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.

September

A surprisingly uplifting book club for the morbidly curious, led by death doula Megan, in partnership with The Bookshop and Alive.

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!

You don't have to finish the book to show up. You just have to be a little curious. 🖤

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 · 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 · 1:30 pm
The Dapper Owl - Murfreesboro

2412 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN

Join us at The Dapper Owl, a cozy coffee shop that's kindly agreed to host our morbidly curious crew. Led by Ali & Tonya.

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.”

October

A surprisingly uplifting book club for the morbidly curious, led by death doula Megan, in partnership with The Bookshop and Alive.

This month is Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves // Just purchase the book in-store or online from The Bookshop to sign up!

You don't have to finish the book to show up. You just have to be a little curious. 🖤

Thursday, October 8 · 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, October 15 · 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, October 24 · 1:30 pm
The Dapper Owl - Murfreesboro

2412 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN

To purchase the book for Murfreesboro, Alive offers an option to buy it directly from them if you don’t want to make the trip to East Nashville. Email: institute@alivehospice.org to pay by card/cash/check and schedule your pickup at Alive Hospice Murfreesboro.

Join us at The Dapper Owl, a cozy coffee shop that's kindly agreed to host our morbidly curious crew. Led by Ali & Tonya.

Save the Date

East Nashville

Wednesday November 11

Wednesday, December 9

Goodlettsville

Thursday, November 19

Thursday, December 17

Murfreesboro

Saturday, November 28

No meeting in December

Saturday, January 22

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.

The Bookshop on Libro.fm


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