On Living

On Living : Dancing More, Working Less and Other Last Thoughts

4.26 (2,081 ratings by Goodreads)
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Description

A hospice chaplain's lessons on the meaning of life, from those who are leaving it

What are the top regrets of the dying? That's what Kerry Egan, a hospice chaplain, learned as she listened to her patients on their deathbeds, witnessing what she calls the "spiritual work of dying" - the work of finding or making meaning of one's life, the experiences it contained and the people who have touched it. In this book she recalls the stories she heard - stories of hope and regret, shame and pride, mystery and revelation, and secrets held too long.

This isn't a book about dying - it's a book about living. Each of Egan's patients taught her something; in this moving and beautiful book, she imparts their poignant and profound lessons on how to live a life without regrets.
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Product details

  • Hardback | 224 pages
  • 138 x 204 x 21mm | 289g
  • Penguin Life
  • London, United Kingdom
  • English
  • 0241297273
  • 9780241297278
  • 156,523

Review Text

As the title suggests, this is not just a book about dying. It's one that will inspire readers to make the most of every day. Publishers Weekly
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Review quote

Thoughtful and refreshingly unpretentious . . . [Egan's] insights continue to resonate for days after you've finished reading * Washington Post on 'Fumbling' * When I forget the importance of kindness, when I forget to listen, when I no longer recognize the comfort of a quiet presence, when no words will help, when I lose sight of what is most important, I will want On Living within arm's reach, always. I love this book -- Abigail Thomas, author of 'A Three Dog Life' and 'What Comes Next and How to Like It' As the title suggests, this is not just a book about dying. It's one that will inspire readers to make the most of every day. * Publishers Weekly *
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About Kerry Egan

Kerry Egan is a hospice chaplain and a graduate of Harvard Divinity School. She is the author of a memoir, Fumbling: A Journey of Love, Adventure and Renewal on the Camino de Santiago and has published essays in print and online publications, including Reader's Digest, and CNN.
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Rating details

2,081 ratings
4.26 out of 5 stars
5 47% (975)
4 36% (744)
3 15% (305)
2 2% (43)
1 1% (14)
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