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kaleyrdaniels's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
alecairis's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hoopsarusal's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
livyreads_1's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
carolpk's review against another edition
4.0
The Hook - The recommendation of a GR friend led me to this book. It is Shannon Burke's second novel. The subject of a rookie paramedic in Harlem piqued my interest.
The Line – "I worked in Harlem and the place had begun to annoy me:" this is the beginning of the opening line, the prologue, our prep so to speak. If you want to see, to learn, to understand what annoys Ollie Cross you'll have to read the book.
The Sinker – Now that's what I call different. Not at all what I was expecting. Black Flies is staccato story telling, a no holds barred ride along in the first year of this paramedic. It read like narrative non-fiction. I'm hoping not all rookies experience the job as Ollie Cross does. Ollie should have been in med school but when he fails his MCATS he needs something to do while he prepares to try again. From the moment Cross's partner calls "Showtime" and tosses him the tube kit we know this is a story that illustrates the thin line between life and death. What we may not realize is where death and the cruelty of life may come from. I didn't like all that unfolded on these pages but I was mesmerized. I kept telling myself "it's fiction" but I'm not positive that's so. Shannon Burke is extremely talented in his delivery. Tense, tight, real, Black Flies is not for the weak-stomached. It is not for someone expecting an ambulance team who saves the victim and all is well. It is darn good and it is different.
The Line – "I worked in Harlem and the place had begun to annoy me:" this is the beginning of the opening line, the prologue, our prep so to speak. If you want to see, to learn, to understand what annoys Ollie Cross you'll have to read the book.
The Sinker – Now that's what I call different. Not at all what I was expecting. Black Flies is staccato story telling, a no holds barred ride along in the first year of this paramedic. It read like narrative non-fiction. I'm hoping not all rookies experience the job as Ollie Cross does. Ollie should have been in med school but when he fails his MCATS he needs something to do while he prepares to try again. From the moment Cross's partner calls "Showtime" and tosses him the tube kit we know this is a story that illustrates the thin line between life and death. What we may not realize is where death and the cruelty of life may come from. I didn't like all that unfolded on these pages but I was mesmerized. I kept telling myself "it's fiction" but I'm not positive that's so. Shannon Burke is extremely talented in his delivery. Tense, tight, real, Black Flies is not for the weak-stomached. It is not for someone expecting an ambulance team who saves the victim and all is well. It is darn good and it is different.
adamrbrooks's review against another edition
4.0
ER with bad attitudes. Real, believable, distressing and eventually a little hopeful.
Though I still don't get quite what the difference is between a paramedic and an EMT.
Though I still don't get quite what the difference is between a paramedic and an EMT.
feliciar33ds's review against another edition
1.0
"A lanky kid in a Knicks jersey held his right arm with his left hand."
~Disturbing. I had it in my head that this was a true story, for some reason, so the whole time I read it, I was horrified. Even when I finally clued in to the fact that it was a novel, I was still pretty horrifed. Yuck.
~Disturbing. I had it in my head that this was a true story, for some reason, so the whole time I read it, I was horrified. Even when I finally clued in to the fact that it was a novel, I was still pretty horrifed. Yuck.
ejsidney's review against another edition
4.0
This is a startling look at EMS life. I have always admired paramedics because they see the patient in the field. It is so much more personal than on a stretcher in an ED. And the setting are very often not conducive to quick, excellent care. It is amazing and disturbing work.