Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In "The Body's Keepers," Dr. Paul Kimmel takes readers on an eye-opening journey through the history of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplantation. This remarkable account delves into the scientific, medical, and health evolution tied to our understanding of the kidney—an organ that plays a crucial role in maintaining our delicate equilibrium.

Key Themes and Insights:

The Extraordinary Kidney: The kidney, often overlooked, is a multifaceted organ. It serves as a regulator, metronome, and purifier. Minute by minute, it filters toxins encountered from diet, climate, activity, and injury. Kimmel's exploration sheds light on the kidney's significance and the millions who only truly learn about it when it stops working.

Challenges and Ailments: Nearly a million Americans annually face end-stage kidney disease, while approximately 37 million have some form of chronic kidney disease. Until recently, kidney ailments were often fatal. Kimmel's historical perspective underscores the progress made in treating kidney-related conditions.

Medical Advances: Drawing on extensive research and decades of experience, Kimmel discusses the development of treatments, technologies, and medical practices. From dialysis to transplantation, he illuminates how these advances have impacted patients' lives.

Healthcare Inequities: "The Body's Keepers" doesn't shy away from revealing the inequities and injustices within America's healthcare system. Vulnerable populations have been exploited, and disparities in access to care persist. Kimmel's unflinching honesty calls for urgent change.

Why You Should Read It:

- Social Justice Advocacy: Kimmel's passionate commitment to social justice permeates every page. He exposes the profit-driven exploitation of vulnerable patients and challenges us to confront systemic issues head-on.

- Accessible and Engaging: Despite its medical subject matter, the book remains accessible. Case studies, personal histories, and first-hand accounts make it engaging for both medical professionals and curious readers.

- Health Equity: If you're interested in understanding the complexities of modern healthcare and advocating for health equity, "The Body's Keepers" is essential reading.

In summary, Dr. Paul Kimmel's work is a powerful call to action—a reminder that our understanding of the kidney extends beyond biology. It's about justice, compassion, and the pursuit of a healthier world. 📚🌟

I have been in medical field since year 2004 so about 20 years. I'm counting from the beginning of my career of course.

In my surgical internship days, one male patient came with distended abdomen. His abdomen was so distended that it looked full term. It was a government set-up so we did not have much resources and patient did not have money either.

We opened his abdomen to find a large sized kidney which had about 4-5 litres of blood stained fluid. There were no obvious reasons for this and I don't remember if we had been able to figure it out as my memory is hazy.

But later when patient came to visit us, he said something like how will I survive with just one kidney and I remember our department head explaining him how his other kidney is going to help him survive.

I always wondered why we are given two kidneys when one is sufficient. Anyways the point is even though you can do with one kidney as well but you can't do without a kidney. Human body is miraculous afterall.

As the title says the kidneys are our Body's keepers. This book discusses everything in details starting with an unfortunate kidney case , later explaining even structure of the kidney and ESRD, CRF and ARF along with dialysis.

Being a doc ,I thoroughly enjoyed the book, even narration is quite good. I'm not sure though how many people will be able to enjoy the brief details and descriptions given in the book. And as many reviews said this , I too wondered if it is book for everyone or not.

Maybe if you are fascinated with body's working you will find this interested. I had always been amazed at body's working so that's why I'm in medical field.

I will definitely recommend this book to everyone who enjoy reading some medical literature.

Thank you Netgalley and dreamscape media for the audiobook ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Honestly, I found this quite dry. I usually quite enjoy medical narratives and social histories but this one wasn't particularly engaging for me. It might have been the format of an audio book or how it was read but on the whole this wasn't for me.

I had trouble with the netgalley app and it deleted all the titles I had. I tried a few different ways to get in contact with them, but I didn't get anything back yet.

Hopefully I'll be able to review this title at a later time!

This is an excellent book. I am sure that kidney patients or medical professionals (either of which i am not) will enjoy and take great advantage of this book. With details about the health of the kidneys, the most critical kidney illnesses and procedures like dialysis and transplantations, the author makes an in depth analysis of the most important developments during history until present times. I specially liked the observations about the relation between the health of different organs, other health issues of the patient, but also issues in the health system, politics, discrimination and other things. I also enjoyed the stories and experiences of patients and cases included.

The Body's Keppers focuses on the social history of kidney failure. That means this goes further than just discussing the history of the treatment and learning about the various diseases that lead to kidney failure. It looks at how people of different economic levels, skin color, ethnicity as well as ageism in the history and current affairs of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant.
This book does not go into different kidney diseases which I would have liked. These diseases have changed how End Stage Kidney Disease and beyond is treated. (IE my illness causing my transplant team to be more careful with my treatment).
This does not tell you what to do if you have kidney disease. And it shouldn't. This is a different kind of book, plus you should listen to your doctor instead of some audiobook. (That's my advice as a patient).
This is a great book for those who want to learn about how kidney failure has been researched and how treatments have been created. Even I learned a lot from this book.

