Briefly Perfectly Human

Briefly Perfectly Human is a deeply transformative memoir that reframes how we think about death, from death doula Alua Arthur.

The New York Times Bestseller

'Joyful, hilarious, effervescent, brilliant and deeply wise' — Glennon Doyle, on Alua Arthur

Thinking deeply about your death—whether it's imminent or not—will breathe wild new potential into your life.

Warm, generous and funny, Alua Arthur is a death doula supporting people at the end of the world. What emerges in these tender moments is the unfinished business of life, when enduring regrets, secret loves and simple pleasures are uttered aloud, in resignation or delight.

Weaving together these vivid experiences along with her own personal life path full of wonder, Briefly Perfectly Human is a soul-gathering memoir. Alua's intimate storytelling, compassion and wisdom are a beacon of comfort to us all as well as a tour de force appeal to cherish every part of who we are, including our own mortality.

'Hold that truth in your mind,' Alua says, 'and wondrous things will begin to grow around it.'