Writing a Book About Death: What People Really Think About Dying 2026

Writing a book about death revealed surprising truths about what people really think about dying. In a recent article, author Suzy Hopkins shares how her graphic novel, What to Do When I'm Gone: A Mother's Wisdom to Her Daughter, co-created with her daughter Hallie Bateman, opened up conversations about mortality that many people are hungry to have. The book, published in 2018, is a lighthearted, emotional, and highly illustrated guide to moving forward after the loss of a parent—or anyone you love.

The project began when Hallie, then in her early 20s, experienced existential anxiety and begged her mother to write down life advice. Hopkins put it off for years until Hallie cornered her with a laptop on vacation. What emerged was a manuscript filled with notes on grief, loss, and life, plus a few recipes—not because Hopkins is a great cook, but because food is integral to family heritage. Hallie spent a year painting the warmly emotional gouache illustrations.

Why a Book About Death Resonates with Readers

Since its release, Hopkins and Bateman have learned that readers of all ages have a deep hunger to know more about their parents' backgrounds, beliefs, and values, including around grief and loss. They want to talk about all of it. The book, though marketed for mothers and daughters, holds Hopkins' advice to all three of her children on moving forward after she dies.

This hunger isn't surprising. Death remains a taboo topic in many cultures, yet everyone will face it. The book's success shows that people are seeking permission to discuss mortality openly and honestly. It offers a template for families to share wisdom across generations, turning a difficult subject into a bonding experience.

What People Really Think About Dying

Hopkins' experience reveals that people are not as afraid to talk about death as we might assume. Instead, they crave connection and practical guidance. They want to know how to cope with grief, how to live fully while grieving, and how to prepare for the inevitable. The book's blend of humor, emotion, and practical advice strikes a chord because it treats death not as a distant horror but as a part of life to be approached with love and preparation.

Readers of all ages, not just mothers and daughters, have responded. They want to know more about their parents' backgrounds, beliefs, and values. They want to talk about grief and loss. This suggests that the silence around death is often imposed by social norms rather than personal reluctance.

Key Takeaways from the Book's Journey

• Start the conversation early: Hallie's anxiety prompted the project, showing that younger generations often initiate these talks.
• Use creative formats: A graphic novel with illustrations made the topic accessible and emotionally resonant.
• Include practical elements: Recipes and life advice ground the book in everyday family heritage.
• Address all family members: Though marketed for mothers and daughters, the advice applies to all children.
• Embrace lightness and emotion: A lighthearted tone can make difficult conversations easier.

How the Book Compares to Traditional Grief Guides

Unlike clinical grief manuals, What to Do When I'm Gone offers a personal, illustrated narrative. It doesn't just tell you how to grieve; it shows one family's way of coping. The table below contrasts its approach with typical grief resources.

The Broader Impact: Opening Conversations About Mortality

Hopkins' book has sparked a wider dialogue. In a world where death is often hidden away, this mother-daughter duo has shown that sharing personal stories can break down barriers. The book's success indicates that people are ready to engage with mortality, not avoid it. They want to talk about their parents' values and beliefs, and they want to know how to move forward after loss.

This shift matters because avoiding death can lead to unresolved grief and missed opportunities for connection. By facing mortality together, families can strengthen bonds and ensure that wisdom is passed down. The book's lighthearted approach doesn't diminish the pain of loss; it makes the conversation more approachable.

What to Watch Next

As the conversation around death and grief continues to evolve, expect more creative works that blend art, storytelling, and practical advice. Hopkins and Bateman's example shows that you don't need to be a professional writer to create something meaningful; you just need to be willing to share your truth. The growing demand for honest discussions about dying suggests that publishers and creators will increasingly cater to this hunger.

For those looking to explore wellness myths and evidence-based health information, Make Me Well by Xand van Tulleken: A Wellness Myths Exposé offers a critical look at popular health claims. It's a valuable resource for anyone navigating the complex world of wellness advice.

When considering how to approach end-of-life conversations, take inspiration from Hopkins' willingness to be vulnerable. Her book demonstrates that sharing your values and beliefs can be a gift to your loved ones, helping them navigate grief with a sense of connection and purpose. The background to this story is set out in Losing a Parent: Shared Memories and Grief Support. A related thread runs through Coping With Grief After Losing a Parent: Essential Advice.

The success of What to Do When I'm Gone also highlights the importance of addressing grief in a holistic way. By including recipes and everyday wisdom, Hopkins shows that grief isn't separate from life; it's intertwined with memories of shared meals, family traditions, and daily routines. This approach aligns with broader wellness trends that emphasize emotional and social well-being, as discussed in resources like this exposé on wellness myths. Earlier coverage in Voluntary Assisted Dying Navigators in Victoria: A Guide shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Assisted Dying Bill Defeated in England and Wales Vote.

Ultimately, the book's message is clear: talking about death doesn't have to be morbid. It can be a celebration of life and a way to ensure that your loved ones are prepared for the future. As more people embrace this perspective, we may see a cultural shift toward more open and honest discussions about mortality. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigators in Victoria: A Guide. The same theme surfaces in Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigators Guide Victorians, which takes a different angle.