By Amber Lenore Winckler The Final Bath [Paperback] Unknown Binding

This is a superb description of a young woman entering an apprenticeship that has been for years a male dominated profession that of mortuary care. Ms. Winckler has her own unique way of capturing the readers interest. She almost has you feelings as though you are looking over her shoulder. Her vivid descriptions of the individuals who supervise her year at this private are mortuary are so interesting that you actually can feel her emotions during her interactions with each of these characters. She is a gifted and talented writer and I zoomed through the book in a couple nights. I feel the ability of an author to bring the reader into the story is a quality that few possess. I am truly impressed by Ms Winckler's style of writing. I have read "Into the Hands of Strangers" and she demonstrates the same superbly gifted skills in that book as well!! Into the Hands of Strangers is a compelling story of a young female embalmer entering unchartered waters as the first female forensic autopsy assistant in San Diego. She enters this world with high hopes and great aspirations but ends up living in extreme anguish and a "living hell" As I read this book I felt the authors desperation and emotions. Extremely well done Ms.Winckler should be very proud of both books. I loved "Final Bath" and "Into the Hands Of Strangers".

I was fascinated with this topic, but didn't expect much in the way of writing. I was pleasantly surprised. This woman isn't a writer, but did a very nice job - not only in writing coherently and interestingly, but also in how she told her story. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what is behind the scenes of mortuary science. I could really appreciate the very real commitment and feelings people in that industry have and have a new appreciation of it. It's heartening to know that my loved ones were probably cared for by people like this. That makes me happy. :)

I am not in the funeral industry so I wasn't sure what to expect when I read THE FINAL BATH. What I came away with was the universal appeal of a woman trying to find love and meaning in a crazy world. The fact that Louise comes to know a greater power throughout this process flows splendidly into her becoming a competent, wiser force in the world. Her imperfections and self-doubts allow the reader to relate to her as someone we may have once been.I love her witty comparisons between the dead and what she calls the 'living dead'...those who walk through life without meaning or purpose... and I applaud her honest fears of becoming one of them. Her relationships and character descriptions are clear and compelling, filled with tension and foreboding beauty. Winckler's style, so smooth and compelling, pulls the reader along and in to where you will lose track of time. This is a book you will not want to put down until The End. Love, Tonya

I really enjoyed her thoughtful insight and eloquently written truths. I felt as if I could identify with her on her views on God, life, and the dedication and reasoning behind why she has chosen such a profession. I am looking forward to reading her other books as well.

I love this book and her writing. She has the ability to put you right there with her. I hope to read more from her.

I find it interesting to read about embalming, mortuaries and such. It's been such a hush hush profession for so many years. I guess that is why I am reading books on this subject. Some are far better than others.

Perfect book for an intern or apprentice Funeral Director/Mortician! I would read this book a million times!! Absolutely loved it!!!

This book was about much more than death, from the view of an embalmer. It's her journey through life and finding herself as a professional in the mortuary world.