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Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D.
“I look for zebras because other doctors have ruled out all the horses.” — Dr. Gregory House Medical students are taught that when they hear hoofbeats, they should think horses, not zebras, but Dr. House’s unique talent of diagnosing unusual illnesses has made House, M.D. one of the most popular and fascinating series on television. In Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D., Barbara Barnett, widely considered a leading House expert, takes fans deep into the heart of the show’s central character and his world, examining the way this medical Sherlock Holmes’s colleagues and patients reflect him and each other; how the music, settings, and even the humor enhance our understanding of the series’ narrative; what the show says about modern medicine, ethics, and religion; and much more. Complete with an episode-by-episode guide and numerous interviews with cast members, producers, and writers, Chasing Zebras is an intelligent look at one of television’s most popular shows.
- GenresNonfiction
432 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2010
10 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Barnett
4 books102 followersBarbara Barnett is Publisher/Executive Editor of Blogcritics, (blogcritics.org) an Internet magazine of pop culture, politics and more, for which she has also contributed nearly 1,000 essays, reviews, and interviews over the past decade. Her book on the TV series House, M.D., Chasing Zebras is a quintessential guide to the themes, characters and episodes of the hit show.
She is an accomplished speaker, an annual favorite at MENSA's HalloWEEM convention, where she has spoken to standing room crowds on subjects as diverse as "The Byronic Hero in Pop Culture," "The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes," "The Hidden History of Science Fiction," and "Our Passion for Disaster (Movies)."
She is an accomplished speaker, an annual favorite at MENSA's HalloWEEM convention, where she has spoken to standing room crowds on subjects as diverse as "The Byronic Hero in Pop Culture," "The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes," "The Hidden History of Science Fiction," and "Our Passion for Disaster (Movies)."
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 1, 2024
اون بررسی های اولش و مقایسه ای با شرلوک و ایناش رو دوست داشتم، ولی با توجه به اسمش، توقع چیز دیگه ای داشتم: فکر میکردم میاد کیس یه کیس بررسی مدیکال میکنه و زبرا فکتور هاشون رو در میاره ولی خب اصلا این نبود.
کلا راجع به سریال بود اونم فقط تا فصل شش، چون وقتی چاپ شده بوده هنوز فصل های بعدی نیومده بودن.
اون وسطای رو به اولش هم راجع به کلیت ساخت و کاراکتر ها گفت.
از وقتی اپیزود ها شروع شد دیگه کتاب رو درک نکردم. انگار داشتی پلات سامری هر اپیزود رو میخوندی.
خب چرا ؟
دیگه گذاشتمش کنار.
به قول رضا: «مثه زمانی میمونه که یه نفر بهت جوکی که یکی دیگه گفته رو توضیح میده و بدتره چون تو جوک رو خودت فهمیدی.»
کلا راجع به سریال بود اونم فقط تا فصل شش، چون وقتی چاپ شده بوده هنوز فصل های بعدی نیومده بودن.
اون وسطای رو به اولش هم راجع به کلیت ساخت و کاراکتر ها گفت.
از وقتی اپیزود ها شروع شد دیگه کتاب رو درک نکردم. انگار داشتی پلات سامری هر اپیزود رو میخوندی.
خب چرا ؟
دیگه گذاشتمش کنار.
به قول رضا: «مثه زمانی میمونه که یه نفر بهت جوکی که یکی دیگه گفته رو توضیح میده و بدتره چون تو جوک رو خودت فهمیدی.»
July 25, 2011
When I first caught site of Chasing Zebras, I knew it was a book that I had to own. I started watching House right from the beginning when I would be enthralled for an hour in front of the tiny television in my bedroom. Years later, I’ve missed episodes here and there, but that hasn’t dimmed my love for the show. Thus a guide for the show immediately had my attention.
When I first got the book, I expected an episode guide and basic introductions to the characters. What I got when I opened the pages came to be so much more.
Barnett proves herself to be not only a fan but akin to a professor in House M.D. studies with her examination of everything House. From House’s homes to his colleagues to comparisons between Sherlock/Watson and House/Wilson, no facet is left undiscussed.
The thing that I love the most about this guide is that it examines House M.D. from so many angles. Not only does it give me the episode rundowns that I wanted so much to make sure I’m caught up, delving into the characters and settings was pure, unexpected pleasure.
