"Complications: a Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science" and "Better: a Surgeon's Notes on Performance"

by Atul Gawande

Gawande is a young surgeon seeking to do better. He is asking questions and putting his thoughts out there in order for us to join him in the discussion. These two remarkable books invite us inside a world that to many is hidden behind a white coat.

"Complications" 'gently dismantles the myth of medical infallibility' with thoughtful, engaging prose, discussing not only the mistakes that medical professionals make, but the truth of their necessary self-confidence and their continual learning on the job. Gawande tells wonderful stories, but interweaves intriguing suggestions for improving medicine, some of which

might make health providers 'nervous or even angry.' This is a powerful book that will not only give you new understanding of your doctor and his struggles, but will open your eyes in a new way to the medical profession in general. A quick read - but well worth it. Excellent!

Gawande followed-up "Complications" with "Better", an exploration of

specific situations within the medical community: how often should doctors wash their hands, the fight against polio in India, U.S. military triage doctors, etc. Each situation is handled with candor, tenderness, and honesty, once again asking tough questions, and pushing his profession to do better. Gawande's message is clear: doctors are only human and, therefore, must always be diligent and resourceful in fulfilling their duties. This books begs the question of all of us: What do you systematically do in your life, and how could you do it better? A great read...a great question to ask!

"Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival"

by Anderson Cooper

So, we all know Anderson Cooper is maybe the cutest news guy on TV, even if we've never paid any attention to his show 360' on CNN. He also did the New Year's Eve special with Kathy Griffin the last 2 years. Very good stuff, that (I heard).

Really, though, I didn't know any of this when I chose this book from the library's "New" shelf several years ago. All I knew was the Anderson Cooper/CNN bit. I began the reading of this book quite biased, being a rather conservative Republican. I was expecting a lot of liberal yuck that I was going to have to wade through.

Not the case! 

This is a remarkably touching, transparent human story of loss, struggle, deep emotion and resolution of some of life's greatest questions: Who am I? How do I survive this loss? How do I reconcile what I see and what I believe to be true?

Cooper grabs you with his stories of the terrors of life he has seen and experienced first-hand, those we usually only see from the distance of our television screens, and somehow molds them into an intimate portrait of his life. The intertwining of his personal story and the stories he has covered for CNN makes for an amazing read - one that I count as significant in my life. If two of the purposes of reading are entertainment and learning, this book fulfills both. I cried, I gobbled up the words, and when I put it down, I felt awash in the truths of life. 

"The Known World"

by Edward P. Jones

Imagine a story you know nothing about. Imagine a history you thought you understood, at least pretty well. Now imagine stepping into a world that is foreign, yet familiar in setting, landscape, language. Touch the character's lives and trust the author to show you just as much as you need to know in order to expand your understanding and move your heart. He doesn't lay it all out, exposed like a newly stripped bed, but peels the layers back, one by one, word by word, giving you a taste, drawing you in, then finally tying the knot on a story wonderfully and masterfully told. 

This is a story of southern America I did not know needed to be told. I confess my ignorance. Jones takes us on a journey, telling us the story of a black farmer and former slave in Manchester County, Virginia, who runs his affairs with unusual discipline. When death takes him unexpectedly, his widow can't uphold the estate's order, and chaos ensues. Jones takes a footnote of history and turns it into an epic that takes an unflinching look at slavery in all its moral complexities. (credit ppld.org for this paragraph...)

Try this amazing book!

"Such a Pretty Fat..."

"One Narcissist's Quest to Discover if Her Life Makes Her Ass Look Big or

Why Pie Is Not the Answer"

by Jen Lancaster

Pie might not be the answers? Ok, how about french fries? No?

Listen, sisters (and brothers), this might just be the funniest book I have ever read. I enjoyed this book so much that I am going to read the author's previous two books. Yes, this hilarious memoir has quite a bit of bad language, which was at times distracting to me. Other than that, however, it was uproariously funny. Jen Lancaster takes a fascinating and entertaining journey down the road to better health. If you've ever thought you needed to lose some weight, get more exercise, or get yourself to a healthier place, this book just might be the place to start!

"Home Another Way"

by Christa Parrish 

I am the first person to admit that most "Christian" fiction is poorly written, seemingly devoid of all those things that make great literature. This has been a frustration of mine for quite some time. Well, hold your breath ladies, because here is a book worth reading. Don't get me wrong - it isn't any "Pride and Prejudice", but it is a story with compelling characters, written in an enjoyable, draws-you-in style. A quick read, an enjoyable read, and one worth reading! No sex, no bad language, a good strong message, and good writing. A winning combination!

Welcome...

...to my new blog! I can't seem to stop starting blogs, and I'm  having a good time doing it. This is for all of you out there who can't seem to find a great book to read. I LOVE to read, as you'll soon find out - fiction, non-fiction, books about history, medicine, science, heroes, villains, murders, love, weight-loss, comedies, dramas. I love it all!! Here you will get those real-life, down-to-earth reviews you've been looking for. 

And after you read the book, let me know what you think!

P.S. Is this template too stodgy? I mean, we may be talking about literature, but we don't want to be boring!