Death is one of those topics most people prefer to avoid. It’s uncomfortable, whether you’re healthy or dealing with illness. We see tragedy every day, and there’s often a debate about whether it’s easier for loved ones to cope when death comes quickly or lingers. Either way, it’s sad—and unavoidable. But as tough as it is to talk about, I’ve come across a couple of books that have helped me understand death a little better.

Tuesdays with Morrie

I’ve mentioned Tuesdays with Morrie before, and I’m sure I’ll bring it up again because it’s had such a big impact on how I live. In this book, Mitch Albom tells the story of his former college professor, Morrie, who is battling ALS. Mitch reconnects with him, making the trip to see Morrie every Tuesday to talk about life, death, and everything in between. Those conversations become the book itself, filled with powerful lessons on what really matters in life. The wisdom Morrie shares is timeless, and it challenges readers to rethink their priorities and how they spend their time.

The Last Lecture

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch is another book that really made me reflect on life. Written while Pausch was fighting terminal pancreatic cancer, it started as a lecture at Carnegie Mellon University where he shared the moments that shaped his life—from childhood dreams to his work in virtual reality. With humor and heart, Pausch offers life lessons about perseverance, creativity, and leadership. It’s a book that’ll make you pause and think: “Am I living the life I really want?” It’s a great reminder to chase your dreams, no matter what obstacles stand in your way.

The Lives of the Stoics

Lately, I’ve been diving into Stoic philosophy and reflecting a lot on the idea of memento mori—remembering that we will die. The Stoics believed that while we can’t control the external world, we have complete control over how we respond to it. Epictetus, one of the great Stoic philosophers, said that in every situation, there are two options: one that leads to suffering and one that leads to peace. It’s up to us which one we choose. In his book, Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius Ryan Holiday discusses how the Stoics emphasized that embracing the reality of death helps us live with more purpose, reminding us that life is short and we should focus on what truly matters.

These books, and the lessons within them, have helped me approach death with more understanding and even a bit more peace. It’s never easy, but thinking about it can actually help us live more fully.