When Someone Dies: The Practical Guide to the Logistics of Death

Dealing with the death of a loved one is challenging on many levels. While other books (e.g., Joan Didion's eloquent The Year of Magical Thinking) focus on the expression of grief, this title addresses the actual tasks associated with death and dying. The book is organized chronologically, covering the stages of the process beginning with the death experience and ending a year afterward. Funeral planning and related issues are discussed, but the practical value of the book lies in its understandable discussion of financial matters like probate and estate-handling details. Smith, a venture capitalist and lawyer, and Castleman, a journalist and author, address will executors specifically, but other survivors can benefit as well. Well organized, succinct, and detailed without being overwhelming, the book concludes with advice on applying its lessons to readers' own life and death. An appendix provides sample legal forms including health directives and a statutory will. While estate laws vary by state and most people will still need to rely on professionals, this book is a useful and empowering tool for survivors.