Reviews

Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell

hanneward's review against another edition

3.0

A medical book I could read without constantly groaning. 'Nuff said.

dotwiz67's review against another edition

dark informative mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

quincysmom's review against another edition

5.0

Fantastic audiobook. Funny, imaginative, wild ride. Perfectly narrated on audible.

gmclapp's review against another edition

4.0

I don't know if an ending has ever had me gritting my teeth that much before. Shit, that was intense.

The ending also wins the award: "Most intense usage of Chekhov's gun..."

burntends's review against another edition

3.0

I usually read my Kindle on the treadmill, and the 2nd to last chapter of this book made me so sick I had to stop walking.

Barf, dude. Srsly. Barf.

jflux's review against another edition

2.0

this was one of those books i accidentally read, and i don't ENTIRELY regret it. there were a lot of interesting facts about anatomy thrown into what was, to me, a kind of annoying mafia tale. sure, the whole episode where all poles are painted as suspicious, anti-semitic assholes really rubbed me the wrong way. the medical stuff was neat and there were actually a couple moments where his writing left me a bit in awe. as for the rest ... well, at least it went by quick.

meadams's review against another edition

4.0

Both a doctor and a writer, Bazell, a not before known, came up with a very entertaining and informative story. The medical facts seemed accurate, the story of both past and one day in a hospital doctors life were well woven, including a bit of humor. A good find, by accident, but I'll be looking for more from Bazell

peternish's review against another edition

4.0

The final fight scene.

gfmosser's review against another edition

2.0

I just don't know what this author or editor was thinking! Very little character recognition or development. Women are well, face it, saints or whores. Preferably both. The mob story line along with the hospital do-gooder just doesn't have any grounding in reality. The hospital satire could be moderately enjoyable, but in the end, this was not worth the time.

lord_gorilla's review against another edition

2.0

Didn't care for the writer's style. Too much exposition, particularly at the beginning. Especially the tangential exposition. Then too much of the story is told via flashbacks. I also learned from this novel that I don't care for medical dramas. Overall, it reminded me of a discarded first draft of a Quentin Tarantino script, especially the ending.