Top 9 Best Medical Books if You Love to Read About Medicine---Part 2
A list of medical book recommendations just in time for your New Years' Resolutions to 'read more this year'
In 2022, I made a list of the Top 12 Medical Books if You Love to Read About Medicine. It was a compilation of all the medically-themed books I’ve read over the years and the ones that my medical book club enjoyed. I’ve wanted to make a follow-up post to this list, so this month, I decided to share Part 2: Top 9 Best Medical Books if You Love to Read About Medicine.
Intentional reading
Before I get to the list, I wanted to tell you about my year of ‘intentional reading.’ I was sick of saying, ‘Hey, I read that book but can’t remember what it was about.’ What’s the point of reading so many books, if you’re not appreciating the story or the writing? So, this year, I decided to be more active with my reading. I got a journal (my trusty Moleskin Cahiers XXL) and a lovely pen (Muji .5mm). I set up a comfortable reading nook. I set a time every day (5 AM). And, I slowed down and took notes as I read. Sometimes, I would copy passages that resonated with me. Other times, I would jot down my thoughts, draw diagrams or make lists to incorporate my ideas with the reading. I realized that writing stuff down forced me to slow down. It made me enjoy the book much more. I realized that the number of pages I wrote was directly proportional to how much I loved a particular book. I also made a point to go back and read what I had written. Most years, I read 20-25 books. This year, I read only 18 books. But, I enjoyed them more deeply. I plan to continue this method and encourage you to try it out!
And now, the list…..
I’ve realized that I’m partial to memoirs. But, any book that makes me stop and think or learn something new is also worthy of mention. This includes any genre: non-fiction, pop literature, historical fiction, etc. Here’s my Top 9 list, in no particular order:
These books didn’t make it to the top 10 but are still interesting……
Charlatan: America’s Most Dangerous Huckster, the Man you pursued him and the age of flimflam by Pope Brock. True story about a fraudulent surgeon who peddled his fake cures to the unsuspecting public and how hard it was to stop him.
God’s Hotel: A Doctor, A Hospital and a Pilgrimage to the Heart of Medicine by Victoria Sweet Story about Laguna Honda, a hospital like an old almshouse where they rely on slow healing and community instead of the latest technology.
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese A multi-generational story that weaves multiple well-developed characters, families and cultures, written by the great Dr. Verghese.
Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting by Lisa Genova An accessible explanation of the science of memory written by a Neuroscientist, who also wrote Still Alice.
What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance and Hope in an American City by Mona Hanna-Attisha The true story of the Flint, Michigan water crisis written by the Pediatrician who exposed it all.
Unwell Women: Misdiagnosis and Myth in a Man-Made World by Elinor Glenhorn A historical look at the understanding of the female body and medical care. A little hard to read.
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez Historical fiction about a black nurse in post-segregation Alabama and her speaking up against injustices done to her patients.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Fictional story about a family in rural Appalachia dealing with poverty, opiate abuse, and the fight for survival when all the odds are stacked against you.
Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Agie of Indulgence by Anna Lembke, MD Interesting connection about our brain’s balance between pleasure and pain, written by a Psychiatrist.
Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O'Connell's Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People by Tracy Kidder The story of a doctor in Boston who spent his life, setting up programs to care for the homeless population.
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee A historical look at cancer care, from the beginning to now, written by an Oncologist.
Bottle of Lives: The Inside Story of the Generic Drug Boom by Katherin Eban Fascinating look into the generic drug world and how unregulated it is.
The Other Dr. Gilmer: Two Men, A Murder and an Unlikely Fight for Justice by Benjamin Gilmer The true story of a beloved doctor who commits a crime, and spends time in prison and the fight to release him as his behavior was due to a medical problem.
On Rotation by Shirlene Obubi Pop fiction book about a Ghanian-American female who goes through medical school while navigating family expectations, friends and love.
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See Historical fiction set in 15th century China about a female doctor who takes care of the imperial family. Written by the author who also wrote Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (about foot binding).
I’m always looking for new book recommendations of medically-themed books. What are some of your favorites?