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Fragile: Beauty in Chaos, Grace in Tragedy, and Hope that Lives In Between
Life is fragile.
When Shannon Sovndal started medical school, he was confident and motivated—and felt invincible. He thought he was going in with his eyes wide open. Really, he had no clue. Nothing could prepare him for the harsh reality of being a compassionate human and working as an ER doctor.
In his emotionally charged memoir, Sovndal examines the tenuous balance between trying to compartmentalize the trauma of tragedy while also preserving his own humanity. With candor and humility, Fragile pulls back the curtain on the ER, a place where Sovndal has learned that universal truths about the human condition can be discovered—if you pause long enough to take a breath.
At turns heartbreaking and heartwarming, serious and funny, Sovndal’s memoir is about trying to reconcile the beautiful and horrific tension that makes life so fragile, and how accepting that hard truth opens us up to appreciate life’s most precious moments—which are often the ones most filled with connection, hope, and love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
SHANNON SOVNDAL, MD, a board-certified doctor in both emergency medicine and emergency medical services (EMS), serves as a physician and medical director for multiple EMS agencies and fire departments. Dr. Sovndal has a wide range of career experience, working in tactical medicine (TEMS) with the FBI, as a team doctor for the Garmin Professional Cycling team, and as a flight physician. As the producer of the podcast Match on a Fire: Medicine and More, he is the founder of 3Hundred Training Group, which focuses on educating and training pre-hospital providers.
Dr. Sovndal attended medical school at Columbia University, where he earned the prestigious Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award, and completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. He is also the author of Cycling Anatomy and Fitness Cycling and lives in Boulder, Colorado, with his family.
When Shannon Sovndal started medical school, he was confident and motivated—and felt invincible. He thought he was going in with his eyes wide open. Really, he had no clue. Nothing could prepare him for the harsh reality of being a compassionate human and working as an ER doctor.
In his emotionally charged memoir, Sovndal examines the tenuous balance between trying to compartmentalize the trauma of tragedy while also preserving his own humanity. With candor and humility, Fragile pulls back the curtain on the ER, a place where Sovndal has learned that universal truths about the human condition can be discovered—if you pause long enough to take a breath.
At turns heartbreaking and heartwarming, serious and funny, Sovndal’s memoir is about trying to reconcile the beautiful and horrific tension that makes life so fragile, and how accepting that hard truth opens us up to appreciate life’s most precious moments—which are often the ones most filled with connection, hope, and love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
SHANNON SOVNDAL, MD, a board-certified doctor in both emergency medicine and emergency medical services (EMS), serves as a physician and medical director for multiple EMS agencies and fire departments. Dr. Sovndal has a wide range of career experience, working in tactical medicine (TEMS) with the FBI, as a team doctor for the Garmin Professional Cycling team, and as a flight physician. As the producer of the podcast Match on a Fire: Medicine and More, he is the founder of 3Hundred Training Group, which focuses on educating and training pre-hospital providers.
Dr. Sovndal attended medical school at Columbia University, where he earned the prestigious Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award, and completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. He is also the author of Cycling Anatomy and Fitness Cycling and lives in Boulder, Colorado, with his family.
- GenresNonfictionMemoirMedical
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2020
261 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 12, 2020
Thanks to #NetGalley and #GyrfalconPress for the chance to read and review this book.
Publish date 06/12/2020
I enjoy reading books written by medical professionals, since my career was spent in the health care industry.
Dr Sovndal gives the reader a glimpse of the life of an Emergency room physician. He describes the inner working of his mind as he assesses patient brought to the ER by EMT's. His descriptions of the environment is vivid and real.
But I had a big problem with his writing style. He tends to go off on tangents in the middle of a story. The cohesion of his stories is lost when he flits from one topic to another mid story.
His inclusion of his cycling career seems irrelevant to this book.
The flow of the writing is not conducive to understanding his descriptions.
He has included the mental conflicts he has experienced in growing into the doctor he is today. Some of these comment are appropriate. others not so much. I would have loved more actual stories of emergency situations.
Publish date 06/12/2020
I enjoy reading books written by medical professionals, since my career was spent in the health care industry.
Dr Sovndal gives the reader a glimpse of the life of an Emergency room physician. He describes the inner working of his mind as he assesses patient brought to the ER by EMT's. His descriptions of the environment is vivid and real.
