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At Least You Have Your Health
Behind the chic veneer of a wellness clinic lies a dangerous secret, in this compelling women's fiction novel from the author of The White Coat Diaries.
Dr. Maya Rao is a gynecologist trying to balance a busy life. With three young children, a career, and a happy marriage, she should be grateful—on paper, she has it all. But after a disastrous encounter with an entitled patient, Maya is forced to walk away from the city hospital where she’s spent her entire career.
An opportunity arises when Maya crosses paths with Amelia DeGilles at a school meeting. Amelia is the owner and entrepreneur behind Eunoia Women’s Health, a concierge wellness clinic that specializes in house calls for its clientele of wealthy women for whom no vitamin infusion or healing crystal is too expensive. All Eunoia needs is a gynecologist to join its ranks.
Amid visits to her clients’ homes, Maya comes to idolize the beautiful, successful Amelia. But Amelia’s life isn’t as perfect as it seems. When Amelia’s teenaged daughter is struck with a mysterious ailment, Maya must race to uncover the reason before it’s too late. In the process, she risks losing what’s most important to her and bringing to light a secret of her own that she’s been desperately trying to keep hidden.
Dr. Maya Rao is a gynecologist trying to balance a busy life. With three young children, a career, and a happy marriage, she should be grateful—on paper, she has it all. But after a disastrous encounter with an entitled patient, Maya is forced to walk away from the city hospital where she’s spent her entire career.
An opportunity arises when Maya crosses paths with Amelia DeGilles at a school meeting. Amelia is the owner and entrepreneur behind Eunoia Women’s Health, a concierge wellness clinic that specializes in house calls for its clientele of wealthy women for whom no vitamin infusion or healing crystal is too expensive. All Eunoia needs is a gynecologist to join its ranks.
Amid visits to her clients’ homes, Maya comes to idolize the beautiful, successful Amelia. But Amelia’s life isn’t as perfect as it seems. When Amelia’s teenaged daughter is struck with a mysterious ailment, Maya must race to uncover the reason before it’s too late. In the process, she risks losing what’s most important to her and bringing to light a secret of her own that she’s been desperately trying to keep hidden.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2022
74 people are currently reading
9409 people want to read
About the author
Madi Sinha
2 books154 followersMadi Sinha is a writer and practicing physician who loves the nervous system, bookshops, tea with milk and snarky conversation (but not necessarily in that order). She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews
April 13, 2023
I listened to the audio of “At Least You Have Your Health” by Madi Sinha and narrated by Sooneela Nankani. Ms. Nankani did the story justice.
This is an interesting women’s fiction story. It begins with our protagonist, Maya Rao, working in a physician’s office as a gynecologist. She used to be an OBGYN but dropped the obstetrics for a mysterious reason which is later revealed. The medical group Maya works for is a very misogynistic group. I thought sexism would be the prevailing message, but I was wrong.
Maya is a busy woman with three very young children and a husband who is working on his PhD while teaching at a university. Trying to balance being a mother and being the major bread winner for the family is stressful for Maya. When an entitled woman comes to Maya with outrageous demands, she quits.
Maya’s oldest daughter goes to a private school, and at a school meeting Maya meets Amelia DeGilles who is the owner of Eunoia Woman’s Health, which is a concierge wellness clinic for women. House calls are required, but Maya makes her own hours. Too good to be true? Well, Maya finds herself in an ethical quandary when she discovers the “wellness” piece of the clinic is a bit too new-agey for her. Women are told to use healing crystals to “balance” their bodies/feeling/organs etc. Want to guess where a crystal ends up? So, this is story that makes fun of the Wellness Industry, illuminating where medical science is being ignored in an attempt to find more “holistic” ways to heal. Yes, the Wellness Industry has gotten out of hand (can anyone say “Goop” without chuckling?). I’d love to blame the women, for example the Goop francize, but even the men have fallen victim. Just last week, Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson suggested that exposing male genitalia to red light will raise testosterone levels. Yep, Tucker wants the men of America to tan their “goods” for higher testosterone levels.
But I digress. As Maya becomes more enmeshed in Eunonia and the clientele, she finds herself fighting against health misinformation. Her issues come to a head with the daughter of a Congressman who has an incredibly crazy birth plan. Do people like this really exist? Well, author Madi Sinha had some fun with dreaming up some whacky wealthy characters.
Given the past few years of the pandemic craze, and the absurd quick fixes that were purported (can anyone say bleach?) it is no wonder that this book is timely. Snake oil salesmen have been here forever, and the public continues to welcome them with open arms.
This was a fun and engaging listen.
This is an interesting women’s fiction story. It begins with our protagonist, Maya Rao, working in a physician’s office as a gynecologist. She used to be an OBGYN but dropped the obstetrics for a mysterious reason which is later revealed. The medical group Maya works for is a very misogynistic group. I thought sexism would be the prevailing message, but I was wrong.
Maya is a busy woman with three very young children and a husband who is working on his PhD while teaching at a university. Trying to balance being a mother and being the major bread winner for the family is stressful for Maya. When an entitled woman comes to Maya with outrageous demands, she quits.
Maya’s oldest daughter goes to a private school, and at a school meeting Maya meets Amelia DeGilles who is the owner of Eunoia Woman’s Health, which is a concierge wellness clinic for women. House calls are required, but Maya makes her own hours. Too good to be true? Well, Maya finds herself in an ethical quandary when she discovers the “wellness” piece of the clinic is a bit too new-agey for her. Women are told to use healing crystals to “balance” their bodies/feeling/organs etc. Want to guess where a crystal ends up? So, this is story that makes fun of the Wellness Industry, illuminating where medical science is being ignored in an attempt to find more “holistic” ways to heal. Yes, the Wellness Industry has gotten out of hand (can anyone say “Goop” without chuckling?). I’d love to blame the women, for example the Goop francize, but even the men have fallen victim. Just last week, Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson suggested that exposing male genitalia to red light will raise testosterone levels. Yep, Tucker wants the men of America to tan their “goods” for higher testosterone levels.
But I digress. As Maya becomes more enmeshed in Eunonia and the clientele, she finds herself fighting against health misinformation. Her issues come to a head with the daughter of a Congressman who has an incredibly crazy birth plan. Do people like this really exist? Well, author Madi Sinha had some fun with dreaming up some whacky wealthy characters.
Given the past few years of the pandemic craze, and the absurd quick fixes that were purported (can anyone say bleach?) it is no wonder that this book is timely. Snake oil salesmen have been here forever, and the public continues to welcome them with open arms.
This was a fun and engaging listen.
April 5, 2022
**Many thanks to Shelf Awareness, Berkley, NetGalley, and Madi Sinha for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 4.5!!**
Witty, emotional, heartfelt, intelligent, and ever-surprising...this stunner from Madi Sinha drew me in from page one and didn't let up till its twisty and fabulous end!
