The Gift of Life: The Reality Behind Organ Donation Retrieval

Drawing on her experience as a transplant coordinator, the author leads the reader through the modern world of organ transplants. Even in states like New Jersey where the law strongly encourages donation, demand for organs will always be much larger than the supply, and the time critical nature of organ harvesting places additional pressures on those involved, from recipients, medical staff and the soon-to-be-bereaved. Although the work begins clinically with the definition of brain death, the author acknowledges that the process is inherently emotional, presenting ethical quandaries even professionals may struggle with. These issues are explored through a series of anecdotes, and while the author is clearly on the pro-donation side, the book does not shortchange the challenges donation presents to the families of the donors. The author's prose is straightforward and clear; professional jargon does not sabotage clarity. The context is quite specific, not just American but East Coast, but Graf does a competent job of using particular experiences to fuel larger conversation. One flaw may be the book's brevity. At just over 200 pages, there are profound limitations to the depth to which the author can explore the issues; some readers may come away wanting more. (Mar.)