Hospice Physician's Book of End-of-Life Stories Finds Enthusiastic Acceptance in Korea

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There are many people in Korea suffering right now who need this book.

Silverthorne, CO (PRWEB) June 28, 2012

The book "What Really Matters" by hospice physician Karen M. Wyatt MD has been translated into Korean and published in Seoul, S. Korea by Yemun Publishing. This is a book of stories about hospice patients Dr. Wyatt cared for and the spiritual lessons she learned from them. While the subject of death and dying is difficult for many people to address here in the West, the book seems to have filled a need in Korea, where it is receiving positive reviews and praise from readers.

Yemun released the book to Korean bookstores on May 15, 2012, just a few months after acquiring the foreign translation rights. To accomplish the tasks of translation, editing, printing and distribution of the book in such a short span of time implies that "What Really Matters" was viewed as a valuable asset with an important message. Indeed one Korean reader remarked, "There are many people in Korea suffering right now who need this book."

Dr. Wyatt wrote this book because her own life was transformed spiritually through her work with dying patients. She wanted to share with others the lessons she learned about "what really matters" in life. But she was surprised to find that her stories of life and death here in the U.S. are resonating with readers in Korea, as well. Though death and grief are universal experiences, Wyatt wasn't sure whether or not readers from other cultures would relate to the end-of-life scenes she depicted in order to convey her message, but apparently the stories are being well-received.

"You never know how or why your message might touch another person, particularly someone from another country," Dr. Wyatt commented. But, she went on to explain that Korean culture includes the concept of "han," which describes a sense of heavy sorrow due to suffering. "Han" is a feeling that is thought by some to be characteristic of Korean people and may explain why a book about transcending death and dying is popular in that country. For now, Wyatt is pleased just to learn that the book is making a difference to people.

Ironically, Dr. Wyatt didn't even know the book had been released yet in Korea when she received a message through Twitter from a young Korean woman. The woman mentioned she had just finished reading "What Really Matters" and thanked Dr. Wyatt for writing the book, adding: "my life will change dramatically thanks to you." Subsequently that same woman sent Dr. Wyatt links to the book's website in Korean and has informed her of reviews garnered by the book.

Here in the U.S. "What Really Matters" is available in English at bookstores and online. Dr. Karen Wyatt is available for speaking engagements and interviews through the contact information above.

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