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Death Is But a Dream: Finding Hope and Meaning in End of Life Dreams Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 761 ratings

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The first book to validate the meaningful dreams and visions that bring comfort as death nears.

Christopher Kerr is a hospice doctor. All of his patients die. Yet he has cared for thousands of patients who, in the face of death, speak of love and grace. Beyond the physical realities of dying are unseen processes that are remarkably life-affirming. These include dreams that are unlike any regular dream. Described as "more real than real," these end-of-life experiences resurrect past relationships, meaningful events and themes of love and forgiveness; they restore life's meaning and mark the transition from distress to comfort and acceptance.

Drawing on interviews with over 1,400 patients and more than a decade of quantified data, Dr. Kerr reveals that pre-death dreams and visions are extraordinary occurrences that humanize the dying process. He shares how his patients' stories point to death as not solely about the end of life, but as the final chapter of humanity's transcendence. Kerr's book also illuminates the benefits of these phenomena for the bereaved, who find solace in seeing their loved ones pass with a sense of calm closure.

Beautifully written, with astonishing real-life characters and stories, this book is at its heart a celebration of our power to reclaim the dying process as a deeply meaningful one.
Death Is But a Dream is an important contribution to our understanding of medicine's and humanity's greatest mystery.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Based on deep experience, this loving, emotionally wise book will help many people find the path to love, acceptance and meaning as they face life's end."–Katy Butler, author of Knocking on Heaven's Door and The Art of Dying Well

"Remembering the revealing end-of-life experiences my own father had, I was fascinated by this book. It treats an area of medical ignorance and societal naiveté. Whether you have a loved one nearing the end, or are contemplating what may lie beyond this life, you’ll find that Dr. Kerr’s book brings meaning and even beauty to our final stage. I recommend it highly for anyone with a finite lifespan."
–Dale Bredesen, MD, author of the New York Times bestseller, The End of Alzheimer’s

"A beautiful portrait of the human capacity for transcendence at the end of life. This book will inspire you reflect on the love and meaning you have experienced in your own life, and help you listen to, and be with, those nearing the end of their lives."
–Kelly McGonigal, PhD, author of The Joy of Movement

"Reflections on death are not new. Yet, so many wish to separate death from life forgetting that death, in fact, is part of life. This reality is shared with us by a hospice physician who, himself, learned so much from the dying. And what did he learn? That by being truly present with those who are dying, one learns how to live."
–James Doty, MD, author of Into the Magic Shop

"In this fascinating book, we meet the dying whose dreams, both sad and sweet, are powerful, beautiful medicine for the soul; theirs and ours."
–Steve Leder, author of More Beautiful Than Before; How Suffering Transforms Us

"Penetrating and empathetic...This comforting guide will reassure the dying and their loved ones while providing instructive portraits of end-of-life patients for those who work in medical and healing professions."
Publishers Weekly, starred review

“An uplifting and reassuring work testifying to the deep restorative and spiritual—though not necessarily religious—nature of pre-death visions.”
Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Christopher Kerr, MD, PhD, is the CEO and chief medical officer at Hospice Buffalo. Born and raised in Toronto, Kerr earned his MD as well as a PhD in neurobiology and completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Rochester. His research has received international attention and has been featured in The New York Times, Atlantic Monthly, and the BBC. He lives on a horse farm in the small town of East Aurora, New York.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07SRQC373
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avery (February 11, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 11, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1456 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 254 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0525542841
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 761 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
761 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book inspiring and comforting. They describe it as an interesting and rewarding read that expands their understanding of end-of-life experiences. The writing style is described as well-written, easy to understand, and genuine. Readers appreciate the honesty and authenticity of the interviews with hospice patients.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

33 customers mention "Insight"33 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and comforting. They say it expands their understanding of end-of-life experiences and sheds light on beautiful stories from beautiful people. Readers describe it as a rewarding, hopeful read that changes their lives.

"...I found it interesting that he conducted an actual study on end of life visions and their purpose...." Read more

"...I have nothing but praise for the author! Such insight, such honesty, .Sometimes we only read for a few minutes, sometimes a half hour, at which..." Read more

"The research in this book is aweinspiring and should be ready by every medical professional, not just those in hospice work...." Read more

"I found this to be a rewarding book that expanded my understanding of end-of-life experiences...." Read more

25 customers mention "Readability"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and informative. They describe it as a must-read for hospice workers and compassionate people. Readers also mention it's an inspiring book on death and dying.

"...Nice to see someone taking this seriously and de-mystifying it. Lovely book. I'm grateful to the author." Read more

"One of the best books I have ever read! I have nothing but praise for the author!..." Read more

"Interesting book." Read more

"I found this to be a rewarding book that expanded my understanding of end-of-life experiences...." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing style"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to understand. They appreciate the author's explanation of dreams before death.

