promithiae's review against another edition
Got so busy at work I didn't have the spoons to finish
mcc's review
informative
5.0
Absolutely loved this book as it was a 3-for-1. By telling the history of this one famous hospital you also get a history of New York City and a history of medicine in America all rolled into it. I loved the layers of this and how it was constructed. It was fascinating and exactly the kind of non-fiction that I love!
mondovertigo's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pandemic/Epidemic, Medical content, Racism, Blood, Death, Misogyny, Xenophobia, Vomit, Excrement, Medical trauma, and War
Moderate: Murder and Rape
Minor: Suicide
cupcakes_and_coffee's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.5
The history of Bellevue is so interesting as it follows so much of the Nation’s history and medical progress. Very thorough, yet easy to read. I think the layout of each chapter covering a specific theme/time period made the book very manageable. The only thing holding me back from 5 stars is that I felt the earlier chapters, although very good, took up a lot of the book and I would’ve enjoyed even more detail in the post-1950 history. There were a lot of more recent issues touched on in the later chapters that I think could’ve been more deeply explored. Also, this is an older book and I would love to see an updated version after COVID!
chrisbessette's review
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
An exceptional exploration of the history behind America's oldest hospital. Oshinsky's meticulous research and storytelling ability provide readers with a captivating look into the evolution of this iconic institution.
Admittedly, some parts of the book might come across as a bit dry, especially if you're not deeply interested in medical history. However, what sets this book apart is the wealth of intriguing historical facts and anecdotes it presents. From its humble beginnings to its role in responding to major health crises, Bellevue's history is nothing short of riveting.
Admittedly, some parts of the book might come across as a bit dry, especially if you're not deeply interested in medical history. However, what sets this book apart is the wealth of intriguing historical facts and anecdotes it presents. From its humble beginnings to its role in responding to major health crises, Bellevue's history is nothing short of riveting.
taycm's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting to hear how things have advanced over time and how populations changed in NYC, but kind of dull if you don't love to hear the science behind medial advancements.