I have agonized over rating this book. A therapist might have told the author that he should put his thoughts on paper and this is the result. I'm sure the writing was cathartic for the author. (I am a therapist and have told clients to write down their thoughts and feelings for future discussion together.) However, at times, I thought he gave too much information. This book was incredibly redundant. Telling me how many generations on the Wilde and the Brown sides of the family were in the mortuary business twice would have been enough.

I could appreciate the author's musings and thought we were on a journey together. I thought the book's purpose was to herald our ancestors are always with us. Coming from his perspective, that would be something to listen to. However, that was not his goal at all. About mid-way through the book, the author lost me. He turned preachy. How dare the author talk about reparations to other ethnic groups? Who is he to set himself up as an arbiter of what is right and wrong with people?

I think the way the book's blurb sells the book is dishonest. It sells the book as a way to learn more about our loved ones who have died -- and our continued connections. In reality, it is the story of a man questioning his career in the mortuary business.

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