Better: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance
by Atul Gawande
Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance by Atul Gawande holds a highly rated rating of 4.19 out of 5, based on 17.1K reader ratings. First published in 2007. The book spans 288 pages.
About Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance
The struggle to perform well is universal: each one of us faces fatigue, limited resources, and imperfect abilities in whatever we do. But nowhere is this drive to do better more important than in medicine, where lives are on the line with every decision. In his new book, Atul Gawande explores how doctors strive to close the gap between best intentions and best performance in the face of obstacles that sometimes seem insurmountable. Gawande's gripping stories of diligence, ingenuity, and what it means to do right by people take us to battlefield surgical tents in Iraq, to labor and delivery rooms in Boston, to a polio outbreak in India, and to malpractice courtrooms around the country. He discusses the ethical dilemmas of doctors participation in lethal injections, examines the influence of money on modern medicine, and recounts the astoundingly contentious history of hand washing. And as in all his writing, Gawande gives us an inside look at his own life as a practicing surgeon, offering a searingly honest firsthand account of work in a field where mistakes are both unavoidable and unthinkable. At once unflinching and compassionate, Better is an exhilarating journey narrated by arguably the best nonfiction doctor-writer around (Salon). Gawande's investigation into medical professionals and how they progress from merely good to great provides rare insight into the elements of success, illuminating every area of human endeavor.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Atul Gawande |
| Published | 2007 |
| Pages | 288 |
| Kindle Price | $11.99 |
| Genres | Non-Fiction, Science, Biography & Memoir, Business, Biography & Memoir |
| Average Rating | 4.19 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 17,109 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance?
Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance is categorized as Non-Fiction, Science, Biography & Memoir, Business. Its primary genre classification is Biography & Memoir.
Is Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance worth reading?
Based on 17.1K reader ratings, Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance has an average score of 4.19 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated."
How many pages is Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance?
Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance has 288 pages.
Who wrote Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance?
Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance was written by Atul Gawande. It was first published in 2007.
What is the ISBN for Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance?
The ISBN-13 for Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance is 9780805082110.0.
How much does Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance cost on Kindle?
Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance is available on Kindle for $11.99. Pricing may vary by region and promotional offers.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