Dr. Maya Rao is SOMEwhat of your typical gynecologist and requisite Super Mom. She juggles three kids, a husband, and a busy life at her hospital. What sets her apart from the average doctor, however, is her inability to deal with nonsense...and it is this same refusal to acquiesce to a snotty and high-maintenance patient that ultimately causes her to walk away from her position at the hospital and seek new horizons. She has gotten her oldest into the fancy-pants school in town and feels out of place with her Honda 'Hotessy' and feels the sneers of the snobby mothers around her burning holes in her back...UNTIL Maya makes the acquaintance of Amelia: wealthy, picture-perfect owner of Eunoia, a clinic that functions as a private concierge health service, where doctors travel to the rich and privileged, who often put more faith in alternative medicine via crystals and fish oil than Western medicine backed by science and fact, and get treated THEIR way.
This seems diametrically opposed to everything Maya stands for, as her dream is to have women actually INFORMED about the realities about their own bodies rather than relying on hearsay and theories...but she can't turn away from the opportunity, and after convincing her former assistant and med student Esther to join her, she gets fully engrossed in the medical and personal lives of the Wealthy and Powerful. When her close bond with Amelia's daughter, Prem, and a client who is insistent on a very specific (and very dangerous) way of giving birth lead her to question everything she holds dear, will Maya speak up when Amelia would have her stay silent? Is this new career path really what she wants...and just how much is she willing to compromise to keep going down this road? And will a secret from her past hold her captive and powerless, JUST when her misguided client needs her most....when a situation truly spirals to become a matter of life and death?
I'm not sure what I was expecting coming into this read...all I know is by the end of the third chapter or so, I knew this was going to be one of my favorite reads of the year...and now that I've finished it, my hunch was absolutely ON POINT! Sinha's wit sparkles from the very beginning, and she had me chuckling out loud and nodding my head emphatically from the very start. I am so grateful to have read this book as a mom, because not only was it utterly relatable, but I had such a different perspective on the OB-GYN world after having a child that really informed my perspective. Don't be fooled--this book is funny and fun at times, but it doesn't shy away from heavy topics, and the reflections on everything from the daily grind of motherhood to the effects of the patriarchy on the medical system to the wealth gap are ALL explored here, and I think this would be a perfect book for book club discussion. I never thought about the pros and cons of concierge care, but since Sinha comes from the medical world, her words are thoughtful and authentic, and will certainly get you reflecting on what care truly entails, and what an efficient and patient-centered system COULD look like...in a different world.
Although I may have been gritting my teeth in frustration at Maya's actions at times throughout the book, Sinha's characters are all absolutely FANTASTIC! From Maya's hilarious four year old to her patient yet frustrated husband, every side player has a purpose and all of them felt truly real and necessary to the narrative. The slight implausibility of some of the characters' actions throughout is one of the only things that kept this from being a solid 5 star read for me, but we all have people in our lives that at times can't see the forest for the trees...at least temporarily. All this aside, Maya couldn't get to where she lands at the end of the story without these trials and all of the soul searching, so that alone makes her motivations clear.
Of course, this whole book hinges on the discussion of women's healthcare, a topic too often overlooked, and one that certainly deserves a megaphone and a spotlight, particularly in this day and age. Though the system at large fails us all, it disproportionately affects women and even more so, women of color, and Sinha's message is loud and clear. All of Maya's visions for the future in the industry aren't simply pie-in-the-sky idealism, and there has never been a better time for change than the present moment. I applaud her for bringing these insights and revelations into the mainstream in a fresh and accessible way, and hopefully inspiring her readers to help BE the change we all wish to see in the medical world.
This book is Women's Fiction the way it was meant to be: like the best women you've ever known, this one is bold, funny, clever, profound, strong...and in a class all its own!
4.5 stars
Witty, emotional, heartfelt, intelligent, and ever-surprising...this stunner from Madi Sinha drew me in from page one and didn't let up till its twisty and fabulous end!
Dr. Maya Rao is SOMEwhat of your typical gynecologist and requisite Super Mom. She juggles three kids, a husband, and a busy life at her hospital. What sets her apart from the average doctor, however, is her inability to deal with nonsense...and it is this same refusal to acquiesce to a snotty and high-maintenance patient that ultimately causes her to walk away from her position at the hospital and seek new horizons. She has gotten her oldest into the fancy-pants school in town and feels out of place with her Honda 'Hotessy' and feels the sneers of the snobby mothers around her burning holes in her back...UNTIL Maya makes the acquaintance of Amelia: wealthy, picture-perfect owner of Eunoia, a clinic that functions as a private concierge health service, where doctors travel to the rich and privileged, who often put more faith in alternative medicine via crystals and fish oil than Western medicine backed by science and fact, and get treated THEIR way.
This seems diametrically opposed to everything Maya stands for, as her dream is to have women actually INFORMED about the realities about their own bodies rather than relying on hearsay and theories...but she can't turn away from the opportunity, and after convincing her former assistant and med student Esther to join her, she gets fully engrossed in the medical and personal lives of the Wealthy and Powerful. When her close bond with Amelia's daughter, Prem, and a client who is insistent on a very specific (and very dangerous) way of giving birth lead her to question everything she holds dear, will Maya speak up when Amelia would have her stay silent? Is this new career path really what she wants...and just how much is she willing to compromise to keep going down this road? And will a secret from her past hold her captive and powerless, JUST when her misguided client needs her most....when a situation truly spirals to become a matter of life and death?
I'm not sure what I was expecting coming into this read...all I know is by the end of the third chapter or so, I knew this was going to be one of my favorite reads of the year...and now that I've finished it, my hunch was absolutely ON POINT! Sinha's wit sparkles from the very beginning, and she had me chuckling out loud and nodding my head emphatically from the very start. I am so grateful to have read this book as a mom, because not only was it utterly relatable, but I had such a different perspective on the OB-GYN world after having a child that really informed my perspective. Don't be fooled--this book is funny and fun at times, but it doesn't shy away from heavy topics, and the reflections on everything from the daily grind of motherhood to the effects of the patriarchy on the medical system to the wealth gap are ALL explored here, and I think this would be a perfect book for book club discussion. I never thought about the pros and cons of concierge care, but since Sinha comes from the medical world, her words are thoughtful and authentic, and will certainly get you reflecting on what care truly entails, and what an efficient and patient-centered system COULD look like...in a different world.
Although I may have been gritting my teeth in frustration at Maya's actions at times throughout the book, Sinha's characters are all absolutely FANTASTIC! From Maya's hilarious four year old to her patient yet frustrated husband, every side player has a purpose and all of them felt truly real and necessary to the narrative. The slight implausibility of some of the characters' actions throughout is one of the only things that kept this from being a solid 5 star read for me, but we all have people in our lives that at times can't see the forest for the trees...at least temporarily. All this aside, Maya couldn't get to where she lands at the end of the story without these trials and all of the soul searching, so that alone makes her motivations clear.
Of course, this whole book hinges on the discussion of women's healthcare, a topic too often overlooked, and one that certainly deserves a megaphone and a spotlight, particularly in this day and age. Though the system at large fails us all, it disproportionately affects women and even more so, women of color, and Sinha's message is loud and clear. All of Maya's visions for the future in the industry aren't simply pie-in-the-sky idealism, and there has never been a better time for change than the present moment. I applaud her for bringing these insights and revelations into the mainstream in a fresh and accessible way, and hopefully inspiring her readers to help BE the change we all wish to see in the medical world.
This book is Women's Fiction the way it was meant to be: like the best women you've ever known, this one is bold, funny, clever, profound, strong...and in a class all its own!
