Heartwood

The Art of Living with the End in Mind

By: Barbara Becker

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Length: 4 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

“We can do extraordinary things when we lead with love,” Barbara Becker reminds us in her debut memoir Heartwood.

When her earliest childhood friend is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Becker sets off on a quest to immerse herself in what it means to be mortal. Can we live our lives more fully knowing some day we will die?

With a keen eye toward that which makes life worth living, interfaith minister, mom and perpetual seeker Barbara Becker recounts stories where life and death intersect in unexpected ways. She volunteers on a hospice floor, becomes an eager student of the many ways people find meaning at the end of life, and accompanies her parents in their final days.

Becker inspires listeners to live with the end in mind and proves that turning toward loss rather than away from it is the only true way to live life to its fullest. Just as with the heartwood of a tree - the central core that is no longer alive yet supports the newer growth rings - the dead become an enduring source of strength to the living.

With life-affirming prose, Becker helps us see that that grief is not a problem to be solved, but rather a sacred invitation - an opportunity to let go into something even greater...a love that will inform all the days of our lives.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

"Becker’s eloquence is a salve for confronting a difficult topic.... This will be a comfort for anyone contemplating their own mortality, or those in search of advice for others. " (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

©2021 Barbara Becker (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"In Heartwood, Barbara Becker inspires us to follow our curiosity into a world that is both universal and a source of our uniqueness. And what could be better than that?" (Gloria Steinem, best-selling author and activist)

“Death fascinates and repels us. Barbara Becker is writing a gorgeous book about it, and her writing will draw in everyone who is willing to approach the topic. For those whose pleasure in reading is entering the minds of others, Barbara gives them the intensity of some of life’s peak moments. For those who read to gain insights into life’s biggest questions, Barbara gives them philosophy from Eastern and Western traditions. And for those who simply like writing that is clear and expressive but not overdone, Barbara will give them that too.” (Jonathan Haidt, author of the New York Times best sellers The Coddling of the American Mind, The Righteous Mind, and The Happiness Hypothesis)

A heartfelt recount of all life entails

It may that because my path crossed with Barbara a few years back or that my parents are at the age where the end is way more present than life that let me choose this book.
The autobiographical stories Barbara shares reflect how many time in our life we are confronted with the end of it. Her full embrace of uncertainty, learning and coping give many stepping stones for us readers to get more familiar with the unavoidable end. A reading I recommend everyone that has the courage to engage with the broader aspects of our existence.

Must read

A beautiful account of family love and support through everyday life and shared grief of loosing loved ones. I found the author’s integration of various faith traditions end of life observation and celebrations to honor those who had passed.

Lovely

A lot of heart felt wisdom and love shared in the book. Well written and performed w the right feeling.

Beauty in life to embrace death

Such brave stories to tell, such a brave woman from courageous stock! This book made a big difference in the prism through which I experience the process of dying and death. Thank you for taking the steps to expose our inevitable and dare I say even welcome death.

A must read

It’s an inspiring book of life, love and loss. A must read for everyone. Don’t miss it.

Captivating

My first Audible. I was engaged and intrested in the story. two things stood "Point me to the sky above I can't get there on my own" Mistfits
"Does it matter where inspiration comes from as long as it gets us where we need to go?" Becker
and " My most valuable possessions walk on two legs" Becker

A Must Read

As I listened to this book, I found myself reflecting a lot on those who had lived before me; those I had lost and what I had learned all of which has helped me to live more in the moment and appreciate life and loved ones.

The author’s compassion

The author’s compassion. Well written. Simple but relatable story. Heart felt . I enjoyed it very much

Heartfelt and Grounded

A great listen, pleasant voice, and cadence - first book I've listened to at regular speed! Grounding accounts for chaplains and families dealing with / anticipating loss.

I loved this book so much I am buying the printed version!

Everyone should read this book as all of us share the loss of loved ones to death and all of us will die ourselves.

“Live each day as if it is your last”.

Be kind, caring and compassionate human beings