“What happens when a gifted travel writer combines her interests in travel, religion, and death? A fascinating book called Near the Exit, with trips to Rome, a Day of the Dead celebration, pyramids in Egypt and Mexico, nursing homes, a Maori ceremony in New Zealand, a farm in Iowa, and more. Beautiful writing about a trip we all will someday take.” — Brian D. McLaren, author/activist

“A helpful reminder that no one escapes this life alive, Lori Erickson’s Near the Exit is a travel text and an act of religious exploration, presenting spiritual meditations from some of the holiest places on Earth….Showing how coping mechanisms and spiritual practices from around the world can be valuable for learning more about our own lives and eventual deaths, Near the Exit is an ideal guidebook to facing the inevitable with religious or spiritual perspective.” —Foreword Reviews

Lori Erickson’s new book focuses on places that have helped her come to terms with mortality—and explains why one of the most life-affirming things we can do is invite death along for the ride.