Cheating Death: The Doctors and Medical Miracles that Are Saving Lives Against All Odds

As a non-physician medical professional, this was a great book. I don't know the long term outcome of his ideas and/or observations, but if ANY of them become part of the accepted medical culture, it'll be worth it. I recoommend to all medical, pharmacy and nursing students, residents, and practicing clinicians.

Well written and well narrated. Angie Shelton
Stanford University Medical Ctr

How many of us, at one time or another, have wondered about the end of life, either our own or that of a loved on already gone? In this outstanding narration of his own book, practicing clinical neurosurgeon, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, M.D., explores and explains just how far modern medicine has been able to push the envelope between life and death, and what defines the very limits of both. Using plain english for the lay person, with enough medical detail to capture those medical professionals alike, Dr. Gupta takes us on a tour of one of those areas that is a frequently tabooed subject in medicine-after all-death is in a way medicine's 'arch-enemy'. Yet after listening to this Audible presentation, a first for me, and an experience unlike any before, I felt as though I had spent many hours one on one with the good doctor himself, as he delves into areas I've never heard another highly acclaimed physician talk about before, and I came away with a whole new appreciation, and understanding!

Dr. Gupta explains, through discussion, a number of instances when people were considered ... even declared ... dead, but still were able to be brought back to life. He shows, in this book how the once-considered finality of a person being dead, according to indications on the medical machinery, may not really be the case at all. It does bring up the unsettling thought that doctors inadvertently could make a mistake in declaring a person dead, in order to begin organ harvesting for transplanting.
It is interesting and amazing to hear about some of the advancements of medical science, and also to consider how the lines of "death" have become blurred. Gupta also explores the power of prayer, & its influence upon the sick, as well as "miracles", and the attempt to explain them in scientific terms.
If you are looking for a good book dealing factually with medicine, especially neurosurgery, this may be the book for you. Gupta writes well ... almost conversationally.
This is a good one; I'll be watching for more by Sanjay, Gupta, M.D.

Why oh why do scientists and medical doctors insist on narrating their own writings? Sanjay Gupta is a great doctor and the book was fairly interesting but he narrated it himself in a monotone and with bad punctuation, and said the word "quote" so many times I could barely listen. Pay an actor or professional reader! Please!

Dr Gupta seems to do it all perfectly. I enjoyed his book and TV shots. He is very much enjoyed.
Bill Longpre

Wonderful stories. Hated to have this one end.

This book gives an impressive blend of scientific view and spiritual view on what constitutes death. I often wonder myself if human body / mind could ever possibly be started, suspended and resumed, in same fashion we can do with computers and machines. It is such a pleasant surprise that I found this discussion right here in the book. While the discussion is evidence based, which would certainly satisfy science hungry minds, Dr. Gupta successfully brings out the human aspect of life and death. The book caused me to think deeply about the ethical and scientific right(s) and wrong(s) when someone is declared death. Many of the stories are powerfully touching, particularly for those who have experienced similar challenges in life. It is worth having a hard copy of this book as well.
BTW, some people commented on the reading quality. On the contrary, I'd think if Dr Gupta were to be a teacher, those who could attend his lecture would be fortunate. Excellent reading, which keeps the audience engaged! The book is good, to the very end, with the interview conducted. I strongly recommend this book!