Let's Talk about Death (over Dinner)

An Invitation and Guide to Life's Most Important Conversation

By: Michael Hebb

Narrated by: Michael Hebb

For readers of Being Mortal and When Breath Becomes Air, the acclaimed founder of Death over Dinner offers a practical, inspiring guide to life's most difficult yet important conversation.

Of the many critical conversations we will all have throughout our lifetime, few are as important as the ones discussing death—and not just the practical considerations, such as DNRs and wills, but what we fear, what we hope, and how we want to be remembered. Yet few of these conversations are actually happening. Inspired by his experience with his own father and countless stories from others who regret not having these conversations, Michael Hebb cofounded Death Over Dinner—an organization that encourages people to pull up a chair, break bread, and really talk about the one thing we all have in common. Death Over Dinner has been one of the most effective end-of-life awareness campaigns to date; in just three years, it has provided the framework and inspiration for more than a hundred thousand dinners focused on having these end-of-life conversations. As Arianna Huffington said, "We are such a fast-food culture, I love the idea of making the dinner last for hours. These are the conversations that will help us to evolve."

Let's Talk About Death (over Dinner) offers keen practical advice on how to have these same conversations—not just at the dinner table, but anywhere. There's no one right way to talk about death, but Hebb shares time—and dinner—tested prompts to use as conversation starters, ranging from the spiritual to the practical, from analytical to downright funny and surprising. By transforming the most difficult conversations into an opportunity, they become celebratory and meaningful—ways that not only can change the way we die, but the way we live.

Critic reviews

"Wise, poignant, compelling--Hebb tackles hard issues with honesty and good taste. This book is food for the soul."—Ira Byock, MD, author of Dying Well and The Best Care Possible

"Michael Hebb shows us how given the right framing, a 'difficult' conversation does not need to be difficult. It can be liberating. It can even be transformative. A book about death that is expansive and filled with hope, makes us more courageous, connected and honest, well, that is irresistible."
—Esther Perel, New York Times bestselling author of Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs

"Hebb aims to make death less taboo in all ways possible. The book ultimately offers practical advice on how to have conversations related to death, no matter the setting, yet manages to be amusing at times. This is a recommended read, to say the least."
—The Hype

"A reader-friendly guide to the conversations most people avoid having...A vade mecum that will make one's reaping a bit less grim."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Explores just how crucial discussions of death are to living a happy, fulfilling life. It's packed with lessons on how we can approach those conversations purposefully and effectively."
—Thrive Global

"Michael Hebb captivated the TEDMED audience. He's a natural storyteller: Authentic, vulnerable, and with the skill to draw an audience into an utterly unique and vibrant idea that has gathered international attention and acclaim."
—Shirley Bergin, CMO/COO TEDMED

"Michael Hebb is a rare breed of artist and creative--he has a deep and powerful understanding of the human condition, connection, spirit...He crafts experiences using the age old arts of narrative and ritual, and approaches creative problems with a master's experience and a beginner's mind."
—Elliott Bisnow, Founder Summit Series, Summit Powder Mountain, Bisnow Media

So grateful that I had this book when my mom died

I don't remember how I found this book but I am so grateful I did. It completely changed my perspective on death and showed me how to really start processing my grief. A must-read for everyone to be honest, because everyone could benefit from seeing death and grief through a different perspective.

A Path To Conversations About Death

The author narration was a plus. A practical approach to discussing and thinking about the subject of death. Wish they included an outline or notes about items to discuss.

Just wonderful

Great way to learn how to have a conversation about the inevitable a must read never how old you are and that where you are in life with parents for yourself or friends.

Thank you for writing this

Beautifully written but poignant enough I had to put it down and pick it back up a few times