Books That Changed How I See Death
These are the books that found me when I needed them most - some made me laugh, some made me cry, and all of them changed how I think about life, death, and what comes after. I hope they will become a companion on your journey too.
- Alexandra
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ESSENTIAL READING
These are the books that fundamentally changed how I see death and grief. If you read only three books from this page, make it these … as well as my own of course, which you can find in the “Healing & Grief” section.
Proof of Heaven by Dr. Eben Alexander
A neurosurgeon’s near-death experience that changed everything I thought I knew. This was the first book I read on my grief journey. I kept putting it down to process it, filling the pages with questions, which ultimately led to episodes 05 and 06 of my podcast.
On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
If I could have one person on my podcast, it would be Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. Her work changed how we talk about death and dying, but more than that - it changed how we understand what it means to be human. Essential reading for anyone dealing with loss or coming to terms with mortality.
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty
Death doesn't have to be grim. Caitlin offers a witty, upbeat look at life as a mortician, filled with gallows humor and brilliant storytelling. I found myself laughing out loud at parts of this book while simultaneously having my perspective completely shifted.
Spiritual Exploration
Angels in My Hair by Lorna Byrne
This book blew my mind wide open. I never believed in angels until... well, that's a story for another time.
The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
Answers to questions you didn't know you had. For the spiritual seeker with an open, curious heart.
Many Lives, Many Masters by Dr. Brian Weiss
A psychiatrist's fascinating account of learning about reincarnation through his patient's past life memories.
Healing & Processing Grief
Learning To Say Goodbye by Alexandra Dionisio
Learning to Say Goodbye is my very own deeply personal memoir about love, loss, and what it means to stay present when everything familiar falls away. Through intimate moments and quiet revelations, it explores grief not as something to “get over,” but as a teacher that reshapes how we live, love, and say goodbye.
On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
A groundbreaking work that gave voice to the dying and forever changed how the world understands grief, mortality, and compassion at the end of life. Introducing the now-iconic five stages of grief, it challenged medicine - and society - to listen, sit with, and honor those facing death.
It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine
A compassionate, unflinching guide that validates grief as a natural response to loss, not a problem to be fixed. It pushes back against toxic positivity and offers a profoundly human framework for living with pain in a culture that often turns away from it.
Family Caregiver Alliance
National support for family care-givers, offering resources, edu-cation & a helpline for those caring for loved ones at the end of life.
Call: 1-800-445-8106
Dougy Center
The National Grief Center for Children & Families, providing support for children and teens grieving the death of a parent, sibling, or loved one.
Call: 503-775-5683
Support Organizations
Whether you're caring for a loved one in hospice, navigating grief, or seeking guidance on end-of-life planning, these organizations offer compassionate support and resources.
CaringBridge
Free personal websites where families can share health updates and receive support during a loved one's serious illness or hospice journey.
Hospice Foundation of America
Grief support, education about hospice care, and resources for families navigating end-of-life decisions.
Call: 1-800-854-3402
Compassion & Choices
End-of-life planning resources, advance directive assistance, and information about medical aid in dying and hospice care options.
Call: 1-800-247-7421
You Don't Have To Do This Alone
Immediate crisis support is available 24/7
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 confidential support from trained crisis workers for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.
Call: (800) 273-8255
Crisis Text Line
Free, confidential text support available any time, connecting you with a trained crisis counselor.
Text HOME to 741741
The Trevor Project
24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ young people.
Call: 1-866-488-7386
Text START to 678678
Veterans Crisis Line
Specially trained VA responders for veterans, service members, and their families and friends.
Call: (800) 273-8255
Find a Therapist
Connect with licensed psychologists in your area for ongoing support through the American Psychological Association.
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