4.5 stars
April 5, 2022
This is a delightful book about a gynecologist named Dr. Maya Rao. When we first meet her, she's a married, frazzled mom of three young children trying to balance her home life with a busy medical practice in a hospital. She's frustrated by the lack of knowledge of her patients and longs to educate them. All of this means that she's also no-nonsense in her approach to privilege, and this approach gets her into hot water with the hospital administration.
Enter Amelia, the gorgeous, wealthy supermom at Maya's daughter's private school. She owns a concierge medical clinic Eunoia, and wouldn't you know it, they are looking for a gynecologist to join their staff. Even though the clinic's philosophy flies in the face of everything Maya believes about sound science (they let the clients direct their care, and alternative practices are the status quo), Maya joins because it will allow more flexibility and more money.
I really enjoyed this book. The dialogue and prose is humorous, informative, and at times much deeper and more meaningful than I was anticipating. I loved the relationship between Maya and her husband Dean, and the interplay with the kids throughout. The one slight misgiving I had was that I thought Maya completely lost her mind and her way at one point. It seemed so out of character for her, and without any inner dialogue or examination of how she was really feeling until later, I just didn't care for that part.
Overall, this is a very fast-paced, humorous read that will particularly appeal to women, providing inspiration and motivation to either become more informed about women's health or to inform others.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Enter Amelia, the gorgeous, wealthy supermom at Maya's daughter's private school. She owns a concierge medical clinic Eunoia, and wouldn't you know it, they are looking for a gynecologist to join their staff. Even though the clinic's philosophy flies in the face of everything Maya believes about sound science (they let the clients direct their care, and alternative practices are the status quo), Maya joins because it will allow more flexibility and more money.
I really enjoyed this book. The dialogue and prose is humorous, informative, and at times much deeper and more meaningful than I was anticipating. I loved the relationship between Maya and her husband Dean, and the interplay with the kids throughout. The one slight misgiving I had was that I thought Maya completely lost her mind and her way at one point. It seemed so out of character for her, and without any inner dialogue or examination of how she was really feeling until later, I just didn't care for that part.
Overall, this is a very fast-paced, humorous read that will particularly appeal to women, providing inspiration and motivation to either become more informed about women's health or to inform others.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
April 26, 2022
This book was a true gem! Witty, relatable, timely, intelligent, and exhausting! Maya is a hard-working mom of three young kids. Maya is stretched thin by all the expectations placed on her professionally, personally, and culturally. The books main focus is on women’s health, as Maya is a OB/GYN. I appreciated how this was done in a very accessible way yet sprinkled with humor. In the book Maya works in a traditional hospital setting and then as part of a boutique/concierge service. It was really interesting and eye-opening reading about the pros and cons to both. But the true strength of this book was in the characters! Maya was great and definitely relatable as a mother, even if you’re not a doctor. The secondary characters were amazing, loved all her kids especially her four-year-old son. Maya also has a couple patients whose cases we follow throughout the book and I really liked these characters, especially the growth in one of them. This is just a altogether good book, that will definitely appeal to fans of women’s fiction, medical fiction, and a well told story!
This book in emojis: 👩🏻⚕️ 🚙 🥑 🩺 🌊
*** Big thank you to Berkley for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This book in emojis: 👩🏻⚕️ 🚙 🥑 🩺 🌊
*** Big thank you to Berkley for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
July 11, 2025
3.75
this authors writing style is so interesting and I love it. The way that she allows the story to slowly unfold instead of relying on the usual narrative structures and tropes you expect. What sets her apart from other women's fiction writers is that she allows her characters to be very problematic but also expects you to understand them. She gives her protagonist real moral dilemmas and hopes the reader still likes the characters. Will be reading anything she writes.
this authors writing style is so interesting and I love it. The way that she allows the story to slowly unfold instead of relying on the usual narrative structures and tropes you expect. What sets her apart from other women's fiction writers is that she allows her characters to be very problematic but also expects you to understand them. She gives her protagonist real moral dilemmas and hopes the reader still likes the characters. Will be reading anything she writes.
March 9, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
At Least You Have Your Health is an in-depth look into women’s health issues all wrapped in a suspenseful, compelling, and humorous story that I loved. It highlights the inequities of women's health care both due to economic status and class, but it’s all wrapped up with a mystery and fascinating characters.
Dr. Maya Rao is a gynecologist and mother to three children and wife to Dean, as the daughter of immigrants, she worked hard to become a doctor, and has finally found a position she loves at the Philadelphia General Hospital. She is a very busy mother, and every morning she takes her children to three separate locations and has to pick them all up after work. Her oldest daughter Didy, nine years old, goes to a local private school, that they can barely afford. Her son Niam, at four years old, goes to the local public elementary school, and her youngest, Asha is only eight months old and goes to daycare.
While dropping off her daughter, Diya at the exclusive public school, she meets Amelia, a very wealthy woman, who runs Eunoia Women’s Health, a boutique medical practice that provides medical care to the very rich. After losing her job at the hospital, Maya takes a job with Eunoia and becomes friends with Amelia. Maya soon learns that Eunoia has an emphasis on alternative medicine over traditional medicine, and finds her patients (called clients) to be spoiled, entitled, and reluctant to pursue traditional medical practices. She also finds that Amelia has a dark past, and Amelia’s teenage daughter starts to show signs of a mysterious illness.
I enjoyed this book very much, Maya is a very sympathetic character, she works hard, loves her family, and is dedicated to her patients. Her children are not perfect, but they are adorable as they try her patience. Her life becomes considerably easier when she takes the job with Amelia, but caring for the very rich, tries her patience as they demand expensive and sometimes outrageous medical care. The medical demands of these wealthy patients range from the ordinary to the extreme, and this provides some lighthearted humor to the story as well as some drama.
Amelia, a very wealthy heiress and owner of Eunoia, has secrets from her past which has shaped the way she runs her business and how she raises her children, especially her teenage daughter, Prem. These secrets drive this story and make for a very compelling read.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
At Least You Have Your Health is an in-depth look into women’s health issues all wrapped in a suspenseful, compelling, and humorous story that I loved. It highlights the inequities of women's health care both due to economic status and class, but it’s all wrapped up with a mystery and fascinating characters.
Dr. Maya Rao is a gynecologist and mother to three children and wife to Dean, as the daughter of immigrants, she worked hard to become a doctor, and has finally found a position she loves at the Philadelphia General Hospital. She is a very busy mother, and every morning she takes her children to three separate locations and has to pick them all up after work. Her oldest daughter Didy, nine years old, goes to a local private school, that they can barely afford. Her son Niam, at four years old, goes to the local public elementary school, and her youngest, Asha is only eight months old and goes to daycare.
While dropping off her daughter, Diya at the exclusive public school, she meets Amelia, a very wealthy woman, who runs Eunoia Women’s Health, a boutique medical practice that provides medical care to the very rich. After losing her job at the hospital, Maya takes a job with Eunoia and becomes friends with Amelia. Maya soon learns that Eunoia has an emphasis on alternative medicine over traditional medicine, and finds her patients (called clients) to be spoiled, entitled, and reluctant to pursue traditional medical practices. She also finds that Amelia has a dark past, and Amelia’s teenage daughter starts to show signs of a mysterious illness.
