The book The Day I Die: The Untold Story of Assisted Dying in America by Anita Hannig is a book about love as much as it is about dying. I have always been interested in the topic of assisted dying, so when I saw this book posted in the Morbidly Curious Book Club , it was an easy choice to buy it and read it almost immediately. The following review talks a lot about dying and will contain some ‘spoilers’, so take care when reading.

This book was a quick read for me at around 300 pages. Hannig follows the paths of many families and individuals who chose assisted dying in the Pacific Northwest. In Washington and Oregon, the laws are referred to as ‘Death with Dignity’ acts. During reading, I learned about the ‘Death with Dignity’ acts and how complex they are. The book definitely leans in favor of these acts, but does report on the opposition as well.

Love and Death

When I say the book is about love as much as it is about dying, I am referring to the families who are left when their loved ones choose their assisted deaths. There is an outpouring of love to the individuals choosing assisted death by their friends and relatives that was beautiful and heartwarming. Of course, Hannig writes about just as many heartbreaking stories. Loved ones are missed, some are not able to take advantage of the law before things take a turn for the worst. I would say if you’re a crier, sit this book out or read with care.

The Facts

The book quotes studies in which families who had relatives in hospice vs those who chose assisted deaths. The families whose loved ones chose assisted deaths overall had more closure and felt like they were able to connect with their family members more than those who were in hospice care. The Day I Die of course proves that just because there is a study done that proves something is factual, doesn’t mean people will listen to it.

Those who oppose assisted dying do so on basis of religion and concerns that individuals may be forced into death. After reading the book and hearing the difficulties that those who truly want to use the law go through to be able to qualify, I find it hard to believe that anyone could be forced into it. Hannig makes this point several times throughout the book.

Overall Thoughts

The book was beautifully written. Many stories were hopeful for those who wish to seek an assisted death in the Pacific Northwest. There is a fight going on about these laws, and personally, I would support a local law if it ever was attempted in Alabama. I give the book a 4/5 stars, and would recommend it to anyone who has ever been curious about this topic. It is a topic that will stick with you, and one you will want to discuss with others.