Life and Other Near-Death Experiences Book Summary - Life and Other Near-Death Experiences Book explained in key points

Life and Other Near-Death Experiences summary

Camille Pagán

Brief summary

Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagán is a poignant novel that follows the journey of a woman who, after being diagnosed with cancer and her husband's infidelity, sets out to rediscover what truly matters in life.

Give Feedback
Topics
Table of Contents

    Life and Other Near-Death Experiences
    Summary of key ideas

    Coming to Terms with Life's Imperfections

    In Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagán, we meet Libby Miller, a woman who has just been hit with a double whammy in her life. First, she learns that her husband is leaving her after a decade of marriage, and then she is diagnosed with a life-threatening form of cancer. Libby's initial reaction to these events is to plan her death. She decides to leave her husband and travel to Puerto Rico, where she can live out her final months in peace.

    Once in Puerto Rico, Libby meets Shiloh, a man who is the complete opposite of her. He lives life carelessly and without a plan, and he encourages Libby to do the same. At first, Libby resists, but as she spends more time with Shiloh, she begins to loosen up. She even starts to enjoy her life, despite the looming threat of cancer.

    Embracing Life, Despite the Challenges

    As Libby starts to embrace life, she begins to question her initial reaction to her diagnosis. She realizes that she was so focused on planning her death that she forgot to live. Libby decides to fight her cancer, and she returns to the United States to undergo treatment. However, her relationship with her husband has changed, and she is forced to come to terms with the fact that their marriage is over.

    Libby's journey through her cancer treatment is filled with ups and downs. She loses her hair, feels sick all the time, and has to deal with the emotional toll of the disease. However, she also experiences moments of joy and love, especially when she reconnects with her estranged brother and his family. These experiences make Libby realize that life is more than just the sum of its parts, and that she doesn't have to be perfect to be happy.

    Learning to Live in the Present

    As Libby's cancer goes into remission, she continues to live her life with newfound appreciation and joy. She returns to Puerto Rico to be with Shiloh, and they start a life together. Libby also starts a support group for cancer patients, using her own experiences to help others in their journey.

    Through Libby's story, Life and Other Near-Death Experiences reminds us that life is unpredictable and messy, and that's okay. Sometimes, the best moments come out of the worst situations, and it's important to live in the present, rather than worrying about the future. Libby's journey teaches us to embrace life's imperfections and to find joy in the little things, no matter what challenges we face.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Life and Other Near-Death Experiences about?

    Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagán is a captivating novel that follows the journey of Libby Miller, a woman who discovers her husband's infidelity and her own life-threatening illness in the same week. Faced with these shocking revelations, Libby decides to leave everything behind and embark on a spontaneous trip to Puerto Rico. Through humor and heartache, the book explores the complexities of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.

    Life and Other Near-Death Experiences Review

    Life and Other Near-Death Experiences (2015) follows Libby, a woman facing simultaneous life challenges who discovers unexpected truths about herself. Here’s why this book stands out:
    • Through humor and empathy, the book tackles serious topics like love, loss, and self-discovery, making it deeply relatable and emotionally resonant.
    • It explores unconventional ways individuals cope with crisis and find resilience, offering a fresh perspective on personal growth and healing.
    • With its unexpected plot twists and poignant moments, the book deftly balances heartache and hope, ensuring that readers stay engaged and invested until the very end.

    Who should read Life and Other Near-Death Experiences?

    • Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and emotionally engaging stories

    • Those looking for a novel that explores themes of love, loss, and resilience

    • People who appreciate well-developed and relatable characters

    About the Author

    Camille Pagán is a bestselling author known for her captivating storytelling and relatable characters. With a background in journalism and a passion for writing, Pagán has crafted several highly acclaimed novels, including 'Life and Other Near-Death Experiences'. Her work often explores themes of resilience, love, and the complexities of human relationships. Pagán's books have resonated with readers around the world, earning her a dedicated following and a reputation as a masterful contemporary fiction writer.

    Categories with Life and Other Near-Death Experiences

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    36 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Get started

    Life and Other Near-Death Experiences FAQs 

    What is the main message of Life and Other Near-Death Experiences?

    Embracing life's uncertainties with courage and openness.

    How long does it take to read Life and Other Near-Death Experiences?

    Reading time varies. The Blinkist summary can be finished quickly.

    Is Life and Other Near-Death Experiences a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Life and Other Near-Death Experiences is a compelling read that offers insights on resilience and hope.

    Who is the author of Life and Other Near-Death Experiences?

    Camille Pagán is the author of Life and Other Near-Death Experiences.

    What to read after Life and Other Near-Death Experiences?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Life and Other Near-Death Experiences, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
    • Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
    • Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
    • The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
    • Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
    • Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
    • Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
    • Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
    • Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
    • The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright