Opening with an account of curiosity-filled childhoods that fostered a love for learning, the Sadlers move readers through their joint careers, in which they influenced laws that have touched millions of Americans–notably The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act that paved the way for medical organ donations. Despite their renown and the pivotal nature of their work, the authors avoid pretension and overstatement, writing instead about the importance of serving others and having “open dialogue between emerging and traditional healthcare professions to encourage collective problem-solving.” This work draws on their backgrounds and the lessons they’ve learned along the way while also digging into the complex problems of contemporary healthcare, but all this presented with welcome clarity and cohesion despite the highly technical topics.

(P)luck tells a poignant coming-of-age story that integrates brotherly love and fighting for justice in the medical field, tracing the Act’s journey from inspired idea to a global norm. The Sadlers are not afraid to dig into the ethical problems inherent in modern medicine, in the process offering a vital example of how to persist in the fight for what is right, even when transformative change seems impossible.

Takeaway: The inspiring account of twin brothers whose perseverance and ingenuity changed healthcare for the better.

Great for fans of: Atul Gawande’s Better, Tracy Kidder’s Mountains Beyond Mountains.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A