Book Club for Mortals: A Matter of Death and Life In-Person / Online
A year-long journey by the renowned psychiatrist and his writer wife after her terminal diagnosis, as they reflect on how to love and live without regret.
Internationally acclaimed psychiatrist and author Irvin Yalom devoted his career to counseling those suffering from anxiety and grief. But never had he faced the need to counsel himself until his wife, esteemed feminist author Marilyn Yalom, was diagnosed with cancer. In A Matter of Death and Life, Marilyn and Irv share how they took on profound new struggles: Marilyn to die a good death, Irv to live on without her.
In alternating accounts of their last months together and Irv's first months alone, they offer us a rare window into facing mortality and coping with the loss of one's beloved. The Yaloms had numerous blessings--a loving family, a Palo Alto home under a magnificent valley oak, a large circle of friends, avid readers around the world, and a long, fulfilling marriage--but they faced death as we all do. With the wisdom of those who have thought deeply, and the familiar warmth of teenage sweethearts who've grown up together, they investigate universal questions of intimacy, love, and grief.
Informed by two lifetimes of experience, A Matter of Death and Life is an openhearted offering to anyone seeking support, solace, and a meaningful life.
About Book Club for Mortals at the Estes Valley Library
This is a book club that focuses on end-of-life issues and our shared mortality. We read a different book each month, and titles range from the practical to the philosophical, and the serious to the lighthearted, both fiction and nonfiction. This is not a grief or bereavement group, but a space to have open, honest, thoughtful conversations about interesting books and ideas. Discussions are led by Mindy Rickard, advance care planning advisor and longtime Book Club for Mortals host. The book club meets on the second Thursday of each month, through December. Each meeting covers a different book.
More about this program
We will make copies available for checkout at the first floor service desk, and you can search our collection for additional copies and formats (eBook, audiobook, large print, etc.).
Online registrants should receive a reminder email with the Zoom meeting link approximately one day before the program starts. If you didn't receive the email or are having trouble connecting to the meeting, please call the Library at 970-586-8116 and someone will assist you.
Related programs/resources
- Date:
- Thursday, November 13, 2025
- Time:
- 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Time Zone:
-
Mountain Time - US & Canada
(change) - Location:
- Wasson Board Room
- Organizer:
- Eric White
- Presenter:
- Mindy Rickard
- Audience:
- Adults (18+)
- Categories:
- Discussion