Biographies & Memoirs

Katrina Firlik is a neurosurgeon, one of only two hundred or so women among the alpha males who dominate this high-pressure, high-prestige medical specialty. She is also a superbly gifted writer–witty, insightful, at once deeply humane and refreshingly wry. In Another Day in the Frontal Lobe, Dr. Firlik draws on this rare combination to create a neurosurgeon’s Kitchen Confidential–a unique insider’s memoir of a fascinating profession.Neurosurgeons are renowned for their big egos and aggressive self-confidence, and Dr. Firlik confirms that timidity is indeed rare in the field. “They’re the kids who never lost at musical chairs,” she writes. A brain surgeon is not only a highly trained scientist and clinician but also a mechanic who of necessity develops an intimate, hands-on familiarity with the gray matter inside our skulls. It’s the balance between cutting-edge medical technology and manual dexterity, between instinct and expertise, that Firlik finds so appealing–and so difficult to master.Firlik recounts how her background as a surgeon’s daughter with a strong stomach and a keen interest in the brain led her to this rarefied specialty, and she describes her challenging, atypical trek from medical student to fully qualified surgeon. Among Firlik’s more memorable a young roofer who walked into the hospital with a three-inch-long barbed nail driven into his forehead, the result of an accident with his partner’s nail gun, and a sweet little seven-year-old boy whose untreated earache had become a raging, potentially fatal infection of the brain lining.From OR theatrics to thorny ethical questions, from the surprisingly primitive tools in a neurosurgeon’s kit to glimpses of future techniques like the “brain lift,” Firlik cracks open medicine’s most prestigious and secretive specialty. Candid, smart, clear-eyed, and unfailingly engaging, Another Day in the Frontal Lobe is a mesmerizing behind-the-scenes glimpse into a world of incredible competition and incalculable rewards.

The Bone Lady could be a fascinating read for anyone interested in true crime, forensic anthropology, or medical science. Mary H. Manhein shares numerous perplexing cases she has worked on as a forensic pathologist for almost two decades. Her unique work of reconstructing the face of victims is one of the most distinctive and memorable features of the book that readers would love.

Doctors is a great read for those interested in understanding how medicine has advanced through the centuries. Sherwin B. Nuland offers fascinating life portraits of some of the greatest medical innovators and pioneers, including Hippocrates and Andreas Vesalius. What makes this book unique is that it shows how these medical professionals were products of their own times and places, and how their work has influenced modern medicine. If you're interested in medical history or just curious about the development of medicine, this book is a must-read.

For nearly a quarter century Molecular Biology of the Cell has been the leading cell biology textbook. This tradition continues with the new Fifth Edition, which has been completely revised and updated to describe our current, rapidly advancing understanding of cell biology. To list but a few examples, a large amount of new material is presented on epigenetics; stem cells; RNAi; comparative genomics; the latest cancer therapies; apoptosis (now its own separate chapter); and cell cycle control and the mechanics of M phase (now integrated into one chapter).The hallmark features of Molecular Biology of the Cell have been retained, such as its consistent and comprehensive art program, clear concept headings, and succinct section summaries. Additionally, in response to extensive feedback from readers, the Fifth Edition now includes several new features.It is now more portable. Chapters 1-20 are printed and Chapters 21-25, covering multicellular systems, are provided as PDF files on the free Media DVD-ROM which accompanies the book.* And for the first time, Molecular Biology of the Cell now contains end-of-chapter questions. These problems, written by John Wilson and Tim Hunt, emphasize a quantitative approach and the art of reasoning from experiments, and -they will help students review and extend their knowledge derived from reading the textbook. The Media DVD-ROM, which is packaged with every copy of the book, contains PowerPoint presentations with all of the figures, tables and micrographs from the text (available as JPEGs too). Also included is the Media Player, which plays over 125 movies animations, videos, and molecular models all with voiceover narration. A new reader-friendly feature is the integration of media codes throughout the text that link directly to relevant videos and animations. The Media DVD-ROM holds the multicellular systems chapters (21-25) of the text as well.By skillfully extracting the fundamental concepts from this enormous and ever-growing field, the authors tell the story of cell biology, and thereby create a coherent framework through which readers may approach and enjoy this subject that is so central to all of biology.* There is also a reference edition of Molecular Biology of the Cell, Fifth Edition (ISBN 978-0-8153-4111-6) that contains Chapters 1-25 entirely in printed format.

The Measure of Our Days could be a good read if you're interested in personal stories of people navigating through illness and end-of-life experiences. Dr. Groopman provides a unique perspective as both a physician and a patient himself, making the stories more personal and engaging. The book's most distinctive feature is its ability to reveal the spiritual and emotional journey of not just the patients but also the physicians, and how they come to terms with the meaning of life and death.

This book is a must-read for anyone who is fascinated by the power of medicine to transform lives. Dr. Oliver Sacks takes you on a journey into the world of his patients who were trapped in a trance-like state for decades. Through his vivid storytelling, you will witness the incredible effects of the then-new drug L-DOPA, which awakens these individuals to a world they never knew had changed. Get ready to be moved and inspired by this remarkable true story of hope and resilience.

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- This book takes you on a journey through mid-19th century London, exploring not only the creation of one of the most iconic scientific books of all time, but also the social and economic changes occurring during this time. Richardson immerses the reader in the world of Gray's Anatomy, exploring the life of the book's author and illustrator, the publishers, and the impact it had on medicine. For anyone interested in anatomy, medical history, or the cultural impact of scientific books, this is a must-read.

Recommendation: Blood Matters offers a unique exploration of the role that genetics can play in shaping one's identity. With personal anecdotes woven throughout scientific explanations, Gessen's book is a must-read for anyone interested in how genetic testing is changing our understanding of health and self.

This book provides a unique insight into the world of psychotherapy through real-life stories that engage and surprise readers. The book is perfect for those who are curious about the unconventional and strange behaviors of human beings and want to understand more about how eminent therapists work with their clients. Through reading the book, readers will not only get to know how therapists cure their clients' problems but also how they themselves learn and grow from their experiences.

Essential Cell Biology , Second Edition contains basic, core knowledge about how cells work. It has a proven track record in providing students with a conceptual and accessible grounding in cell biology. The text and figures have been prepared to be easy-to-follow, accurate, clear and engaging for the introductory student. Each section follows logically from the previous one, telling a story, rather than being a collection of facts. Questions integrated throughout each chapter encourage the reader to pause, think about what they have read, and attempt to apply the new knowledge in ways that test their understanding. Based on user feedback, the Second Edition now offers increased coverage of genetics and more experimental background. It is completely up-to-date.

Gesundheit! is a heartwarming story of social revolutionist, Patch Adams' lifetime quest to transform the healthcare system. Through his non-profit home-based medical practice, Gesundheit Institute, Adams treats thousands of people for free and aims to offer a full-scale hospital open to anyone in the world free of charge. The book inspires readers with Adams' positive vision and plan for the future of healthcare. The most unique and distinctive feature of the book is the author's emphasis on healing as a loving, creative, and humorous human exchange rather than a business transaction. Recommended for those concerned with the inaccessibility of affordable, quality health care, and who believe in the power of empathy, human connection, and laughter to heal.