I had the pleasure of listening to an ARC audiobook version of The Body's Keepers by Paul Kimmel, read by Lane Hakel.
I am not in the medical field nor do I feel like this book is targeted to my reader demographic but the description and the subject matter caught my eye. I knew relatively nothing about the kidneys before listening and came away in awe of not only their power and function, but also the human body as a whole and the medicine/study to understand it all. I always enjoy at least an attempt at learning something outside my normal realm of understanding and this book fit the bill.

I think anyone in the medical field or with a science background would find this information riveting but for someone like myself, it started off a a bit intimidating (sounding like a textbook which, information-wise, it is) but Kimmel's personality and anecdotes help bring the facts "off the page." I was able to follow along and take away information about the kidneys that I had never heard of before. Prior to listening, I wasn't aware of the effects of COVID-19 and the kidneys nor was I aware of how or why some people are more predisposed to kidney failure and other kidney-related ailments. This book is packed with page after page of information yet we know we're also not yet even scratching the surface of all their is to know about the kidneys.

The audiobook itself was pretty easy to follow along with, although I did have to start, stop, and replay sections to try to understand the material itself. Hakel reads in a manner that keeps you engaged with the material, taking care not to sound monotonous, which I'm sure is a lot harder to do with a book of this nature as opposed to a novel. There were some quirks in the reading that I think were really just edits or cuts seamed together at a production level - the tone of Hakel's voice would change mid-sentence, so I took it to be more of an editing of two+ takes than Hakel himself changing his tone mid-take. It's certainly doesn't effect the quality but just something I noticed.




#TheBodysKeepers #NetGalley

I really enjoyed listening to this book, I found it incredibly informative and easy to listen to. The Bodys Keeper explores the kidneys role on the body. It relates to relevent events, such as the impact of COVID 19, in a way that is easy to listen to and digest.

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S THE BODY'S KEEPERS ABOUT?
I feel underqualified to try to describe this book, and you'll see why here in a sentence or two. So, I'm just going to paste what the Publisher's Site says: (yes, I typically would cite the audiobook publisher here, but the print edition's publisher gives more details)

A remarkable account of the kidney and the scientific, medical, and health evolution tied to our understanding of it.

The kidney is an extraordinary organ – in many ways the regulator, the metronome, the keeper of the human body’s delicate equilibrium. On a given day, minute by minute, it purifies the body of toxins it encounters from diet, climate, activity, and injury. It allows us to be and to move in the world. And yet most of us know so very little about these extraordinary vessels nestled in our bodies – and indeed millions of us only really learn about them when they stop working. Nearly a million Americans every year have end stage kidney disease, about 37 million have some form of chronic kidney disease. And it is an incredibly common universe of challenge and ailment that, until relatively recently, would simply kill those afflicted with it.

Renowned nephrologist Dr. Paul Kimmel takes us on an eye-opening journey through the history of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplantation. Drawing on both his extensive research and decades of experience in the field, he explains the development of treatments, technologies, and medical practices that have advanced the care of patients with kidney disease. Kimmel illuminates the impact of medical advances on the lives of those suffering from this debilitating disease and offers a clear understanding of the challenges that remain.

The Body’s Keepers also reveals the inequities and injustices at the heart of America’s healthcare system. Filled with case studies, personal histories, and first-hand accounts, the book reveals the shocking truth about the exploitation of vulnerable populations in the pursuit of profit. Kimmel examines how disparities in access to care have led to life-threatening consequences for many Americans. He also looks at the ways in which the medical industry has profited from the suffering of others, and how the path to health equity is still far from being realized. With unflinching honesty and a passionate commitment to social justice, his book is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the complexities of modern healthcare.



WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE NARRATION?
With all due respect to Dr. Kimmel, this could very easily have been a dry-as-dust book. Yes, there's occasionally some wit and some passion in the text--Kimmel's personality does come through. Lane Hakel makes sure that shines through. He maintains the appropriate tone and seriousness to the subject, but with simple and subtle changes in inflection and so on to help maintain the listener's engagement.

If nothing else, Hakel helped me pronounce a few terms and medication names that I've always stumbled on (or heard multiple ways).

I'm not saying that Hakel made this a joy to listen to, or that it was entertaining in the same way that, say, Luke Daniels makes a book--nor should it have been. But he keeps the listening experience accessible and interesting--even when the text seems just to be a list of names and acronyms. (which doesn't happen often, but, occasionally it seems like it).

MY INTEREST IN THE BOOK
So, I saw this on Netgalley the day after my son's first dialysis treatment. And I clicked the request button as quickly as I could. I've talked in this space a little about his kidney transplant a few years ago. But what I know about kidney disease and the treatment of it doesn't amount to much--and it's very focused. So the opportunity to learn more--particularly in a history, was more than appealing.

