A review by amr316
The Emergency: A Year of Healing and Heartbreak in a Chicago ER by Thomas Fisher

5.0

This book is sharp, powerful, and gorgeously written. It’s a visceral takedown of the racialized system of US healthcare we all take for granted as inevitable; somehow, Fisher also manages to write a story of humanity and love at the same time. The format (essays and letters interspersed) works well without being gimmicky. I especially loved his insights as a Black male physician — it’s a perspective not frequently shared.

At times, he was a bit heavy handed with Sociology 101 elements that were obvious and repetitive for folks with a stronger understanding of inequity. Regardless, the writing was strong enough to overcome this. Five stars for one of my favorite books of 2022.