Things I've Learned from Dying: A Book About Life

I couldn't put this down. This is David Dow's journey through the representation of several of his death row clients, particularly one who really got to him, during a time that his father-in-law was going through his own cancer/death journey and while his dog began dying from a mysterious debilitating condition. This book did what I love books to do and invoked many deep thoughts.

I felt drawn to read this because of my experience as an appellate lawyer, because cancer is my (our?) holocaust with no answer, and because I've also loved and lost pets.

This book is philosophically heartbreaking regardless of whether you believe in the death penalty, euthanasia, cancer treatment, and God. Yes, all of that is in one concise book, but it show more wasn't depressing to me, just very thought provoking.

I have an original signed edition, picked up at BookPeople in Austin, where I heard the Professor speak about the book.

P.S. Professor Dow, your son is brilliant. show less

"Things I've Learned From Dying" is a story about David Dow's father-in-law who was diagnosed with cancer and a capital murder case that he is working. During the book it seems that they are going on simultaneously, however he notes that in real time that was not the case. I greatly enjoy Dow's ability to honestly deal with death. He brings together so many similarities of people who are diagnosed with cancer and those waiting to be executed - something some people may find appalling but I find fascinating. This book is highly insightful, filled with real emotions, and straight forward about both subjects.

I have had some grief lately and wanted to pick up this book to see if it would give me some insight. David Dow is a good writer and I enjoyed the stories but no insight, I'm afraid. Warning to anyone, if you are at all down this is probably not a good read for you.

biography, non-fiction, cancer and cancer decisions of Peter his father-in-law, Winona his dog, Waterman executed from Texas' death row, other death row criminals, author & family keenly intellectual & kind, gentle & loving. Is it better to anticipate & prepare for death or to die quickly? David Dow is a Texas death penalty lawyer. Secondary theme: good people. Quick read because of (for the most part) 1-3 page chapters.