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Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End

Atul Gawande

Start date: December 1, 2015

Finish date: February 29, 2016

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Aug 20, 2015 Connie G rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, death-grief, medicine-health

Although modern medicine can often extend extend lives, the long heroic treatments for some terminal illnesses can often cause more pain and weakness than the disease itself. Dr Atul Gawande writes about determining what things are important to a patient at the end of their life so that they can choose a better quality existence with pain control. He writes about hospice nurses who often are able to provide the services that allow the patient to stay in their homes.

Gawande also discusses better ...more

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Mar 09, 2015 Chinook rated it it was amazing

Shelves: science, 2-on-shelves, book-riot-box

This book is incredible. It's well-written and researched and has an incredibly emotional impact. I think readers will all see themselves and their families in this book. It's an incredibly important book to read and contemplate.

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Dec 11, 2014 Jane from B.C. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ebook, read-2015

I was raised with my mother consulting Dr. Spock's baby books. And when I was expecting my first child my go to book was What to Expect When You're Expecting. But what about the end of life? Shouldn't there be a 'go to' book for that? Well there is, and this is it!

Don't get me wrong, this is not an easy conversation to have...with yourself or with your loved ones. But Gawande's book is filled with empathy and compassion. He highlights his learning curve as a physician dealing with patients facin ...more

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Oct 17, 2021 Kim rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, memoir-a-b, 1000books

4.0/5.0 - You shouldn't read too much into the fact that this is the 4th or 5th book that I've read this year that deals with aging and death. The author, a surgeon and public health professional looks at the questions of how we deal with getting older, what is important to people as they age and eventually face death, and how medical professionals are learning to address these issues. The importance of maintaining independence, living as long as possible in their own homes, and making informed ...more

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