David John Cook

Author

author of the TOUCHING NEW NOVEL

Sending People

to

Heaven

The Undertaker

Sending People To Heaven – The Undertaker pulls back the curtain on the extraordinary life of John, a licensed mortician working within the unseen world of caring for the dead… and the living.

Go behind the scenes and experience the profoundly serious and, at times, amusing interactions John has with his staff as they unite in handling the preparation of the dead, and serving the grieving families left behind.

John’s journey reveals the touching and very delicate nature of his profession, unfolding the challenges, frustrations and pain that often haunt him as he strives to balance a demanding career with his personal life.

Woven within the chapters are tender stories of tragic grief and loss, often heart-wrenching and shocking as families face the raw reality of death.

Sending People To Heaven – The Undertaker will take you on a journey of life and death, shock and denial, anger and guilt, bargaining and acceptance… and finally, remembering.

The book has Launched!

See pictures from the event at The Story Center at Woodneath LIbrary

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To Be Announced

Tuesday, November 29, 2022 | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

The Story Center at Woodneath Library

8900 NE Flintlock Rd, Kansas City, MO 64157

We will gather together,enjoy a book reading, book signing - and mingle as we enjoy some great refreshments!

Order

Sending People to heaven

The undertaker

Coming soon!

Today!

Look for Sending People To Heaven – The Undertaker at Book Baby, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kindle, Walmart and more!

Order the HardCover Now on Book Baby
Order the eBook on Book Baby
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David John Cook

is a licensed funeral director and embalmer and has worked in the death care industry for over thirty years. He has written both magazine and newspaper articles on the subjects of death, grieving and healing after loss. He is also a public speaker and has shared his educational insights on the industry, death, dying and moving forward from the loss of a loved one. He graduated from The San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and also received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from The University of Utah. David and his wife reside in Missouri. They have seven children and four grandchildren. Throughout David’s experiences as a mortician, he has learned to treasure living as a tremendous gift of adventure, growth and self discovery. He also suggests you go ahead and enjoy that slice of cheesecake or that mouth watering danish every once in a while! It’s all a part of the journey.

What critics are saying about

Sending People to heaven

The undertaker

“There are so many lessons to be learned from the death experience, and David John Cook does so in a most uplifting way. Sending People To Heaven - The Undertaker has a unique ability to weave real-life incidents into sometimes funny, sometimes serious and sometimes heartbreaking stories that any reader can relate to. This book helps us to stay focused on what's most important in life. Prepare to laugh, to cry and above all, to learn.”
Dr. Alan HamblinProfessor, Southern Utah University
"When a loved one passes, we depend on professionals in the death care industry to guide us through the aftermath, relegating them to the role of somber shepherds and forever associating them with one of the darkest times in our lives. David John Cook will kindle an appreciation for the men and women who work in the funeral business as he shares his recollections of the family members he encountered during his years as an undertaker. He provides a glimpse of the beautiful and sometimes shocking ways families cope with grief as well as the surprising love and even humor with which he and his staff ministered to them."
C. StrayerEducator
"Amazing read Dave, looking forward to your next one."
T. Russell
"My wife ordered this book, but when it arrived I grabbed it first. It came yesterday and I finished it today. I could not put it down and I did not want it to end. Uplifting, inspirational, and deeply moving. I look forward to seeing more from this wonderful author. I feel like this is someone I would like to have be my friend."
Mark A. Russell
"I was hooked from the start. I really had no idea what to expect and was captivated from the first chapter. What a heart warming, tear jerking, insightful, vulnerable book! I really had no idea what life as a mortician was like, and this book really opened my eyes to the kind of person that it takes to do the job with the right heart and purpose. I hope my family gets a mortician as caring as John when I leave this Earth some day. Thank you for sharing this with me. It was beautiful and enjoyable to read this intimate perspective."
Adam W.
"I could not put this book down! Dave Cook gives a fascinating look into the other side of death, from the funeral home managers' point of view. You will share his anger, laughter, compassion, and tears as well as that of his staff as he helps families navigate through the loss and funerals of their loved ones. I judge a truly great book by if when I am done, I feel like I have lost a friend. I feel like I lost five of them, Dave and his staff. I cannot wait for the next book!"
Cindy R.
"Well written, well edited debut novel. This book was a very enjoyable read and described the work of a mortician as not just a job, but a calling. I am a former funeral assistant myself and had the opportunity to work with the author in the past. The character of John is much like the author himself, professional, caring, and deeply spiritual. I look forward to the next book!"
Matt Sias
"It has been a long time since I've been drawn into a book that is hard to put down. I've worked with funeral directors on several occasions while supporting families in our church as they grapple with a loss of a loved one. I've wondered what their lives and professions are really like. David brings to life the realities of death, both the sorrows and the celebrations. I'm anxious for the next book!"
Brad Palmer
"I really enjoyed this story! Parts tender and touching, parts funny, parts sad, all meaningful and worthwhile."
Amy Uhl
"This book is very well written and edited. It's an eye opening look into the "Death-Care Industry", a term I had not heard before. I learned so much about the process once a person passes away. Some of the stories are hard to read. Some of the stories are great, and some light hearted humor also. I didn't know what to expect when I started to read. I read one chapter a day and pondered what I learned. Overall, I highly recommend this book. You are guaranteed to learn, grow, and ponder mortality."
John M.
" When I got the book I couldn't put it down. It really give me an overview of what its like to be an undertaker. The true stories made me laugh, sad & yes it even made me cry. It also is a reminder of how fragile life can be, and that death will happen to all of us. We can't get out of this life without it. Dave truly has the personality to get the job done. Its not a job that just anyone can do & Dave you did it with compassion & love your heart & soul was all in. Can't wait for the second edition to roll out."
Miles F.
"Read it out loud to my husband so it took ten days - but I did cheat at times because I couldn't help it! It was definitely worth reading - at times hard to put down and other times hard to pick up. I learned some things reluctantly. Others, however, were uplifting, deeply moving revelations. I submitted it to my new book club for consideration and it has received many votes; I'm confident it will be chosen for the coming year's reading list."
Gina L.
“Have you ever lost a loved one and wondered about the next steps, including the funeral home piece? This book answers questions you didn't even know you had. It will give you new respect for the role of undertakers and their families. This is one hard job! There is a story in this book about a man who lost his wife...well, I won't give it away-but this book will engender compassion for everyone involved in the process of death transitions. Super informative, and well written.”
Mary Joanne BellAuthor of The Pursuit Of Happi-nest
"'Sending People to Heaven' is an incredible book about what goes behind the scenes in the death industry. The fictional characters/ story with experiences that were real captured my attention. I loved how relatable David John Cook made each story. I was in shock, I laughed, I cried. This book helped open my eyes to what people who work in the death industry go through each and every day. They are truly special people who touch so many lives in the most vulnerable times of their lives. I highly recommend this book!"
Stephanie Hodges
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Coming in 2025

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES...

Sending People to heaven II

REMEMBRANCE

- launch DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED -

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