"...Dr. Kerr is clear and to the point in his writing style...." Read more

"This is a well written, hopeful book. If you or a loved one is at end of life, this book is for you...." Read more

"Dr. Kerr is a very good physician and writer. Appreciates that he does not label the person's experience but does take note and shares stories...." Read more

"...It is beautifully written." Read more

3 customers mention "Authenticity"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's authenticity. They say it's well-written, dramatic, and takes you on a journey. The interviews with hospice patients are true, and the insight and honesty are appreciated.

"...I have nothing but praise for the author! Such insight, such honesty, .Sometimes we only read for a few minutes, sometimes a half hour, at which..." Read more

"...Well written, dramatic and real it takes you on a journey that will truly have a lasting impact on the reader." Read more

"True interviews of those Hospice patients’ dreams before they pass from this world." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2024
    I first heard about this book when the author was interviewed on a "People's Pharmacy" podcast. The author is director of Buffalo Hospice, a local organization that I support. I found it interesting that he conducted an actual study on end of life visions and their purpose. In my family, many dying relatives have had these visions, though we didn't usually talk about them for fear of being labeled "kooks". Nice to see someone taking this seriously and de-mystifying it. Lovely book. I'm grateful to the author.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2024
    One of the best books I have ever read! I have nothing but praise for the author! Such insight, such honesty, .Sometimes we only read for a few minutes, sometimes a half hour, at which point we want to stop and soak in the love and humanity. Such a doorway into the soul world!
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2020
    Interesting book.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2024
    The research in this book is aweinspiring and should be ready by every medical professional, not just those in hospice work. End of life dreams and visions help both the living and dying. Thank you for this profound rendition!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2023
    I found this to be a rewarding book that expanded my understanding of end-of-life experiences. I am a retired psychologist (and an octogenarian), so this is not a new area to me. Dr. Kerr is clear and to the point in his writing style. The book is focused on making the point that, “Dying is more than the suffering we observe or experience. Dying is a time of transition that triggers a transformation of perspective and perception.” The title derives from his observations that comforting and reconciling dreams are often a key feature of this process. His points are illustrated with humane and perceptive case reports. I recommend this book for anyone interested in expanding their understanding in this area.
    15 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2023
    This is an extraordinary book. This is NOT a book about NDEs (near-death experiences), but about the dreams, visions, reunions, forgiveness and insight that occurs at death's door, in the days and hours BEFORE death.

    FINALLY, someone has taken this subject seriously and written about it clinically, in a scientific way. I am a believer in God, but that is a subjective experience for us. Dr. Kerr has taken an objective view, with compassion and understanding, instead of dismissal and attribution to hallucinations, delirium, or whatever other terms were used to disregard these very REAL and important experiences.

    This is a book everyone should read who realizes death is coming... which means ALL of us.
    22 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2024
    I should have read a few reviews as I normally do before purchasing a book, because despite the title -- which TWICE mentions DREAMS, I somehow didn't think the entire book would be about that? My mistake! So I gave it a 3 and will add that many may find this book fascinating and interesting. I am not one of those but I can't and won't say it was "bad."
    I thought it rather dry. I liked the parts where the author was directly interacting with the terminally ill patient and there WERE parts involving the dreams that I found interesting but mostly, I think it's impossible for ANYONE to truly know what death is like because we haven't gotten there yet. How does one truly know except going by their own faith, personal beliefs and even wishes and hopes? I think death would be absolutely terrifying for many of us to face if we didn't have our faith that assures us of an afterlife! But contrary to some, I don't see faith as a "crutch," I see it as a pathway from our Creator, to Him and eternity.
    I felt the book is more an intellectual endeavor but well examined and presented.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2024
    This is a well written, hopeful book. If you or a loved one is at end of life, this book is for you. Nothing promised, just anecdotal observations and data, written by a hospice doctor.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Camille
    5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding Death and Dying from True Stories
    Reviewed in Canada on July 9, 2024
    Compelling, educational, and comforting book of true stories from people facing death and dying compiled with empathy and sincerity by Dr. Kerr who brilliantly enlightens the reader by interweaving his own learning experience and understanding gained about life and the beyond as their hospice physician caregiver.
  • Alonso
    4.0 out of 5 stars Bueno
    Reviewed in Mexico on August 12, 2022
    Bueno
  • Monika Bieri
    5.0 out of 5 stars Everybody should know about it
    Reviewed in Germany on January 4, 2025
    Everybody should read this book. I’m very touched by it.
  • Kevin Armstrong, DNP, APRN
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding book!
    Reviewed in Canada on May 17, 2023
    A beautiful and comprehensive account of the patient and family experience of dying. Well done Dr. Kerr and many thanks to all those patients and their families.
  • premier72
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    Reviewed in Germany on June 7, 2024
    Very enlightening

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