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mondovertigo's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pandemic/Epidemic, Medical content, Racism, Blood, Death, Misogyny, Xenophobia, Vomit, Excrement, Medical trauma, and War
Moderate: Murder and Rape
Minor: Suicide
cupcakes_and_coffee's review
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.5
The history of Bellevue is so interesting as it follows so much of the Nation’s history and medical progress. Very thorough, yet easy to read. I think the layout of each chapter covering a specific theme/time period made the book very manageable. The only thing holding me back from 5 stars is that I felt the earlier chapters, although very good, took up a lot of the book and I would’ve enjoyed even more detail in the post-1950 history. There were a lot of more recent issues touched on in the later chapters that I think could’ve been more deeply explored. Also, this is an older book and I would love to see an updated version after COVID!
chrisbessette's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
An exceptional exploration of the history behind America's oldest hospital. Oshinsky's meticulous research and storytelling ability provide readers with a captivating look into the evolution of this iconic institution.
Admittedly, some parts of the book might come across as a bit dry, especially if you're not deeply interested in medical history. However, what sets this book apart is the wealth of intriguing historical facts and anecdotes it presents. From its humble beginnings to its role in responding to major health crises, Bellevue's history is nothing short of riveting.
Admittedly, some parts of the book might come across as a bit dry, especially if you're not deeply interested in medical history. However, what sets this book apart is the wealth of intriguing historical facts and anecdotes it presents. From its humble beginnings to its role in responding to major health crises, Bellevue's history is nothing short of riveting.
taycm's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting to hear how things have advanced over time and how populations changed in NYC, but kind of dull if you don't love to hear the science behind medial advancements.
kaliaddy's review
4.0
Reading this book during a pandemic hits differently. The history shows how far we’ve come but how much the struggles are still the same. Funding for hospitals, insurance/social support for patients, overworked/overwhelmed staff, pandemics/epidemics, and disaster planning are still our “white whales” in healthcare - even 300 years + later.
The book was published in 2016 and ends with Superstorm Sandy and Ebola. The author is very prescient when he says the next thing is just around the corner. COVID-19 anyone? Something is always around the corner in public health. It’s a cycle we will never get out of as long as micro-organisms, insects, and animals/humans exist. The research here seems solid and the book is written well enough that it doesn’t get boring. It’s not just a continuous statement of facts. The interwoven stories help keep it interesting.
As it got closer to more recent history with the AIDS crisis and 9/11 I became more invested in the book since these are events I can remember pretty vividly. Definitely worth a read if you are into medical history.
The book was published in 2016 and ends with Superstorm Sandy and Ebola. The author is very prescient when he says the next thing is just around the corner. COVID-19 anyone? Something is always around the corner in public health. It’s a cycle we will never get out of as long as micro-organisms, insects, and animals/humans exist. The research here seems solid and the book is written well enough that it doesn’t get boring. It’s not just a continuous statement of facts. The interwoven stories help keep it interesting.
As it got closer to more recent history with the AIDS crisis and 9/11 I became more invested in the book since these are events I can remember pretty vividly. Definitely worth a read if you are into medical history.
debbiecuddy's review
5.0
This is a fascinating look at the history of Bellevue Hospital and along with that, a history of public health in New York. I can't praise it highly enough...it even made me cry!
dja777's review
4.0
Starts a little slowly, but ended up being an intriguing portrait of the history of medicine and hospitals, seen through the lens of the history of Bellvue.
anya_reading's review
4.0
I began reading this book on the advice of a former teacher who had recommended "Bellevue" to me, knowing my love of medical history. She wasn't wrong with this recommendation! I found this book to be highly informative, easy to read, and just plain interesting. I enjoyed the book so much that I returned it to the library and bought myself a copy. Even though I've never been to New York, much less this establishment, I feel enriched for having learned of the vital role Bellevue has served within the community for over three centuries.