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Joanna Blalock #8
Brainwaves
Hardback
403 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2002
About the author
Leonard Goldberg
33 books423 followersLeonard Goldberg is an American physicist, professor of medicine, and the author of the Joanna Blalock series of medical thrillers.
His novels have been translated into a dozen languages and sold more than a million copies worldwide. Leonard Goldberg is himself a consulting physician affiliated with the UCLA Medical Center, where he holds an appointment as Clinical Professor of Medicine. A sought-after expert witness in medical malpractice trials, he is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and rheumatology, and has published over a hundred scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals.
Leonard Goldberg's writing career began with a clinical interest in blood disorders. While involved in a research project at UCLA, he encountered a most unusual blood type. The patient’s red blood cells were O-Rh null, indicating they were totally deficient in A, B and Rh factors and could be administered to virtually anyone without fear of a transfusion reaction. In essence, the patient was the proverbial "universal" blood donor. This finding spurred the idea for a story in which an individual was born without a tissue type, making that person’s organs transplantable into anyone without worry of rejection. His first novel, Transplant, revolved around a young woman who is discovered to be a universal organ donor and is hounded by a wealthy, powerful man in desperate need of a new kidney. The book quickly went through multiple printings and was optioned by a major Hollywood studio.
Dr. Goldberg is a native of Charleston and a long-time California resident. He currently divides his time between Los Angeles and an island off the coast of South Carolina.
His novels have been translated into a dozen languages and sold more than a million copies worldwide. Leonard Goldberg is himself a consulting physician affiliated with the UCLA Medical Center, where he holds an appointment as Clinical Professor of Medicine. A sought-after expert witness in medical malpractice trials, he is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and rheumatology, and has published over a hundred scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals.
Leonard Goldberg's writing career began with a clinical interest in blood disorders. While involved in a research project at UCLA, he encountered a most unusual blood type. The patient’s red blood cells were O-Rh null, indicating they were totally deficient in A, B and Rh factors and could be administered to virtually anyone without fear of a transfusion reaction. In essence, the patient was the proverbial "universal" blood donor. This finding spurred the idea for a story in which an individual was born without a tissue type, making that person’s organs transplantable into anyone without worry of rejection. His first novel, Transplant, revolved around a young woman who is discovered to be a universal organ donor and is hounded by a wealthy, powerful man in desperate need of a new kidney. The book quickly went through multiple printings and was optioned by a major Hollywood studio.
Dr. Goldberg is a native of Charleston and a long-time California resident. He currently divides his time between Los Angeles and an island off the coast of South Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 14, 2017
What a disappointment. I recall loving 2 other books from Leonard Goldberg . “
Patient One” and “Plague Ship”
, now this book - “Brainwaves” was so shallow. The writer had a nice futuristic idea regarding the brain research, but was unable ( in my view) to make a real story out of it. The signs for that lake of substance are the side stories. So many of them. Trying to make a Sherlock Holmes type of story out of it was pathetic. The book was published in 2002, that’s why you read here about “Word Processors” and “Typing Pools”. This is a bit ridicules when trying to write about something futuristic.
Once I hit 50% of the book I started fast reading it. I mean reading just 2 paragraphs per page, and just a quick scan of the rest. Unfortunately I miss nothing doing that.
I save my 1 star for book I abandon in the middle. Here I was able to force myself to reach the end so it becomes 1.5 stars.
Patient One” and “Plague Ship”
, now this book - “Brainwaves” was so shallow. The writer had a nice futuristic idea regarding the brain research, but was unable ( in my view) to make a real story out of it. The signs for that lake of substance are the side stories. So many of them. Trying to make a Sherlock Holmes type of story out of it was pathetic. The book was published in 2002, that’s why you read here about “Word Processors” and “Typing Pools”. This is a bit ridicules when trying to write about something futuristic.Once I hit 50% of the book I started fast reading it. I mean reading just 2 paragraphs per page, and just a quick scan of the rest. Unfortunately I miss nothing doing that.
I save my 1 star for book I abandon in the middle. Here I was able to force myself to reach the end so it becomes 1.5 stars.
May 9, 2026
A suspenseful medical thriller!
May 18, 2014
Up to date and a fast read about medical science and a mystery rolled into one book. The latest issue of Smithsonian magazine happens to discuss the advances that are mentioned in this book. I found the book entertaining, informative and fun and recommend it.
August 15, 2009
JoAnn Blalock #8
March 17, 2014
More like a 2.5..easy, quick read. A good "Who done it". Better than Patterson anyway. a bit more depth:)
November 7, 2013
Pretty good book. Nice fast read. Good plot and medical mystery which I enjoy reading now and then.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews