Near the Exit:

Travels with the Not-So-Grim Reaper

Advance Praise

“An ideal guidebook for facing the inevitable.”—Foreword Reviews

“This book’s journey to spiritual places near and far is worth taking.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“Open-hearted and soulful, never morbid, and often uplifting, Near the Exit is a colorful travelogue of mortality.” —Ira Byock, author of Dying Well and The Best Care Possible

“Our expert tour guide has arrived. Erickson takes us on a colorful journey of the world’s sacred death rituals and destinations. Pack your bags; this is a must-read trip on death—and life.” —J. Dana Trent, author of Dessert First: Preparing for Death While Savoring Life

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.

Order Near the Exit

More information on Near the Exit

Press Kit for Near the Exit

Media Coverage for Near the Exit

USA Today: What You Can Learn From Traveling With the Grim Reaper

Foreword Reviews Author Interview with Lori Erickson: A sublime exploration of how we all can face our own demise with grace and humor.

Cover Story and Excerpt in the Christian Century Magazine: We’re all going to die. Why is it so hard to talk about?

Frommer’s Travel Show on Radio America: Interview (starts at 11:45 at link)

Iowa Public Radio Interview: Considering Death Across Cultures

Light of Consciousness Magazine excerpt: If Buddha Came to a Nursing Home

Little Village Magazine: Erickson writes with insight and humility, with a gentle touch of humor, in a manner that disarms what could otherwise be an unsettling and sober topic.

East-West News Service: Erickson explores what lies at the end of the road and discovers that the specter of death is more human than horrid.

Undertaking: The Podcast Author Interview

Dubuque Herald: A deeply researched and often funny genre-bending mashup of travelogue, memoir and spiritual reflection

Cedar Rapids Gazette: Author Lori Erickson reflects on mortality through her travels around the world

Off the Beaten Page Travel: A very readable, wise and, yes, funny book

About Lori Erickson

From a childhood on an Iowa farm, Lori Erickson grew up to become one of America’s top travel writers specializing in spiritual journeys. When she’s not on the road, she lives in Iowa City, Iowa.

Lori is the author of the award-winning 2017 memoir Holy Rover: Journeys in Search of Mystery, Miracles, and God. Both irreverent and devout, Holy Rover explores the transformative power of travel through trips to a dozen holy sites. More information on Holy Rover

She’s written other travel-related books and more than a thousand articles for national and regional publications. She’s also the creator of Spiritual Travels, a website featuring holy sites around the world.

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Upcoming Appearances

Day of the Dead Walk to Sacred Stone Circle at Iowa City’s Harvest Preserve: November 2, 2 pm

Book Talk: November 3, Spirit School at New Song Episcopal Church in Coralville, Iowa, 11:30 am

Book Talk: November 26, 7 pm, Oaknoll in Iowa City

Book Talk: December 8, 9:15 am, St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Speaker at Worship Service: February 2, 10 am, Decorah Unitarian Universalist, Decorah, Iowa

What I Learned From Traveling With the Grim Reaper: speech at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, February 19, 11:10 am

Book Talk: February 16, 9:30 am, Zion Lutheran Church in Iowa City

Book Talk: February 27, 7 pm, Matthew 25 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (sponsored by Christ Episcopal Church)

Speaker at Writing for Your Life Conference: Minneapolis, Minnesota, April 29, 2020