But I had a big problem with his writing style. He tends to go off on tangents in the middle of a story. The cohesion of his stories is lost when he flits from one topic to another mid story.
His inclusion of his cycling career seems irrelevant to this book.
The flow of the writing is not conducive to understanding his descriptions.
He has included the mental conflicts he has experienced in growing into the doctor he is today. Some of these comment are appropriate. others not so much. I would have loved more actual stories of emergency situations.
June 2, 2021
Obwohl es für die medizinische Gemeinschaft keine Überraschung ist, aber für einen durchschnittlichen ER-Besucher, der weiß, dass mehr als 150 millionen die dienste der notaufnahme (ER) in anspruch nehmen. Die ersten leute auf der bühne sind die ersten erinnerungen und viele von ihnen leben in einem zustand ständiger PTSD und das trauma, das das ewige gepäck ist, das bleibt, bleibt und wenn es nicht ausgeübt wird, kann es zu hause eine vielzahl von problemen verursachen, die am kern der menschliche seele.
Im buch Fragile: Beauty in Chaos, Grace in Tragedy, and Hope that Lives In Between (Gyrfalcon Press, 12. Mai 2020) enthüllt Shannon Sovndal, MD, eine staatlich geprüfte Ärztin für notfallmedizin/notfallmedizin (EMS) die lebensrealität in der notaufnahme. Mit Dr. Sovndal und seine geschichten und sein schwarzer humor können erkennen, was es bedeutet, ein Mensch zu sein, unsere voreingenommenheit beiseite zu legen, während ein kind auf dem tisch liegt.
"Ich betrachtete den nackten und blassen kleinen Körper des Jungen. Mein verstand begann, das problem zu verarbeiten … Ich schnappte mir ein Miller-Laryngoskop mit 2 Klingen und einen 5,0 ET (Endotracheal)-Tubus. "Miller-Spatel sind für kleinkinder besser als Macintosh-Spatel, weil ihre Stimmbänder weiter vorne liegen als die von Erwachsenen."
---Dr. Shannon Sovndal
Her Arzt erinnert sich, wenn ein Patient wirklich stirbt oder wenn sein Patient stirbt – es beißt ein Stück meiner seele weg. Wie eine servicegebühr für den Job.“ In diesen momenten sind wir alle in uns, wir entwirren die fäden, die bedeutung und gefühle beschreiben, die hervorheben, wie Sorgen nichts lösen und Handlungen heilen können, zusammen mit worten, die uns über einen vom verstand geschaffenen berg helfen. Dies ist keine leichte lektüre.
Wenn Sie sich schön/hübsch wünschen, bietet Sovndal das hier nicht an. "Dieses buch ist glückverheißend und wird dir mehr geben als nur ein gefühl von tod und sterben oder kontrolllosigkeit", es erschüttert dich und weckt dich zu deinem eigenen leben. Sich sorgen zu machen ist sinnlos. Vieles liegt außerhalb unserer kontrolle und seine zerbrechlichkeit kann auch unglaublich gut sein. Das Schimmern im kleinen, die umarmungen, Küsse und vibrierenden momente, in denen wir alle dabei sind, sind hinweise auf die reise, die wir in fragile finden. Medizinstudenten müssen lesen.
Im buch Fragile: Beauty in Chaos, Grace in Tragedy, and Hope that Lives In Between (Gyrfalcon Press, 12. Mai 2020) enthüllt Shannon Sovndal, MD, eine staatlich geprüfte Ärztin für notfallmedizin/notfallmedizin (EMS) die lebensrealität in der notaufnahme. Mit Dr. Sovndal und seine geschichten und sein schwarzer humor können erkennen, was es bedeutet, ein Mensch zu sein, unsere voreingenommenheit beiseite zu legen, während ein kind auf dem tisch liegt.
"Ich betrachtete den nackten und blassen kleinen Körper des Jungen. Mein verstand begann, das problem zu verarbeiten … Ich schnappte mir ein Miller-Laryngoskop mit 2 Klingen und einen 5,0 ET (Endotracheal)-Tubus. "Miller-Spatel sind für kleinkinder besser als Macintosh-Spatel, weil ihre Stimmbänder weiter vorne liegen als die von Erwachsenen."
