How We Die

Rating:
Summary: Not for the faint-hearted
Review: This book should come with a warning label: "NOT TO BE READ BY THOSE RECENTLY BEREAVED." It is a very macabre book and will only worsen the grief.

Rating:
Summary: Don't be afraid to read this book
Review: I'm not sure what made me read "How We Die". It just appeared on my reader's radar a couple of years ago. First let me say that what I came away with was a profound sense of the awesomeness of human life and death, especially the awesomeness of physical death. The author explains in careful and graphic detail what happens to the body's systems under various scenarios that eventually result in the inevitable death of the body. Strangely, this information was more embracing and empowering than depressing and sad. Somehow, the knowledge of WHAT really happens when we die frees me to move on to HOW I feel about it and how I can deal with it. For me, the book stripped much of the power from various traditional, political, religous, legal, societal, and familial interpretations of this event, and allowed me to start to think it through for myself. Long after I finished the book, I found myself reflecting on the information presented by the author, and more importantly, digging deeply into my own psyche and soul to uncover what I really feel and believe. When my father died last year, I felt able to observe and participate in the process with less fear and dread, and more of a sense of power than if I had never read the book. While the events and circumstance of his illness and eventual death were extremely sad and difficult, I credit this book (and the mental and emotional effort I put into reading and reflecting on it) with allowing me to accept the fact that my father was going to die, and to deal with everything that had to be dealt with. Thank you, Dr. Nuland.

Rating:
Summary: More Philosophy than Medicine--Highly Recommended
Review: Dr. Nuland has paid the price to achieve not only medical skills but a uniquely learned voice--his erudition and education makes this work a classic of philosophy. I was fascinated from start to finish by his interweaving of modern science and time-honored insights. He highlights the fact that the advance of science cannot bring comfort by itself but must be used with wisdom and an understanding of the purpose of life.

The book is an argument that mankind's time on earth is naturally limited and that the efforts of science to extend life sometimes miss the point. Dr. Nuland does not even spare himself in criticizing some of the excesses of modern medicine. Quite simply, he argues that there is a fate worse than death itself--that often the additional time purchased by science comes at a fearful cost.

However, Dr. Nuland is no Luddite--he does acknowledge the improvements that medical science has provided. But in discussing death by way of various case histories and personal experiences, Dr. Nuland hopes that we come to appreciate that death has a purpose and importance that when understood will lessen our fear and increase our appreciation for the gift of life. We are all alike subject to death and whether by a random accident, untimely disease or simply old age, the results are the same and must be confronted by all.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating, compelling, one of my all-time favorites
Review: I cannot say enough good things about this book. It's one of my favorite books of all time. Of course, I'm a bit odd in that I find medical topics and CSI-type stuff fascinating. Beautifully weaves a variety of information in a logical style to explain everyday things such as why some older people have swollen ankles and what it says about their overall health. Perfect for anyone who likes problem-solving, diagnosing illnesses, and learning unusual tidbits along the way...

Rating:
Summary: Not for the faint-hearted
Review: A moving and detailed compendium of major causes of death, their physical causes and manifestations, and the effects on a victim's life and family. Tragically sad, yet realistic and imminently important, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants the truth about their body, their life, and how the beginning and the middle can affect the end.