This was an okay memoir. Rothman writes about her time as a student at Harvard Medical School. Parts of the book are very interesting and intense; she especially has an eye for describing gory medical details in a way that both revolts and fascinates. However, there are several problems with the book. First, the chapters or essays are mish-mashed; Rothman can't seem to decide whether she wants to tell her story in a traditional, chronological way or with a more fluid, unconventional time frame. Secondly, she seems to lack human warmth. Often, her interactions with patients are described in minute physical detail, but her emotions are lackluster. She tells us that she feels compassion, depression, stress, empathy, etc, rather than show it. Finally, she often seems judgmental about her patients, and sometimes even the doctors around her. I'd recommend this book if you're really interested in the process of medical education, at Harvard Medical School in particular. If you're looking for a more moving story, I'd skip it and pick up something else. ( )