Reading this book is like having Dr. Hallenbeck at your side coaching the reader to think critically about the evolving discipline of palliative care. Dr. Hallenbeck's voice is compassionate, articulate and strong throughout the book. I have placed Palliative Care Perspectives alongside some of my other references as I struggle to learn to care for patients at the end of life. I highly recommend this book to careproviders (physicians, nurses, PAs, nurse practitioners, socialworkers, chaplains etc) who have patients who are near the end of their lives. I have met Dr Hallenbeck and been privileged to work with him; if you are unable to work with him or to hear him speak, this treatise is like having him at your elbow when you need help. It is an intimate and thoughtful book that should be required reading for professionals in training.