Heartwood The Art of Living with the End in Mind
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What Makes It Uncommon
Listed on "37 Books That Will Change Your Life" by Katie Couric Media
The modern world is uncomfortable with death, but when we turn away from our mortality, we also cast aside what it can teach us. In her candid memoir, award-winning author Barbara Becker eloquently addresses this most inevitable part of life.
When her oldest childhood friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer and living out her last year, Barbara embarked on a quest to write about how to live with an accepting awareness of death. Through remarkable honesty and lyrical storytelling, Barbara shows us that there are life-giving lessons in death and that grief itself is a pathway to healing, love, and enduring strength. She weaves a deeply personal narrative of end-of-life stories drawn from her own family, her experiences as an international human-rights advocate, and her work as a hospice volunteer at New York City's Bellevue Hospital. Along the way, we encounter extraordinary people and truths revealed at the place where life and death meet.
A compassionate gift for anyone living with loss, this chronicle invites us to experience a new and unguarded relationship with the dying, the dead, and death itself. Printed in the United States.
"In Heartwood, Barbara Becker inspires us to follow our curiosity into a world of love and loss that is both universal and a source of our uniqueness. And what could be better than that?"
-Gloria Steinem, bestselling author and activistMade from
paper
Measurements
7.125" L x 5" W x 1" H; 224 Pages
Notes
Hardcover
Item ID
53307
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created by Barbara Becker
Barbara Becker is an award-winning writer, a mom, and a perpetual seeker who has worked with human-rights organizations around the world. As a hospice volunteer in New York City, she has shared time with hundreds of people at the end of their lives and sees each one as a teacher. Barbara has served on the faculty of the Master’s Program in Strategic Communications at Columbia University, and is a sought-after speaker on a wide range of topics, including spirituality, writing, and deepening our sense of meaning.
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Customer Reviews
Matt S.
Heartwood moved me beyond words. I honestly can't remember the last time I read a book cover to cover with so much interest. I felt like I was right there with Barbara, her family, her friends, and the people she took care of. The stories that she painted felt so real to me, I experienced her joy and her sadness equally. I want to thank the author for writing this. Heartwood reminds me to be grateful even though I'm witnessing loved ones around me beginning to enter their own final chapters. It reminds me to savor the little moments of joy that happen every day. Heartwood was captivating to read! I don't know why but I felt a sense of calm and peacefulness after reading each chapter. I didn't want it to end. There was so much insight into life on those pages. It was tragic and inspiring all at the same time. There were so many points throughout the book where I highlighted words of wisdom that rang true to me. While reading this book it felt like I was on a journey through life as a member of Barbara's family and I feel so appreciative to have had that experience. Thank you for sharing this life-giving book with the world. I hope everyone I love will read it.
Melissa
Heartwood is a perfect gift for my social work colleagues who need inspiration and validation in their demanding work.
Cindy
Not many books on the UG site and I was pleased to see this 1
Betsy
This book was one of those rare finds that spoke to my soul. I cried and I smiled often while reading it. Barbara Becker has my complete admiration and respect. Thank you for this treasure Ms. Becker.
Jon
Full disclosure: The author's husband--Dave--is my close friend. (He's rougher than the saintly vision you get of him in the book, but he is truly that wise and caring.) That's how I came to know about Heartwood, and that's why I offered to write an endorsement for it back when Barbara was just beginning the project and was trying to find a publisher. The idea was so intriguing, and Barbara's writing in the early chapters was so beautiful, that I wrote an enthusiastic blurb that appears on the back cover. The book came out 2 days ago and I just got my hardcover copy of it last week. Now that I read the final text, I am in awe of what Barbara has produced. I love metaphors, and the central metaphor of Heartwood is one that will stay with you, and prepare you for your next loss, and help you to make sense of all previous losses. (Heartwood is the central core of a tree, which is no longer alive but provides structural support for the living, growing rings of the tree, and all its branches and leaves.) While reading, I kept thinking of my parents, who passed away in 2017 and 2010. Now I see that they are still with me, they are and will always be part of what holds me up, just as I will someday become heartwood for my family and friends. Now that COVID has put all of us into the status of mourners, or friends of mourners, this book deserves to become a best seller. But it's not just a book to give to people facing loss. It's also a book that will help you to live more fully, and to be more fully present for whatever time you have left.
Marla
This book appears small when you first pick it up (5x7+) but its layered messages are anything but. This gorgeous debut memoir is about life, and love, and loss and growth. It's a book that will move you, make you feel deeply, and fill your soul. You will want to keep reading, yet you will find yourself slowing down to savor Barbara's beautiful prose and the intimate moments and messages she shares with us. Barbara may not think of herself as an angel (Mrs. B, Room #724) but she is most definitely a gift you will treasure for a long time.
Jayne
This is so much more than a memoir. It's a hand that will hold yours if you're scared about losing someone you love. It's a condolence card if you've struggled with loss. I found myself slowing down while reading to make sure I didn't miss a single insight. Also, don't assume that it is a sad or depressing read. On the contrary! It actually makes your heart soar. Read and you'll see.