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Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End

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eBay item number:127047591490
Last updated on Jul 29, 2025 18:11:15 EDTView all revisionsView all revisions

Item specifics

Condition
Acceptable: A book with obvious wear. May have some damage to the cover but integrity still intact. ...
Release Year
2014
Book Title
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End
ISBN
9780805095159

About this product

Product Identifiers

Publisher
Holt & Company, Henry
ISBN-10
0805095152
ISBN-13
9780805095159
eBay Product ID (ePID)
201674377

Product Key Features

Number of Pages
304 Pages
Language
English
Publication Name
Being Mortal : Medicine and What Matters in the End
Publication Year
2014
Subject
Ethics, Gerontology, Death & Dying, Death, Grief, Bereavement, Critical Care, General, Terminal Care, Diagnosis, Health Policy, Nursing / Palliative Care
Type
Textbook
Subject Area
Family & Relationships, Philosophy, Social Science, Medical
Author
Atul Gawande
Format
Hardcover

Dimensions

Item Height
1 in
Item Weight
13.6 Oz
Item Length
8.6 in
Item Width
5.8 in

Additional Product Features

Intended Audience
Trade
LCCN
2014-017442
Dewey Edition
23
Reviews
A needed call to action, a cautionary tale of what can go wrong, and often does, when a society fails to engage in a sustained discussion about aging and dying., Being Mortal left me tearful, angry, and unable to stop talking about it for a week. . . . A surgeon himself, Gawande is eloquent about the inadequacy of medical school in preparing doctors to confront the subject of death with their patients. . . . it is rare to read a book that sparks with so much hard thinking., We have come to medicalize aging, frailty, and death, treating them as if they were just one more clinical problem to overcome. However it is not only medicine that is needed in one's declining years but life--a life with meaning, a life as rich and full as possible under the circumstances. Being Mortal is not only wise and deeply moving, it is an essential and insightful book for our times, as one would expect from Atul Gawande, one of our finest physician writers., Beautifully crafted . . . Being Mortal ?is a clear-eyed, informative exploration of what growing old means in the 21st'century . . . a book I cannot recommend highly enough. This should be mandatory reading for every American. . . . it provides a useful roadmap of what we can and should be doing to make the last years of life meaningful., Gawande displays the precision of his surgical craft and the compassion of a humanist . . . in a narrative that often attains the force and beauty of a novel . . . Only a precious few books have the power to open our eyes while they move us to tears. Atul Gawande has produced such a work. One hopes it is the spark that ignites some revolutionary changes in a field of medicine that ultimately touches each of us., Gawande's book is so impressive that one can believe that it may well [change the medical profession] . . . May it be widely read and inwardly digested., A deeply affecting, urgently important book--one not just about dying and the limits of medicine but about living to the last with autonomy, dignity, and joy., A great read that leaves you better equipped to face the future, and without making you feel like you just took your medicine., Being Mortal , Atul Gawande's masterful exploration of aging, death, and the medical profession's mishandling of both, is his best and most personal book yet., Beautifully written . . . In his newest and best book, Gawande . . . has provided us with a moving and clear-eyed look at aging and death in our society, and at the harms we do in turning it into a medical problem, rather than a human one., Gawande's book is so impressive that one can believe that it may well [change the medical profession] . . . May it be widely read and inwardly'digested., Beautifully crafted . . . Being Mortal is a clear-eyed, informative exploration of what growing old means in the 21st century . . . a book I cannot recommend highly enough. This should be mandatory reading for every American. . . . it provides a useful roadmap of what we can and should be doing to make the last years of life meaningful., New York Times Bestseller "Illuminating." - Janet Maslin, The New York Times " Being Mortal , Atul Gawande's masterful exploration of aging, death, and the medical profession's mishandling of both, is his best and most personal book yet." - Boston Globe "American medicine, Being Mortal reminds us, has prepared itself for life but not for death. This is Atul Gawande's most powerful-and moving-book." - Malcolm Gladwell "Beautifully crafted . . . Being Mortal is a clear-eyed, informative exploration of what growing old means in the 21st century . . . a book I cannot recommend highly enough. This should be mandatory reading for every American. . . . it provides a useful roadmap of what we can and should be doing to make the last years of life meaningful." - Time.com "Masterful . . . Essential . . . For more than a decade, Atul Gawande has explored the fault lines of medicine . . . combining his years of experience as a surgeon with his gift for fluid, seemingly effortless storytelling . . . In Being Mortal , he turns his attention to his most important subject yet." - Chicago Tribune "Powerful." - New York Magazine "Atul Gawande's wise and courageous book raises the questions that none of us wants to think about . . . Remarkable." - Peter Carey, The Sunday Times (UK) "A deeply affecting, urgently important book-one not just about dying and the limits of medicine but about living to the last with autonomy, dignity, and joy." - Katherine Boo "Dr. Gawande's book is not of the kind that some doctors write, reminding us how grim the fact of death can be. Rather, he shows how patients in the terminal phase of their illness can maintain important qualities of life." - Wall Street Journal " Being Mortal left me tearful, angry, and unable to stop talking about it for a week. . . . A surgeon himself, Gawande is eloquent about the inadequacy of medical school in preparing doctors to confront the subject of death with their patients. . . . it is rare to read a book that sparks with so much hard thinking." - Nature "We have come to medicalize aging, frailty, and death, treating them as if they were just one more clinical problem to overcome. However it is not only medicine that is needed in one's declining years but life-a life with meaning, a life as rich and full as possible under the circumstances. Being Mortal is not only wise and deeply moving, it is an essential and insightful book for our times, as one would expect from Atul Gawande, one of our finest physician writers." - Oliver