Adam Geremek's book received the prestigious Stromeyer Medal Award in 2011 for the best medical science and practice book of the year. This bookreview by Birgitta Dresp-Langley highlights the importance of Geremek's work for individuals, society, medical practice, and science. The book is recommended to researchers, practitioners, lawyers, and any individual interested in the controversies and complexities associated with braindeath, coma patient care, and assistance in dying.