I love medical memoirs and COMMITTED is a gem. It chronicles the author’s impactful four-year psychiatry residency. He’s a kind man, willing to share his humanity as he strives to become an excellent shrink while becoming a better man. We follow the vivid stories of his training, his relationships with other stressed colleagues, and poignant insights into patients. His writing is superb and we’re left feeling blessed to know him.

Sad note: Dr. Stern was diagnosed at 33 with a virulent form of kidney cancer, now incurable. He’s currently a psychiatrist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and writes frequently about his experiences online and in print. May this wonderful man beat this thing so many others can benefit from his grace and healing!

5 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 13 Jul 2021

Thanks to the author, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#Committed #NetGalley

Interesting behind the scenes. Really enjoyed hearing about a bit of his outside life. Nice read!

Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

I feel bad calling a book on mental health/memoirs entertaining, but that is exactly what this book is.

Honest and, in many instances, very surprising.

Fascinating look at what happens behind the curtain.

Committed is to psychiatry what The Secret Teacher is to teaching and This is Going to Hurt is to junior doctors. You really feel like you get inside Adam's head as he navigates his challenging residency at Harvard: you feel his frustration and tiredness come through, but you also get a building sense of optimism as he becomes more sure of himself as a psychiatrist.

This book was full of pathos and I would highly recommend it - especially to fans of the two texts mentioned above.

Thank you to Adam Stern, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.