And it’s all together in one book that I don’t want to put down!
When I first got the book, I expected an episode guide and basic introductions to the characters. What I got when I opened the pages came to be so much more.
Barnett proves herself to be not only a fan but akin to a professor in House M.D. studies with her examination of everything House. From House’s homes to his colleagues to comparisons between Sherlock/Watson and House/Wilson, no facet is left undiscussed.
The thing that I love the most about this guide is that it examines House M.D. from so many angles. Not only does it give me the episode rundowns that I wanted so much to make sure I’m caught up, delving into the characters and settings was pure, unexpected pleasure.
And it’s all together in one book that I don’t want to put down!
April 18, 2011
I have been watching House, M.D. since the first season and I have always enjoyed it. I have to admit that I do not remember the early episodes but reading the book sparked my memory. The author delved into the mind of House and helped us understand what makes him click. The author definitely has a love for the series and it shows in the book. I have always found House to be arrogant, crude but he he is a brilliant doctor. The episode guides are a perfect compliment to the series. I especially like the sections that explained the character's personality and how they fit into the show.
If you are new to the show, the book does contain spoilers and may ruin the series for you. I recommend reading the book after seeing the episode and it will help you understand the mind behind House better. So if you are a fan of House, get your self a copy of this fantastic book.
If you are new to the show, the book does contain spoilers and may ruin the series for you. I recommend reading the book after seeing the episode and it will help you understand the mind behind House better. So if you are a fan of House, get your self a copy of this fantastic book.
November 30, 2011
My third free book- Dr. House no less so cool!!! received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I have been tempted by this title for awhile now. Dr. House and zebras go hand in hand. I, myself am a Zebra. A difficult medical case-so hard to figure out/diagnosis-you have to go see a zebra hunter to help you. I went to Chicago for mine. Yes, even being an ER nurse-I wish I had a Dr. House to rip my case and soul apart. It is true, everyone does lie-some omit, others forget, and some just do not think that fact is pertinent to your health. Since House, I have had patients who bring things in with them--to be tested. Well, that is TV, but thanks for trying.
Thank you to Barbara Barnett for my copy of her book! The book has some weight to it, and it a larger size volume. Released in 2010--Season 7 is not covered by this book. Just flipping through the book, there are just portraits of the actors in character. I do adore the House glossy on the cover.
So, Barbara is considered the leading expert of Dr. House. Well, you sent your book to one of his top fans. So, I start reading this book tonight-wicked dreams all!
I have been swimming in a delightful bath of manga lately, but must finish books by the end of the year as well.
Barbara writes an in-depth book, covering the series and the characters in great detail. This book is A MUST HAVE for house fans. I hope she puts out an addition to this book for the final season. Yes--this is the final season. I just read that Hugh Laurie intervewed-stated this was the final season, and he would be doing no other TV series! Not what I wanted to hear!
I hope a final edition, by this author, to round out the end of the series-would have glossy cool pics. I still just grousing --for I so like the new female doctors this season.
Well, this book will helps all through House withdrawal.
I have been tempted by this title for awhile now. Dr. House and zebras go hand in hand. I, myself am a Zebra. A difficult medical case-so hard to figure out/diagnosis-you have to go see a zebra hunter to help you. I went to Chicago for mine. Yes, even being an ER nurse-I wish I had a Dr. House to rip my case and soul apart. It is true, everyone does lie-some omit, others forget, and some just do not think that fact is pertinent to your health. Since House, I have had patients who bring things in with them--to be tested. Well, that is TV, but thanks for trying.
Thank you to Barbara Barnett for my copy of her book! The book has some weight to it, and it a larger size volume. Released in 2010--Season 7 is not covered by this book. Just flipping through the book, there are just portraits of the actors in character. I do adore the House glossy on the cover.
So, Barbara is considered the leading expert of Dr. House. Well, you sent your book to one of his top fans. So, I start reading this book tonight-wicked dreams all!
I have been swimming in a delightful bath of manga lately, but must finish books by the end of the year as well.
Barbara writes an in-depth book, covering the series and the characters in great detail. This book is A MUST HAVE for house fans. I hope she puts out an addition to this book for the final season. Yes--this is the final season. I just read that Hugh Laurie intervewed-stated this was the final season, and he would be doing no other TV series! Not what I wanted to hear!
