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annieb123's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Autopsy: Life In The Trenches With A Forensic Pathologist In Africa is a fascinating layman accessible memoir by Dr. Ryan Blumenthal relating some of his experiences as a forensic pathologist. Released 13th April 2021 by Jonathan Ball Publishers, it's 224 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a well written and absorbing glimpse inside the working life of a forensic pathologist. Dr. Blumenthal has a conversational style of writing which is humorously entertaining and yet respectful and serious. He writes at length about different causes of death, the process of autopsy, deducing whether a death is suicide or homicide, and much more.
I'm a bioengineer working in a histopathology lab, so much of what he writes about is my regular "day job". I was quite impressed at his facility whilst explaining complex concepts in simple, scientifically correct ways, which allow readers without any medical background to easily process what he's talking about.
He's a renowned specialist in lightning strikes and deaths due to electrocution and he goes into detail in the book about the fascinating elements common to death-by-lightning, including veterinary autopsies on a rare antelope species on which he consulted.
Four stars. There are some photos and illustrations in the book, but happily nothing shocking or horrifying at all. I found the entire book upbeat and positive and very very interesting. This would make a good selection for library acquisition and for readers of science and nonfiction.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Autopsy: Life In The Trenches With A Forensic Pathologist In Africa is a fascinating layman accessible memoir by Dr. Ryan Blumenthal relating some of his experiences as a forensic pathologist. Released 13th April 2021 by Jonathan Ball Publishers, it's 224 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a well written and absorbing glimpse inside the working life of a forensic pathologist. Dr. Blumenthal has a conversational style of writing which is humorously entertaining and yet respectful and serious. He writes at length about different causes of death, the process of autopsy, deducing whether a death is suicide or homicide, and much more.
I'm a bioengineer working in a histopathology lab, so much of what he writes about is my regular "day job". I was quite impressed at his facility whilst explaining complex concepts in simple, scientifically correct ways, which allow readers without any medical background to easily process what he's talking about.
He's a renowned specialist in lightning strikes and deaths due to electrocution and he goes into detail in the book about the fascinating elements common to death-by-lightning, including veterinary autopsies on a rare antelope species on which he consulted.
Four stars. There are some photos and illustrations in the book, but happily nothing shocking or horrifying at all. I found the entire book upbeat and positive and very very interesting. This would make a good selection for library acquisition and for readers of science and nonfiction.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
reneek84's review against another edition
3.0
This book is interesting yet not exactly what I thought it would be. The author seemed to jump from topic to topic and there seemed to be no rhyme or reason to it. That being said I liked as I find the field of medicine very fascinating.
paperwitches's review against another edition
5.0
I love weird, somewhat morbid books from, the point of view of doctors, emt's, and morticians, and I adored this novel. It does a good job of being easily digestible for anyone who reads it despite its sceintific terms, and the author takes good care to help educate their readers. I loved the insight it provided into the author's life, and how it expanded on larger issues related to death. For fans of the weird and macabre, this is a must read.
bethelizabethuk's review against another edition
1.0
I was really intrigued by this book because I love reading about forensic science and pathology and I was interested to see how things differ in South Africa. There were some really interesting parts in this book but overall it wasn’t what I expected. I found Blumenthal glossed over the case studies so we didn’t get to actually learn about many particularly interesting cases and how they presented etc. There was a lot of repetition especially with the conditions he’s had to work in. It was also a pretty disjointed read and he went off on a lot of tangents without finishing his original line of thought. On top of that, he was very preachy. The book finishes with him preaching about how he thinks you should live your life and starts with the fact that he quit being a doctor because he didn’t want to treat smokers, drinkers, fat people, or anyone who drives badly because they bring all ailments on themselves and he only wants to help the innocent. He seems to think he’s some sort of superhero and mentioned a few times how little he’s paid and how important he is. All in all some interesting parts but not the author or book for me
I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
tinyhandsmcgee's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this. As someone who wants to be a veterinary pathologist with a focus on forensics, there is much overlap and lessons to be learned from human pathologists. I find his insights to be motivating as well as thought stimulating. It was well written and clearly presented why pathology and forensics (ie a focus on disease and death) is so beneficial to the living.
hazel_readsalot's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Jonathan Ball Publishing for the digital ARC.
I thought this book was fascinating! I have a background in laboratory science which helped me get a better understanding of the cases presented, but the book is written in a way that a background in health or laboratory science is not necessary. If you have any interest at all in forensic pathology or what goes on behind the scenes in a hospital, I would highly recommend reading this book. The cases that he presents deal with death due to unnatural causes which can mean any number of things. Dr. Ryan Blumenthal explains the anatomy and physiology, but also all of the other science, math and deduction involved in finding the cause of death. This book is truly insightful!
I thought this book was fascinating! I have a background in laboratory science which helped me get a better understanding of the cases presented, but the book is written in a way that a background in health or laboratory science is not necessary. If you have any interest at all in forensic pathology or what goes on behind the scenes in a hospital, I would highly recommend reading this book. The cases that he presents deal with death due to unnatural causes which can mean any number of things. Dr. Ryan Blumenthal explains the anatomy and physiology, but also all of the other science, math and deduction involved in finding the cause of death. This book is truly insightful!
caffeineandbookreviews's review against another edition
4.0
*Review place holder*
Do NOT read if you have a weak stomach.
Do NOT read if you have a weak stomach.