I enjoyed this book very much, Maya is a very sympathetic character, she works hard, loves her family, and is dedicated to her patients. Her children are not perfect, but they are adorable as they try her patience. Her life becomes considerably easier when she takes the job with Amelia, but caring for the very rich, tries her patience as they demand expensive and sometimes outrageous medical care. The medical demands of these wealthy patients range from the ordinary to the extreme, and this provides some lighthearted humor to the story as well as some drama.
Amelia, a very wealthy heiress and owner of Eunoia, has secrets from her past which has shaped the way she runs her business and how she raises her children, especially her teenage daughter, Prem. These secrets drive this story and make for a very compelling read.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 16, 2021
Madi Sinha is the Liane Moriarty of medical fiction. Suspenseful, smart, and thoroughly satisfying, At Least You Have Your Health offers hilarious and insightful commentary on wellness culture, the wealth gap, and the ethical dilemmas inherent to pursuing the stereotypical American dream.
May 1, 2022
Love, love LOVE this book! I liked the White Coat Diaries too but everything about this hit home for me, especially the depiction of being a working mom.
March 14, 2022
AT LEAST YOU HAVE YOUR HEALTH
by Madi Sinha
Berkley Publishing Group
Pub Date: Apr 5
What a great book! Loved the interweaving of mystery, health care, working mothers, multicultural and socioeconomic differences, and the author's wry wit about the concept of wellness medical practices geared to the ultra rich. A winner!
Thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#atleastyouhaveyourhealth #madisinha #berkleypublishinggroup #NetGalley
by Madi Sinha
Berkley Publishing Group
Pub Date: Apr 5
What a great book! Loved the interweaving of mystery, health care, working mothers, multicultural and socioeconomic differences, and the author's wry wit about the concept of wellness medical practices geared to the ultra rich. A winner!
Thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#atleastyouhaveyourhealth #madisinha #berkleypublishinggroup #NetGalley
April 17, 2022
Dr. Maya Rao is a gynecologist trying to balance a busy life. With three children, A career, and a happy marriage, she should be grateful on paper, she has it all. But after a disastrous encounter with a patient, Maya is forced to walk away from the city hospital where she spent her entire career. Wow! This book had me turning page after page until the end, really enjoyed the story line. I received this book in the Goodreads giveaway and from Berkley Marketing Team and have never read anything from Madi Sinha the author of this book and hope to read her other book The White Coat Diaries
October 4, 2022
This had a really interesting premise but I just couldn’t get behind any of the main characters which made reading this a bit of a slog.
The story follows Maya who is a Gynecologist at a hospital but walks out after having to deal with a racist and entitled patient. She signs up to become a concierge doctor at a practice run by another mom and soon enters into the world of the super rich. This leads to all sorts of new problems and soon she’s back to wondering if she fits in anywhere.
I loved the idea of a doctor trying to make sense of how the super rich utilize doctors but so much of this didn’t make sense. If she felt slighted by patients at a general hospital, it makes no sense she would jump into concierge medicine where she is literally at their service. I also didn’t believe she could go from caring so much about miseducation to keeping her mouth shut about crystals in vaginas for the money. She just continuously made illogical decisions that I just decided I didn’t like her very much at all. Amelia was even more irritating and while I appreciated the efforts to humanize her, it didn’t really work well and this book ended up being about two women who have just lost their minds.
The story follows Maya who is a Gynecologist at a hospital but walks out after having to deal with a racist and entitled patient. She signs up to become a concierge doctor at a practice run by another mom and soon enters into the world of the super rich. This leads to all sorts of new problems and soon she’s back to wondering if she fits in anywhere.
I loved the idea of a doctor trying to make sense of how the super rich utilize doctors but so much of this didn’t make sense. If she felt slighted by patients at a general hospital, it makes no sense she would jump into concierge medicine where she is literally at their service. I also didn’t believe she could go from caring so much about miseducation to keeping her mouth shut about crystals in vaginas for the money. She just continuously made illogical decisions that I just decided I didn’t like her very much at all. Amelia was even more irritating and while I appreciated the efforts to humanize her, it didn’t really work well and this book ended up being about two women who have just lost their minds.
May 16, 2022
Dr. Maya Rao quits her job as a gynecologist because her new boss's wife was ugly and disrespectful which puts Maya and her husband in a tight spot financially. When Amelia, owner of a concierge wellness clinic recruits Maya to work for her, Maya thinks she has her dream job. Soon she realizes she needs more help, so Maya winds up hiring her former assistant to help her.
When red flags start showing up at her new job, Maya slowly starts to realize she has some difficult choices to make.
What I loved about this book: This book deals on heavy duty topics like respect for women and for professional women who do not fit into society's stereotype. I like Maya's representation of Indian culture and felt that author Madi Sinha handled the themes of racism, elitism, mental health, women's healthcare, work and family balance, and finding your own voice. Although the topics are serious, they are handled with respect and humor in a journey that I am sure you would enjoy as much as I did. Highly recommend as Maya's journey is one we can all relate to!
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and author Madi Sinha for this digital review copy for me to read and enjoy. As always, my reviews are voluntary and my opinions are my own.
#Berkleybuddyreads #berittalksbooks #berkleywritesstrong women
When red flags start showing up at her new job, Maya slowly starts to realize she has some difficult choices to make.
What I loved about this book: This book deals on heavy duty topics like respect for women and for professional women who do not fit into society's stereotype. I like Maya's representation of Indian culture and felt that author Madi Sinha handled the themes of racism, elitism, mental health, women's healthcare, work and family balance, and finding your own voice. Although the topics are serious, they are handled with respect and humor in a journey that I am sure you would enjoy as much as I did. Highly recommend as Maya's journey is one we can all relate to!
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and author Madi Sinha for this digital review copy for me to read and enjoy. As always, my reviews are voluntary and my opinions are my own.
#Berkleybuddyreads #berittalksbooks #berkleywritesstrong women
April 8, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
She adjusted her oversized black sunglasses, the ones she imagined made her look something like Audrey Hepburn but in fact made her look something like a very large hornet.
Tad used phrases like “leveraging our strategic partnerships” and wrote excitedly of his plans to target hospital advertising to “capture female patients in the 18-65 year old range.” The latter expression always made Maya picture Tad running through a field with a butterfly net, in pursuit of a panicked woman wearing no-slip socks and rolling an IV pole behind her.
What you have here at Hamilton is a group of very opinionated, very uptight parents who are trying to relive their childhoods through their kids… They want their kids’ days to be filled with unicorns and rainbows and the occasional diorama made out of a Jimmy Choo shoe box.
He was already on a toilet in one of the stalls, swinging his legs and loudly reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. “And through the red sticks forest stands, a nation, and the frogs, invisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
“You should make sure to use birth control, even while you’re nursing.” “What about avocados?” a woman with short silver hair and a red leather jacket wanted to know. “What about them?” “If you put one in before sex, it works like a diaphragm. No?” Maya stared at the woman. “No. Please don’t do that.” “Oh my God, Heather,” the woman with the baby said, her hand on her forehead. “Your vag is not for serving guacamole!”
My Review:
This was a fun and giggle-snort-worthy read and a pleasant surprise. The engaging and humorously entertaining plotlines and narratives were liberally peppered with keenly observant insights of cultural differences and pressures as well as cleverly amusing humor and snark. I savored each well-textured and brilliantly nuanced storyline; even when the characters were disappointing and annoying me with their self-involved pettiness, narrow thinking, bigotry, and obsessive social climbing. This was my first exposure to the agile storytelling of Madi Sinha and I am now a devoted acolyte of this talented wordsmith.
She adjusted her oversized black sunglasses, the ones she imagined made her look something like Audrey Hepburn but in fact made her look something like a very large hornet.
Tad used phrases like “leveraging our strategic partnerships” and wrote excitedly of his plans to target hospital advertising to “capture female patients in the 18-65 year old range.” The latter expression always made Maya picture Tad running through a field with a butterfly net, in pursuit of a panicked woman wearing no-slip socks and rolling an IV pole behind her.
What you have here at Hamilton is a group of very opinionated, very uptight parents who are trying to relive their childhoods through their kids… They want their kids’ days to be filled with unicorns and rainbows and the occasional diorama made out of a Jimmy Choo shoe box.
He was already on a toilet in one of the stalls, swinging his legs and loudly reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. “And through the red sticks forest stands, a nation, and the frogs, invisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
“You should make sure to use birth control, even while you’re nursing.” “What about avocados?” a woman with short silver hair and a red leather jacket wanted to know. “What about them?” “If you put one in before sex, it works like a diaphragm. No?” Maya stared at the woman. “No. Please don’t do that.” “Oh my God, Heather,” the woman with the baby said, her hand on her forehead. “Your vag is not for serving guacamole!”
My Review:
This was a fun and giggle-snort-worthy read and a pleasant surprise. The engaging and humorously entertaining plotlines and narratives were liberally peppered with keenly observant insights of cultural differences and pressures as well as cleverly amusing humor and snark. I savored each well-textured and brilliantly nuanced storyline; even when the characters were disappointing and annoying me with their self-involved pettiness, narrow thinking, bigotry, and obsessive social climbing. This was my first exposure to the agile storytelling of Madi Sinha and I am now a devoted acolyte of this talented wordsmith.
January 21, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC! I really enjoyed At Least You Have Your Health. It gave such a unique perspective of a mother, a gynecologist, and touched on important topics of classism, racism, work-life balance, and motherhood. It provided such a fresh and unique perspective to this genre that I loved. The writing style was witty and I felt like I got to know Maya well. I wish we had gotten to dive deeper into other storylines, like Esther’s, Diya’s, and Dean’s - I didn’t really feel like I got to know these characters deeply and they felt very, very secondary to Maya and Amelia DeGilles. Overall a great read and I hope there’s a sequel so I can learn more about the other characters.
December 1, 2021
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
At Least You Have Your Health by Madi Sinha is a fiction novel about a high-scale wellness clinic and the women who run it. The story revolves around Dr. Maya Rao, a former gynecologist forced to find a job, and Amelia DeGilles, the queen bee of the neighborhood moms. Amelia invites Maya to join her specialty wellness clinic for the rich and powerful. Will the pair succeed in their endeavor, or will unforeseen obstacles get in their way?
Here is an excerpt from Chapter 1 that introduces us to the characters:
"When Amelia DeGilles—forty-five, tailored jeans, nude slingbacks with a red sole—caught the arm of Maya Rao—thirty-six, threadbare leggings, brown stain on one off-brand white canvas sneaker—in the parking lot of Hamilton Hall Academy after the October parent council meeting, people noticed.
It wasn’t just that Amelia DeGilles was known for keeping the company of a very small and carefully-vetted circle of other Hamilton Hall mothers, but that the slightly disheveled young Indian woman with whom she was now engaged in intimate conversation drove a Honda Odyssey with silver duct tape on one side view mirror and had very recently, only moments earlier in fact, come into some notoriety."
Overall, At Least You Have Your Health is an interesting look into motherhood, medicine, and women working together. One highlight of this book is the humorous anecdotes of motherhood that we get from the two main characters. Maya in particular is trying to balance multiple commitments, juggling parenting her children with her work-life. If I had to complain about one thing, I would say that the synopsis makes the book sound a bit like a thriller with the talk about hidden and dangerous secrets. In actuality, this book remains light-hearted throughout and lacks suspense and action. However, I'm sure there are plenty of readers looking for a book like this. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of women's fiction, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in April!
At Least You Have Your Health by Madi Sinha is a fiction novel about a high-scale wellness clinic and the women who run it. The story revolves around Dr. Maya Rao, a former gynecologist forced to find a job, and Amelia DeGilles, the queen bee of the neighborhood moms. Amelia invites Maya to join her specialty wellness clinic for the rich and powerful. Will the pair succeed in their endeavor, or will unforeseen obstacles get in their way?
Here is an excerpt from Chapter 1 that introduces us to the characters:
"When Amelia DeGilles—forty-five, tailored jeans, nude slingbacks with a red sole—caught the arm of Maya Rao—thirty-six, threadbare leggings, brown stain on one off-brand white canvas sneaker—in the parking lot of Hamilton Hall Academy after the October parent council meeting, people noticed.
It wasn’t just that Amelia DeGilles was known for keeping the company of a very small and carefully-vetted circle of other Hamilton Hall mothers, but that the slightly disheveled young Indian woman with whom she was now engaged in intimate conversation drove a Honda Odyssey with silver duct tape on one side view mirror and had very recently, only moments earlier in fact, come into some notoriety."
Overall, At Least You Have Your Health is an interesting look into motherhood, medicine, and women working together. One highlight of this book is the humorous anecdotes of motherhood that we get from the two main characters. Maya in particular is trying to balance multiple commitments, juggling parenting her children with her work-life. If I had to complain about one thing, I would say that the synopsis makes the book sound a bit like a thriller with the talk about hidden and dangerous secrets. In actuality, this book remains light-hearted throughout and lacks suspense and action. However, I'm sure there are plenty of readers looking for a book like this. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of women's fiction, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in April!
April 1, 2022
We really enjoyed this book! Written primarily from the perspective of Maya Rao, a flawed but relatable character, At Least You Have Your Health takes on sexism, racism, alternative medicine, and classism in a nuanced, readable take. Maya has a lot on her plate - from her stressful job as a gynecologist at a busy Philadelphia hospital to her roles as mother and wife, she is at the end of her rope. It all comes to a head when an entitled patient and an unfortunate series of events culminate in her joining a "boutique medicine practice." At first, the new position seems to be heaven-sent - or maybe karmic balance for putting up with so much at her old job. But maybe things aren't as good as they seem...
Maya's struggles balancing her home and work life are relatable even when her circumstances are not. For example, she has the means to send her children to the most upscale private school in the area. Her overawed reaction to her new environment and new position blind her to some of the excesses. Eventually, though, she starts to realize that she might be contributing to a problem that's bigger than it seems at first.
Her reactions to her situation, interactions with her family, friends, and colleagues, and ultimate decisions make the book a page turner. And when there's a medical mystery to solve, we were caught up in the detective work as well. Highly recommended!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Maya's struggles balancing her home and work life are relatable even when her circumstances are not. For example, she has the means to send her children to the most upscale private school in the area. Her overawed reaction to her new environment and new position blind her to some of the excesses. Eventually, though, she starts to realize that she might be contributing to a problem that's bigger than it seems at first.
