Dec. 7, 2004

One Book One Union finalist

One Book One Union, Union’s new campus-wide reading program, will feature the book Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science, by Atul Gawande (New York: Metropolitan Books, 2002. Call # 617 G24). Sponsored by Union’s Ella Johnson Crandall Memorial Library, library staff recently read and reviewed dozens of books recommended by faculty, narrowing the list to five finalists. From that five they selected Gawande’s highly acclaimed book.

        Chosen for its human-interest stories, elegant prose and important themes, Gawande’s book portrays the professional life of a surgeon through dramatic true-life stories while exploring relationships between patient, doctor, society, technology, education and intuition. Those who have read the book believe it will command the interest of patients and health professionals alike, while the lessons Gawande shares can be applied to many settings. Reviewers claim the book is “as sharply observed and written as any scalpel,” (New Scientist) and “a persuasive demonstration of just how messy, tentative and surprising medicine can be” (Business Week).
        Gawande’s writing is enhanced by his background as a medical writer for The New Yorker, a resident surgeon, a Rhodes scholar, a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School, a former health-policy adviser to a United States president, and a youthful looking father of three. On the American Library Association’s Notable Adult Books List for 2003, Complications is available at the Union College library, the Campus Store and Lincoln Public Libraries. Audio and CD formats of the book are also available at Lincoln libraries. Begin your reading now so you will be ready for second semester discussion groups and special events pertaining to the book.

        Visit One Book One Union on the library's Web page for updates about campus programs and discussion questions based on readings in the book.