when we know he was seeing those that had passed before him. This book just helped me understand that others have those stories too from their loved ones! I don't know how you could read these stories and not believe there's a God, someone in control of all of this mess we call life! I am so glad there is!
May 30, 2009
A medical examiner reflects on her career and her interactions with patients, family members, physicians, and nurses. I loved the pathology aspects of this book, but found many of the anecdotes sad and difficult to get through. One response to a patient's death particularly resonated: "She might have had cancer, but she was doing fine."
August 12, 2011
I heard the author speak and couldn't wait to read her book. It didn't disappoint! the stories were intriguing and altho' I found myself thinking of death way too much, there was a reassuring aspect to the situations she experienced through her work. Fascinating.
June 12, 2015
Couldn't finish. First 1/3 was good reading. The rest of book is vignettes of other people's accounts of otherworldly knowing of life after life. It bogs down here. No flow. Nothing to keep me reading, and I enjoy the subject.
July 3, 2009
This won't be for everyone but I have really liked both of her books! It's not a "light" topic so read them when you are in the mood to think and shed a few tears.
September 11, 2008
I like thinking about death as a part of life. Dr. Amatuzio writes a compelling story.
July 23, 2013
fascinating book....
May 15, 2016
Read the whole thing in a single sitting
March 18, 2008
Really fascinating and affirms my own beliefs in life after death. A wonderful book.
September 18, 2013
This book was a fair read. More about the life of the Coroner than the afterlife.
November 22, 2017
I've also read Janis's first book "Forever Ours" but I see I didn't provide a review for that.
I would recommend you read both of them but they are quite similar so if you don't like the one you won't like the other.
Also, one of the things I enjoy is that we are both Minnesotans and so she references many things that I am familiar with. That's just fun for me.
These are both essentially anthologies of stories that were primarily recounted to her in the course of a long career as a forensic pathologist. Since she basically studies death it gives her a front line view and she is a receptive participant.
This book is a natural followup to her first book as people have responded to that work with their own stories. It is well written technically and with the detached perspective I would expect someone in her field to operate.
Like a lot of this kind of thing you either believe it or you will dismiss it as a work of fiction.
So it goes.
For me it rings true and affirms my belief in the eternal soul. We are just here for an experience. Make it a good one and try to make the experience of others good as well.
Good Read!
I would recommend you read both of them but they are quite similar so if you don't like the one you won't like the other.
Also, one of the things I enjoy is that we are both Minnesotans and so she references many things that I am familiar with. That's just fun for me.
These are both essentially anthologies of stories that were primarily recounted to her in the course of a long career as a forensic pathologist. Since she basically studies death it gives her a front line view and she is a receptive participant.
This book is a natural followup to her first book as people have responded to that work with their own stories. It is well written technically and with the detached perspective I would expect someone in her field to operate.
Like a lot of this kind of thing you either believe it or you will dismiss it as a work of fiction.
So it goes.
For me it rings true and affirms my belief in the eternal soul. We are just here for an experience. Make it a good one and try to make the experience of others good as well.
Good Read!
January 1, 2024
Amatuzio is a forensic pathologist who has also worked in internal medicine. In this highly readable book, she discusses her background, her childhood, and how she studied to eventually become a leader in her field of forensics. It gets more interesting as we advance through the pages. And I wanted to cruise to the end in a single read.
These later pages are filled with stories people shared with her about the loved ones they lost. Beautiful confessions of dreams, visits from the deceased, or significant signs from the departed that brought comfort and emotional healing.
Amatuzio takes these stories seriously, as she also had mystical experiences concerning the dead and dying. These tellings encourage the reader to recall their own fond experiences.
July 5, 2021
Fascinating! True Wisdom!
Read the first book and had to get this one. Being someone who has had MANY like experiences with loved ones and pets who have made their transitions and continue on, I can say I truly agree that we do continue to exist after this life and our loved ones want us to know it.
The author shares her stories and those of others in a way that captures the heart and opens it like a flower in bloom. This book will touch every part of you with wonder and love.
Read the first book and had to get this one. Being someone who has had MANY like experiences with loved ones and pets who have made their transitions and continue on, I can say I truly agree that we do continue to exist after this life and our loved ones want us to know it.
The author shares her stories and those of others in a way that captures the heart and opens it like a flower in bloom. This book will touch every part of you with wonder and love.
March 4, 2019
Dr. Janis Amatuzio, is/has been a forensic pathologist for several hospitals, counties and private firms, as well as a known speaker in Minnesota. Her reputation is as the compassionate coroner because she takes times to listen to grieving families and to their accounts and stories of the mysteries of those who have died. As people learn about her, more and more want to detail their experiences. These are their stories. It is a moving and very reassuring book.
August 12, 2020
This book bothered me a great deal. Almost every death account ends with wording by the author that death is nothing to fear. It's all peace. As a Christian I can say that yes, for Christians, we will be instantly in God's presence and there is certainly nothing to fear! For those who have not repented of their sin and accepted Jesus as their Master and Savior there is a great deal to fear. It will not be a peace filled pleasant experience.
August 21, 2022
Not the most cohesive book I've read on the topic. I felt the author shared more of her growing up life and path to becoming a forensic pathologist, and her desire stemming from her father's life. Later in the book she shared some stories about patients and people who experienced signs and dreaming of loved ones.
August 3, 2024
I’m not really sure what to say about this book. I thought it would be more geared toward what a forensic pathologist does on a day-to-day basis. I already believe in an afterlife and while some of the stories were very good this book wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea.
February 1, 2018
Love books like these- true stories people share when life went 'wrong". There is another side of life. What does it look like? What does it tell us about the God of the Universe? About Love?
April 12, 2018
Disappointed in this book. It is not what I expected at all. Very little to do with actually doing Forensic Pathology and more about becoming a doctor/pathologist.
October 17, 2019
This book brought me a lot of peace at a time when I really needed it. Very enlightening, well written and kept my interest all the way through.
February 23, 2022
Wonderful and so comforting. The stories she tells are amazing.
September 5, 2022
There are some really interesting and inspiring stories in here. It’s written very simply which makes it a little mundane. But there are a lot of good lessons that I took from the stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews