Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End

Death doula Arthur makes her debut with this candid, compelling autobiography. Detailing her own experiences and those of several clients, Arthur explores society’s feelings toward death, from fascination to fear, and the desire to understand more about the end. When it comes to one’s final days, many are, as Arthur admits to being, as curious as they are clueless. Even so, there is no denying that, as she notes, “Nobody gets out alive.” Acknowledging that there are questions that can’t be answered without having experienced death, Arthur focuses on the things one can prepare for and make peace with. Narrating her own work, Arthur infuses her lyrical life story with expressive emotion, from chuckling to choking back tears. Her heartfelt and reflective recountings yield an engaging and often astonishing listening experience. Arthur recognizes, and briefly addresses, having a lisp, which may catch some listeners’ attention.