Her reactions to her situation, interactions with her family, friends, and colleagues, and ultimate decisions make the book a page turner. And when there's a medical mystery to solve, we were caught up in the detective work as well. Highly recommended!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
June 25, 2022
Dr. Maya Rao has it all - a loving and supportive husband, three beautiful children, a long career as a gynecologist. But is she happy? In fact, Maya is stressed and feeling pressure in ways she has been hiding for years. One day at work she insults a patient and ends up having to carve a new career path. She had previously been offered a job as an exclusive concierge service where she can further utilize her talents.
However, as Maya's story evolves, this book addresses some very serious issues. These issues include sexism, racism and classism. With traditional Indian parents a lot was expected of Maya when she was growing up. These expectations have bled into her adult life, her job, and even her family.
Meanwhile, the deeper Maya gets into her new job, she more she realizes how different things are now, and this includes feeling comfortable with alternative medicine and treatments.
I enjoyed the serious nature of this book. The only issue that I found would be the writing style seemed a bit inconsistent. However, that paled in comparison to the excellence contained in this book when it came to the challenges that Maya faced on a daily basis. As Madi Sinha is a new author for me I did truly feel honored to read this book.
Please also enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/syjwp3HgQSU
However, as Maya's story evolves, this book addresses some very serious issues. These issues include sexism, racism and classism. With traditional Indian parents a lot was expected of Maya when she was growing up. These expectations have bled into her adult life, her job, and even her family.
Meanwhile, the deeper Maya gets into her new job, she more she realizes how different things are now, and this includes feeling comfortable with alternative medicine and treatments.
I enjoyed the serious nature of this book. The only issue that I found would be the writing style seemed a bit inconsistent. However, that paled in comparison to the excellence contained in this book when it came to the challenges that Maya faced on a daily basis. As Madi Sinha is a new author for me I did truly feel honored to read this book.
Please also enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/syjwp3HgQSU
June 29, 2022
AT LEAST YOU HAVE YOUR HEALTH
By Madi Sinha
I love reading about characters in the medical field and this immediately got into my radar when I read the blurb about a mother, a wife, and a Gynecologist trying to balance the complexities of each of her role - the perfect life to an outsider looking in. Dr Maya Rao leaves her job in the hospital and moves to a concierge service, Eunoia Women’s Health, catering to the rich and privileged, ran by Amelia where vitamin infusions and crystals are curative outside of medical science and cost.
The writing was fabulous and I really enjoyed the characters and side characters. The representation of women of color in the healthcare industry, as well as, the nuances of healthcare was wonderfully addressed. I really enjoyed this take on traditional and alternative medicine that tends to be misunderstood by many.
I really enjoyed this one.
By Madi Sinha
I love reading about characters in the medical field and this immediately got into my radar when I read the blurb about a mother, a wife, and a Gynecologist trying to balance the complexities of each of her role - the perfect life to an outsider looking in. Dr Maya Rao leaves her job in the hospital and moves to a concierge service, Eunoia Women’s Health, catering to the rich and privileged, ran by Amelia where vitamin infusions and crystals are curative outside of medical science and cost.
The writing was fabulous and I really enjoyed the characters and side characters. The representation of women of color in the healthcare industry, as well as, the nuances of healthcare was wonderfully addressed. I really enjoyed this take on traditional and alternative medicine that tends to be misunderstood by many.
I really enjoyed this one.
November 29, 2021
A fun, slightly snarky read about an Indian-American doctor trying to balance three children, a husband, and a career. When she loses her hospital job, she ends up signing on with a concierge practice and that's where the snark begins. Let's face it. We all like to have a look at the fabulously rich and be able to laugh at their lives. Sinha does it well, with touches of realism as she gently nudges her readers on issues of class and race. This should appeal to many different types of readers.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
October 5, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love books written by intelligent women in the medical field. I also love books about unhinged rich women that could hold their own with the Real Housewives. At Least You Have Your Health is a witty and delightful contemporary/women’s fiction novel that flawlessly mixes my two (very strange) pleasures.
Dr. Maya Rao is a mother and gynecologist who wants the best for her patients and her kids. She’s flawed and complex and incredibly real. The characters in this book are absolutely fantastic. Yes, we have some absolute nut jobs who provide serious eyeroll inducing entertainment. But, we also have Maya’s medical assistant Esther and her young son, Niam, who will both go down in history as two of my favorite fictional characters.
This book tugged at my heartstrings. As someone who works in the medical field, I’m passionate about health literacy and being informed and educated about our own bodies, especially as women. I shouldn’t have needed to get a graduate degree in nursing to know the things I know about women’s health. It’s scary how normal it is for us to not understand what’s going on with our bodies. I found this book equal parts frustrating and hopeful, and I could write pages and pages about all the emotions I have after reading it, but I’ll spare you and just end with this:
This book was a fantastic read for me and then I read the last chapter and it made me realize that I need to read more books like this. While the subject matter is a bit heavy at times, Sinha’s witty writing makes it so much fun. She seamlessly educates readers about important women’s health and wellness issues while also making them laugh. I learned so much and I really think all women, especially mothers, will find At Least You Have Your Health to be a timely, intelligent, and incredibly relatable read.
🎧 The audiobook was fantastic! I couldn’t put the book down so I also purchased the audio for my commute and I loved it. Highly recommend both formats!
Dr. Maya Rao is a mother and gynecologist who wants the best for her patients and her kids. She’s flawed and complex and incredibly real. The characters in this book are absolutely fantastic. Yes, we have some absolute nut jobs who provide serious eyeroll inducing entertainment. But, we also have Maya’s medical assistant Esther and her young son, Niam, who will both go down in history as two of my favorite fictional characters.
This book tugged at my heartstrings. As someone who works in the medical field, I’m passionate about health literacy and being informed and educated about our own bodies, especially as women. I shouldn’t have needed to get a graduate degree in nursing to know the things I know about women’s health. It’s scary how normal it is for us to not understand what’s going on with our bodies. I found this book equal parts frustrating and hopeful, and I could write pages and pages about all the emotions I have after reading it, but I’ll spare you and just end with this:
This book was a fantastic read for me and then I read the last chapter and it made me realize that I need to read more books like this. While the subject matter is a bit heavy at times, Sinha’s witty writing makes it so much fun. She seamlessly educates readers about important women’s health and wellness issues while also making them laugh. I learned so much and I really think all women, especially mothers, will find At Least You Have Your Health to be a timely, intelligent, and incredibly relatable read.
🎧 The audiobook was fantastic! I couldn’t put the book down so I also purchased the audio for my commute and I loved it. Highly recommend both formats!
April 21, 2025
this book hit and I laughed out loud a bunch
June 11, 2022
I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. The writing was excellent and the author did a fabulous job talking about the stress of being a working mom, female empowerment, privileged vs underprivileged communities, all while mixing in a medical mystery diagnosis. Highly recommend!
April 13, 2023
Was enjoyable and had lots of great themes. A little weird at some parts.
April 13, 2022
As someone who usually devours thrillers and extreme horror novels, this book was way out of my comfort zone, but I ended up loving it so much that I ordered her first book, THE WHITE COAT DIARIES.
