"Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End" is a non-fiction book written by Atul Gawande, a surgeon and writer. The book explores the limitations of modern medicine in addressing end-of-life care and the importance of personal preferences and quality of life for terminally ill patients. Gawande shares his own experiences as a doctor and also highlights the stories of patients and families dealing with end-of-life decisions. The book encourages readers to re-examine the way society approaches aging, dying, and end-of-life care, and offers practical advice on how to have meaningful conversations with loved ones about end-of-life wishes.

"Death and the Maiden" is a play written by Ariel Dorfman. The story takes place in a country that is recovering from the aftermath of a dictatorship. A woman named Paulina was a victim of torture during the dictatorship and is now married to a prominent lawyer named Gerardo. When a stranger arrives at their house, Paulina believes he was one of her torturers and takes him captive. The play explores themes of justice, revenge, and the long-lasting effects of trauma.

"Death Be Not Proud" is a memoir by John Gunther about his son Johnny, who died at the age of 17 after a battle with brain cancer. The book chronicles Johnny's illness and eventual death, as well as the family's experiences coping with their loss. The title of the book comes from a line in a sonnet by John Donne, and reflects the family's determination to face death with courage and acceptance. The book has been praised for its honest portrayal of grief and for offering comfort to others who have experienced loss.

"Death: The Final Stage of Growth" is a book by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychiatrist who was a pioneer in the field of thanatology (the study of death and dying). In this book, Kübler-Ross shares her experiences working with terminally ill patients and outlines the stages of grief and acceptance that individuals go through when faced with their own mortality or the loss of a loved one. She also provides guidance on how to support the dying and their families through the dying process, with a focus on providing compassionate care and facilitating a peaceful transition.

"Final Gifts" is a book by hospice nurses Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley, which explores the final stages of life and offers insights into the needs, emotions, and communications of the dying. The authors provide stories and examples from their own experiences working with dying patients, and offer practical advice for caregivers and loved ones on how to provide comfort, support, and understanding during this difficult time. The book emphasizes the importance of listening to and validating the experiences and emotions of the dying, and encourages readers to approach the end of life with compassion and openness.

"On Death and Dying" is a book by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, published in 1969. It is based on her studies of terminally ill patients and their experiences with death and dying. Kübler-Ross introduced the idea of the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The book also discusses how to care for the dying and how to improve the quality of life for patients in their final days. It has been widely read by health care professionals, caregivers, and those facing their own mortality.

"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory" is a memoir by Caitlin Doughty, a mortician who shares her experiences working in the funeral industry. The book explores the cultural taboos around death and dying, and encourages readers to have more open and honest conversations about mortality. With humor and sensitivity, Doughty shares her own journey of coming to terms with death and finding meaning in her work. The book also delves into the history and practices of death care, challenging readers to rethink their perspectives on what it means to die and be remembered.

"The American Way of Death" is a critical analysis of the funeral industry in the United States, written by Jessica Mitford. The book discusses the practices and costs associated with funerals and argues that funeral homes take advantage of grieving families to make exorbitant profits. Mitford examines the history and culture of the funeral industry, and also presents alternative options for honoring and burying the dead. The book sparked public debate and led to reforms in the industry, making it an important contribution to the field of death and dying studies.

"The Art of Dying" is a book written by S. N. Goenka that offers insight into the Buddhist approach to dying and the nature of death. The book presents practical techniques for individuals to use in order to face death with peace and acceptance. The author emphasizes the importance of cultivating mindfulness and awareness in everyday life in order to prepare for the inevitability of death. He also addresses various cultural and religious perspectives on death and dying, offering readers a broader understanding of this universal experience.

The Book of Dead Days is a young adult fantasy novel by Marcus Sedgwick. The story follows a young orphan named Boy, who works for a magician in a magical world. Boy discovers that the magician has made a deal with a mysterious stranger, and the two are working together to complete a spell that could bring about the end of the world. Boy must race against time to stop the spell and save the world. The book is known for its dark and atmospheric setting and its blend of fantasy and horror elements.

"The Death of Death: Resurrection and Immortality in Religious Thought" is a book written by Christian theologian John Hick. The book explores the concept of resurrection and immortality in various religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Hick argues that despite the differences between these traditions, they all share a belief in the possibility of a continued existence after death. He also explores the implications of these beliefs for how we should live our lives and how we should approach death.

"The Death of Ivan Ilyich" is a novel by Russian author Leo Tolstoy, first published in 1886. It tells the story of Ivan Ilyich, a successful and respected judge who is diagnosed with a terminal illness and begins to reflect on the meaning of his life. The novel explores themes of mortality, the fear of death, the pursuit of wealth and status, and the search for spiritual fulfillment. It is widely regarded as one of Tolstoy's masterpieces and a classic of Russian literature.

"The Denial of Death" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning book written by cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker. The book explores the human fear of mortality and the various ways in which people try to cope with this fear, including through religion, culture, and social institutions. Becker argues that humans create symbolic systems of meaning to deny their own mortality and that this denial ultimately leads to psychological problems and societal ills. The book has been highly influential in the fields of psychology, philosophy, and sociology.

"The End of Your Life Book Club" is a memoir by Will Schwalbe that tells the story of how he and his mother formed a two-person book club when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. As they spend time together during her treatment, they share and discuss books, and through these conversations, they reflect on life, love, family, and mortality. The book explores the transformative power of literature and the bonds that can be forged through shared experiences, even in the face of death.

"The Grace in Dying: A Message of Hope, Comfort and Spiritual Transformation" is a book written by Kathleen Dowling Singh that explores the spiritual dimension of the dying process. The author draws on her experiences working with the dying and their families to offer guidance and support for those facing the end of life. The book offers insights on how to find peace, meaning, and acceptance in the face of death, as well as practical advice on how to prepare for the dying process. Ultimately, the book presents death not as a tragedy to be feared, but as a natural and transformative part of life.

"The Last Lecture" is a book by Randy Pausch, based on his final lecture at Carnegie Mellon University, which became a viral sensation and eventually turned into a book. Randy Pausch was a professor who was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and he gave a lecture about achieving one's childhood dreams and living a fulfilling life, despite challenges and setbacks. The book expands on his lecture and includes anecdotes from his life, as well as advice on achieving goals and making the most of the time we have.

"The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Liberation Through Hearing In The Bardo" is a classic text of Tibetan Buddhism that offers guidance on the process of dying and the afterlife. The book explains the stages that the consciousness of the deceased goes through after death and provides instructions on how to navigate these stages towards a positive rebirth. Written by Chogyam Trungpa, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist teacher, the book is a valuable resource for those interested in exploring Buddhist perspectives on death and the afterlife.

"The Year of Magical Thinking" is a memoir by Joan Didion, published in 2005. The book chronicles the year following the death of her husband, writer John Gregory Dunne, and the serious illness of her daughter. Didion reflects on grief, loss, and the ways in which we cope with tragedy. She writes with raw honesty and vulnerability about the ups and downs of her emotions, as well as the practicalities of dealing with death and bereavement. The book is a powerful meditation on the human experience of loss and the ways in which we find meaning in the face of tragedy.

"Tuesdays with Morrie" is a memoir by Mitch Albom that recounts his weekly conversations with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is dying of ALS. Through their conversations, Morrie shares his wisdom on a variety of topics, including love, aging, forgiveness, and finding meaning in life. The book is a touching and inspiring reflection on the importance of relationships, love, and living a meaningful life.