THE YEAR MY MOTHER DIEDis unique in that other memoir authors,even those who focus on a relatives death,cannot offer the perspective of a physicianspecifically trained in palliative/hospicecare. Scotts unique response to her ownmothers death makes her realize that herfamiliarity with death does not determineher path through grief. Scott portrays ayear-long journey, punctuated by nostalgiaand quirky behavior, and ultimatelyoffers hope to those who grieve. Throughhumor and reflection, she finds a way tohonor her mothers profound contributionto her life.