Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

This book delves into the complex interplay between medicine, aging, and the inevitable reality of death, challenging the conventional medical approach that focuses on survival at the expense of quality of life. Through a blend of personal narratives, including stories from the author's own family, and research, it examines how modern medicine often fails to address the comprehensive needs of the elderly and terminally ill. Advocating for a more empathetic and holistic approach, it emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting individuals' end-of-life wishes, advocating for a healthcare model that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of patients in their final days.

The 10955th greatest book of all time


Ranking Details:

Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:

Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.

Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:

  • Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
  • Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.

Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.

This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.

Total Points: 9

Since this book was first published in 2014, there is a penalty of 64.0%. The age adjusted score is 3.24.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.