Alive

Embark on an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the human body with the acclaimed author, broadcaster, and surgeon Gabriel Weston. Described by Chris Van Tulleken as 'exceptional, beautiful and absolutely absorbing', and by Sarah Moss as 'a book of wonder', this work delves into what it truly means to inhabit a body. During her medical education, Weston realized that something crucial was missing from the standard anatomical teachings. While medicine imparts knowledge about bodily functions, it often overlooks the experiential aspect of living within one. As she transitioned through roles as a surgeon, mother, and eventually a patient, Weston confronted the disparity between medical science and the intricate nature of human existence. Through this riveting examination, she blurs the lines between doctor and patient, challenging the conventional limits of scientific understanding regarding human identity. By concentrating on individual organs, not only as seen in the bright lights of the surgical room but also as pivotal elements in our life stories, she presents a more complete and humanized view of our bodies—revealing them to be more fragile, terrifying, and wondrous than previously conceived. "Alive" offers an intimate, profound perspective on anatomy, the connections amongst us, the essence and fleetingness of life, and the mortality that binds us all.