CHECK OUT: From Here to Eternity

Dear Friends,

I hope you’re doing well! I just finished reading a book that I think you’d find absolutely fascinating: From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death by Caitlin Doughty. It’s one of those books that challenges the way you think about something as universal as death, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you.

Caitlin Doughty, a mortician and death-positive advocate, travels the world in this book to explore how different cultures approach death and mourning. Her journey really made me reflect on how we in Canada (and North America in general) tend to avoid the topic entirely, often leaving it to funeral homes to handle quietly behind closed doors.

One of the most memorable parts of the book is her visit to Tana Toraja, Indonesia. There, families keep the bodies of their loved ones at home for months or even years, treating them like part of the family. They feed them, dress them, and include them in daily life until they’re ready for a grand funeral. Doughty writes, “The Torajans don’t see the body as something horrifying or grotesque. They see it as part of the family, a being that still requires love and attention.” It’s such a stark contrast to how we handle death here, where the deceased are whisked away and rarely seen again.

Another highlight is her time in Mexico during Día de los Muertos. The way families create beautiful altars, tell stories, and share food with their departed loved ones turns death into something that feels more like a celebration of life. Doughty explains, “The Mexicans are not celebrating death, they’re celebrating the life that existed. And in doing so, they are defeating death.” It’s such a hopeful and meaningful way to stay connected to loved ones.

Throughout the book, Doughty also challenges the North American funeral industry, which, as she puts it: “thrives on our fear of death.” Here, embalming, caskets, and elaborate ceremonies have become the norm—often more about business than meaningful ritual. She contrasts this with other cultures that embrace death as a natural part of life, reminding us that we have the power to make it more personal and connected.

What I really loved about the book is how Doughty writes with so much respect, curiosity, and a good dose of humour. She makes a topic that could feel heavy into something approachable and even uplifting. Her reflections, like “To be human is to die. To be human is to grieve,” stick with you long after you finish reading.

If you’re looking for something thought-provoking, engaging, and uniquely insightful, I can’t recommend From Here to Eternity enough. It’s one of those books that will make you rethink not just how we deal with death, but how we live. Let me know if you decide to give it a read—I’d love to hear what you think!

Take care,

Stacey

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Stacey Chicoine is an HHA Death Doula Candidate who uses her writing to advocate for culturally safe practices, equitable healthcare, and support for houseless and marginalized populations facing systemic barriers.