Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Tuesday Intro: Being Mortal

Introduction 
I learned about a lot of things in medical school, but mortality wasn't one of them. Although I was given a dry, leathery corpse to dissect in my first term, that was solely a way to learn about human anatomy. Our textbooks had almost nothing on aging or frailty or dying. How the process unfolds, how people experience the end of their lives, and how it affects those around them seemed beside the point. The way we saw it, and the way our professors saw it, the purpose of medical schooling was to teach how to save lives, not how to tend to their demise.
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End
by Atul Gawande

I hadn't planned on reading this book so soon, but glowing reviews from Les and Kay, combined with an available copy on the new nonfiction shelf made now seem like the perfect time. Last night I sat down for a "reading sample" and finally look up 50 pages later. I'm committed.

Here's the goodreads summary:
In Being Mortal, bestselling author Atul Gawande tackles the hardest challenge of his profession: how medicine can not only improve life but also the process of its ending. 
Medicine has triumphed in modern times, transforming birth, injury, and infectious disease from harrowing to manageable. But in the inevitable condition of aging and death, the goals of medicine seem too frequently to run counter to the interest of the human spirit. Nursing homes, preoccupied with safety, pin patients into railed beds and wheelchairs. Hospitals isolate the dying, checking for vital signs long after the goals of cure have become moot. Doctors, committed to extending life, continue to carry out devastating procedures that in the end extend suffering. 
Gawande, a practicing surgeon, addresses his profession’s ultimate limitation, arguing that quality of life is the desired goal for patients and families. Gawande offers examples of freer, more socially fulfilling models for assisting the infirm and dependent elderly, and he explores the varieties of hospice care to demonstrate that a person's last weeks or months may be rich and dignified. 
Full of eye-opening research and riveting storytelling, Being Mortal asserts that medicine can comfort and enhance our experience even to the end, providing not only a good life but also a good end.
What do you think of the opening? Would you keep reading?


Every Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea posts the opening paragraph (sometime two) of a book she decided to read based on the opening. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.

38 comments:

  1. Already on my to-read list! I think everyone has a lot to learn on this subject, most definitely moi.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I found it so absorbing and I don't usually read non-fiction that way - straight through. Maybe part of it depends upon where you are in life and what experiences you've had. Anyway, hoping you have a good experience too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kay - Once I picked it up, I knew I was going to read it straight through. Looking forward to my reading time tonight.

      Delete
  3. This sounds like a good read. Happy reading! Girl Who Reads

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Donna - Thanks. I think this will turn out to be an important read.

      Delete
  4. I most definitely need to read this book. It sounds like it has a difficult subject matter but is totally worth reading.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Athira - I agree. The writing style is excellent, too.

      Delete
  5. This actually sounds really interesting and I liked the writing style in the intro. Though I've never been interested in this book before (I've seen it around), what you shared grabbed me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarah - Gawande's prose drew me in immediately. I think this book will lead to some important discussions.

      Delete
  6. The intro does sound interesting. I think there is a lot wrong with the way medicine is taught, so this would probably get a strong reaction from me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Suzie - It seems like end-of-life issues are not adequately addressed in medical schools.

      Delete
  7. I've been hearing good things about this one and am curious about it. I hope you enjoy it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy - Thanks. The beginning is excellent... fingers crossed it continues.

      Delete
  8. This sounds like a book that needs reading and putting into practice!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cleo - Agreed! Some interesting discussion are sure to follow.

      Delete
  9. Fantastic intro, and now yet another book I must read.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This isn't something I'd normally read, but your comments make me want to take a second look.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Catherine - It is a surprisingly good read, despite the subject matter.

      Delete
  11. This book should lead to some excellent conversations. I want to read it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margot - I'm going to recommend my husband read this one, too.

      Delete
  12. Ana's review over on things mean a lot was the first I heard of this book, and she convinced me I needed to read it. I don't think it'll be an easy read, but I do think it'll be well worth it. I'll be curious to hear your thoughts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin - How did I miss Ana's review? Off to find it now...

      Delete
  13. I've read about this book and have been thinking about reading it. Such an important subject. Thanks for featuring it! I like the intro, and I'd keep reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Monica - This is an important book... so much to think about!

      Delete
  14. I really really liked the intro! It reminds me a lot of my favorite tv shows, Grey's Anatomy :P I'd keep reading. Thanks for sharing it, JoAnn!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Replies
    1. Yvonne - It's much more interesting than I was expecting.

      Delete
  16. Such a good (and important!) book. I'm glad you're enjoying it, JoAnn.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Les - I like the writing style, too. Hope I can convince my husband to read it.

      Delete
  17. Wow, I like the idea of a "good end." Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - There is definitely a lot to think about in this book.

      Delete
  18. This book I plan to read. I am holding off to the end of the month so I can recommend to my book club. It's my turn o select a book. If not for that, I would read it right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat - I think book clubs would find a lot to discuss here.

      Delete
  19. Yes. I would keep reading. I'm interested in this book and know it must be important.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thecuecard - I'm half way through now and will definitely be recommending this book.

      Delete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Be sure to check back, I always respond. Due to a recent increase in spam, all comments are moderated.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails