How We Die: Reflections on Life's Final Chapter 
asked by perfectjen on November 2, 2006 6:37 AM
Attempting to demythologize the process of dying, Nuland explores how we shall die, each of us in a way that will be unique. Through particular stories of dying--of patients, and of his own family--he examines the seven most common roads to death: old age, cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer's, accidents, heart disease, and strokes, revealing the facets of death's multiplicity.
"It's impossible to read How We Die without realizing how earnestly we have avoided this most unavoidable of subjects, how we have protected ourselves by building a cultural wall of myths and lies. I don't know of any writer or scientist who has shown us the face of death as clearly, honestly and compassionately as Sherwin Nuland does here."--James Gleick
From the Trade Paperback edition.
"It's impossible to read How We Die without realizing how earnestly we have avoided this most unavoidable of subjects, how we have protected ourselves by building a cultural wall of myths and lies. I don't know of any writer or scientist who has shown us the face of death as clearly, honestly and compassionately as Sherwin Nuland does here."--James Gleick
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Reviews
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This is a very easy read that gives basic background information, as well as personal accounts from the author's days as a practicing MD, on each of the diseases covered.
"How We Die" gives a rare glimps into little known facts about diseases which plague us today. The book also includes interesting facts, such as the origin of disease names but also gives insight into progression/pathology and a short history of each topic covered.
Even if you have limited scientific/medical training, you should be able to follow the author easily. If you do have a medical background, "How We Die" offers enough detail you shouldn't be bored.
"How We Die" gives a rare glimps into little known facts about diseases which plague us today. The book also includes interesting facts, such as the origin of disease names but also gives insight into progression/pathology and a short history of each topic covered.
Even if you have limited scientific/medical training, you should be able to follow the author easily. If you do have a medical background, "How We Die" offers enough detail you shouldn't be bored.
reviewed by freedrink on November 13, 2006 11:19 PM
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Interesting although dated, this overview takes a paternalistic look at major groupings of the reasons why the human body gives out.
I thought the AIDS chapter (which was good for its time) could be updated as well as the one dealing with cancer.
I also wish there were references listed at the end of each chapter (or grouping) for readers to go for more detailed information if they were interested.
I thought the AIDS chapter (which was good for its time) could be updated as well as the one dealing with cancer.
I also wish there were references listed at the end of each chapter (or grouping) for readers to go for more detailed information if they were interested.
reviewed by cannoli on November 22, 2006 6:43 PM