From Sun to Sun

A Hospice Nurse Reflects on the Art of Dying

By: Nina Angela McKissock

Narrated by: Karen Gundersen

I got tired. Tired of all the fluffy, just-guessing books about what people regret, want, and will do at the end of their life. I'm a hospice nurse and I want to show the world how love can be messy, not-pretty, complicated, funny, fun and heart-breakingly beautiful. I want the world to know that caring for someone who's dying is challenging and this is where you discover your true self.

©2015 Nina Angela McKissock (P)2017 Nina Angela McKissock

Soothing listen

I listened to Farewell: Vital End-of-Life Questions last year, and it was a topic that I found more interesting than I initially expected. When I read about this book, I immediately wanted to listen to it too. Not because it is something that affects me right now but I think death is something we should not turn our back on. Knowledge is power.

The book is a collection of short stories, each one about a person dying. Nina carefully shows us how this experience is lived by an array of quite different people, and teaches us kindness, understanding, and respect. I appreciated that this was not a religious book, so it can be read by anyone. It is a bit on the spiritual side, mentioning reiki and similar practices, but I guess it is difficult to avoid talking spiritual when one is near the gates of death. It is not something for me, but I respect it and I understand that it may bring comfort to some.

This is a more personal book than Farewell, with Nina sharing some of her personal story, additionally to her patients’, with the intention of making people think about each and every day and to avoid regrets. Farewell went deep about medical and legal aspects, but it is not the case here. The difference is probably due to the fact that Farewell is written by a physician, while From Sun to Sun is written by a nurse. Both are sides of1 the same coin, complementing each other, but different nonetheless. Nurses perhaps are the ones who show the most humane side of modern medicine.

I think both books are really good, each in their own way. While Farewell is probably better read in advance to be prepared ahead of time, From Sun to Sun can be read at any time, for one’s sake, but also while suffering the ordeal of a loved one close to death.

I found Karen Gundersen’s really soothing, enjoyable, and a perfect match for the book. It was like I was listening to Nina herself, pouring her heart into these stories. Technically, I found some minor issues, like some noticeable audio edits and a repeated sentence (a remain from a punch and roll) around 6:42:01.

Even though I looked forward to this book, I was afraid that it could be too much at times. Surprisingly, I devoured it in less than two days. Highly recommendable.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A gift of love

This is my gift to Humankind. Written without religiosity which is unlike most other books addressing end of life experiences. You, the reader, will make your decision.

magnificent book

as a 5 year hospice volunteer this book is an essential read. As a mortal human living in a country where everyone seems so afraid to tall about death. ..this is an essential read. Everything about this book is beautiful.

Beautiful book

A moving and powerful set of stories that capture the humanity and grace of the author and her patients. Beautifully narrated by the reader, this is a truly wonderful and inspirational book.

Very compelling and moving

Very well written; very hard to put this book down. Each vignette leaves you feeling like you really knew each client. Each story beautifully underscores how meeting someone exactly where they are inspires release, personal-family-community growth, and love.