Funeral Arranging and End-of-Life Decisions

A handy resource for options that are available to adults looking at end-of-life decisions. My one regret with this book is that it is going to be limited in my ability to recommend it, as a fair amount of the information was UK-specific and I am not based there. I value the care and effort that the author has put into the book, and I hope to see more relevant titles like this pop up for the subcultures and areas that desire them.

This is a beautifully written and incredibly useful guide to help everyone navigate a difficult time. Though most people will not read this until they, unfortunately, have to prepare for a funeral, I am grateful I read it just to be informed ahead of time.

Sarah Chapman thoroughly guides you like a warm friend and teacher through the options and customs available to you and your family and friends for all of your end-of-life decisions. Her book is not only educational but accessible. It is user-friendly and easy to read, to help keep you from feeling overwhelmed. Quite frankly she removes a lot of the fear of having to plan and make end-of-life arrangements.

This is an event that we will all face at some point and Sarah Chapman and her wonderful guide are here to make this as easy for you and your friends and family as possible.

Thank you to Sarah Chapman, The Book Guild, and NetGalley for my copy

This is a very useful guide. Unfortunately, I did not realize it is written for those living in the UK.

What an excellent guide this is . At times of stress you need something which is comprehensive but easy to understand and assimilate. Whether this is to assist you in planning and arranging a loved one’s final farewell or in leaving a list of wishes for your own celebration of life this matter of fact, clear title tome explains all the current (and some future) options. It has certainly helped me clarify my thoughts on what I would want and the range of resources given is the most comprehensive I have come across. In my experience it makes the task of arranging a funeral much less stressful - fewer sleepless nights wondering if your loved one would be happy with what you are planning, if the person leaves you an idea of their wishes. This book will help you do that.

This is an invaluable reference book that every family should own.

The author takes you through the practicalities of "What to Do After the Death"- including registering it.
Then "Funeral Organising" with lots of options. Part 3 is "The funeral ceremony" including personalising the funeral and Specialised funerals eg for babies, death by suicide, military funerals etc.

Part 5 consists of "Planning and wishes." There is a section to record your own wishes .

It also introduces the concept of living ceremonies.

Part 8 is full of Helpful Resources- organisations contacts etc.

It's very wide ranging eg advice on digital legacies and what to do with this when someone dies. Also pets which isn't something that may instantly be thought about and also Family Conflicts which can make funeral planning very difficult.

There are lots of useful examples that highlight certain points that come directly from Sarah's experience as a celebrant and working in the funeral sector. for many years.

Even as someone who had worked a bereavement volunteer, helped organise several funerals and who is unusual in having a funeral plan, I found a lot of the book thought provoking and helpful and will now revise my plan.

Sarah believes that we need to have conversations around dying so that the rituals around it can be meaningful and help our legacy to continue after death.