On Death Dying and Not Dying Author:Peter Houghton In June 2000 Peter Houghton, a counselor in palliative care, was himself weeks from death due to cardiac myopathy. He had made his preparations and said most of his goodbyes. Then he was offered the chance to participate in a clinical trial and to receive a Jarvik heart pump. Six months later he was not only still alive, but planning a long dist... more »ance walk for charity. With humor and honesty, his story chronicles the uneven path back from the brink of death. His book raises profound questions about medical trials and palliative care, and indeed about our attitudes towards life and death.« less