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Writer's pictureThe_Secret_Bookreview

A Beginner's Guide to Dying 🕊️


In his mid-40s, Simon Boas was given the kind of news that turns life upside down—he was diagnosed with incurable cancer. By the time it was discovered, the disease had spread throughout his body, leaving no hope for a cure. Yet, despite the gravity of this diagnosis, Simon chose not to focus on despair. Instead, he embraced the challenge of facing death with the same mindset that had shaped his approach to life—optimism, kindness, and an unwavering focus on the things that truly matter.


In A Beginner's Guide to Dying, Simon reflects deeply on the experiences, ideas, and values that have brought him peace and contentment, even in the face of terminal illness. His writing is not simply about the process of dying; rather, it is a meditation on life itself. Through his reflections, Simon demonstrates that confronting death doesn't have to be purely a source of sorrow. Accepting death can offer profound clarity on the importance of living fully in the moment and cherishing the beauty of everyday life.


At 46, Simon’s message is that while his time may be cut short, it is not without meaning. He conveys that dying at a relatively young age isn't as tragic as it might seem, especially when life has been lived with purpose and joy. This book isn’t a farewell, but a celebration. Simon explores how acknowledging the reality of death can deepen our experience of living, helping us appreciate every moment that much more.


With heartfelt honesty and wisdom, A Beginner’s Guide to Dying is less about the act of dying and more about how we can all live better, more fulfilled lives. It’s a reminder that death, while inevitable, can be a gentle teacher—guiding us to focus on what truly matters.


As someone who has worked in emergency care, palliative care, and now intensive care, Simon’s reflections resonated deeply with me. In my career, I’ve seen people face life and death from every angle—some clinging to life desperately, while others, like Simon, choose to approach their final moments with acceptance and grace. His words capture what I’ve witnessed in patients who, despite being close to the end, find peace by focusing on what truly matters: love, connection, and the beauty of each remaining moment.


In palliative care, I saw first-hand how embracing death can shift the focus from fear and pain to the joy of simply being present. Simon’s perspective powerfully echoes this. For healthcare professionals like myself, who encounter death daily, his insights remind us not only how to help patients die well, but how to live well ourselves.


Thank you so much to the author - Simon Boas as well as Rachel and the whole team at Swift Press for sending me this finished copy.







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