We liked this vivid and engaging study in character. Allen follows the struggles of a novice nurse as she begins training in the most grueling of nursing domains, the ICU at Mass General Hospital. Her teacher is a strong-willed, skilled veteran nurse. Both women are opinionated, headstrong; their partnership and rivalry, and the development of Julia’s character, make for a good story. Along the way, we readers learn a good deal about the stressful rigors of ICU nursing and about its culture. This is a well-reported story built on a wealth of intimate detail and great access.

Read “Critical Care,” by Scott Allen

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