buthainna's review against another edition
2.0
this is not a bad book. I just personally did not enjoy it. It was not what I expected it to be. I thought it would be a lot more philosophical and self reflecting, and even though it was that way at times, it was mostly about palliative care, and nursing homes and caring for the elderly and what it is that matter is most to people at the end of their lives, and how we as medical professionals should deal with it.
it was almost mind numbingly boring at times, and if I hadn't had the audiobook then I probably would never have finished reading it.
it was almost mind numbingly boring at times, and if I hadn't had the audiobook then I probably would never have finished reading it.
asyaqub's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
I decided to finally read this book after my ICU rotation. It was a very difficult and emotional month for me as I watched patients die every day. Over and over again I heard from families how their loved one would not have wanted this, to be hooked up to ventilators and dialysis machines and dying in an ICU instead of at home with their families. That experience made me think about what I would want if I were in that situation and led to conversations with my parents about what they would want if it ever came to the point that I was the one making decisions about their medical care. I encourage people to read this book and think about what you would want for yourself and your loved ones before you are actively at the point of having to make those decisions. I truly hope we find a way in our system to care for the elderly and dying with dignity.
charlotte113's review against another edition
emotional
informative
slow-paced
3.5
Gawande gives an insight into how difficult balancing quality of life and length of life can be in palliative care and as a doctor. Through stories of care homes, assisted living and cancer patients, he illustrates how care is adapted for different patients, but how ultimately all care should move towards supporting the patient's wants and needs, even if it goes against the traditional means of medicine.
oniki3crimzen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
tarabethidaho's review against another edition
5.0
This is an absolutely mind-changing, and perhaps even life-changing, book.
samantha325's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
cluckingbell's review against another edition
4.0
I feel like I'd heard enough interviews with the author that there was not a great deal new for me to discover in the full book. Still, it was an interesting, thought-provoking, and hopeful read about coming to terms with aging, dying, and what matters most while we're alive.