. . . Haverlack has both protected and exposed his writing partners from the hospice. He has protected them in the sense he genuinely and tenderly handles their accounts, stories, and inner wishes. He has exposed them in the compelling way he hunts for and targets their “essence” and in the revelations of how these partners have ultimately altered his own life. The structure of the book is also fascinating – a mixture of the author telling the stories of his writing partners from hospice while simultaneously interweaving his own journey with the subjects of life, death, examination, and reverence. . .
. . . Having had experience with hospice and nursing homes, I now know the overwhelming problems he faced before my own encounter with each. [Richard’s] selflessness and continued enthusiasm in writing this book is to be noted. He has given families a legacy for all time. Good Samaritan Hospice benefits from his generosity and generations to come will have concrete knowledge of their family members. . .
. . . I learned lot more about hospice. I substantially increased my already strong belief that everyone should know about hospice and have the opportunity to access it for themselves or their loved one… I liked the way [Richard] set up the flow of the book. The story of his Uncle’s struggle was the heart of the book… I also like his choice of phrase – “writing partners.” It was so much better than just referring to them as hospice patients. . .
. . . This memoir writing is a special ministry to not only the families of those sharing their tales but also those families with members reaching the end of life. We concur with the contrast between the hospital and hospice mode of operation. . . Our culture need to embrace that death is natural and should be comfortable , calm and respectful. Thank you, Richard for writing these stories and sharing your own. . .
. . . What an experience for [Richard] to be able to gather all the life stories and author a book centered on those memoirs. He’s a very compassionate person… I limited my reading to one chapter per day. It was definitely what I looked forward to at the end of each day. . .
. . . Fantastic book; terrific writing. The stories told at life’s end were inspiring. Mr. Haverlack’s story of his uncle Frank was most enlightening; his exhortation to be prepared for the end of life well before one reaches that stage should be a wake-up call for all. . .
. . . Paths of Heart has emerged as perhaps the best message-based memoir I’ve ever read. Richard Haverlack has spent years writing memoirs for people he calls writing partners who are under Hospice care. Now he has followed the advice of an early mentor that he write his own story at some point. The resulting volume has the stated intention of informing readers about the value of Hospice services in general so we are prepared to make informed decisions at appropriate times for ourselves or loved one. He has fulfilled that goal and then some, and gives a wealth of information about possible pitfalls in the system before it’s time for Hospice. . .
. . . Richard Haverlack has done us a service in capturing the stories of people in hospice. Their memories help to shape their legacy. Equally interesting is Richard’s own experience of caring for his aging uncle, interspersed throughout the book. As my husband and I approach our elder years, this information, told with compassion, was a comfort to read and ponder. . .
. . . The writer’s journey as he learns to listen to and write about the lives lived by others nearing their end is as interesting as the stories themselves. Although I am very familiar with Hospice and all the wonderful things they do, the writer provides some valuable information to those who might not be as familiar. Interesting and Enjoyable! . . .