PHL Book Club

We believe that books have a unique way of helping us heal, find comfort, and better understand ourselves, especially during life's toughest moments. Whether you're grieving, planning for the future, or seeking personal growth, our carefully curated list of books offers insights, compassion, and support to guide you on your journey.

Each month, we’ll feature a book that aligns with our mission to support families through end-of-life planning, grief, and emotional well-being. Our book club offers a safe space for reflection, discussion, and shared experiences. We invite you to join us as we explore these meaningful titles and grow together.

How It Works:

Every month, we’ll introduce a new book that aligns with themes of grief, healing, self-reflection, and life’s transitions.
After reading, join us for discussions and reflections on the book’s themes, insights, and personal connections.
Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with others who are navigating similar life experiences.
Not ready to discuss in a group setting? No worries! You’re welcome to follow along with our book club reading list at your own pace. Joining the discussions is completely optional—feel free to read and reflect in your own time.

We’d love for you to be a part of this journey with us. Join the book club today, and let’s read, reflect, and heal together!

2025 Book Club List

January: "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion
A raw and moving memoir about the sudden death of Didion's husband and her experience with grief. This book provides a deep and introspective look into the emotional challenges and complexities of loss.

February: "On Death and Dying" by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
A groundbreaking work in the field of psychology, this book introduces the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It’s essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the grieving process.

March: "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi
Written by a neurosurgeon facing terminal cancer, this memoir offers insights into life, death, and the search for meaning during one of life’s most difficult challenges.

April: "Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
This book explores the intersection of medicine, aging, and the end of life. It challenges our understanding of how we approach death, care for the elderly, and create meaningful end-of-life experiences.

May: "The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life" by Katy Butler
A compassionate guide that discusses how we can approach the end of life with intention, grace, and clarity, focusing on both emotional and practical aspects of planning.

June: "The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully" by Frank Ostaseski
Through five life lessons drawn from his experiences as a hospice worker, Ostaseski offers reflections on how facing death can help us live a fuller, more intentional life.

July: "The Grief Recovery Handbook" by John W. James and Russell Friedman
A practical and actionable guide for those experiencing grief, this book provides tools and strategies for navigating loss and beginning the recovery process.

August: "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom
A heartwarming and poignant book about the lessons learned from a dying professor, exploring themes of life, love, and the inevitability of death.

September: "The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying" by Nina Riggs
A deeply moving and eloquent memoir about Riggs' experience with terminal breast cancer. It dives into themes of mortality and the human experience but from a modern, personal perspective. The writing is tender, raw, and incredibly relatable, especially for those navigating their own experiences with loss or illness.

October: "Grief Works: Stories of Life and Beyond" by Julia Samuel
Julia Samuel is a psychotherapist who has worked extensively with those experiencing grief. In this book, she shares deeply moving stories from her patients alongside expert insights into how we process loss.

November: "The Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo
While seemingly unrelated to death, Kondo’s approach to decluttering and letting go offers therapeutic benefits for those navigating loss, helping to create clarity and peace in a time of emotional upheaval.

December: "A Grief Observed" by C.S. Lewis
Lewis’s deeply personal reflections on the death of his wife, this book captures the rawness of grief and offers valuable insight into the emotional journey of loss.

Become part of our inclusive book club.

Discover a variety of books and connect with others in a friendly, supportive space that encourages personal growth and meaningful conversations.

PHL Book Club

2025 Book Club List

January: "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan DidionA raw and moving memoir about the sudden death of Didion's husband and her experience with grief. This book provides a deep and introspective look into the emotional challenges and complexities of loss.

February: "On Death and Dying" by Elisabeth Kübler-RossA groundbreaking work in the field of psychology, this book introduces the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It’s essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the grieving process.

March: "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul KalanithiWritten by a neurosurgeon facing terminal cancer, this memoir offers insights into life, death, and the search for meaning during one of life’s most difficult challenges.

May: "The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life" by Katy ButlerA compassionate guide that discusses how we can approach the end of life with intention, grace, and clarity, focusing on both emotional and practical aspects of planning.

June: "The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully" by Frank OstaseskiThrough five life lessons drawn from his experiences as a hospice worker, Ostaseski offers reflections on how facing death can help us live a fuller, more intentional life.

July: "The Grief Recovery Handbook" by John W. James and Russell FriedmanA practical and actionable guide for those experiencing grief, this book provides tools and strategies for navigating loss and beginning the recovery process.

August: "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch AlbomA heartwarming and poignant book about the lessons learned from a dying professor, exploring themes of life, love, and the inevitability of death.

October: "Grief Works: Stories of Life and Beyond" by Julia SamuelJulia Samuel is a psychotherapist who has worked extensively with those experiencing grief. In this book, she shares deeply moving stories from her patients alongside expert insights into how we process loss.

November: "The Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie KondoWhile seemingly unrelated to death, Kondo’s approach to decluttering and letting go offers therapeutic benefits for those navigating loss, helping to create clarity and peace in a time of emotional upheaval.

December: "A Grief Observed" by C.S. LewisLewis’s deeply personal reflections on the death of his wife, this book captures the rawness of grief and offers valuable insight into the emotional journey of loss.

Join Us