Sacks "Gawande's book is so impressive that one can believe that it may well [change the medical profession] . . . May it be widely read and inwardly digested." - Diana Athill, Financial Times (UK) "Eloquent, moving." - The Economist "Beautiful." - New Republic "Gawande displays the precision of his surgical craft and the compassion of a humanist . . . in a narrative that often attains the force and beauty of a novel . . . Only a precious few books have the power to open our eyes while they move us to tears. Atul Gawande has produced such a work. One hopes it is the spark that ignites some revolutionary changes in a field of medicine that ultimately touches each of us." - Shelf Awareness "A needed call to action, a cautionary tale of what can go wrong, and often does, when a society fails to engage in a sustained discussion about aging and dying." - San Francisco Chronicle, "A deeply affecting, urgently important book-one not just about dying and the limits of medicine but about living to the last with autonomy, dignity, and joy." -Katherine Boo "We have come to medicalize aging, frailty, and death, treating them as if they were just one more clinical problem to overcome. However it is not only medicine that is needed in one's declining years but life-a life with meaning, a life as rich and full as possible under the circumstances. Being Mortal is not only wise and deeply moving, it is an essential and insightful book for our times, as one would expect from Atul Gawande, one of our finest physician writers." -Oliver Sacks "American medicine, Being Mortal reminds us, has prepared itself for life but not for death. This is Atul Gawande's most powerful-and moving-book." -Malcolm Gladwell, Atul Gawande's wise and courageous book raises the questions that none of us wants to think about . . . Remarkable., Dr. Gawande's book is not of the kind that some doctors write, reminding us how grim the fact of death can be. Rather, he shows how patients in the terminal phase of their illness can maintain important qualities of life., " Being Mortal , Atul Gawande''s masterful exploration of aging, death, and the medical profession''s mishandling of both, is his best and most personal book yet." -- Boston Globe "American medicine, Being Mortal reminds us, has prepared itself for life but not for death. This is Atul Gawande''s most powerful--and moving--book." -- Malcolm Gladwell "Beautifully crafted . . . Being Mortal is a clear-eyed, informative exploration of what growing old means in the 21st century . . . a book I cannot recommend highly enough. This should be mandatory reading for every American. . . . it provides a useful roadmap of what we can and should be doing to make the last years of life meaningful." -- Time.com "Masterful . . . Essential . . . For more than a decade, Atul Gawande has explored the fault lines of medicine . . . combining his years of experience as a surgeon with his gift for fluid, seemingly effortless storytelling . . . In Being Mortal , he turns his attention to his most important subject yet." -- Chicago Tribune "Beautifully written . . . In his newest and best book, Gawande . . . has provided us with a moving and clear-eyed look at aging and death in our society, and at the harms we do in turning it into a medical problem, rather than a human one." -- The New York Review of Books "Powerful." -- New York Magazine "Atul Gawande''s wise and courageous book raises the questions that none of us wants to think about . . . Remarkable." -- John Carey, The Sunday Times (UK) "A deeply affecting, urgently important book--one not just about dying and the limits of medicine but about living to the last with autonomy, dignity, and joy." -- Katherine Boo "Dr. Gawande''s book is not of the kind that some doctors write, reminding us how grim the fact of death can be. Rather, he shows how patients in the terminal phase of their illness can maintain important qualities of life." -- Wall Street Journal (Best Books of 2014) " Being Mortal left me tearful, angry, and unable to stop talking about it for a week. . . . A surgeon himself, Gawande is eloquent about the inadequacy of medical school in preparing doctors to confront the subject of death with their patients. . . . it is rare to read a book that sparks with so much hard thinking." -- Nature "We have come to medicalize aging, frailty, and death, treating them as if they were just one more clinical problem to overcome. However it is not only medicine that is needed in one''s declining years but life--a life with meaning, a life as rich and full as possible under the circumstances. Being Mortal is not only wise and deeply moving, it is an essential and insightful book for our times, as one would expect from Atul Gawande, one of our finest physician writers." -- Oliver Sacks "Gawande''s book is so impressive that one can believe that it may well [change the medical profession] . . . May it be widely read and inwardly digested." -- Diana Athill, Financial Times (UK) "Eloquent, moving." -- The Economist (Best Books of 2014) "A great read that leaves you better equipped to face the future, and without making you feel like you just took your medicine." -- Mother Jones (Best Books of 2014) "Beautiful." -- New Republic "Gawande displays the precision of his surgical craft and the compassion of a humanist . . . in a narrative that often attains the force and beauty of a novel . . . Only a precious few books have the power to open our eyes while they move us to tears. Atul Gawande has produced such a work. One hopes it is the spark that ignites some revolutionary changes in a field of medicine that ultimately touches each of us." -- Shelf Awareness (Best Books of 2014) "A needed call to action, a cautionary tale of what can go wrong, and often does, when a society fails to engage in a sustained discussion about aging and dying." -- San Francisco Chronicle, Masterful . . . Essential . . . For more than a decade, Atul Gawande has explored the fault lines of medicine . . . combining his years of experience as a surgeon with his gift for fluid, seemingly effortless storytelling . . . In Being Mortal , he turns his attention to his most important subject yet., American medicine, Being Mortal reminds us, has prepared itself for life but not for death. This is Atul Gawande's most powerful--and moving--book.
Illustrated
Yes
Dewey Decimal
616.02/9
Table Of Content
Introduction 1 1 * The Independent Self 11 2 * Things Fall Apart 25 3 * Dependence 55 4 * Assistance 79 5 * A Better Life 111 6 * Letting Go 149 7 * Hard Conversations 191 8 * Courage 231 Epilogue 259 Notes on Sources 265 Acknowledgments 279
Synopsis
#1 New York Times Bestseller 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., 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.
LC Classification Number
R726.8

