In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face with the Idea of an Afterlife

Sebastian Junger’s In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face-to-Face with the Idea of an Afterlife explores mortality, consciousness, and the nature of reality. As an acclaimed journalist and author known for his immersive reporting on dangerous situations, Junger brings a unique perspective to this deeply personal work. Published in 2024, the book draws its title from Junger’s own near-death experience, which serves as the catalyst for his wide-ranging investigation into near-death experiences, quantum physics, and the boundaries of human understanding. Blending memoir, scientific inquiry, and philosophical reflection, Junger takes readers on a journey through his brush with death, examining his experience alongside historical accounts, scientific research, and cultural beliefs about mortality. Through this multifaceted approach, he grapples with fundamental questions about existence, consciousness, and the human experience of life and death.

This guide refers to the Simon & Schuster 2024 e-book edition.

Content Warning: The source text contains graphic descriptions of medical emergencies, surgical procedures, and warfare, and refers to suicide.

Summary

The narrative begins with Junger’s brush with death. In June 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Junger experienced a life-threatening medical emergency at his remote property on Cape Cod.