“Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End,” by Atul Gawande. This is Dr. Gawande’s discussion on how medical professionals focus on the repair of health, not the sustenance of the soul, particularly when it comes to caring for our aged and dying; and what can be done to change that. It’s a brilliant blend of facts and storytelling. It’s also one of the most important books I’ve ever read. – Rachael Johnson, bookseller at Valley Bookseller in Stillwater.

Shelftalker is an occasional feature of recommendations by booksellers.