This is smart, funny social commentary in the guise of fiction. A series of short stories--each worth the time to read--and some award winners (O'Henry). I generally don't read sort stories--just not my cup of tea--but I found these to be most appealing, well written, insightful satire about how we lived in the 80s, our pretentions and foibles humerously observed.

I loved this book! Perri Klass is a wonderful author with plenty of wit and talent -- she made me laugh with the title of the first chapter, and yet she also explores human nature in a poignant, brilliant way. Her characters are likeable and human, and her writing holds you until the last page (when you wish there were just one more page, and then maybe one more....)

Every one of Perry Klass's stories has a point - not subtle or obtuse, but also not hackneyed or expected. Her stories reflect the realities of life as a doctor, mother, and human being. The writing is not 'beautiful', nor will it win prizes for poetic imagery. Rather, it is clear, direct, and sticks to your bones like a good solid meal. It's a great airplane book - that is, it keeps your interest, is worth spending time on, but is not so challenging as to require one's entire intellectual attention.

From the first of all of these amazing short stories, Ms. Klass captures the heart of parents everywhere. As a mother, I found myself laughing, crying, worrying and joyous at many moments during the reading of these stories. From childbirth to the death of a child, these stories are full of love and depth. Wonderful!

An excellent book of short stories. Amusing and touching stories about being a woman, a creative writer, a professional and a mother. Perri Klass manages to be insightful about everyday life without being pompous. I recognise myself and my friends in her stories.

I am a pre-med Junior in college and I enjoyed this book. It gives you a look into medical school, although it is through her sometimes negative or critical point of view. Interesting and easy to read.

A fascinating well-written book, which will be of interest to anyone who has experience of hospitals and medicine, whether as professional or patient.

I am a biology major/ pre-med student at UCLA, though it is through my English class that I found this book. Simply put, this novel made me think. I continuously wondered, "can i handle 'dog dissection'... will I be able to memorize all of the countless facts about all these rare diseases?" An entire section of the book is devoted to bioethical issues, including one essay entitled, "DNR," (do not resuscitate). I began questioning myself, "is it fair to bring someone back just so that they can suffer longer with the same disease?" If you plan on going to medical school, reading this book is a must, and a joy; it is perfect for pre-meds.

This is a story about a woman who is torn between her responsibilities as a mother and wife and as a doctor. She witnesses tragedy and pain, and superstitiously believes that if she tries really hard to fix all that, her son would be spared. She becomes so immersed in this belief that eventually her marriage falls apart and her family fragments. This book is successful in explaining how highly intelligent and educated people can make horrible decisions based on nothingness. I think Perri Klass does a very good job portraying the love that a mother feels for her child. In many instances the main character is caught relishing on her beautiful son, and her love is expressed in many sweet ways. The plot is interesting, not a page-turner, but this is nonetheless a good book to take along in a long flight, or to read by the pool.