I hope a final edition, by this author, to round out the end of the series-would have glossy cool pics. I still just grousing --for I so like the new female doctors this season.
Well, this book will helps all through House withdrawal.
Want to read
September 15, 2011I received this as a give away book, and have a friend who is going to really enjoy this, so I shared this book whith shana.so she and her son will write a review on this in the coming months....thanks peggy
December 17, 2011
A clinical analysis of the television show House. I found this very informative but it was not a very engaging read. If you really want a good break down of the show, this is the book for you but it is very technical. It reads like an analytical essay.
June 1, 2017
"Chasing Zebras" is a nice little unofficial fan's guide to the TV series, "House, M.D.", written by Barbara Barnett. It does a good job summarizing both the show and the individual episodes of the first six seasons. (Sadly, Ms. Barnett has not created a guide for the final two seasons of "House". [The 7th season, but not the 8th.]) Fans of the series should find this a worthwhile read.
However...
Barnett does repeatedly refer to the same scenes and the same quotes over and over. It's almost as if the book was a collection of her blog entries rather than, shall we say, "made from scratch"? The reliance on these handfuls of quotes and scenes makes you wonder if these were the only quality eps for "House" and if so, why should anyone bother with it? I mean, surely other episodes have memorable scenes and lines that could be referenced? (To be fair, in the separate entries on each ep, Barnett does point out the memorable scenes in them.) But this is more a minor annoyance than a major flaw with the book. (On the other hand, I am really annoyed that in her write up for the episode, "Half-Wit", she mentions "Joe Purdy's" song, "I Don't Like Mondays". Uhhhhh, while Purdy did contribute a song to the series, that was "Good Days", which featured in the first ep of *season 7*, "I Don't Like Mondays" was written by one Bob Geldoff of the Boomtown Rats who recorded the tune back in 1979 for their album, "The Fine Art of Surfacing". But yeah, I'm being picky.)
Still, this is a good book for "House" fans and well worth getting a hold of.
However...
Barnett does repeatedly refer to the same scenes and the same quotes over and over. It's almost as if the book was a collection of her blog entries rather than, shall we say, "made from scratch"? The reliance on these handfuls of quotes and scenes makes you wonder if these were the only quality eps for "House" and if so, why should anyone bother with it? I mean, surely other episodes have memorable scenes and lines that could be referenced? (To be fair, in the separate entries on each ep, Barnett does point out the memorable scenes in them.) But this is more a minor annoyance than a major flaw with the book. (On the other hand, I am really annoyed that in her write up for the episode, "Half-Wit", she mentions "Joe Purdy's" song, "I Don't Like Mondays". Uhhhhh, while Purdy did contribute a song to the series, that was "Good Days", which featured in the first ep of *season 7*, "I Don't Like Mondays" was written by one Bob Geldoff of the Boomtown Rats who recorded the tune back in 1979 for their album, "The Fine Art of Surfacing". But yeah, I'm being picky.)
Still, this is a good book for "House" fans and well worth getting a hold of.
August 19, 2021
This is an amazing book! Of the House M.D. books I’ve read, this is my absolute favorite. It is easy to tell the author is a huge fan of the series. She writes it is a subjective view on the series and I agree, at times it is. The guide for the first six seasons offers a nice recap. There are some small mistakes in it about what happened in the series, mistakes you’ll only notice if you watch and read about the episode in a short time span. I wish the book would have covered the complete series, that would have been very interesting. All in all a great book and worth a read if you’re a fan of House M.D.
February 20, 2020
Basically a guide to the television show through season six. There is a chapter on each character and a chapter on each season. Each episode in the season is listed by its place in the season (3.1 for example) and title (3.1 is “Meaning”) . Then the writers and director of the episode are listed and the “ patient” of the week. Then there is a synopsis, what the “ zebra of the week” ( rare disease) and more.
I am still looking for a book that goes into the science behind House MD in more detail. If you know of one, let me know.
I am still looking for a book that goes into the science behind House MD in more detail. If you know of one, let me know.
November 3, 2014
Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, MD. by Barbara Barnett is an excellent guide to the TV Show? This is my favorite medical show. I was sorry to see it end.I have always been interested in medicine.
My father was a doctor and he used to show me around the different parts of the hospital when I was growing up. I watched several operations from a window looking down on the theatre. The reason that I loved this show was its focus on rare diseases and since I have had two of the ones on the show I am very glad for any press that they get. Rare disease are nicknamed “zebras”. Common diseases are horses.
