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The House of God

432 pages, 2010

fiction

fiction

1382 books
science & nature

science & nature

1064 books
biographies & memoirs

biographies & memoirs

997 books
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Description

By turning heartbreaking, hilarious, and utterly human, The House of God is a mesmerizing and provocative novel about Roy Basch and five of his fellow interns at the most renowned teaching hospital in the country. “The raunchy, troubling, and hilarious novel that turned into a cult phenomenon. Singularly compelling…brutally honest. ”—The New York Times. 

Struggling with grueling hours and sudden life-and-death responsibilities, Basch and his colleagues, under the leadership of their rule-breaking senior resident known only as the Fat Man, must learn not only how to be fine doctors but, eventually, good human beings. 

A phenomenon ever since it was published, The House of God was the first unvarnished, unglorified, and uncensored portrait of what training to become a doctor is truly like, in all its terror, exhaustion, and black comedy. With more than two million copies sold worldwide, it has been hailed as one of the most important medical novels ever written. 

The Reality of Medical Training

The House of God by Samuel Shem gives us a raw and unfiltered look into the world of medical training. It explores the harsh realities that medical interns face, from grueling hours to emotional exhaustion. If you're interested in the medical field, this book will give you a real-life perspective.

The Importance of Empathy

One of the key messages in the book is the importance of empathy in healthcare. Shem emphasizes that doctors should not only focus on the physical health of their patients but also their emotional well-being. It's a reminder for us to always consider the feelings of others in our daily interactions.

The Struggle with Bureaucracy

The book also highlights the struggle with bureaucracy in the healthcare system. It shows how red tape and administrative hurdles can often hinder patient care. This is a call to action for us to challenge and question inefficient systems in our own fields of work.

The Power of Humor

Despite the serious subject matter, Samuel Shem uses humor throughout the book to lighten the mood and make the content more digestible. It's a reminder that even in the toughest situations, finding humor can be a powerful coping mechanism.

The Value of Self-Care

The House of God also emphasizes the importance of self-care. The author shows how neglecting one's own health and well-being can lead to burnout and decreased effectiveness at work. It's a wake-up call for us to prioritize our own mental and physical health.

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The House of God found in libraries

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37 books

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