Choosing to Live, Choosing to Die

July 1, 2019
A multifaceted exploration of the complex issues surrounding medical assistance in dying. Through a combination of narrative, facts, quotations, provocative questions, case studies, and captioned full-color photographs, this book encourages readers to ponder whether medical assistance in dying can be an appropriate option for some. The author describes her own family's experience with the challenges of honoring end-of-life wishes before presenting topics such as hospice care, legal issues, ethical concerns, the nature of suffering, and the challenges of being asked to help someone die, and more, including a somewhat thin last chapter on what it means to have a good death. Choppy and meandering by design--the author explains that the structure leads readers along a winding path--it may be more suitable for dipping into than reading cover to cover. Variations of the phrase "committing suicide" are used, although this terminology is now often viewed as pejorative. The absence of footnotes or endnotes in favor of a general list of references limits its usefulness for report writers. While the text is broken up with informative sidebars, the font used for the case studies is punishingly small. Focusing primarily on the Western world, despite noting in passing that Japan has the world's largest right-to-die group, this is a frank, dispassionate, and accessible guide that respects the ability of teen readers to understand the nuances surrounding a complex topic. A thought-provoking, easy-to-understand resource. (glossary, references, photo credits, index) (Nonfiction. 14-18)

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Starred review from September 1, 2019

Gr 6 Up-This comprehensive guide helps teens learn about and understand the controversial issue of medical assistance in dying. In the first chapter, Tate introduces the concept of dying and shares her own family's experience. Tate then defines and explains the four major types of medically assisted death. She addresses how the law, values, morals, and ethics inevitably impact a person's options when making end-of-life decisions. The book also introduces the terms palliative care and hospice care. In addition to pertinent vocabulary, the book includes identification where medical assistance in dying (MAiD) is legal worldwide and what arguments exist in defense of legalizing it; an examination of the medical and financial issues doctors face; a look at how religion, ethics, and activism influence or impede change; and a breakdown of pop culture depictions of assisted suicide. The powerful quotes, colorful and evocative illustrations, numerous case studies, and photographs throughout provide further context and reaffirm the complexity of the issue. VERDICT Tate's sprawling work is a fascinating guide that belongs in all middle school, high school, and public libraries. This resource will help tweens and teens looking to better understand death and dying for personal or academic purposes.-Jess Gafkowitz, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2019
Grades 7-10 A doctor's goal is to heal and to ease suffering; whether or not "easing suffering" involves providing those whose pain is terminal and unbearable with a way to end their lives has long been a matter of debate. This guide wades into the complicated waters of medically assisted suicide, approaching hypothetical situations and real-world examples with a measured tone. The well-designed, easy-to-navigate volume lays out the types of medically assisted dying that exist, the people who seek it out, and the complexities of care under the law and personal ethics. While it encourages readers to draw their own conclusions, the book largely advocates for assisted dying, although it also comments on the murkier territory of death seekers who have mental illnesses instead of physical ones. The concerns, too, that people in marginalized communities, such as those with disabilities, might be taken advantage of if medically assisted suicide becomes legal everywhere are addressed, if only briefly. For readers who want a balanced, thoughtful dive into a difficult issue, this has a lot to offer.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)