Peak Picks & Reviews

Yet something also grows. Experience, inevitably, but perhaps also wisdom. The understanding that life, unfair and fickle, is also precious and must never be taken for granted. Introduction  David Jarrett’s 33 Meditations on Death inquires into one of humanity's most universal yet taboo subjects: mortality. Drawing from over 40 years of experience as a geriatrician, Jarrett provides an unflinching examination of death, aging, and the societal complexities surrounding the end of life. This book is part memoir, part social commentary, and part philosophical meditation, aimed at dismantling the modern world's denial of mortality. Jarrett’s candid storytelling, paired with his medical insights, make the book a poignant, thought-provoking read. This review explores the thematic intricacies of Jarrett’s work, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, before concluding with its broader implications. Thematic Analysis  1. The Inevitability of Aging and Death  Jarrett’s meditatio...

We achieve ersatz immortality by sacrificing ourselves to conquer an empire, to build a temple, to write a book, to establish a family, to accumulate a fortune, to further progress and prosperity, to create an information-society and global free market. Introduction  The Denial of Death, written by cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker in 1973, is one of the most profound and thought-provoking works in modern philosophy and psychology. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book explores the existential problem of human mortality and our psychological mechanisms for managing the fear of death. Becker inquires into how our awareness of mortality shapes human behavior, culture, religion, and even our self-esteem. The central theme of the book is that the fear of death underlies much of human activity, influencing everything from individual psychological development to societal institutions and collective norms.  Becker’s work attempts to reconcile existential philosophy, psychoanalysis, an...

We can do our best to push death to the margins, keeping corpses behind stainless-steel doors and tucking the sick and dying in hospital rooms. So masterfully do we hide death, you would almost believe we are the first generation of immortals. But we are not. We are all going to die and we know it. Introduction   Caitlin Doughty ’s memoir, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory, is a thought-provoking exploration of death, dying, and the funeral industry, as well as a deeply personal reflection on the author's experiences working as a crematory operator. The book has resonated widely since its publication in 2014, captivating readers with its candid, unflinching examination of a topic often considered taboo. Doughty’s blend of humor, raw honesty, and cultural critique challenges society’s sanitized view of death, urging readers to confront mortality with open eyes. Through her unique narrative voice and philosophical insights, Doughty presents a compelling ca...

 There is no remedy for death – or birth – except to hug the spaces in between. Live loud. Live wide. Live tall. Introduction  Jim Crace's "Being Dead" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that dives into the complexities of life and death. Published in 1999, the book has garnered critical acclaim for its unique narrative style and profound exploration of mortality. In this review, we will look into the novel's synopsis, conduct a thematic analysis, and ultimately discuss the lasting impact of "Being Dead." Synopsis  "Being Dead" opens with the brutal murder of a middle-aged couple, Joseph and Celice, on a desolate beach. The narrative then shifts between their past and the aftermath of their deaths, creating a multi-layered exploration of their lives. As the story unfolds, readers witness the couple's passionate and tumultuous relationship, from their early days of courtship to the challenges they faced as they grew older.  The aftermath ...

 Just take it as it comes. Hold your ground and take it as it comes. There's no other way. Introduction  Philip Roth's "Everyman" is a poignant exploration of life, death, and the inexorable passage of time. Published in 2006, this novel digs into the universal themes of mortality, regret, and the search for meaning in the face of our inevitable end. Roth, a literary giant, employs his keen insight and narrative prowess to unravel the complexities of the human condition. In this review, we will embark on a comprehensive analysis of "Everyman" exploring its synopsis, thematic depth, and the lasting impressions it leaves on its readers. Synopsis  "Everyman" opens with the funeral of its unnamed protagonist, referred to simply as "Everyman." The narrative then retraces the significant moments in his life, from childhood to the final stages of his existence. The novel is structured as a series of vignettes, offering glimpses into Everyman...

I have invited you to face death without fear and without illusion. Introduction  Shelly Kagan's "Death" is a thought-provoking and profound exploration of the concept that is universally feared yet inevitably embraced by all living beings. Published in 2012, this philosophical masterpiece digs into the nature of death, questioning its implications and challenging our preconceived notions about mortality. Kagan, a renowned philosopher and professor at Yale University, combines rigorous logic with accessible language to guide readers through the complexities of life's ultimate certainty. Thematic Analysis 1. The Nature of Death  Kagan begins by dissecting the very essence of death. He refrains from adopting a morbid perspective and instead approaches the subject with intellectual curiosity. Through engaging prose, he prompts readers to confront the idea that death may not be the ultimate evil but rather an integral part of the human experience. Kagan navigates various ...

We cannot look at the sun all the time, we cannot face death all the time. Introduction  Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a renowned Swiss-American psychiatrist, has gifted the world a profound and compassionate exploration of one of life's most universal experiences in her seminal work, "On Death and Dying." Published in 1969, this groundbreaking book looks into the emotional and psychological dimensions of the dying process, challenging societal taboos and fostering a greater understanding of death and its impact on both the individual and their loved ones. Kübler-Ross's pioneering work has not only reshaped the way we perceive death but has also paved the way for a more empathetic approach to end-of-life care. In this review, we will unravel the layers of insight embedded in "On Death and Dying" examining its key themes, the impact on medical practices, and its enduring relevance. The Five Stages of Grief  At the core of Kübler-Ross's work are the five stages o...