The Undertaking – Life Studies From the Dismal Trade  by Thomas Lynch

      A book about life as an undertaker would not be a first choice for a dark winter’s read.  It was, however, recommended by someone I trusted, so gave it a shot.  (Not a good comment, since death by gunshot is one of the things undertakers must deal with.)
It is hard to tell what the primary value is in this book.  One hears, of course, some of the inside aspects of the trade (again, not a good description).  It's a family thing, taken as much for granted as a family trade in ministry, plumbing, architecture, or anything else.

Clergy would benefit from reading this book, especially those early into their careers.  There are ambiguities about death, bodies, funerals and theology.  Hearing of it from the “undertaking” side is helpful.

I should say that it's all done with great humor and in poetic style.  Did I mention that the author is both professional undertaker and poet?  I should add that he is also a philosopher and pragmatic theologian.

As I think more about it, I would say that his philosophy about death and life is the heart of his book.  For instance:

 “I am sorry to be repeating myself, but this is the central fact of my business—that there is nothing, once you are dead, that can be done to you or for you or about you that will do any good or any harm; that any damage or decency we do accrues to the living, to whom your death happens, if it really happens to anyone.  The living have to live with it.  You don't.”    (p. 7)