Briefly Perfectly Human

Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End

De: Alua Arthur

Narrado por: Alua Arthur

Duración: 9 h y 51 m

Resumen del Editor

A deeply transformative memoir that reframes how we think about death and how it can help us lead better, more fulfilling and authentic lives, from America’s most visible death doula.

"A truly unique, inspiring perspective on the time we have, what we do with it, and how we let go of this world.... There is no one I'd trust more to guide me through an understanding of death, and how it informs life."—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Mad Honey and The Book of Two Ways

"Briefly Perfectly Human is a beautiful, raw, light-bringing experience. Alua's voice is shimmering, singular, and pulses with humor, vulnerability, insight, and refreshing candor.... Be prepared for it to grab you, hold you tight, and raise the roof on the power of human connection."—Tembi Locke, author of From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home

For her clients and everyone who has been inspired by her humanity, Alua Arthur is a friend at the end of the world. As our country’s leading death doula, she’s spreading a transformative message: thinking about your death—whether imminent or not—will breathe wild, new potential into your life.

Warm, generous, and funny AF, Alua supports and helps manage end-of-life care on many levels. The business matters, medical directives, memorial planning; but also honoring the quiet moments, when monitors are beeping and loved ones have stepped out to get some air—or maybe not shown up at all—and her clients become deeply contemplative and want to talk. Aching, unfinished business often emerges. Alua has been present for thousands of these sacred moments—when regrets, fears, secret joys, hidden affairs, and dim realities are finally said aloud. When this happens, Alua focuses her attention at the pulsing center of her clients’ anguish and creates space for them, and sometimes their loved ones, to find peace.

This has had a profound effect on Alua, who was already no stranger to death’s periphery. Her family fled a murderous coup d’état in Ghana in the 1980s. She has suffered major, debilitating depressions. And her dear friend and brother-in-law died of lymphoma. Advocating for him in his final months is what led Alua to her life’s calling. She knows firsthand the power of bearing witness and telling the truth about life’s painful complexities, because they do not disappear when you look the other way. They wait for you.

Briefly Perfectly Human is a life-changing, soul-gathering debut, by a writer whose empathy, tenderness, and wisdom shimmers. Alua Arthur combines intimate storytelling with a passionate appeal for loving, courageous end-of-life care—what she calls “death embrace.” Hers is a powerful testament to getting in touch with something deeper in our lives, by embracing the fact of our own mortality. “Hold that truth in your mind,” Alua says, “and wondrous things will begin to grow around it.”

©2023 Alua Arthur (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

My new favorite book. If only everyone would read it!!

This is by far the best book I’ve read (well, it was read to me by Alua—Thank you!) in a LONG time. And I’ve been reading quite a few wonderful books! I preordered it a while ago and was thrilled to get to listen to it during a road trip recently— I ended up driving 8+ hours and only stopping once— in large part due to how riveting and enjoyable a listen this was. I didn’t want it to end! There are so many parts of this book that are deeply resonant and very much the exact message I have thought about putting out there as a writer— but Alua did such an incredible job that now I don’t have to! I bookmarked sooo many parts and need to go back and listen again. It was that good. Not to mention, it is BEAUTIFULLY written and I found myself saying out loud while in the car with my dog and no other human (to Alua, I suppose) some version of “damn that was SO WELL SAID,” crying or cracking up. There were also parts of Alua’s personal story that were SO similar to my own, and hearing her share them was medicine I didn’t know my soul needed. Thank you Alua, I’ve been recommending this book left and right and will continue to do so. I look forward to thanking you in person someday as I’m also feeling called to death work. I hope you are proud of this masterpiece, it is such a gift to the world and I’m sure is already making profound ripples.

Life Changing

Alua has an incredible way with storytelling, weaving her own life experiences with the lessons learned from the dying. Her narration is vibrant and captivating. I can't wait to listen again (and again).

This is a beautiful book that the whole world needs to read

Alua, thank you for being you. I’m glad you chose life and grateful that you are here. ❤️

Vulnerability, focus on mission and purpose

I have never felt more seen in my life. The best thing I have done for my brain and my mortality.

Wow—So much Wisdom

Thoroughly enjoyed. A Must read, before we all “die”. I have not read a book that has captivated me, changed me, enlightened me… in so long!!! Thank you Ms. Arthur… for sharing your wisdom… for sharing your story, for sharing that death- doesn’t need to be scary! Def. Will re-read and re-read!

the compassion and empathy in her voice as she read her book

this book was amazing. as a hospice nurse I was able to take out so many nuggets to use. the way she phrased some of those difficult conversations I loved and plan to put in to practice.

A gift to be human!

Alua! Thank you! Thank you! You shared so much emotion and depth in your journey into death care and how you got there! I felt as if I had been along side you during each moment of your journey! What a powerful account of your life and how you hope your death will look! It has allowed myself to think about my own end. I appreciate you! What a gift it truly is to be human and being able to share in your story!

Alua’s words found their way into my heart, and grounded me in my body.

I laughed, I cried. I felt drawn towards introspection while also expanding my awareness of the universe, and all of it’s beauty. This book settled my agitation about “what’s next?” When I needed it the most.

Highly recommend

This is an amazing book, recommend adding it to your must read list. Simple and meaningful reading.

This longtime follower is grateful!

Alua Arthur shares some of the most powerful opportunities in life and death; bearing witness, holding vigil, stewardship of words. As someone who danced with cancer, I think about my death often. This book was a balm.