Rating: 
Summary: Oddly, a perfect gift
Review: I purchased the book because I had attended a number of services performed/facilitated by Sarah York. I immediately read Chapter Four and it helped me think things through for myself BEFORE a crisis or difficult time. Then, oddly enough, an event occurred which led me to buy it as a gift for a dear friend. Her mother died after a week's illness and she found herself responsible for planning the memorial service. I was happy to be able to give her something so helpful. I am tempted to keep a small supply of the book handy since these are issues that will inevitably confront many/most of us!
Rating:
Summary: Oddly, a perfect gift
Review: I purchased the book because I had attended a number of services performed/facilitated by Sarah York. I immediately read Chapter Four and it helped me think things through for myself BEFORE a crisis or difficult time. Then, oddly enough, an event occurred which led me to buy it as a gift for a dear friend. Her mother died after a week's illness and she found herself responsible for planning the memorial service. I was happy to be able to give her something so helpful. I am tempted to keep a small supply of the book handy since these are issues that will inevitably confront many/most of us!
Rating:
Summary: A Blessing of a Book -- for people of all (and no) faiths
Review: It's one of those things we think we'll never have to worry about . . . shaping the rituals of grieving for those we love. And then, life happens. Sometimes the traditional liturgies are just what we need. And other times, whether through physical or psychological distance or spiritual alienation, there we are. Alone. With limited resources. Here's where having York's book at hand can make all the difference. She writes from both practical experience and compassionate wisdom -- I believe this book is important both for those of us who will someday be grieving (as who among us will not) and those of us who have unresolved issues of grief in our hearts. Don't miss this one!
Rating:
Summary: A Blessing of a Book -- for people of all (and no) faiths
Review: It's one of those things we think we'll never have to worry about . . . shaping the rituals of grieving for those we love. And then, life happens. Sometimes the traditional liturgies are just what we need. And other times, whether through physical or psychological distance or spiritual alienation, there we are. Alone. With limited resources. Here's where having York's book at hand can make all the difference. She writes from both practical experience and compassionate wisdom -- I believe this book is important both for those of us who will someday be grieving (as who among us will not) and those of us who have unresolved issues of grief in our hearts. Don't miss this one!
Rating:
Summary: A Book to Share
Review: My wife and I took this book to a regular reunion of our couples group, four couples who have shared personal and family interactions and meetings for over 15 years. It was one of the major topics of conversation during our week together. We are all religious liberals who have valued the personal and compassionate approach to death observation issues over the traditional Christian ceremony and prayer. This book touched us all. Sarah's special espression skills, her experience, her williingness to share very personal events, and her ministerial assets have combined to turn a very somber topic into a spiritual oasis. My wife and I are using this book with our families to approach issues of aging parents, sibling differences over death and dying and planning for our own memorial celebrations. I think this is a very important work, a novel approach, and a breath of fresh air in a field that needs more thoughtful study.
Rating:
Summary: A Book to Share
Review: My wife and I took this book to a regular reunion of our couples group, four couples who have shared personal and family interactions and meetings for over 15 years. It was one of the major topics of conversation during our week together. We are all religious liberals who have valued the personal and compassionate approach to death observation issues over the traditional Christian ceremony and prayer. This book touched us all. Sarah's special espression skills, her experience, her williingness to share very personal events, and her ministerial assets have combined to turn a very somber topic into a spiritual oasis. My wife and I are using this book with our families to approach issues of aging parents, sibling differences over death and dying and planning for our own memorial celebrations. I think this is a very important work, a novel approach, and a breath of fresh air in a field that needs more thoughtful study.
Rating:
Summary: An essential book for anyone who has to create a funeral
Review: Sarah does an amazing job of giving guidelines and suggestions for creating truely meaningful memorials and funerals. The fact that she is a Unitarian Universalist minister makes the materials in this book appropriate for use by a wide range of religions. The book is especially helpful to those of us who have no formal clergy training but need to create funerals / memorials.
Rating:
Summary: Great resource
Review: When we lose someone close to us, we need the help of ritual to grieve. Yet what ritual? Having grown up without many, I look to Sara's book for help finding my way. Comprehensive, well-written, and compassionate.
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