“Wit and wisdom are the accompanying guides in Hollis Giammatteo's well-written and fully engaging memoir about aging and death. Richly spiritual yet solidly grounded, the author guides us through her quirky and humorous vignettes of self-discovery. As we travel together we find ourselves maturing along with the author into these perennial truths. This book is highly recommended for anyone seeking deeper understanding of our basic human condition.”
—Rodney Smith, Buddhist teacher and author of Lessons from the Dying and Awakening: A Paradigm Shift of the Heart

“Hollis Giammetteo has assembled a multi-dimensional memoir about aging that encompasses her professional work with the elderly, her Buddhist spiritual practice, her own confrontation with life-threatening illness, as well as her own dying mother. On the way she introduces us to many memorable characters and situations, bringing to vivid life all the complexities, challenges, and gifts of growing old. Readers who are themselves aging, or are caring for someone who is, will discover many inspiring lessons.”
—Lewis Richmond, author of Aging as a Spiritual Practice

“Hollis Giammatteo invites the reader to leap into the reservoir of the heart with both profound insight and engaging humor. The Shelf Life of Ashes is a journey into identity, family, aging, and death with an infusion of Buddhist compassion. A searing and unforgettable memoir.”
—Diana Y. Paul, author of Things Unsaid: A Novel