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Booked for the Day

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

On Monday, May 1st, the Booked for the Day Book Group met to discuss, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande.  Here are a few things we discussed during the meeting:

  • The group was unanimous, we thought it was a beautifully written book that is essential reading for everyone. It was a hard book to read, it was complex and sensitive, but a valuable story on aging, death and dying.
  • One member shared that he had the tough conversation with his family after reading this book. They now know where he stands and what is important to him.
  • Many members shared their stories with the group and we spent some time talking about Hospice. For most of us Hospice evokes negative feelings because it is linked with death. After reading this book we now understand that Hospice gives us options, options that allow us to live better in our final days with less pain and fewer symptoms giving us more time to concentrate on what's most important to us in the end. We also learned that studies have shown that Hospice not only prevents suffering but can also give you a 25 percent longer time with your loved ones.
  • One member thought that Atul was spiritual. She felt that he was a compassionate thinker who gave sound guidance, helping to put his patients at peace with their decisions. She also felt that you never know what you are going to do until you are in those circumstances because we live in a culture of optimism.
  • We felt the stories he told gave a dignified voice to older people in the process of losing their independence. We saw their life from their perspective. Not just from worried family member’s views.
  • We all agreed with Atul that “Our ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life to the very end.”
  • The group highly recommends this book to everyone.

These are just a few things mentioned during the discussion. Please feel free to add any of your thoughts in the comment section.

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