Unplugged: Reclaiming Our Right to Die in America [Paperback]

William H. Colby (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 12, 2007

It often seems that medical technology is a never-ending string of miracles. But it is also a double-edged sword. More often than not, death today happens because of a decision to stop doing something, or to not do it at all. As the tragic life and death of Terri Schiavo so poignantly illustrated, universal definitions of life, death, nature, and many other concepts are elusive at best. Unplugged addresses the fundamental questions of the right-to-die debate, and discusses how the medical advances that bring so much hope and healing have also helped to create today's dilemma.Now in paperback, this compelling book illuminates the complex legal, ethical, medical, and deeply personal issues of a debate that ultimately affects us all. Compassionate and beautifully written, the book helps readers understand the implications of current laws and proposed legislation, various medical options (including hospice), and the typical end-of-life decisions we all must face in order to make informed decisions for ourselves and our loved ones. The hardcover edition was chosen by "The Library Journal" as one of the Best Consumer Health Books of 2006.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 2005, the Terri Schiavo case galvanized millions to think about end-of-life decision making and question when life ends and how to define a good death. Colby, the lawyer for Nancy Cruzan, whose 1988 case was one of the first to raise such questions, writes elegantly about these issues. He reminds us that the right to die is a new subject because the technology that allows us to keep patients alive is recent. Cardiac defibrillators, as he points out, were first used to resuscitate patients in 1959. The term "persistent vegetative state" was defined only in 1972, as a result of the Cruzan case. Colby discusses briefly the major issues in three high-profile right-to-die cases—Cruzan, Schiavo and the first, that of Karen Ann Quinlan in 1976—to highlight the difficult medical and legal questions surrounding the end of life, including the advantages and disadvantages of a living will, appointing a legal guardian and "do not resuscitate" orders. He takes no ethical position regarding the removal of feeding tubes or respirators but urges us to talk to our families about our wishes in this regard. Although many other books have covered these topics, few possess Colby's engaging style and judicious insights. (June)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

Lancet: "William Colby...has written a timely, comprehensive book exploring the legal, medical and ethical questions surrounding this complex issue...In a surprisingly personal narrative voice."

“[Colby] conveys a sensitivity and compassion about a subject that many find extremely difficult to discuss….a fascinating and well-written book.”

-Health Progress, November 2007

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 17 and up
  
• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM; 1 edition (December 12, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814401600
• ISBN-13: 978-0814401606
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #659,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Law > Family & Health Law > Right to Die

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First Rate, July 1, 2006

By 

Dr. Robert Milch - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unplugged: Reclaiming Our Right to Die in America (Hardcover)

Terrific reading, written with compelling pace and clarity. It crosses genres from history to reflective social action, and may be the most important self-help book of recent times. A great primer for must-have discussions at family gatherings, coffee klatches, and book clubs.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book for Everyone, July 7, 2006

By 

Douglas R. Rushing "Doug Rushing, Ph.D." (Kansas City, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unplugged: Reclaiming Our Right to Die in America (Hardcover)

"Unplugged" is a book everyone who is going to die should read. It tells you what you need to do to make sure your wishes are respected when it comes to end-of-life decisions. Doing that will spare your loved ones unnecessary anguish. This book, believe it or not, is an engaging page turner and my 90-year-old mother just read it. We took its advice, talked about her wishes, and she now has a notarized health care power-of-attorney, giving us both much peace of mind. All this thanks to Colby's wonderfully written, timely, important book.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The right-to-die debate is once again tackled, August 7, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unplugged: Reclaiming Our Right to Die in America (Hardcover)

The right-to-die debate is once again tackled; this time by a lawyer who represented Nancy Cruzan in the first right- to-die case heard by the Supreme Court. While Nancy Cruzan's struggles were chronicled in a prior book by Colby, Unplugged: Reclaiming Our Right To Die In America offers a broader perspective on the topic, moving beyond Cruzan's struggle to offer answers to legal, ethical, medical and personal issues involved in the debate. Court records, interviews and the authors' own experiences lend to the discussion of current laws, proposed changes, and their effects on society.