A New Book, Two Covers, and 142 Movies and TV Shows That Get People Talking About Death
I’m happy to officially share some news that has been a long time coming and has involved a truly unreasonable number of movies.
My new book, 98.6 Mortality Movies to See Before You Die, is now available for pre-sale, and yes, readers get to choose their cover. Because life is short and choices should be fun.
👉 Pre-sale link:
https://agoodgoodbye.com/product/pre-sale-98-6-mortality-movies-to-see-before-you-die/
The official release date is April 16, 2026, which just happens to be National Healthcare Decisions Day. It also happens to fall right after Tax Day. Death and taxes. I could not resist.
What Is 98.6 Mortality Movies to See Before You Die?
This book grew out of my love of movies and my not-so-secret mission to get people talking about death before there’s a crisis.
The title is a wink to 98.6 degrees, normal human body temperature, and a reminder that mortality is part of everyday life. It’s not just something that shows up in emergencies or whispered conversations.
Inside the book are 142 films and television programs that explore mortality from every imaginable angle. Drama, comedy, animation, sci-fi, documentaries, international films, you name it. Each entry includes key mortality themes and six discussion prompts, making it easy to turn a movie night into a meaningful conversation.
No lecture required. No personal loss required. Just stories.
Why Movies?
I often say movies are empathy machines. When people are absorbed in a story, they lower their defenses. That’s when the best conversations happen.
Films let us explore dying, grief, funerals, legacy, regret, and love in a way that feels safe and human. You can sit in the dark with popcorn and still come out thinking deeply about how you want to live and how you want to be remembered.
That’s why I created Mortality Movie Nights, and that’s why this book exists. It gives people permission to talk about the things we all share, without fear or awkwardness.
A Powerful Tool for Funeral Homes and Community Spaces
One of the most exciting uses of this book is in funeral homes and community organizations that want to engage people before a death occurs.
Hosting movie nights based on the films in this book is a low-pressure, welcoming way to invite the public into a space that many people avoid until they absolutely have to be there. Movie nights transform funeral homes from places of last resort into places of conversation, connection, and education.
It’s outreach without awkward sales pitches.
Education without grief as the entry fee.
Relationship-building long before services are needed.
Also, popcorn and chocolate help.
Yes, You Get to Choose the Cover
Because this book is about movies, meaning, and accessibility, I wanted the covers to reflect that spirit. Pre-sale purchasers can choose between:
A classic movie marquee cover, celebrating film as a powerful storytelling and teaching tool
A Grim Reaper eating popcorn, because even death enjoys a good movie
Both covers send the same message. Talking about death does not have to be scary. It can be thoughtful, meaningful, and even a little fun.
Who This Book Is For
This book is for:
Funeral professionals and deathcare organizations
Healthcare, hospice, and end-of-life educators
Death doulas, book clubs, and discussion groups
Film lovers who notice how often death shows up on screen
Anyone curious about mortality who prefers conversation over avoidance
In other words, it’s for people who are alive and planning to stay that way for a while.
Availability
98.6 Mortality Movies to See Before You Die is available now for pre-sale ($25 including shipping) at:
https://agoodgoodbye.com/product/pre-sale-98-6-mortality-movies-to-see-before-you-die/
Official release date: April 16, 2026
Publisher: Light Tree Press
Formats: Print, with your choice of cover
If this book helps even a few people talk about death before they have to, then every one of those 142 movies will have been worth it.
Subscribe to Mortality Movies with The Doyenne of Death on Substack! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with the Grim Reaper and a bowl of popcorn. 🍿💀