Editorial Reviews
“It's one of the few times I have read a book about death that radiates so much positivity. Susan's story-telling skills are top notch… this memoir feels like a novel, but you never forget it's a true story. Dying Well: Our Journey of Love and Loss has earned 4 out of 4 stars with its vivid, relatable descriptions; raw, candid emotions; and shining beams of hope. “
- OnlineBookClub.org
“Reading 'Dying Well' is not just about life and death but so much more. About family and relationships and savoring the joyous moments of life... It's a must-read for anyone and everyone who has a family member with a terminal illness or is undergoing one, themselves."
- Reviewing Shelf
“If you or a loved one has ever had cancer, or if you just want to read an uplifting portrait of a dignified death, then "DYING WELL: OUR JOURNEY OF LOVE AND LOSS" is an excellent book to pick up … readers can walk away from her book with an increased sense of compassion and empathy, with the tools necessary to ensure you can support your loved ones and yourself through complicated end-of-life decisions."
- Philly Life and Culture
“Dying Well is something that I would recommend to those who are themselves grieving or coping with a diagnosis and handling how to move forward. You will also very much want to have tissues ready because this story will tug at your heartstrings and fill you with love.”
- Nerdy Girl Express
"This book presents many different practical options for end-of-life care and decision making. Susan did an excellent job in sharing end-of-life information in a non-threatening way. I feel like she took the 'scary' out of death planning.”
- New Age Journal
"Hoben writes in a graceful prose style, delivering an exceptionally optimistic and gently philosophical narrative. Hoben infuses her narrative with uncommon grace and lightness."
- Book Life Prize
"This is one of the most beautiful books I have read about dying ... this author has the gift for storytelling, captivating readers with her prose and nurturing their spirit with the wisdom of love in difficult times. Dying Well: Our Journey of Love and Loss will transform the way each of us lives and the way we prepare for our final moment. There is humor, there are powerful lessons, and there are moments that are filled with revelation."
- Readers Favorite Five Star Review
From the Back Cover
“Dying Well is not about illness, but about embracing reality at the end of life and making the necessary decisions that honor a life well lived. Sue Hoben takes us along with her and her husband, Bruce, on this last journey together as a couple after he has a terminal diagnosis. They approach this transition the same way they approached all of life’s challenges—with heart and humor shaped by their deep love and respect.”
Judy L. Mandel
New York Times best-selling author of Replacement Child: A Memoir
“Dying Well's account is a mix of love, sorrow, and practicality that is at the heart of what we, as a society, need to do to more normalize a process that modern medicine has tried so hard to shield us from.”
Adam R. Silverman MD, FACP
Vice President, Population Health, Saint Francis Health Care Partners
Co-Chair, Care Decisions Connecticut
“This is a love story, but it is also an account of successful navigation of a complex medical system. Take a box of tissues and prepare to be touched and to learn many lessons that will serve you well when you or a member of your family is seriously ill or fatally ill and dying. Our society pushes death under the rug. The courage of Sue and Bruce Hoben includes a refusal to do so.”
Henry Schneiderman MD, MACP
Section Chief, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center/Trinity Health of New England
Professor of Medicine, UConn Health Center
Professor of Medicine, Quinnipiac University School of Medicine
Clinical Professor, Nursing, Yale University
Praise From Readers
"A powerful true story that anyone would benefit from reading. I didn't anticipate sitting down and reading Dying Well from cover to cover in one sitting. I also didn't anticipate that I would be crying and smiling at the same time so often throughout the book. From the very first page I was engaged thinking about the way in which we choose to view our lives, our relationships and our beliefs… I will never view dying the same way. I highly recommend this book to everyone!"
“Her story has inspired me to think deeply about how I will handle my death and those of my loved ones, and to follow her lead as much as I am able. The lessons here are ones I will keep with me forever.”
"An uplifting end-of-life journey… This book is an excellent resource for families who are facing end-of-life decisions. We will all have to face our own deaths and the deaths of loved ones. This book provides many important subjects to think about. Highly recommended!”
“In ‘Dying Well’, Susan…provides some of the best dialogue that I've read so far on this topic regarding end of life planning and family dynamics. I would definitely recommend this one for anyone looking to learn more about what end of life care can and should look like. It really highlights the importance of having these difficult conversations as early as possible.”
“This book is emotional and fascinating. It was positive, and courageous… It teaches us to never give up living until life is over and that dying well is as important as living well.”
"’Dying Well’ is a book everyone needs. It’s a subject we all need to explore and talk about…”
"We probably all spend a lot of time thinking about how we want to live our lives, and this very personal memoir invites us to give equal consideration to the ending of our stories. As a hospice volunteer, I very much appreciated the gentle reminder to treat death with as much respect and authenticity as we treat life.”
“A beautiful and inspirational story not only of how to prepare for death but so many implications for how to live life! Highly recommended!”
“A truly excellent read, this book is well-written and very moving. It is as much a love story for life as it is a testament to a good death.”
“We probably all spend a lot of time thinking about how we want to live our lives, and this very personal memoir invites us to give equal consideration to the ending of our stories. Loved the book, and have found myself returning to parts of it for further pondering. As a hospice volunteer, I very much appreciated the gentle reminder to treat death with as much respect and authenticity as we treat life.”
"A celebration of life and love… I believe that this book could be beneficial for families in similar medical situations who are seeking a supportive voice.”
“This is a book that should be read by all as it concerns each and every one of us.”
“What a beautiful love story about life and death and how to go gracefully into the great beyond living each moment to its fullest.”
“ I found it full of useful suggestions as well as entertaining and upbeat.”
“I feel better about dying…”