On Living

By: Kerry Egan

Narrated by: Kerry Egan

A hospice chaplain passes on wisdom on giving meaning to life, from those taking leave of it.

As a hospice chaplain, Kerry Egan didn't offer sermons or prayers unless they were requested; in fact, she found, the dying rarely want to talk about God, at least not overtly. Instead she discovered she'd been granted an invaluable chance to witness firsthand what she calls the "spiritual work of dying" - the work of finding or making meaning of one's life, the experiences it's contained, and the people who have touched it, the betrayals, wounds, unfinished business, and unrealized dreams. Instead of talking she mainly listened: to stories of hope and regret, shame and pride, mystery and revelation and secrets held too long. Most of all, though, she listened as her patients talked about love - love for their children and partners and friends; love they didn't know how to offer; love they gave unconditionally; love they learned, sometimes belatedly, to grant themselves.

This isn't a book about dying - it's a book about living. And Egan isn't just passively bearing witness to these stories. An emergency procedure during the birth of her first child left her physically whole but emotionally and spiritually adrift. Her work as a hospice chaplain healed her from a brokenness she came to see we all share. Each of her patients taught her something - how to find courage in the face of fear or the strength to make amends; how to be profoundly compassionate and fiercely empathetic; how to see the world in grays instead of black and white. In this poignant, moving, and beautiful book, she passes along all their precious and necessary gifts.

©2016 Kerry Egan (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"In her sophomore outing, Egan masters the art of imparting critical life advice without coming off as preachy - a difficult feat...Egan's empathetic tone is a comfort for both the healthy and the dying - whom, she opines, are not polar opposites.... As the title suggests, this is not just a book about dying. It's one that will inspire readers to make the most of every day." (Publishers Weekly)

"Powerful...in this quick read, Egan takes readers on an emotional journey through many unforgettable lives." (Booklist)

"[Egan's] anecdotes are often thought-provoking combinations of sublime humor and tragic pathos.... A moving, heartfelt account of a hospice veteran." (Kirkus Reviews)

"This marvelous, often funny production is a true celebration of living. Narrated clearly and with spirit by the author, a hospice chaplain, On Living introduces listeners to a cornucopia of people and shares their moving, uplifting, sometimes wacky, and occasionally sad life lessons. With a light touch, Egan blends her own story into those of her clients, which makes listening all the more personal and special." (AudioFile)

Exceptional

Kerry did a wonderful job reciting the book. The stories were poignant. I found her ability to recite her own illness at times raw and uncomfortable. The book was enjoyable & left me with many things to think about.

Give yourself and everyone you know this!

This stopped me in my tracks many times. Words to live with, lessons worth practicing.

What an amazing book

i feel grief that the book is over. I haven't read something so beautiful in my life.

There's not enough stars to give this book

If you don't listen to this book, you're missing a lot of endearment and wisdom.
Now I will be forever a gray person, my mission is never to judge again.

Dance like nobody's looking!

A wonderful, broad view of end of life experiences. Enforces my personal thoughts to go out with the tank on empty...

Awesome, even for an old hand...

Powerful, respectfully told vignettes. I especially appreciated the authors transparency and apparent authenticity, sharing her “mistakes” (or, as my dad called them 30 years ago when he was dying of cancer, AFGO’s— Another Fucking Growth Opportunity 😉).

As a full time Hospice volunteer coordinator the essence of the stories weren’t new, but still, I learned, was moved by, and was inspired by the way the author accepted and placed the gifts her patients and their caregivers provided her. I’m grateful.

Beautifully written and read.

An inspiring, insightful and uplifting book despite moving me to tears at several points. Read by the author in her own pleasant voice that makes you feel as though you are right along side her for each of the experiences she describes. It is one of the most human works I have ever listened to/read and truly touched my soul with her ability to articulate the sameness of each of us in all our own uniqueness. I highly recommend.

Wonderful perspective

I find this very interesting take on looking at end of life and living life. I find that she has some very enriching perspectives and insight in this book. When you start to realize that you're reaching an age that think about death or how you're living your life right now, it's an excellent read.

Bravely authentic

Kerry's beautiful writing and authenticity makes this an engrossing read. Her willingness to share openly about her own struggles and failures makes the wisdom she communicates even more prescient.

Love

I am a hospice caregiver. I loved this book and Kerry was a great reader/story teller. Totally captured the essence of caring for the dying and respecting their journey in every way.