"East of the Mountains" is a novel by author David Guterson, published in 1999. The story follows Ben Givens, a retired heart surgeon, as he grapples with terminal cancer and reflects on his life while navigating the landscapes of Washington State. The narrative explores themes of mortality, nature, and the connections between people. As Ben embarks on a journey into the wilderness, he confronts his past, relationships, and the inevitability of death, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful yet harsh environment east of the mountains.