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I picked up this book as it seemed similar to ‘When breathe becomes air’ and it would be fascinating to read about the life of a brain surgeon. I did think some of the stories were interesting but it seemed a little dry and disconnected. The chapters each focus on a different brain disorder, which makes sense from the author’s point of view, but is less interesting for a casual reader. It would have benefited from being written more like an autobiography, so looking at key procedures over his career chronologically. I think the parts focusing on specific patients and you find out a little more about them make them more interesting compared with some of the other cases where it can be as short as ‘this patient came in last night, we looked at the scan, I operated and it went well’ it’s just not interesting for the reader. At times I felt his tone was also a bit self-important and obnoxious. He does discuss the ego of surgeons and how he tried to have more empathy with patients, but it can make him unlikable.
Overall it was an interesting book, I would recommend this for anyone studying medicine or a related course, or anyone with an interest in neurosurgery, as they are likely to get the most out of this book.
I wanted to love this book, after all it is about the life of a female scientist, but I just didn't. I think it was because there was such an emphasis on working every moment of the day in order to make your passion happen, which is commendable but I felt conflicted, as it's an unhealthy attitude for young scientists and has a detrimental affect on your mental health and well-being, but it was nice the author was so honest and didn't shy away from discussing her mental health issues. It's difficult, as I know it's an autobiography, and those are the experienced of the author, but I worry it might put of young women looking for role models and to go into science if this is what is expected of them.
I did feel it helped highlight the precarious position many researchers find themselves in, there they are reliant on the next grant to pay their wages and there is no job security. I also appreciated how it called out some of the ingrained sexism she experienced. I loved the journey as the authors lab grew and she was able to work all around the world and become an expert in her field.
Overall, it was a great book and a fascinating topic, and I would recommend to anyone working or studying science or has an interest in labs, and I would love to see more books exploring life in the lab.
