Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande ~ 5 Stars

[Joni]

When you think about one's end of life or even your own what comes to mind?

That is what Being Mortal is about. How does one want to go when their time is near. How to ask those hard questions of those you love. How to handle (emotionally and physically) the answers to those questions.

This was a wonderful thought provoking book about how people want to go in the end. They want to go peacefully, without pain and happy.

The author talks specifically about making those facing end of life happy. He talks of living your final days in your loved ones home and under hospice care. He also compares happy nursing homes that are full of life to the "sterile" nursing homes....who were the happy clients.

The one thing I found very interesting is when the author was faced with these end of life decisions when it came to his own father. It was a struggle about what to do.....even after the author had followed all of these other people who were dying and the decisions they made.

Sometimes I believe that we (as the loved ones) just want to hang on to that last bit of life....just for a little bit longer when our loved one is ready to go. I personally have seen this in my own family and it makes me sad. After reading this book, it makes me rethink those conversations that I may have to have in the future with those that I love most.

This book was wonderful and very well done.....even on such a sad topic.

[Ellen]

You certainly had a month of great books, Joni! Another of my favorites.

[annapi]

This is a book I believe should be mandatory reading for all in a health care profession, and highly recommended reading for everyone else!

[Joni]

annapi wrote: "This is a book I believe should be mandatory reading for all in a health care profession, and highly recommended reading for everyone else!"

I totally agree. Also in medical/nursing school. An entire semester could be taught on this subject.