Life on a Knife's Edge
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  • Published: 3 June 2021
  • ISBN: 9780241992906
  • Imprint: Penguin Audio
  • Format: Audio Download

Life on a Knife's Edge

A Brain Surgeon's Reflections on Life, Loss and Survival

Formats & editions
EBook
24 Jun 2021
Audiobook
3 Jun 2021
Hardback
28 Sep 2021
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A raw and unflinching account from leading neuroscientist and neurosurgeon of the valuable lessons we can learn from patients confronted with their own mortality.

Acclaimed neurosurgeon and bestselling author, Rahul Jandial, has spent the last 20 years treating patients whose lives hang in the balance, from treating patients with rare forms of stage 4 brain cancer, to keeping a gun victim's heart pumping with his own hand. Rules for Survival is his account of the resilience, courage and belief he has witnessed in his patients, and the lessons he has learned from them.

Part memoir, part guide, this profound and moving book explores the strength of humanity at its most vulnerable and shows us how to cope with life's challenges, be it stress, failure, trauma, loss or addiction. Jandial will help you find purpose in the face of futility, strength during times of loss and joy in the everyday.
  • Published: 3 June 2021
  • ISBN: 9780241992906
  • Imprint: Penguin Audio
  • Format: Audio Download
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About the author

Rahul Jandial

Dr Rahul Jandial, MD, PhD, is a dual-trained neurosurgeon and neurobiologist. He is known for undertaking complex cancer operations and overseeing groundbreaking science at the Jandial Lab in Los Angeles. Through his non-profit International Neurosurgical Children's Association (INCA) he travels around the world performing and teaching brain surgery in under-served hospitals in Central and South America, south-east Asia and eastern Europe. Many first came to know him from his columns in Vice and his appearances on American news shows and international channels, including Discovery and National Geographic, among others. His first book, Life Lessons from a Brain Surgeon, became a Sunday Times bestseller.

portrait photo of Rahul Jandial

Also by Rahul Jandial

Life Lessons from a Brain Surgeon
This Is Why You Dream
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Praise for Life on a Knife's Edge

A beautifully written and fearless depiction of both brain surgery and the mind of a surgeon. Riveting.

Jim Down, author of Life Support

A reminder that what makes us stellar physicians and surgeons are not our skills with our hands and/our knowledge but rather our empathy and ability to connect with our patients.

Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa

Is this a memoir or a science book? An exposé of the shortcoming of our healthcare system or a paean to the wonders of modern medicine? The answer is YES, to all those things and more. Jandial takes us deep into the day-to-day life of his profession as a brain surgeon while simultaneously taking us even deeper into the inner-workings of our own biology. It's an unconventional approach, and a bit disarming at first blush, but pays off in spades. I loved this book.

James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

Most of us say 'it's not brain surgery' when we talk about our work. But Rahul Jandial's work - and life - is just that. And he loves both enough to fight for every moment of every life. A searingly honest, fascinating account of lives and minds entwined.

Stevie Spring CBE, Chairman of the British Council and the charity Mind

A powerful testimony to the skill of a world-class surgeon, and a soul-searching exploration of the vulnerability that makes him human.

Leah Hazard, author of the Sunday Times bestseller Hard Pushed

Incredible storytelling

Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Filled with powerful stories of human trauma and resilience - including his own

Telegraph

'It's a brilliant book... There are lessons in every paragraph....Get it now.' Chris Evans

Chris Evans