I have mixed emotions about this book.

On the one hand, the portions of the book where the author talks about his pending operation to repair a malfunctioning aortic valve and his delving into the history of the heart as a pump, and William Harvey’s discovery of circulation of blood, and the evolution of heart operations, were all quite interesting.

But when the author contemplated the larger questions of life and death as they relate to his upcoming heart operation, I became less interested. It is not that what he discussed was not interesting, it is just that I am not as keen on reading about religious and philosophical musings on the subject.

This was a well-written book. The audience for it is not someone interested in the history of heart operations, as I am, but someone who is interested in the religion and philosophy of it all, like the author who teaches university religion and philosophy.

4/5 stars

[Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest and objective opinion, which I have given here.]