This book touched upon so many issues that plague women today...the desire to have it all, the desire to be seen, and the desire to make a difference. Dr. Maya Rao is a gynecologist with a bustling practice, but a disastrous encounter with an entitled patient results in a three month suspension. After refusing to apologize, Dr. Rao quits. Fate intervenes when she crosses paths with Amelia DeGilles at a school event, and soon she is swept up in the world of concierge medicine, While her beliefs don't exactly align with Amelia's, she tells herself this job affords her the wealth, privilege, and flexibility her previous job didn't.
I appreciated all the lighthearted moments in this book, but I really loved the depth of Maya's character. It was revealed that she stopped practicing obstetrics early in the book but didn't delve into the why until much later, which made for a very sobering experience. I also appreciated the knowledge of her daily struggle of growing up poor in India and the casual racism that she experienced even with a white coat on.
Everything about this book was stellar...the character development, the pacing, the dialogue, and especially the huge issues the author tackled with finesse, such as racism, equality in health care, and what it means to be a woman Highly recommended.
This book touched upon so many issues that plague women today...the desire to have it all, the desire to be seen, and the desire to make a difference. Dr. Maya Rao is a gynecologist with a bustling practice, but a disastrous encounter with an entitled patient results in a three month suspension. After refusing to apologize, Dr. Rao quits. Fate intervenes when she crosses paths with Amelia DeGilles at a school event, and soon she is swept up in the world of concierge medicine, While her beliefs don't exactly align with Amelia's, she tells herself this job affords her the wealth, privilege, and flexibility her previous job didn't.
I appreciated all the lighthearted moments in this book, but I really loved the depth of Maya's character. It was revealed that she stopped practicing obstetrics early in the book but didn't delve into the why until much later, which made for a very sobering experience. I also appreciated the knowledge of her daily struggle of growing up poor in India and the casual racism that she experienced even with a white coat on.
Everything about this book was stellar...the character development, the pacing, the dialogue, and especially the huge issues the author tackled with finesse, such as racism, equality in health care, and what it means to be a woman Highly recommended.
April 6, 2022
Full review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2022/0...
At Least You Have Your Health is realistic and compelling women’s fiction that revolves around Maya and Amelia and their views on women’s healthcare. The story is about Indian immigrants, upbringing, hyperparenting, women in medicine, racism, motherhood, work-life balance, women’s health care and healthcare system, and inclusion and diversity.
This is character driven story and there is lot happening and so many layers in story than my simplified summery. Maya and Amelia are interesting characters.
Best part is all the layers and theme of inclusion, medicine, and classism, racism, and hyperparenting. I liked how author talked about life of immigrants, their stuggle in new conutry with inclusion and racism, how little people know about women’s anatomy and healthcare and how schools and hospitals still use outdated system when it comes to education on women’s anatomy and sex. I also liked a little bit of medical info and medical history as well which was informative.
And there is hyperparenting, most thought provoking topic of the book. Reading all moms and the way they behaved made me think, what’s wrong with parents these days. There is so much competition between them and they all are literally forcing their dream and beliefs on their kids. One mom (or was it Amelia?) cared about what classes her kid attended and what language the kid learned at age 4! (And here I’m only worried about my kid’s potty training.) Is it really necessary to go to prestigious schools and universities? And what about being happy and content, why it is discarded for high paying career? It’s not just American but everywhere in world parents behave this way. My goodness, the way they feed kids with vitamins and superstitious therapy is shocking. They did what internet said putting their logic and medical proofs aside. It all made me laugh and shake my head in disbelief.
Overall, At Least You Have Your Health is moving, thought provoking, compelling and steady-paced women’s fiction. It’s perfect for club read with many topics to discuss.
I highly recommend this if you enjoy,
Steady paced story
women’s fiction
Women in STEM
theme of inclusion, diversity, racism, classism
layer of hyperparenting, immigrant life, PTSD
topic of women’s healthcare
At Least You Have Your Health is realistic and compelling women’s fiction that revolves around Maya and Amelia and their views on women’s healthcare. The story is about Indian immigrants, upbringing, hyperparenting, women in medicine, racism, motherhood, work-life balance, women’s health care and healthcare system, and inclusion and diversity.
This is character driven story and there is lot happening and so many layers in story than my simplified summery. Maya and Amelia are interesting characters.
Best part is all the layers and theme of inclusion, medicine, and classism, racism, and hyperparenting. I liked how author talked about life of immigrants, their stuggle in new conutry with inclusion and racism, how little people know about women’s anatomy and healthcare and how schools and hospitals still use outdated system when it comes to education on women’s anatomy and sex. I also liked a little bit of medical info and medical history as well which was informative.
And there is hyperparenting, most thought provoking topic of the book. Reading all moms and the way they behaved made me think, what’s wrong with parents these days. There is so much competition between them and they all are literally forcing their dream and beliefs on their kids. One mom (or was it Amelia?) cared about what classes her kid attended and what language the kid learned at age 4! (And here I’m only worried about my kid’s potty training.) Is it really necessary to go to prestigious schools and universities? And what about being happy and content, why it is discarded for high paying career? It’s not just American but everywhere in world parents behave this way. My goodness, the way they feed kids with vitamins and superstitious therapy is shocking. They did what internet said putting their logic and medical proofs aside. It all made me laugh and shake my head in disbelief.
Overall, At Least You Have Your Health is moving, thought provoking, compelling and steady-paced women’s fiction. It’s perfect for club read with many topics to discuss.
I highly recommend this if you enjoy,
Steady paced story
women’s fiction
Women in STEM
theme of inclusion, diversity, racism, classism
layer of hyperparenting, immigrant life, PTSD
topic of women’s healthcare
June 28, 2022
Dang. I couldn’t put this one down and finished it in one day! The intersection of privilege, choice, and access come together in a wild and funny romp with the guilt of being an immigrant child, the need for more, and the curse of motherhood to never be the worst of your own mother. This was surprisingly insightful and heartbreaking. Fitting with the current political climate of Roe v Wade being overturned, and reflecting karma, cause and effect (not just fate), how wealthy can afford and access this type of care, and the poor can’t afford or access, but poor health education rooted in stereotypes hinder better medical care for both wealthy and poor, particularly on women’s bodies. Can’t wait to read more of Madi Sinha’s work!
June 14, 2022
I shouldn't have to wait until 80% of the book to be done for something to really happen. The payoff wasn't even worth the rushed, sloppy ending.
March 26, 2022
Gynecologist Maya Rao is floundering. Frustrated with the lack of education about women's health and the bureaucracy of hospital work, struggling to balance work and family, and worn down by constant micro- and macro- aggressions in all areas of her life, she needs a change. When the hospital fails to support her after a confrontation with a wealthy patient, Maya says enough is enough and walks out... and into the surreal world of concierge medicine. But as she caters to the whims of the rich and privileged, will Maya be able to hold onto her ideals? Or will she be lost to the promise of wealth and prestige?
Sinha's writing is sharp and funny, with incisive commentary on everything from the seductive lure of alternative medicine to socioeconomic divides to familial dynamics and the ways trauma is unintentionally passed down generations. The plot trajectory is predictable but satisfyingly so — who doesn't enjoy a good The Devil Wears Prada-esque tale of rags to riches to self-acceptance? My main hurdle getting into the book was understanding how a gynecologist — particularly one who is so invested in promoting awareness and helping women understand their bodies as Maya is — could know nothing about "wellness culture." I can only assume that Goop doesn't exist in this world because, while I understand Maya is barely keeping her head above water, I can't imagine that her assistant, Esther, wouldn't know what's up. However, it's precisely because Sinha does so well establishing all the ways Maya is struggling — and all of the ways she, as the daughter of immigrants, has always longed for assimilation — that I was eventually able to believe the way she's roped into a culture that goes against everything she believes in.
At Least You Have Your Health is not a book I'd typically pick up on my own, but I'm glad I gave it a chance. While my blood pressure did go up during some of the passages related to Maya's work (because I know there are people who are this tragically misinformed and happily buying the snake oil), it was very fun. Sinha has a gift for wry humor, and the bits with Maya's loud, boisterous children had me laughing out loud. Likewise, the conversations with Esther and with Maya's husband were entertaining while also cutting to the heart of real issues, like the ways two women of color (Maya and Esther) can still have very different experiences of racism in the U.S. and how a person or family (Maya and Dean) answer the question, "When will it be enough?"
My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sinha's writing is sharp and funny, with incisive commentary on everything from the seductive lure of alternative medicine to socioeconomic divides to familial dynamics and the ways trauma is unintentionally passed down generations. The plot trajectory is predictable but satisfyingly so — who doesn't enjoy a good The Devil Wears Prada-esque tale of rags to riches to self-acceptance? My main hurdle getting into the book was understanding how a gynecologist — particularly one who is so invested in promoting awareness and helping women understand their bodies as Maya is — could know nothing about "wellness culture." I can only assume that Goop doesn't exist in this world because, while I understand Maya is barely keeping her head above water, I can't imagine that her assistant, Esther, wouldn't know what's up. However, it's precisely because Sinha does so well establishing all the ways Maya is struggling — and all of the ways she, as the daughter of immigrants, has always longed for assimilation — that I was eventually able to believe the way she's roped into a culture that goes against everything she believes in.
At Least You Have Your Health is not a book I'd typically pick up on my own, but I'm glad I gave it a chance. While my blood pressure did go up during some of the passages related to Maya's work (because I know there are people who are this tragically misinformed and happily buying the snake oil), it was very fun. Sinha has a gift for wry humor, and the bits with Maya's loud, boisterous children had me laughing out loud. Likewise, the conversations with Esther and with Maya's husband were entertaining while also cutting to the heart of real issues, like the ways two women of color (Maya and Esther) can still have very different experiences of racism in the U.S. and how a person or family (Maya and Dean) answer the question, "When will it be enough?"
My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2023
This book! Omg! I loved this book so much, and though fictional, it touched on so many important topics throughout. The story is mainly told through Maya's POV, although there are chapters told from other characters POVs as well. Dr. Maya Rao is an OB/Gynaecologist, a wife, and mother of 3 young kids. We follow her journey of finding her way in her career. Will she 'do right by her family' and take a high-paying job that conflicts with her ethics? Will she get the attention and respect that she's always wanted when she enters a room?
This book can't help but make you appreciate the existence of modern medicine. However, it also showed some love to the use of non-western practises as well. Maya found a lot of the Eunoia 'natural' practises to be a whole load of BS, but at some point in the book, she does have a revelation of sorts after engaging herself.
I loved that the book advocates for the proper education of sexual health. I love that it exposes & de-bunks many myths that exists. The book also shows Maya's journey growing up with her traditional Indian family, to her very non-traditional current day life. It touches on the heavy weight of 'living up to expectation' as a brown daughter of a strict Indian family.
It was hard to root for Maya's character at some points in the book, but I'm glad I stuck it through! She shows tremendous growth by the end of the book. The book had a lot of enjoyable humour as well!
Characters I Loved:
- Maya
- Maya's Husband (a real one)
- Niam the kid lol
- Skye (though delusional, her character killlls me lmao)
- Esther (her sidekick nurse who is so lovable)
This book can't help but make you appreciate the existence of modern medicine. However, it also showed some love to the use of non-western practises as well. Maya found a lot of the Eunoia 'natural' practises to be a whole load of BS, but at some point in the book, she does have a revelation of sorts after engaging herself.
I loved that the book advocates for the proper education of sexual health. I love that it exposes & de-bunks many myths that exists. The book also shows Maya's journey growing up with her traditional Indian family, to her very non-traditional current day life. It touches on the heavy weight of 'living up to expectation' as a brown daughter of a strict Indian family.
It was hard to root for Maya's character at some points in the book, but I'm glad I stuck it through! She shows tremendous growth by the end of the book. The book had a lot of enjoyable humour as well!
Characters I Loved:
- Maya
- Maya's Husband (a real one)
- Niam the kid lol
- Skye (though delusional, her character killlls me lmao)
- Esther (her sidekick nurse who is so lovable)
June 27, 2022
We’ve all heard the saying…”at least you have your health!”. I think it’s become even more relevant over the past few years. This book is written by a doctor but you definitely don’t need to be a doctor to enjoy it! The story takes place just outside of Philadelphia in an area called the Main Line. Anyone who knows the area, knows it’s a wealthy one! Dr. Maya Rao lives on the outskirts in a small town with her husband Dean and their three young children. Maya is a gynecologist who no longer practices obstetrics, and Dean is in the process of earning his PhD. Maya is also a first generation American, with her parents immigrating to Pennsylvania from India before she was born. She grew up in a household that put a huge emphasis on education and career. She was essentially forced into medicine to please her parents and while she does love her work, she wonders what else she could have done with her life that would have let her have a better work-life balance and still pay her bills.
That’s when Amelia DeGilles struts into her life at a PTA meeting at her 9-year-old daughter’s elite private school (where Maya doesn’t feel like they quite fit in yet). It turns out that Amelia runs a luxury health practice - think at-home appointments, no insurance, and catering to your patient’s (client’s?) every whim. After an upset at the hospital she’s worked at for the last 4 years, Maya takes a job at the luxe practice and her career takes news turns and twists she never imagined. All this while trying to raise three kids and stay married 😵💫 the struggle is real and I think anyone with kids can relate!
This book was such a winner for me! It was funny but tackled real-life issues - the advantages that the wealthy have over the poor, discrimination in healthcare, anxiety, postpartum struggles, relationship issues…and they author did it all with wit and real-life wisdom. I highly recommend this one!
That’s when Amelia DeGilles struts into her life at a PTA meeting at her 9-year-old daughter’s elite private school (where Maya doesn’t feel like they quite fit in yet). It turns out that Amelia runs a luxury health practice - think at-home appointments, no insurance, and catering to your patient’s (client’s?) every whim. After an upset at the hospital she’s worked at for the last 4 years, Maya takes a job at the luxe practice and her career takes news turns and twists she never imagined. All this while trying to raise three kids and stay married 😵💫 the struggle is real and I think anyone with kids can relate!
This book was such a winner for me! It was funny but tackled real-life issues - the advantages that the wealthy have over the poor, discrimination in healthcare, anxiety, postpartum struggles, relationship issues…and they author did it all with wit and real-life wisdom. I highly recommend this one!
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