Saturday, January 2, 2010

Another Day in the Frontal Lobe by Katrina Firlik

book review nonfiction Katrina FirlikAnother Day in the Frontal Lobe
by Katrina Firlik
Random House, 2006
288 pages
Nonfiction/Autobiography
Personal Copy

Summary in a Sentence:

A medical rarity—only five percent of this country's 4000 neurosurgeons are women—Firlik lets us in on the secrets of her job.

My Thoughts:

This book was simply fascinating. Neurosurgeon Firlik takes the reader through her experiences as a medical student then a resident neurosurgeon with pit stops to explain some odd curiosities about both her chosen profession and the brain itself. Not many women have ventured into the area of neurosurgery-only about 200 at the time the book was published just a few years ago- so this book gives the reader quite the inside glimpse into the field.

"Luckily, in this modern era, I've never found the need to storm out of a room, call anyone a chauvinist, or report any transgressions to the authorities. The way for women in surgery has already been paved to a great degree, and I'm grateful for all the women who must have had it harder-much harder-than I did."

Firlik discusses the world of brain surgery much the same as a mechanic would discuss the goings on at the auto shop at times. She stresses the physicality of the job, complete with the drills and handsaws often required to reach the soft tissue that requires surgery. Also included in the book are some very interesting little-known tidbits on the brain and its amazing ability to heal. This is a great nonfiction pick for the layperson interested in science and the workings of the brain, not to mention those interested in women's studies.

~ This book counts towards the Women Unbound Challenge ~

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13 comments:

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

WOW..the sounds really intriguing! Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Eva said...

I have this on my Women Unbound list, so I'm happy to see such a positive review! I'll be getting to it sooner rather than later! :)

nomadreader said...

That looks interesting! I seem to remember reading about an upcoming release that sounds similar. Thanks!

nomadreader said...

Found it! Healing Hearts: A Memoir of a Female Heart Surgeon.

Lezlie said...

This one is the first on my 2010 TBR additions. Looks good!

Lezlie

Literary Feline said...

This does sound fascinating! I'm glad to hear that the writing is accessible to the layperson. I'll definitely have to add this one to my wish list. Thanks for your great review, Amanda.

christa @ mental foodie said...

This sounds like something I'd enjoy - I love reading medical memoir!

StephTheBookworm said...

Wow, this does sound really interesting. I am adding this to my TBR list.

Liz @ Cleverly Inked said...

I don't think I could read this I have a lightweight tummy

kanishk said...

That looks interesting.

Work from home India

Misty said...

This sounds really fascinating. Great review! What made you pick this up?

A Bookshelf Monstrosity said...

Truthfully, I don't really remember. I bought it years ago at a used bookstore in Nashville that I frequently haunt. It just looked like some interesting nonfiction.

christa @ mental foodie said...

If you enjoy medical memoir, I recently read that I enjoyed - Genetic Rounds.

My review: http://mentalfoodie.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-review-genetic-rounds-doctors.html

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