Books


To Die Well (2nd Edition 2008) ISBN 978-0-7382-1163-3

     This book is listed first because it is probably the best book to start with. It is comprehensive, practical, and current. You can buy it at your local bookstore, or online at this website: www.todiewell.com


The Best Way to Say Goodbye (2006) ISBN 978-1-933418-03-2

     The "way" in question is VSED, or Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking. Not everyone considers it the best way to hasten death, but it does have some advantages. For example, family members who would object to your using a faster method may accept this method because it is gradual, allowing you to change your mind.
     If you live in an institution of some kind, rather than in your own home, VSED is probably the only method that is feasible for you.
     The author tested the method on himself for four days. He found thirst to be more of a problem than hunger, but he also found numerous over-the-counter products which gave him relief; he lists these products on page 103 and provides photos of their packages on page 104. (see also pages 92, 105-111, 114 and 300).
     Many more care suggestions, often involving prescription drugs, are given in the book. Quite a few of them are contained in an excerpt called "Pragmatics" which is on the author's website and can be read via this URL: http://www.thebestgoodbye.com/pragmatics.php
     If you cannot get this book through a bookstore, you can order it online at this address:
http://www.lifetransitionspublications.com/best.php?buy=1


A Hastened Death by Self-Denial of Food and Drink (2008) ISBN 978-90-9023678-0

     Although it covers the same method as the book listed above, this compact volume has many additional warnings and tips. It can be ordered from Hemlock of San Diego (c/o Faye Girsh, #108 - 7811 Eads Ave., La Jolla CA, USA, 92037). Enclose a money order for $15 US.


Final Exit (3rd Edition 2002) ISBN 0-385-33653-5

     The classic text. Regarding methods, it is not as detailed as the newer books, but its scope is broad – topics include hospice, life insurance, "Who Shall Know?", and the idea of making your suicide look like a natural death. It performs a very useful service by debunking popular myths and pointing out the drawbacks of methods which a reader may be considering.
     Final Exit is such an "old standby" that public libraries often have it (but make sure you are getting the 2002 edition, not an earlier one). Bookstores too are likely to have it, and they will not have out-of-date versions.
     Ordering online is best, however. An updating "Addendum" and a video are available along with the book itself. The address is:
     http://www.finalexit.org/ergo-store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=180


Guide to a Humane Self-Chosen Death (2006)

     This book discusses five kinds of drug which can produce a humane death. All are prescription drugs (in Canada at least) and most would only be prescribed in special circumstances, but some people might manage to acquire a sufficient quantity, perhaps from an online pharmacy.
     The Guide also explains a method which involves a plastic bag and a source of helium (such as the small low-pressure tanks used for inflating balloons).
     Finally, for the sake of people who are doctors or "have a doctor in the family", there is a detailed description of the injection method which is used for euthanasia in the Netherlands.
     The English version of the Guide is now out of print but a master copy has been kept and selective photocopying can be done at 10 cents per page plus postage. If you know you can get one of the useful drugs (e.g. chloroquine, or tricyclic antidepressants) you may wish to order the pages about that drug. Send an inquiry to Right to Die Society of Canada (click "Contact Us" on the homepage).


Five Last Acts (2007, with a 2009 Supplement)

     The five last acts involve (1) helium, (2) compression (of the carotid arteries), (3) drugs (mainly chloroquine), (4) plastic bags (with drugs that are not fatal unless backed up by a bag), and (5) "zero intake" (no food or drink). The book serves as a text for the self-deliverance workshops which are conducted regularly in the UK by the Scotland-based group Exit (not to be confused with the Australia-based group Exit International).
     The book plus the supplement can be ordered for 15 pounds sterling from Exit, 17 Hart St., Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 3RN. Mark your envelope "5 Acts". Your credit-card details should include not only the card number and the expiry date but also the last three digits of the number on the back of the card near your signature. In addition, you must submit proof that you are over 21.


Peaceful Pill Handbook (Revised Edition 2008)

     The Handbook does not explain how to make a suicide pill – the author uses the phrase "peaceful pill" as a shorthand term for "self-deliverance techniques which are tolerably comfortable and reliable".
     However, there is very helpful information about buying liquid pentobarbital ("Nembutal") at veterinary pharmacies in such places as Central America and the Far East, something which may continue to be possible for a few years at least.
     There is also a useful section called "After It's All Over", giving important facts and warnings about what should (and should not) be done by surviving friends and relatives.

     The print edition of the book can be ordered online at this address:

http://peacefulpillhandbook.com/page/Buy+Print+Edition?

     A regularly-updated digital version of the Handbook also exists. Being electronic, it can include explanatory videos, and it does. Order at this address:

http://peacefulpillhandbook.com/page/Buy+Digital+Edition?