"Though it can be read in a single sitting,A Life Worth Living:A Doctor's Reflections on illness in a High-Tech Era…is so packed with information and insight that it can change your life and the lives of those who seek your advice about caring for the critically ill."-Lisa Wiseman, M.D.,Diversion "Martensen makes his case with clear, compelling writing that never flinches from his conclusion that some things you just can't ‘win the battle again'; you can only hope for quality of life until the end."-Publisher's Weekly"A Life Worth Livingis a deeply engaging book. It can be read as a self-defense manual. In fact it should be read by, say, anyone over forty-five because we are all destined to do battle with the medical industrial complex which seems quite confused about helping us out of life. Martensen, who is both an M.D. and an historian of medicine, gracefully illumines the problems we all face." – Jim Harrison, author ofReturning to Earth"A Life Worth Livingis a treasure. Robert Martensen tells compelling stories of people who are at once remarkable and familiar, and distills practical wisdom for living with serious illness. Their experiences illuminate common dilemmas and difficult decisions and shine a light on the wondrous and perilous world of contemporary medicine. Martensen writes with the insights of an experienced clinician, the perspective of a historian, and the voice of a close friend." -Ira Byock, MD, author ofDying WellandThe Four Things That Matter Most"This book looks straight in the eye at uncomfortable truths, yet it does so in an intimate, almost caressing way. The results provoke and make this book one of the few that may change how we see the world, and how we think." -John M. Barry, author ofThe Great Influenza