May 01, 2025
Join the National Writers Series for an inspiring conversation with New York Times bestselling and author Alua Arthur.
Arthur’s deeply transformative memoir Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End, reframes how we think about death and how it can help us lead better, more fulfilling, and authentic lives.
For her clients and everyone who has been inspired by her humanity, Arthur is a friend at the end of the world. As our country’s leading “death doula,” she’s spreading a transformative message: thinking about your death—whether imminent or not—will breathe wild, new potential into your life.
Warm, generous, and funny, Arthur supports and helps manage end-of-life care on many levels. The business matters, medical directives, memorial planning; but also honoring the quiet moments, when monitors are beeping and loved ones have stepped out to get some air and her clients become deeply contemplative.
They want to say aloud to her their aching, unfinished business— regrets, fears, secret joys, hidden affairs, and dim realities. When this happens, Arthur focuses her attention at the pulsing center of her clients’ anguish and creates space for them, and sometimes their loved ones, to find peace.
Briefly Perfectly Human is a life-changing, soul-gathering debut, by a writer whose empathy, tenderness, and wisdom shimmer on the page. Arthur combines intimate storytelling with a passionate appeal for loving, courageous end-of-life care—what she calls “death embrace.”
Praised by author Jodi Picoult (Mad Honey and The Book of Two Ways) who called it "a truly unique, inspiring perspective on the time we have, what we do with it, and how we let go of this world. There is no one I'd trust more to guide me through an understanding of death, and how it informs life."
Doors open at 6 p.m. with a cash bar and live music. The event begins at 7 p.m. and includes a Q and A and author signing. Each ticket comes with a signed trade paperback copy of Briefly Perfectly Human (or opt for a two-ticket package with one book). Guest Host To Be Announced.
Which Ticket Package to Choose?
If you and a partner or friend are attending together and only need one book to share, choose our Two-Tickets/One-Book package.
About Our Book Sales
One of the most exciting parts of attending our events is getting a signed copy of the author's latest book along with the chance to meet the writer and have them personalize it after the show.
Each sale benefits our local partner Horizon Books in downtown Traverse City, Michigan. The bundled price of National Writers Series books is always 20 percent below retail, so you also get a great deal.
If you already own the featured book, the one you receive with your ticket makes a great gift for friends and family. Or you can donate it back to us at the National Writers Series, and we'll distribute it to libraries and young writers in Northern Michigan.
We think a new book is one of the greatest joys of life, and we thank you for helping us make Traverse City one of the premiere destinations for authors through our book sales.
Virtual Option
Even if you can’t make it to the City Opera House, you can still enjoy National Writers Series events from the comfort of your own home on event night or later on-demand when it’s more convenient. If you would like to purchase a virtual ticket, please go to www.nationalwritersseries.org for ticketing information.