It is well known that doctors in medical school are trained to think of horses or common diseases when they “hear the hoof beats” instead of zebras. On a personal note, my father had wanted to be a diagnostician as he often thought of zebras and caught many of them. He could not pay for the extra specialization so his dream never came true. But to me, he was an improved version of Dr. House as he got along with his patients.
The fictional hospital that Dr. House worked at was called Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. Dr. House led a team of specialists from different backgrounds in diagnosing diseases. These diseases required Sherlock Holmes type doctors. There are plenty of references to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in the series. Today, there is only one facility where this function is performed in the United States. In 2009, the National Institute of Health established a Center for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases. Only a few cases are accepted each year, just like the Supreme Court selects its cases.
This wonderful illustrated guide gives a very detailed description of all the main characters down to what their homes were like inside! It discusses the background music, the medicine, the medical accuracy carefully. Also, half of the book discusses each of the episodes in the most interesting way. It goes over topics common to each show like the Zebra of the Week; House is A Jerk, Props Department and many more.
I enjoyed this book immensely and recommend it to all House fans.
My father was a doctor and he used to show me around the different parts of the hospital when I was growing up. I watched several operations from a window looking down on the theatre. The reason that I loved this show was its focus on rare diseases and since I have had two of the ones on the show I am very glad for any press that they get. Rare disease are nicknamed “zebras”. Common diseases are horses.
It is well known that doctors in medical school are trained to think of horses or common diseases when they “hear the hoof beats” instead of zebras. On a personal note, my father had wanted to be a diagnostician as he often thought of zebras and caught many of them. He could not pay for the extra specialization so his dream never came true. But to me, he was an improved version of Dr. House as he got along with his patients.
The fictional hospital that Dr. House worked at was called Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. Dr. House led a team of specialists from different backgrounds in diagnosing diseases. These diseases required Sherlock Holmes type doctors. There are plenty of references to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in the series. Today, there is only one facility where this function is performed in the United States. In 2009, the National Institute of Health established a Center for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases. Only a few cases are accepted each year, just like the Supreme Court selects its cases.
This wonderful illustrated guide gives a very detailed description of all the main characters down to what their homes were like inside! It discusses the background music, the medicine, the medical accuracy carefully. Also, half of the book discusses each of the episodes in the most interesting way. It goes over topics common to each show like the Zebra of the Week; House is A Jerk, Props Department and many more.
I enjoyed this book immensely and recommend it to all House fans.
April 3, 2011
For some reason it took me a while to read this particular book but it was very good insight into the tv show and the charactors and even some neat things about the actors and guest actors. I actually found one show I hadn't seen and this book gave me the story about that particular episode. If you loved the show and want to rehash the episodes its a worthy read.
November 1, 2011
I won this book through the Goodreads website.
It was a good book for anyone who enjoys the series. It explains in further details about the episodes and why house acted the way he did. It also talks about different camera angles.
I would only recommend this book to House fans that want further details on the episodes and a more in-depth look at the characters personal lives.
It was a good book for anyone who enjoys the series. It explains in further details about the episodes and why house acted the way he did. It also talks about different camera angles.
I would only recommend this book to House fans that want further details on the episodes and a more in-depth look at the characters personal lives.
March 23, 2011
It's good. It's an analysis of Dr. House and comparison with Holmes *Which I love :D*. It's pretty funny...there are pictures, excerpts from the TV show as examples and it's got that ironic and arrogant tone to it..Like House! :D
Want to read
August 25, 2011A LOT of my friends are Zebras! They have PIDD/CVID and most doctors just do not understand them! I can not WAIT to read this book! I've already sent the link to all of them!
Two of them ordered this last night! UGH I wish they didn't live So far away! :(
Two of them ordered this last night! UGH I wish they didn't live So far away! :(
December 13, 2011
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads.
"This is a great book for any House MD fan that wants more. Not just an episode guide, it's an in depth look at the episodes, character, and much much more."
"This is a great book for any House MD fan that wants more. Not just an episode guide, it's an in depth look at the episodes, character, and much much more."
June 8, 2012
472 - 2012
Membaca buku ini setelah khatam House MD Season 8.
Membaca buku ini setelah khatam House MD Season 8.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews