The Last Chapter Book Club
Because death deserves good company (and snacks).
At Until Death Doulas, we believe conversations about death should feel human, not heavy. Our events are designed to bring people together around a table, a book, or a shared curiosity to explore what it means to live and die well.
In The Last Chapter Book Club, we read and discuss books that help us explore grief, mortality, and what it means to live fully. Expect open conversation, cozy vibes, and zero pressure to have all the answers.
August
A surprisingly uplifting book club for the morbidly curious, led by death doula Megan
This month is BIG FISH by Daniel Wallace
Just purchase the book in-store or online from The Bookshop to sign up!
In partnership with The Bookshop and Alive.
You don't have to finish the book to show up. You just have to be a little curious. 🖤
Thursday, August 13 at The Bookshop
Thursday, August 13 · 6:00 pm
The Bookshop - East Nashville
Join us in the clubhouse room above The Bookshop.
1043 W Eastland Avenue, Nashville, TN
Shop before we talk: The Bookshop will be open for shopping before the discussion starts (they close at 7:00 pm — though let's be honest, we'll probably still be talking after close).
Bonus: Book club participants get 10% off purchases that day. Perfect time to grab next month's pick!
Thursday, July 20 at Choice Cremation
Thursday, August 20 · 6:00 pm
Choice Cremation - Goodlettsville
Join us at the lovely offices of our friends, Tammy & Jeff, at Choice Cremation.
907 Rivergate Pkwy Ste A8, Goodlettsville, TN
Bring your own snack and beverage!
Saturday, August 29 at The Dapper Owl
Saturday, August 29 · 1:30 pm
The Dapper Owl - Murfreesboro (our newest nest!)
We're expanding south! Join us at The Dapper Owl, a cozy coffee shop that's kindly agreed to host our morbidly curious crew.
2412 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN
Big Fish by Daniel Wallace
“The classic novel that inspired the beloved Tim Burton film and the Broadway musical.
In his prime, Edward Bloom was an extraordinary man. He could outrun anybody. He never missed a day of school. He saved lives and tamed giants. Animals loved him, people loved him, women loved him. He knew more jokes than any man alive. At least that’s what he told his son, William. But now Edward Bloom is dying, and William wants desperately to know the truth about his elusive father—this indefatigable teller of tall tales—before it’s too late. So, using the few facts he knows, William re-creates Edward’s life in a series of legends and myths, through which he begins to understand his father’s great feats, and his great failings. The result is hilarious and wrenching, tender and outrageous.”
September
A surprisingly uplifting book club for the morbidly curious, led by death doula Megan
This month is Never Can Say Goodbye by Darnell Lamont Walker
Just purchase the book in-store or online from The Bookshop to sign up!
In partnership with The Bookshop and Alive.
You don't have to finish the book to show up. You just have to be a little curious. 🖤
Thursday, September 10 at The Bookshop
Thursday, September 10 · 6:00 pm
The Bookshop - East Nashville
1043 W Eastland Avenue, Nashville, TN
Join us in the clubhouse room above The Bookshop. Led by Megan
Shop before we talk: The Bookshop will be open for shopping before the discussion starts (they close at 7:00 pm - though let's be honest, we'll probably still be talking after close).
Bonus: Book club participants get 10% off purchases that day. Perfect time to grab next month's pick!
Thursday, September 17 at Choice Cremation
Thursday, September 17 · 6:00 pm
Choice Cremation - Goodlettsville
907 Rivergate Pkwy Ste A8, Goodlettsville, TN
Join us at the lovely offices of our friends, Tammy & Jeff, at Choice Cremation. Led by Tammy & Jeff.
Bring your own snack and beverage!
Saturday, September 26 at The Dapper Owl
Saturday, September 26 · 1:30 pm
The Dapper Owl - Murfreesboro
2412 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN
We're expanding south! Join us at The Dapper Owl, a cozy coffee shop that's kindly agreed to host our morbidly curious crew. Led by Ali.
Never Can Say Goodbye by Darnell Lamont Walker
“Compelling narrative that illuminates the role of a death doula and the often-unseen ways people show up for one another at the end of life.
Across cultures and communities, death is frequently surrounded by silence and uncertainty. Many of us are taught to avoid conversations about loss, grief, and dying, even as we find ourselves quietly doing this work for loved ones, sitting at bedsides, holding hands, listening to final stories, and loving people through their last moments. Never Can Say Goodbye invites readers to recognize this shared human experience and to see themselves in the sacred act of holding space.
In his debut book Never Can Say Goodbye, death doula, Darnell Lamont Walker:
Delves into the reasons behind the silence surrounding death, especially within the Black community.
Narrates his personal experiences of holding space for individuals at the end of their lives.
Guides and comforts those navigating grief, who silently mourn.
Walker shares personal stories from his role as a compassionate guide navigating the delicate space between life and death. These narratives unfold as intimate accounts of individuals, each seeking solace, closure, and the opportunity to share the stories that define them.
This book is for anyone wanting to:
Witness the healing that unfolds when someone is afforded the chance to articulate their life's journey.
Find closure in their own narrative.
Face the inevitable with a newfound sense of peace.
Never Can Say Goodbye captures the essence of these profoundly human moments while exploring the connection between the grieving and their doula, revealing the transformative power of storytelling in the face of mortality. Walker helps you process feelings and emotions from past losses and instills wisdom on how you can hold space and provide your loved ones with the closure they deserve.”
Book Club FAQs
Do I need to finish the book to come to the meeting?
No, you do not need to finish the book. We all get busy. Sometimes the topic is heavy, and it’s ok to take a break. If you purchased the book, you are always welcome to attend the gathering to participate in the conversation or just listen.
What if I already own the book?
If you already own or have already read the book club selection for the month, purchase another book of your choice from The Bookshop and let them know, “I would like to join The Last Chapter Book Club. (Note which location) I already own the selection for this month”
Can I purchase the audiobook?
Yes, you can purchase the audiobook instead. Purchase the audiobook on libro.fm from The Bookshop.
Is there a Virtual Book Club Option?
No, there is not a virtual option to join The Last Chapter Book Club at this time. If you are interested in a virtual meeting, please let me know. I would love to hear from you.
Email: contact@untildeathdoulas.com
What if I don’t live in East Nashville?
How do I pick up a book in Murfreesboro?
There are currently meetings each month in East Nashville, Goodlettsville, and Murfreesboro
The Bookshop offers in-store shopping, in-store pickup, and shipping options.
To purchase the book for Murfreesboro, Alive offers an option to purchase through them. Discounted books are available for purchase and pickup through Alive. Use the QR code to pay by credit card or email: institute@alivehospice.org to pay by cash/check and schedule your pickup at Alive Hospice Murfreesboro.
How often does the book club meet?
The group meets once a month.
Nashville meets on the second Thursday of each month
Goodlettsville meets on the third Thursday of each month
Past Books