Editor's note: As stated in the blog its a tough but fascinating read. Gawande shares his experience as a surgeon with a human, personal touch and his growing skill as a writer. My high regard for him began with his "Checklist Manifesto" but here he goes ever deeper. He must be a helluva man.
Favorite excerpt: "…courage is strength in the face of knowledge of what is to be feared or hoped. Wisdom is prudent strength. ...the first courage is to seek out what is to be feared and what is to be hoped...the second...is the courage to act on the truth we find."
http://www.amazon.com/Being-Mortal-Medicine-What-Matters/dp/0805095152