---Dr. Shannon Sovndal
Her Arzt erinnert sich, wenn ein Patient wirklich stirbt oder wenn sein Patient stirbt – es beißt ein Stück meiner seele weg. Wie eine servicegebühr für den Job.“ In diesen momenten sind wir alle in uns, wir entwirren die fäden, die bedeutung und gefühle beschreiben, die hervorheben, wie Sorgen nichts lösen und Handlungen heilen können, zusammen mit worten, die uns über einen vom verstand geschaffenen berg helfen. Dies ist keine leichte lektüre.
Wenn Sie sich schön/hübsch wünschen, bietet Sovndal das hier nicht an. "Dieses buch ist glückverheißend und wird dir mehr geben als nur ein gefühl von tod und sterben oder kontrolllosigkeit", es erschüttert dich und weckt dich zu deinem eigenen leben. Sich sorgen zu machen ist sinnlos. Vieles liegt außerhalb unserer kontrolle und seine zerbrechlichkeit kann auch unglaublich gut sein. Das Schimmern im kleinen, die umarmungen, Küsse und vibrierenden momente, in denen wir alle dabei sind, sind hinweise auf die reise, die wir in fragile finden. Medizinstudenten müssen lesen.
December 1, 2020
Different
I admit to skimming a bit of this that didn’t interest me. The sometimes odd life of this doctor makes for pretty good reading. He certainly proved people wrong about his choice of careers. Moving stories of a few patents he lost.
I admit to skimming a bit of this that didn’t interest me. The sometimes odd life of this doctor makes for pretty good reading. He certainly proved people wrong about his choice of careers. Moving stories of a few patents he lost.
August 3, 2022
Im always a fan of medical stories.. Im not really sure why, but i've always been drawn to these. haha. I do wish this book had a little more stories about the patients, but i get that this book was about the doctor's story as well.
In this book, we learn a little about the doctor and their journey into their career and where they are now. We hear a bit about their education, switching career paths, their family, and friends/coworkers. I definitely enjoyed the stories about their patients as well.
It was a fairly good book overall. The writing style made it all easy to follow and stay engaged.
In this book, we learn a little about the doctor and their journey into their career and where they are now. We hear a bit about their education, switching career paths, their family, and friends/coworkers. I definitely enjoyed the stories about their patients as well.
It was a fairly good book overall. The writing style made it all easy to follow and stay engaged.
May 16, 2021
Doctors are human too
Pain never ended anyone. Untrue statement. He has never had chronic pain. As a nurse of 30 years, I completely understand where he is coming from, for cases to eat you alive. The beauty of being in healthcare is if one department is becoming overwhelming you can always change to another area which I have done several times throughout my career to save my sanity. God Bless all 1st responders and healthcare workers!
Pain never ended anyone. Untrue statement. He has never had chronic pain. As a nurse of 30 years, I completely understand where he is coming from, for cases to eat you alive. The beauty of being in healthcare is if one department is becoming overwhelming you can always change to another area which I have done several times throughout my career to save my sanity. God Bless all 1st responders and healthcare workers!
January 16, 2024
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this book. The author has obviously given a lot of thought to what is important in life, and where he fits in. Good Book.
I really enjoyed this book. The author has obviously given a lot of thought to what is important in life, and where he fits in. Good Book.
February 23, 2021
Not your typical doctor memoir
This is not a book about various cases that stand out in a doctor's life. It's much deeper. The author takes you deep into his own personal struggles with the meaning of life, and it's as if you're getting to be inside his brain as he struggles with issues like being in control and letting go of needing to be in control in his personal life. He goes from needing to be a winner to realizing that life isn't about that at all. We watch as he evolves as a human being from one way of being to a completely different perspective on life and death. I found myself writing down several things he said because they were profound. Yet his style is very casual, like you're sitting with him shooting the breeze. What a great book! I'm so thankful that he wrote it!
The structure he used to tie it all together is excellent and unusual and keeps you in the moment. I read it straight through without stopping and it left me with a lot to think about.
This is not a book about various cases that stand out in a doctor's life. It's much deeper. The author takes you deep into his own personal struggles with the meaning of life, and it's as if you're getting to be inside his brain as he struggles with issues like being in control and letting go of needing to be in control in his personal life. He goes from needing to be a winner to realizing that life isn't about that at all. We watch as he evolves as a human being from one way of being to a completely different perspective on life and death. I found myself writing down several things he said because they were profound. Yet his style is very casual, like you're sitting with him shooting the breeze. What a great book! I'm so thankful that he wrote it!
The structure he used to tie it all together is excellent and unusual and keeps you in the moment. I read it straight through without stopping and it left me with a lot to think about.
January 22, 2020
An interesting read on Dr. Shannon Sovndal’s outlook on his personal and working life. Shannon likes to live and work on the edge but finds stability with his wife, children , watching movies repeatedly , cycling and questioning his existence. He is a first class doctor in the emergency room with his ability to focus completely on the trauma . He feels deeply for his patients but at the same time he understands he cannot be dragged down with things he has no control over , especially death which is inevitable. He likes to do thrilling things like surfing, helicopter rescues, flying , and extreme cycling. His mind is always engaged whether he questioning religious beliefs, understanding physics, engaging in medical procedures , appreciating nature , writing or experiencing life in general. His philosophy of living works for him and sharing it with others is the premise of this book.
July 23, 2020
This book had me wanting to cry, laugh and be grateful for life. I cannot begin to imagine what doctors like Dr. Sovndal deal with on a daily basis. I did like his perspective even if some would not agree with it. He wrote a book that takes us in his life and the choices he made to get there. His struggles, hardship, sorrow and joy is on display for readers. He made you remember that doctors are humans too and they have their own issues to deal with. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the person behind the medical title.
I received this book from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I received this book from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
July 27, 2021
Fragile is the memoir of ER doctor Shannon Sovndal, including the winding path that he took to becoming a medical doctor. Sovndal examines the delicate balance between professionalism and humanity, especially how to remain present and calm in the face of trauma. Fragile does give readers an inside look into the grueling schedule of an emergency room doctor, but it also pulls back the curtain a little too far on this particular physician. I do appreciate his candor, but it does not inspire confidence in a physician when he says how he often looks into space while at work.
As far as the structure of the book itself, I found it to be as scattered as the physician often said about his mind. It seemed to be more of a collection of thoughts than a cohesive path through Doctor Sovndal's life. Overall, I did like the honesty regarding trauma and how to compartmentalize it, but Fragile was lacking a clear direction. For these reasons, I would be hesitant to recommend the memoir to other readers.
Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of Fragile: Beauty in Chaos, Grace in Tragedy, and Hope that Lives In Between by NetGalley and the publisher, Gyrfalcon Press. The decision to review this book was entirely my own.
As far as the structure of the book itself, I found it to be as scattered as the physician often said about his mind. It seemed to be more of a collection of thoughts than a cohesive path through Doctor Sovndal's life. Overall, I did like the honesty regarding trauma and how to compartmentalize it, but Fragile was lacking a clear direction. For these reasons, I would be hesitant to recommend the memoir to other readers.
Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of Fragile: Beauty in Chaos, Grace in Tragedy, and Hope that Lives In Between by NetGalley and the publisher, Gyrfalcon Press. The decision to review this book was entirely my own.
September 14, 2021
Insightful and intense
I must admit that when I read the author's name, I pictured a woman. But as his photo reveals, he is definitely masculine. He does reveal feelings that only a person with deep, heartfelt emotions could have written this book. As a hospice nurse, I really understood the emotional turmoil involved when facing death and helping families to cope. However, that was not the true message of this book. It unraveled his emotional evolution as he struggled to make sense of the good and bad experiences that bring understanding and hope on life's journey. Living well in the present moment, and overcoming the need for constant distraction is the revelation the reader is left with. Living is an experience that must encompass both pain and joy to be fully able to grab the silver linings of our life. I felt as though I was sitting with the author as he expressed his thoughts with an intimacy that kept me wanting to read more.
I must admit that when I read the author's name, I pictured a woman. But as his photo reveals, he is definitely masculine. He does reveal feelings that only a person with deep, heartfelt emotions could have written this book. As a hospice nurse, I really understood the emotional turmoil involved when facing death and helping families to cope. However, that was not the true message of this book. It unraveled his emotional evolution as he struggled to make sense of the good and bad experiences that bring understanding and hope on life's journey. Living well in the present moment, and overcoming the need for constant distraction is the revelation the reader is left with. Living is an experience that must encompass both pain and joy to be fully able to grab the silver linings of our life. I felt as though I was sitting with the author as he expressed his thoughts with an intimacy that kept me wanting to read more.
