Alive Until You're Dead

Notes on the Home Stretch

By: Susan Moon

Narrated by: Laurel Lefkow

Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Poignant and humorous insights on fully embracing our lives as we age from Susan Moon, beloved Buddhist teacher and author.

Aging isn’t easy. But it can still be filled with joy—maybe even more joy than we expect. Described by the New York Journal of Books as “a Buddhist Anne Lamott,” Zen teacher and writer Susan Moon explores both the losses and the gifts that come with the final years. Joining levity with tenderness, Moon shares stories from her own life, including knee replacements, cornea surgery, Zoom chats with grandchildren, and dementia. Moon illustrates the strength that can come from within, sometimes unexpectedly, even as our bodies fail. Our radiant aliveness can be discovered and rediscovered any time up to the last moment.

Alive Until You’re Dead offers a Zen approach to aging. Moon’s stories explore being present with what is, not turning away from what’s difficult, wishing for and working for the wellbeing of others, and being willing not to know what’s next. Moon writes of her most personal vulnerabilities in the service of connecting with everyone. These field notes from an old human being invite us to feel more alive in the final stretch, whatever it holds.

©2022 Susan Moon (P)2022 Shambhala Publications

Beautiful book despite narration

The book is beautifully written. The problem I had was with the reader’s mispronunciation of basic Buddhist terminology. I’m happy I listened to it all the way through.

Insightful

A beautiful book, with many insights into life and death, in a very relatable way.

Depth of Wisdom

Thank you so much Susan Moon for creating another writing of the Wisdom you’ve gained so far in this life of yours. My life has expanded because of your gift in writing in a manner that feels like you are sitting right next to me intimately sharing your experiences and the Wisdom you gained in all of them. I definitely appreciate you!🌸
Cheryl (Aged 58 Years So Far)🤗

A must read and a gift for the soul!

From beginning to end, this book captured my attention and earned my respect. It was a book group selection for which I will be forever grateful. It was like sitting down with a good and trusted friend with a magic kaleidoscope of life experiences and reflections. Loved it!!!

Not a wakeup; not what I had thought

Based on the title and introduction, as well as other reviews, I had expectations going into this audiobook which were not met. For me, this book lacks ideas to make me stop and ponder. I felt there was an over abundance of the author’s personal experience that sometimes struck me as borderline bragging and place-name dropping. If said stories had been utilised more as a vehicle for presenting more all inclusive teachings, I think I may have found them more interesting and agreeable. It is true that I gave up 2/3 of the way through, so if I missed the essential closure, perhaps another reviewer will let me know. For now, sticking with and recommending those I consider master teachers… Pema Chodron, Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg.

Couldn't do it

The narrator had a lot to do with the difficulty and boredom in listening to this book. I didn't believe her. Nothing drew me in. I am a seasoned woman who has experienced much love and loss , caretaking and desire to move forward but this story and delivery fell flat for me.