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NEARLY DEPARTED

SOME NICE THINGS PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT

"This is the perfect book for anyone seeking levity in the face of devastation. Gila’s life is a master class on perspective and how to handle some of life’s darkest moments with fortitude and, most importantly, humor. Gila’s writing is honest, heartfelt, and impressive. It takes an incredible spirit to not only stare down death multiple times, but to also write about it with such a clear head and make it funny. Only read this book if you are okay with both crying and laughing out loud in public."

—Iliza Shlesinger, award-winning comedian, actor, writer, producer, and author

“At turns deeply moving and absurdly funny, this is the unbelievably true story of a woman who made her own luck and saved her own life. One of the most hilarious memoirs I have ever read about surviving the worst.” 

—Leigh Stein, author of Self Care

"Pfeffer seamlessly blends tears and laughter in her vibrant debut memoir. She vividly complements descriptions of her struggles with humor. The results are as funny as they are heartfelt and inspiring."

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— Publishers Weekly

"Nearly Departed  is a tribute to all of us who are trying to live this messy thing called life and all the surprising beauty you can find within. Few authors, can move you to tears with their words. Gila is one of them."


— Sarah Cooper, comedian and author of Foolish

“After her mom’s death upended her family, Gila was forced to take control of her own destiny in order to protect herself and the people she loved. A rallying cry for prevention, Pfeffer shows off her gift for turning tragedy, grief and loss into something to laugh about.”


— Emi Nietfeld, author of Acceptance

"Nearly Departed is a book about loss, grief, and mortality that nonetheless sparkles with joy. And it is very, very funny. In fact, the darker it got, the more I laughed, which is how you know it was written by a Jew. I loved it."

– Catherine Newman, Author of We All Want Impossible Things

"A darkly funny memoir."

— Katie Couric Media

“In her intensely honest memoir, Gila Pfeffer applies her sharp wit and superb storytelling skills to closely examine surviving enormous loss and adversity with her sense of humor remaining squarely intact. Gila's strong voice is equal parts poignant, observant, gut-bustlingly funny, and uniquely her own. Her determination defies the odds. If you want to laugh, cry and laugh some more while enjoying an intimate glance into the world of Orthodox Judaism, this is the book for you.”

— Jen Mann, New York Times bestselling author of People I Want to Punch In the Throat and Midlife Bites

“Bringing humor to tragedy is a tightrope act, but Gila does it beautifully. Her writing is compelling, and contains an irresistible combination of depth and lightness.”


— Wendi Aarons, author of I’m Wearing Tunics Now

"Passionate about the benefits of cancer prevention, Pfeffer notes that early in her efforts, all she "was missing was a pulpit." Nearly Departed gives her just that, combining an introspective and surprisingly humorous memoir with a plea to all readers to understand their medical history and prevention options." -

—Shelf Awareness

"Pfeffer takes tragedy off its pedestal of pity, gossip, and clucking tongues, stripping it of much of its power. . . . Far from a horror story, [this memoir] reads like a heart-to-heart chat between friends."

— Jewish Book Council

"Pfeffer has gone through hell and has come out the other side with some valuable lessons. Thank heaven she has shared them with us - we would be wise to take note."

— 5 star Amazon Review 

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