April 2, 2020
Thank you to the author, Gyrfalcon Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As an RN by training (but no longer working in the field), I enjoy reading medical dramas. This had a few interesting vignettes of individual cases, but it's primarily a very personal memoir written by someone who happens to be a doctor of emergency medicine. While I'm sure he's very competent at what he does, he should have resisted writing this book - it's all over the place, rambling, repeating himself and apparently putting down on paper whatever seems to come into his head on the spur of the moment. There is no flow, it's a very choppy and ultimately - for me at least - frustrating read.
As an RN by training (but no longer working in the field), I enjoy reading medical dramas. This had a few interesting vignettes of individual cases, but it's primarily a very personal memoir written by someone who happens to be a doctor of emergency medicine. While I'm sure he's very competent at what he does, he should have resisted writing this book - it's all over the place, rambling, repeating himself and apparently putting down on paper whatever seems to come into his head on the spur of the moment. There is no flow, it's a very choppy and ultimately - for me at least - frustrating read.
August 10, 2020
I am always fascinated with the ins and outs of the medical profession, whether it is from the viewpoint of the doctors, nurses or others working within the hospital or other areas. That is one of the main reasons why I wanted to read this book by Dr. Sovndal, and it does not disappoint. Dr. Sovndal offers a glimpse into the human side of medicine, providing us with his thoughts and emotions as he goes about the task of saving lives. Not only are we privy to what happens as he does his job, we also learn the effect on his friends, family and home life. We see how he learns and grows and how his memories affect him. This is a page-turner and a great read. You will laugh, cry and sympathize. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
February 14, 2020
If you love medical dramas, you are going to love this book. Dr. Sovndal writes in a way that puts you right there with him in the ER, your pulse rate going up, your blood pounding … but the emotion is always present, too. There's that split-second moment when you are 'him' and all the emotions are washing over you … Truly powerful.
Felt a bit let down when he veered to other topics that seem to have nothing to do with the ER, but then again, it is a book about how he found beauty in chaos, grace in tragedy, and the hope that lives in between (as the book's subtitle states), so there would definitely be more than ER moments in there, granted.
Felt a bit let down when he veered to other topics that seem to have nothing to do with the ER, but then again, it is a book about how he found beauty in chaos, grace in tragedy, and the hope that lives in between (as the book's subtitle states), so there would definitely be more than ER moments in there, granted.
April 13, 2020
I found this memoir to be a difficult read in regards to the structure. The author would go into great detail on minor parts within a story without returning to the initial topic. Therefore, I was left questioning what was the motive behind these multiple transitions. However, I did enjoy reading about what lead to his pursuit of medicine and the triumphs and challenges doctors face. I also was pleased with the explanations for medical terminology that may be unfamiliar to his readers. Although it was challenging to read, this book had several good pieces that was able to capture my attention.
September 11, 2024
Such a wild ride
I enjoyed reading this. Dr. Sovndal depicts how fragile life can be but expresses it in a way that if you don't live with the bad, you'll never truly find enjoyment in the little things that life offers.
I did find his writing a little hard to navigate at times but he did a wonderful job writing about his experiences and how he has changed from who he was to the man he is today.
I love reading books written by healthcare workers because healthcare changes you as a person. For some people it will change them negatively. As for the rest of us, it humbles us and gives us a greater appreciation for life.
I enjoyed reading this. Dr. Sovndal depicts how fragile life can be but expresses it in a way that if you don't live with the bad, you'll never truly find enjoyment in the little things that life offers.
I did find his writing a little hard to navigate at times but he did a wonderful job writing about his experiences and how he has changed from who he was to the man he is today.
I love reading books written by healthcare workers because healthcare changes you as a person. For some people it will change them negatively. As for the rest of us, it humbles us and gives us a greater appreciation for life.
March 12, 2020
A medical memoir based in the ER, set in the USA. I enjoyed the anecdotes and the personal journey but also the deeper reflections and philosophical tangents. The author does skip about from topic to topic which at times can be hard to follow (understandably due to his ADHD). I felt the book started strongly but was slightly weaker towards the end. Some anecdotes felt unfinished; what happened to Lock? Overall an enjoyable and informative read. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2021
Time to think
DR Sovndal seemed to be a very serious emotional man. He seemed to take most things as if everyone was out to get him. It he did make me think about my life and wonder if there were things that could be changed or if I really would want them changed. But if it were different what part would I want different. I came to the conclusion that I really would not change things. It took me longer than usual to read this book and then write a review. I would recommend this book. It has many good points to think about.
