In October, Boneyard Bookworms will read and discuss Being Mortal : Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande, a practicing surgeon who bravely and honestly reveals the struggles of his profession, making the argument that quality of life–not length–is the desired goal for patients and families of the terminally ill.

Oliver Sacks wrote of Being Mortal: “We have come to medicalize aging, frailty, and death, treating them as if they were just one more clinical problem to overcome. However, it is not only medicine that is needed in one’s declining years but life – a life with meaning, a life as rich and full as possible under the circumstances. Being Mortal is not only wise and deeply moving, it is an essential and insightful book for our times.”

Laurel Hill’s book club reads a wide range of genres and topics–from historical nonfiction, memoirs, and contemporary novels to science, medicine, and humor–this club has something for everyone. For more information please contact programs@laurelhillphl.com.