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ZBK Books

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ZBK Books is an online retailer that specializes in the acquisition, sale, and recycling of books & media.We are dedicated to promoting sustainability, reducing waste, supporting literacy & education ...
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    There was a mixup during packaging where a paperback copy was picked and shipped for a hard cover copy that was ordered. I asked the seller about it and they honestly replied that the mistake was on their end. A full refund for the item was sent immediately and I will not hesitate to order more from ZBK. Very responsive and they stand behind their items and make good on any issues.

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  • Top favourable review

    The author of this book reminds us mortals that we are exceptionally frail creatures and explains why.

    At my age of 76, I have found this book to be incredibly compelling! Still, it's truths have been exceedingly disquieting. It's a reminder to me of just how frail we mortals really are, and especially so as we move to the distant regions of our lives. I am greatly comforted by my faith in an eternal God that offers His gift of life eternal to me.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: thrift.books

  • In the end what matters

    Although I found the text considerable work to get into the narrative, I did what I don't usually do and skipped to the last chapters. The conclusion the author makes (which is analogous Fast Thinking Slow Thinking assessment) is very nurturing for those in the senior years.....that is, it is good to have have experiences years with satisfaction but that does not tell the last story. In the end purpose and meaning in one's life as one faces mortality is crucial. Thus life could have been crummy in many spells for an individual but if she or he has found a way to live last days with purpose, the person will be in satisfaction. So what is going on right now is what counts the most.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: goodwillbks

  • Best book I’ve read in a long time

    This book changed how we view my aging mother and helped us to understand and communicate better with her. We were sacrificing her happiness for her safety and not listening to her emotions about wanting to stay in her home. This book should be required reading for anyone trying to navigate helping parents during the waning years of life.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: NewSold by: soufianekh

  • Being Mortal

    This book was recommended by a relative, so hence the purchase. My wife read it first and then told me I should read it. I said 'OK', thinking I would get to it at a later time, thought it would be a laborious read, but instead, I found the opposite was true. Being one of the Baby Boomer generation, it put things into a new perspective with what happens when 'the day' draws near.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: thrift.books

  • Very interesting and relevant

    The book very accurately describes many of the issues faced by young and old alike when facing their own mortality or that of a loved one. It is written in simple terms that are easy to understand. The content is difficult to read emotionally, especially for anyone who has faced these issues, but all of us need to confront end-of-life decisions. I would highly recommend this book.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: thrift.books