Sure, I was discouraged a bit right off when one of the first things that Kimmel says is that he won't be discussing the kidney disease my son had. But, he spent a lot of time talking about End Stage Renal Disease and transplants. So that more than made up for the skipped subject. And even the topics that didn't directly have anything to do with my son were interesting to listen to. Because really, at the end of the day, the more medicine learns about various treatments for one area of kidney disease/treatment, the better off all patients are.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE BODY'S KEEPERS?
Can a non-medical professional read/listen to this and profit from this book? Absolutely. Are we the target audience? I don't think so--well, those interested in the overlap of politics/economics/prejudices and medical treatments are definitely part of the target audience. So it's not just the kind of book for M.D. after their name. But it's not written for the person browsing a bookstore/library shelf for their weekend read, either.

This is an 18-hour listen, and it's not the easiest listen, either--both because of the subject matter and the thoroughness with which Kimmel discusses things. Folks who are just idly curious are probably not going to make it through this book. But those who have a connection to the topic--because of their profession or professional interests, because (like me) they are or know someone going through these things, or because they're invested in the social aspects and things like equitable access to care, or some other connection--will make it through this book and be glad for it.

For those who are interested in this subject, this is a fascinating book and a good audiobook experience. I do think I may end up getting the print edition just to make looking up a point or two easier. But for non-reference use? The audiobook is a good way to go.

I learned a lot, I have to say. The historical development of nephrology is fascinating. For such a young science the advances made are truly astounding (for example, when you hear how they made the first "artificial kidney"--the precursor to a dialysis machine, your mind will be boggled). The origins of the treatment of kidney diseases and injuries really start because of the World Wars and now kidney transplants happen all the time (not often enough for those on a transplant list for years), dialysis is routine, and the medical research is very promising to improve and innovate both.

Yes, the impacts of race, sex, income, and so on when it comes to access to and varieties of treatment are dismaying and befuddling (and on those providing the treatment). But the book suggests there's every reason to be hopeful for the future, and that progress has been made. Easy for this white guy to say, but that was my takeaway from Kimmel. And, as in this post, I'm talking about this as a listening experience rather than commenting on the society that is depicted--the shortcomings of the system (especially in the U.S.) contrasted to the successes make for a more engaging narrative.

I should add that in the early chapters while doctors and researchers were still figuring out how to treat various kidney ailments, the symptoms and treatments (and failure rates), were strong reminders of how correct I was in choosing academic and career paths that took me far away from medicine. Some of that was rough for me (and no, I will not watch any documentary Dr. Kimmel decides to make in the future). People of stronger constitutions will not be bothered.

I'm really glad I listened to this, and encourage those interested to give it a try. It's not a book for everyone, but for the right people will appreciate this.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from North Star Editions via NetGalley--thanks to both for this.

Review of “The Body’s Keepers: A Social History of Kidney Failure and Its Treatments” by Paul L. Kimmel, M.D.

Disclaimer: Please note that I received an ARC audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ever wondered about the secrets behind your kidneys? Well, buckle up, because “The Body’s Keepers” spills all the beans! Paul Kimmel takes you on a wild ride through the history, anatomy, and science of these vital organs, all while keeping you hooked with tales of medical breakthroughs and personal stories.

This book isn’t just a dry textbook read—it’s like chatting with a knowledgeable friend who knows all the juicy details about kidneys and their diseases. Kimmel’s storytelling chops shine as he dishes out fascinating tidbits and shines a light on the highs and lows of kidney health.

But it’s not all fun and games. “The Body’s Keepers” also dives into the nitty-gritty of America’s healthcare system, exposing the inequalities and injustices that too many people face. With heart and passion, Kimmel sparks a fire for change, making this book not just informative, but a call to action. So, if you’ve ever been curious about what’s going on inside your body’s filtration system, grab a copy of this gem—it’s a five-star must-read!

From a medical standpoint, this book is quite interesting. Does it give you information on how to help yourself if you have kidney issues? No, it does not. However, it does a great job of detailing the function of the kidneys, the past and current available treatments, as well as the ramifications of a capitalistic medical machine has on the treatment of patients.

Dr. Kimmel uses medical cases and personal accounts to help you understand the ramifications of kidney disease on your health and finances. Living with kidney disease is not an easy undertaking. I am currently at stage 3a of chronic kidney disease. This means that my kidneys are not functioning to the capacity that they are supposed to be. This book helped open my eyes to what it truly means to have CKD and its effects on my body. You don't really realize how much is affected by your kidneys not functioning at a normal level.

I was able to learn not only the functions, but also the process that treatments are developed. Did you know that in the past, there weren't enough dialysis machines, so a committee was formed to decide who got to use them and who would be left to die? I definitely didn't know any of this. Can you imagine being told that you can't have dialysis because some random people decided you can't? It is just a truly wild concept to me. There were many other facts that blew my mind away.

I find that it is truly hard to truly critique the narration done by Lane Hakel. The main reason is that when you are dealing with a scientific body of work or other type of nonfiction book that delves into science and medicine, you can't get a true grasp on the range of the narrator. She did a good job in keeping me interested. She was not monotone in any way. It is just hard to make this type of book exciting sounding with your voice.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Mayo Clinic Press for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an open and honest review.