Things I've Learned from Dying

A Book About Life

By: David R. Dow

Narrated by: David R. Dow

National Book Critics Circle Award finalist David R. Dow confronts the reality of his work on death row when his father-in-law is diagnosed with lethal melanoma, his beloved Doberman becomes fatally ill, and his young son begins to comprehend the implications of mortality. "Every life is different, but every death is the same. We live with others. We die alone".

In his riveting, artfully written memoir The Autobiography of an Execution, David Dow enraptured listeners with a searing and frank exploration of his work defending inmates on death row. But when Dow's father-in-law receives his own death sentence in the form of terminal cancer, and his gentle dog Winona suffers acute liver failure, the author is forced to reconcile with death in a far more personal way, both as a son and as a father.

Told through the disparate lenses of the legal battles he's spent a career fighting, and the intimate confrontations with death each family faces at home, Things I've Learned From Dying offers a poignant and lyrical account of how illness and loss can ravage a family. Full of grace and intelligence, Dow offers listeners hope without cliche and reaffirms our basic human needs for acceptance and love by giving voice to the anguish we all face - as parents, as children, as partners, as friends - when our loved ones die tragically, and far too soon.

©2014 Hachette Audio; 2014 Twelve

Sometimes saying nothing is the best thing we can do.

Knowing When to say nothing and when to not leave things unsaid requires wisdom and courage. Having just finished this book I have no words...except to say Thank you David, for taking the time to write these things down and for sharing these insights.

Engaging, entertaining, enlightening

What made the experience of listening to Things I've Learned from Dying the most enjoyable?

I liked the author's sincerity and candor, especially considering the difficult, personal nature of the subjects he covers. The book had a lively pace that kept us engaged. The listener also learns facts about the medical and the criminal justice systems.

What did you like best about this story?

There are three different stories that intertwine and interlock very skillfully, throughout the book. This kept it interesting. As you listen to one story you realize you are eager to know how the other story is going.

What about David R. Dow’s performance did you like?

Well what is not to like about having the author actually read his own book?

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

We did eagerly listen to this book during a 10 hour round trip drive; it was great company.

Any additional comments?

My husband and I listened to this together and really enjoyed it. Don't let the off-putting subject of death put you off listening to this. It is an engaging, enjoyable, worthwhile book.

Another fabulous ride-along with David R. Dow

When I 1st discovered Mr. Dow’s work and decided to give it a try, knowing that the author himself had narrated the book, I was looking forward to to it. I normally enjoy when an author narrates their own story. If I were a writer I couldn’t imagine not reading my own book. It would be like allowing someone else to explain all the reasons why you love your child! Lol. But Mr. Dow started out as a bit of a letdown for me. I didn’t enjoy his delivery, tone, or overall cadence. Now though, after listening to my 2nd book of his I wouldn’t have it any other way. It took me some time to realize that his cadence is literally a giant PART of the story he’s telling.
In this one things are a lot closer to home and we deal with a lot more grief. It’s heavy. As always though these books are very thought-provoking. They force you to look at yourself and how your going about life. I really enjoy that. It’s also full of great conversation, touching on personal theories, opinions, and many mantras that are not only true, but wouldn’t hurt to adopt to oneself. Philosophy is a major subject with this author and he lays these conversations out and dissects them from everyone’s point of view that are affected in the story. He doesn’t try to come off as being smarter than anyone, he has a great ability to bring you along with him every step of the way…as I said.
If you do a little research into the book before using a credit, as I did, and your reading my review I advise you to go for it. You will not be disappointed. There’s also a strong sense of what all, or I’d say most middle-aged men deal with and it really resonated with me. I also love that Lincoln still “speaks” the same way even tho this book is a few years after the 1st book I read! Thank you for a great story Mr. Dow.

An incredible read. Passionate and precise.

David Dow is eloquent and passionate, and he has remarkable fluency with words. Excellent read.

Excellent, Poignant Tear-jerker

What made the experience of listening to Things I've Learned from Dying the most enjoyable?

The excellent character development, concrete detail and well woven sub-stories in the book kept me wanting to know what happens next from start to finish.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I thoroughly enjoyed the authors description of the family's doberman.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ending chapters were very touching tear-jerkers.

Any additional comments?

Great listen; I am sorry its over.

Ten Hours Too Short

From the first sentence I was engrossed. David Dow is a talented and compassionate author who can paint vivid pictures with his words. The listener/reader will learn about the unfairness within the US Justice System and may well have their blood boil as they learn that so many of the impoverished on Death Row who may well be innocent do not have a hope for retrial or clemency. You see nobody is listening and nobody cares.

There are a few, however. David Dow is one of them and as you read on you can feel the stress that both David and his team feel as they fight to the end to save people's lives.

But this book has several layers. Not only his work but his relationships with his family and his beloved family dog who he has cherished for over thirteen years.

This is the second of David Dow's books that I have had the pleasure to enjoy and I really hope that he is working on more. He is an educator who has a gift and I highly recommend that you invest in this wonderful book.