From here to Eternity is an informative, sweetly sentimental overview of the diversity of death rituals around the world and a fantastic argument against the US' death-averse practices.

It's really refreshing to read about practices that may be considered macabre or appalling in a death-averse culture (ex. keeping a lock of hair from a dead loved one or revisiting their decomposed body) taken for what they actually are: a grieving loved one honoring who they've lost and doing what they can to remain close to that person. Learning a little about death practices around the world really warmed my heart and I love Doughty's argument that these practices give the grieving meaning and purpose at a time of incredible loss.

I've taken a lot of comfort in examining the profound beauty that can spring forth in the wake of deep loss; the sense of closeness to others, a deepened appreciation for the good in one's life, the simple beauty of the world we live in... Loss has brought me closer to myself and to others, and I love that this book showcases not just the ugliness of death, but the beauty of it as well.

Sidenote — this book made me realize that I want to be thrown into a dirt pit and composted or burnt on a pyre when I die. They both sound so cool.