You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Some of the patient stories and intersections with race and systems of power were interesting, as was some of the author’s personal history. But, I found the attempt to connect those stories to a grander meaning and philosophizing on life lessons mostly trite and sometimes grating.
I read this in two nights - the stories and writing were compelling and it was hard to put down. The book is organized around specific stories, including the author’s own story as a child and as an adult, but also around Dr. Harper’s experiences caring for patients in emergency departments. The most powerful chapters for me were the chapter with Dominic, where the police want her to force an evaluation on a patient without his consent, and the chapter with Victoria Honor, a survivor of rape while she was serving in the military. Throughout the book, Dr. Harper discusses how systemic racism has affected her and her patients, and about the lessons she has learned over her education and her time in practice as an emergency physician. Definitely worth reading, especially if you’re interested in healthcare and in the lived experiences of strong women.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Any memoir of life in the ER is always going to be a humbling, enlightening, enriching experience. Here, Dr. Harper shares the story of her troubled childhood, how she became a doctor, with stories of her patients and how they each brought something memorable to her life. It’s not always obvious or easy, but sometimes beauty can be found in the hard things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence
One of the best books I’ve ever read. Healing, humanity, brokenness, loss, relationships, hope. It’s all there. I’m so grateful to Dr. Harper for sharing her story. This has helped me and will stay with me forever.
I absolutely loved this book. Beautiful storytelling by a strong woman who has navigated trauma and come out the other side. Absolutely beautiful book.
Michelle Harper takes us into her world of medicine, spirituality, family relationships, and shows just how there really is beauty in breaking. How healing can take place in ways we may not think, how each person we encounter can teach us a lesson, can help us heal / learn something about ourselves.
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
It feels weird to say I enjoyed this, given the heartache littered throughout, but I really did. She spoke with such humanity about her job and experiences. I was captivated each time she had a story of a patient and felt like I was right there in the room with her.
A lot of reviews said this was preachy, but there are soooo many other memoirs out there that are a million times worse. As an educator, I feel some comparisons with medical workers. Maybe that’s where my bias comes in to see this as heartfelt instead of preachy. I don’t know. But to me, the anecdotes detailing the issues with systems in America aren’t preachy when they are fact based and coming from a reliable source living out this scenes on a daily basis.
A lot of reviews said this was preachy, but there are soooo many other memoirs out there that are a million times worse. As an educator, I feel some comparisons with medical workers. Maybe that’s where my bias comes in to see this as heartfelt instead of preachy. I don’t know. But to me, the anecdotes detailing the issues with systems in America aren’t preachy when they are fact based and coming from a reliable source living out this scenes on a daily basis.
I find it hard to “rate” another person’s memoir. This is a story of healing from an ER doctor’s perspective. It’s a quick read but not all the stories are easy.
Meh. I was pretty disappointed with this as I wanted to really like it. Didn't really add to my life or perspective of my practice. Sometimes the conversations struck me as unnatural, where she speaks at length to each patient without any back and forth dialogue...and I wish what she wished to convey wasn't just written out in plain language (especially as it relates to her complex family issues) and rather conveyed in a different way. Lastly, I particularly did not enjoy her take on a likely forensics patient presenting to the E.D.
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced