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Powell's Q&A, Q&A | December 13, 2009

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How We Die: Reflections on Life's Final Chapter

by Sherwin B Nuland

How We Die: Reflections on Life's Final Chapter Cover

ISBN13: 9780679742449
ISBN10: 0679742441
Condition: Standard
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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

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

Synopsis:

In an age when death occurs in sterile seclusion and is cloaked in euphemi sm and taboo, How We Die is a vital revelation. Clearly, frankly, yet compassionately, it tells us how most of us are likely to die--and in doing so , suggests how we may live more fully and meaningfully. Written by a distinguished surgeon, How We Die succeeds in restoring death to its ancient place in human existence.

Synopsis:

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
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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 4 comments:
Tim Cook, April 25, 2009 (view all comments by Tim Cook)
I read this book for the Death and Dying class I teach. It is a very touching, practical, and accessible into what happens to people dying of heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, and other common ailments. I particularly liked the weaving of personal stories into the scientific explanations. This is a good read for anyone who fears the dying process and wants to learn more about it.
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mrg0888, September 18, 2008 (view all comments by mrg0888)
When I found out that my 80 year old grandmother had advanced cancer and was choosing not to treat it... I found myself suddenly afraid for her because I was uncomfortable with the fact that I didn't know what would happen to her at the end. I didn't know anyone with cancer who chose not to remove it or treat it with chemo.

I bought this book because it gave me exactly what I wanted to know and didn't try to beat around the bush about the bodily processes that happen when we die.

At first I was only interested in finding out about cancer, but I found myself reading the book from cover to cover.

It is so wonderful to find someone who is willing to give the facts on this subject! It gave me great comfort because I knew what was coming and didn't have to fear the unknown... When my grandmother's disease progressed, I was ready. She passed on 09/02/2008.
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peter in port, October 28, 2007 (view all comments by peter in port)
It usually isn't pretty. The details of what happens to a human being as he exits the world is often shielded from us. Dr. Nuland, a world famous Yale trained surgeon, takes a quite literary approach as he explains the medical processes that leads inevitably to the demise of each individual on this planet. The first chapter, in which the author recalls his first attempt, as a 22 year old medical student, to save a patient dying of a massive coronary attack is gripping. So too, is his description of growing up in a tiny Bronx apartment being raised by his ancient Yiddish grandmother. As you will learn from reading the book, the more you deal with death, the less you have to fear from it, though it is seldom pretty or tranquil.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780679742449
Subtitle:
Reflections on Life's Final Chapter
Author:
Nuland, Sherwin B.
Author:
Dr. Sherwin B. Nuland
Author:
Nuland, Sherwin B.
Publisher:
Vintage Books USA
Location:
New York :
Subject:
General
Subject:
Psychology
Subject:
Death
Subject:
Death, Grief, Bereavement
Subject:
Death & Dying
Subject:
Attitude to death.
Subject:
Morte
Copyright:
1993
Edition Number:
1st ed.
Edition Description:
1st Vintage Books ed.
Series Volume:
500-227.
Publication Date:
January 1993
Binding:
Paperback
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Yes
Pages:
304
Dimensions:
8.03x5.19x.70 in. .50 lbs.
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