Smart Read

Book Reviews for Health and Human Interest

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Why recommend books anymore?

Does anyone read? A friend of mine said frankly, “I don’t have time to read. I get my information from the Internet and TV.” Many people evidently feel that way, since the print circulation of newspapers and magazines has fallen dramatically in recent years, and many once robust publications have gone out of business.

Despite these trends

We thought it would be fun and informative to share recommended book reviews on this blog. Summer is a great time to think about bringing a book to the pool or beach and soaking up information while listening to water sounds in the background. We hope to review books that will positively impact your health, nutrition, and fitness.

Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery by Dr. Henry Marsh, published by St. Martin’s Press, 2014

Oct 12, 2015
In the Acknowledgements section of this book, British neurosurgeon Dr. Henry Marsh starts with this sentiment: “I hope that my patients and colleagues will forgive me for writing this book.” Why…
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Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor’s Reflection on Race and Medicine. Damon Tweedy, M.D.

Sep 19, 2015
I was excited to read this personal account of race in the medical profession, and it did not disappoint. Dr.Tweedy, a Duke-trained psychiatrist, discusses his experiences from medical school through…
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The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload by Dr. Daniel J. Levitin

Aug 16, 2015
Did you know that checking your email multiple times a day drains your brain of power and ability to make proper decisions? In fact, just knowing you have an email waiting…
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When the Moon Is Low, a Book Review by Author Dr. Nadia Hashimi

Jul 26, 2015
With the UN reporting that there are now 60 million displaced persons in our world, it’s imperative we pay attention to the plight of those looking to redefine home. The numbers were staggering…
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A stack of books

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

Apr 17, 2015
A few years ago, I read a newspaper article about a 65 year old physician who died climbing Mt. Everest. My first reaction was “how wonderful”, not THAT he died,…
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Recently I had the opportunity

To tour the Evergreen House in Baltimore, which is the restored 19th century home of the Garrett Family, of B&O Railroad fame. If you get a chance to see this unique place, do visit! http://www.museums.jhu.edu/evergreen.php

The Garretts were significant patrons of artists, dancers, and actors, and their home is full of BOOKS! The books date back to the 1500s, fill at least 5 rooms floor to ceiling, and are used by scholars of rare books today. This display emphasized the significant role books had on everyday life for those who could read in the 1800s. Because there was no internet, TV, or other forms of communication, people spent a significant amount of their day thinking of and pondering the written word. Although life has changed significantly since that time, we hope that reading a few great books every year will improve your intellectual, as well as physical, well-being. Enjoy summer and enjoy reading!

Linda Yau, M.D.

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