A book review of Intensive Caring: A practical handbook for Catholics about serious illness and end of life care written by Natalie King, MD, MA
This book grabs attention immediately with the first case study. Not wanting to give away the plot we have Mr. W. and his symptoms at the same time as looking at church doctrine and teachings.
King is writing from the point of view of a physician. She is also writing from the perspective of a Christian. She explores the strands of suffering in end of life care and serious illness. This weaving of biblical text, church teaching, case studies and lived experience is unlike any book I have read.
It is powerful.
This book truly helps people grapple with diagnoses and decisions. Its gentle words wash over respectfully as life altering decisions might need to be made. My mother decided less than a year ago to not seek invasive treatment and rely on palliative care treatment. I have watched from afar as a person chooses one way to die.
In chapter three Natalie gives many of the questions we should be asking when faced with health choices. My stoic son when it was suggested he need dialysis took it on the chin. He was looking forward to computer game time – extra to the normal allowed amount. I appreciated the book’s acknowledgement that we do not all think the same.
Who should read this book?
- Patients with a long term illness
- Family of a patient suddenly in ICU
- Doctors, nurses and care givers
- Pastors, pastoral workers and chaplains
I write about Stuff 
One response to “ICU – serious illness and faith”
Hi,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the book “Intensive Caring: A practical handbook for Catholics about serious illness and end of life care”. It’s great to hear your feedback on the book’s content and how it has resonated with you personally. The way you’ve highlighted the book’s relevance to different individuals such as patients, families, doctors, and pastoral workers really emphasizes its broad appeal. Your personal experiences with your mother and son add depth to your review. It’s evident that this book addresses important and challenging aspects of serious illness and end of life care. Thank you for shedding light on this.
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