DR Sovndal seemed to be a very serious emotional man. He seemed to take most things as if everyone was out to get him. It he did make me think about my life and wonder if there were things that could be changed or if I really would want them changed. But if it were different what part would I want different. I came to the conclusion that I really would not change things. It took me longer than usual to read this book and then write a review. I would recommend this book. It has many good points to think about.
February 15, 2020
Medical memoirs is one of my favourite genres to read. This one is written by Shannon Sovndal, a board-certified doctor in both emergency medicine and emergency medical services. An interesting book, you will read it in one sitting. I personally found a small problem with the flow of the story because there is a lot of back and forth between the present and the past. I especially enjoyed the lyrics to the songs that start each chapter.
August 5, 2022
Much more than a book about a doctor and his patients
I'm not a doctor but I connected to this book and the story he shared of himself. Painfully honest and real. A lot of very powerful thoughts and observations. One of the many that stood out was that you could fear death to the point that you might forget to live. I received much more than I expected as I read this book. I wish I could thank him for writing it.
I'm not a doctor but I connected to this book and the story he shared of himself. Painfully honest and real. A lot of very powerful thoughts and observations. One of the many that stood out was that you could fear death to the point that you might forget to live. I received much more than I expected as I read this book. I wish I could thank him for writing it.
February 5, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for this copy in return for an honest review.
I almost always love books by doctors and nurses. This one was very philosophical and introspective, circling around and around and skipping around. The author seems like a great guy, I just had a hard time following this and making sense out of it.
I almost always love books by doctors and nurses. This one was very philosophical and introspective, circling around and around and skipping around. The author seems like a great guy, I just had a hard time following this and making sense out of it.
February 26, 2020
I thought this book would be more about various medical stories, but instead it's a flowery ramble about the life of a surgeon and his personal life. Yes, there were some medical stories, but it's mostly a tell-all about his life and various aspects of his life that he picks and chooses. It's just not what I thought I was going to be reading, and as such, I didn't like the book.
March 5, 2020
I’ve read quite a few medical type books now and this one was just as interesting. Although I’m UK based and this was American, it still had the same effect for me when reading it, just as fascinating. Lots of technical terms used, which I personally found interesting.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
August 13, 2020
A Philosophy of Life as Opposed to Memorable ER experiences
I was expecting more on the job experiences. This book felt like a life philosophy of life at times, and a stream of consciousness at others. It was not bad. I was just expecting the author would share some of his more memorable ER experiences and patients and I ended up reading a physician's philosophy of life.
I was expecting more on the job experiences. This book felt like a life philosophy of life at times, and a stream of consciousness at others. It was not bad. I was just expecting the author would share some of his more memorable ER experiences and patients and I ended up reading a physician's philosophy of life.
June 21, 2022
Full disclosure- I know, work with Dr Sovndal. I thought it was a great book. He does jump around a lot in his writing but it doesn't bother me because that's how my brain works too. It was interesting to read his feelings on his experiences while working in the ED, knowing that a lot of feel that same way.
March 26, 2020
We are addicted to shows such as stories from the ER and I was really hoping that this was going to be like those. However, what I found was a book that didn't know what it wanted to do. The author would start on one topic then switch mid story to another one. It felt very all over the place.
December 22, 2020
It is strange to pick up a book snd learn through reading that it is about people you know. I truly enjoyed this book. It has the same philosophy I hold in my life - bad things happen but sometimes it is the bad that teaches us the most.
February 14, 2021
Meandering thoughts
The book was very disorganized and left me feeling as though Doc might have ADD. Not my favorite. I skimmed over large parts of the book, in search of some cohesiveness to no avail.
The book was very disorganized and left me feeling as though Doc might have ADD. Not my favorite. I skimmed over large parts of the book, in search of some cohesiveness to no avail.
March 3, 2021
I loved it
He really let me into his life feeling like I was in the emergency room with him. I loved his sharing his emotions, good and bad that we all experience and his thing to understand what they contribute or subtract from his life
He really let me into his life feeling like I was in the emergency room with him. I loved his sharing his emotions, good and bad that we all experience and his thing to understand what they contribute or subtract from his life
February 5, 2023
I was looking for a book about emergency room medicine. I really enjoyed the fascinating stories in "One Night in the ER" by G. Scotts McCreadie, but this book, "Fragile", was a more general memoir and personal statement of beliefs and philosophy, and not so many ER stories. Take your pick!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews