Not for the faint of heart, Working Stiff is a fascinating account of Judy Melinek's daily life
as a New York City medical examiner. But
beware -- she doesn't mince words or "dumb things down" for the
reader. So if gruesome details turn you off,
this book isn't for you. However, if you
love to put the pieces of a puzzle together, you'll love reading how Melinek
goes about that very thing...only during autopsies instead.
Dr. Melinek began training as a forensic pathologist in
New York City's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in July 2001. Therefore, the most harrowing, heartbreaking
account in Working Stiff is the
chapter where she describes what it was like on September 11, one of the worst
days ever in our country's history.
Most people can remember exactly where they were when they heard the
news about the terrorist attacks, and many stories have been told about the
heroic efforts of the police, firefighters, and other emergency workers. However, on that angst-ridden day, the medical examiners
were thrown into uncharted waters as well; I'm not going to get into the
heart-pounding details Melinek writes about, but the chapter is absolutely gripping.
Ordinary doctors take care of you when you're alive;
Melinek does the opposite, focusing on finding answers for heartbroken families. Working Stiff is enthralling and will absorb you in a way that will
make hours fly by.
MY
RATING - 5
