by Gail Rubin, CT 126 pp; 5 x 7 paperback (125 illustrations)
ISBN 978-1-943681-15-0 $15.95
Kicking the Bucket List: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die
Rubin (A Good Goodbye), a certified thanatologist, takes a not-so-grim look at how to reap life’s benefits while preparing for death. Rubin’s common-sense approach is broken down into 100 succinct steps that cover a wide range of activities, from general decluttering and mental preparations to more specific tasks involving legal documents and choices to make closer to death. Rubin’s approach is holistic, considering the practical need to organize one’s affairs to decrease the stress for surviving family and the emotional need to simplify and enjoy life. Her tone is encouraging, comforting, and even humorous as she systematically navigates through the vast preparation process while providing a plethora of ideas to inspire action without overwhelming. Rubin’s steps take into account diverse personalities and spiritual beliefs, and also include charitable and environmentally responsible ways of donating property—including one’s body. This invaluable book is an easy-to-read, enlightening reality check and an insightful and sensitive reminder to preplan today, so you and your loved ones can enjoy the rest of your life. (BookLife)
Reviewed on: 04/03/2017 — PW DAILY
Kicking the Bucket List
Do you plan to live forever? Good for you!
Do you ever plan to move? Depending on where you’re going, you can’t take it with you.
Kicking the Bucket List: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die is your guide to a clean house and a clear mind. Death educator Gail Rubin brings a light touch to cleaning out those dark recesses of your drawers and closets. In these pages, you’ll learn how to:
• Tackle downsizing without being overwhelmed by the job
• Evaluate what to keep, toss, donate and recycle
• Creatively remove excess goods from your home
• Manage your finances for today and tomorrow
• Organize your funeral and create your legacy
If you need guidance to downsize and organize, this book is for you. Each Bucket List item includes links to helpful online articles that expand on each point.
Just as talking about sex won’t make you pregnant, talking about funerals and end-of-life issues won’t make you dead. Start your Kicking the Bucket List today!
“The connection between downsizing and death acceptance has never been more obvious. Clear your mind and conscience by sucking it up and doing the things Gail suggests.” — Caitlin Doughty, author of the New York Times bestseller, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and Other Lessons from the Crematory
REVIEWS
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEWS (November 2016): "Synopsis: In the pages of "Kicking the Bucket List: 100 Downsizing & Organizing Things to Do Before You Die", death educator Gail Rubin brings a light touch to her readers on how to organize and prepare for end-of-life issues. "Kicking the Bucket List" covers tackling downsizing without being overwhelmed by the job; evaluating what to keep, toss, donate and recycle; creatively removing excess goods from the home; manage finances for today and tomorrow; organizing for a funeral and creating a legacy. "Kicking the Bucket List" is especially appropriate for members of the Baby Boom generation who are now facing their parents estates and their own downsizing.
Critique: "Kicking the Bucket List: 100 Downsizing & Organizing Things to Do Before You Die" is packed from cover to cover with practical, useful information. Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Kicking the Bucket List" will prove an extraordinarily valued and appreciated addition to community library collections. For personal reading lists that "Kicking the Bucket List" is also available in a Kindle format ($7.99). It should be noted that "Kicking the Bucket List" is the eighth title in the Bucket List series, and supports the work of the nonprofit National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the National Hospice Foundation. A Certified Thanatologist, Gail Rubin also writes The Family Plot Blog at www.AGoodGoodbye.com."
BOOK SIGNINGS
Sunday, October 30, 2016, 3-5pm —Bookworks, 4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque
Monday, November 7, 2016, 10:30am-12 noon — OASIS, 3301 Menaul Blvd NE, Ste 18, Albuquerque
Saturday, December 10, 2016, 1-3pm — Treasure House Book, 2012 South Plaza NW, Old Town Albuquerque