Cooked: An Inner City Nursing Memoir

by Carol Karels
Cooked: An Inner City Nursing Memoir cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Biography and Memoir
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 11303
  • Added: 2026-03-07
  • Updated: 2026-03-11
  • ISBN: 9781450706629
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

In May 1971, Look magazine exposed the harsh realities of Chicago's Cook County Hospital, a 2,000-bed facility serving the city's poor. The author, then a naive suburban teen, began nursing training there despite warnings of its imminent closure. At 'the County,' nurses and doctors faced dire conditions, from swatting flies in the OR to delousing patients, providing care under the most desperate circumstances./n/nCooked offers an unflinching look at the largest public hospital in the country, often referred to as a '19th-century sick house.' The memoir provides a vivid account of the hospital's struggles and the resilience of its staff, offering a unique perspective on healthcare in America's most vulnerable communities.

Reviews
Modern Nurse · 2024-02-13
powerful 4.70

The memoir is a gripping account of a nursing student's journey in one of the most challenging hospitals. It's a powerful narrative that showcases the realities of nursing.

This book is a powerful narrative that takes you through the highs and lows of nursing in an inner-city hospital. The author's personal experiences are both inspiring and heart-wrenching. It's a book that will make you appreciate the dedication and compassion of nurses. The stories are raw and real, making it a must-read for anyone in the medical field. The author's writing style is engaging and makes the stories come alive.

Quick quotes

    A gripping account of a nursing student's journey in one of the most challenging hospitals.

    It's a powerful narrative that showcases the realities of nursing.

    A must-read for anyone in the medical field.

Eagle Gate College · 2024-02-12
compelling 4.50

The memoir is a compelling read that offers a unique perspective on nursing in inner-city Chicago. It's both educational and emotionally engaging.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the nursing profession. It provides a first-hand account of the author's experiences, which are both enlightening and moving. The memoir is not just about the medical aspects but also about the human stories behind the patients. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. The author's writing style is engaging and makes the stories come alive.

Quick quotes

    A compelling read that offers a unique perspective on nursing in inner-city Chicago.

    It's both educational and emotionally engaging.

    A must-read for anyone interested in the nursing profession.

Facebook - SMC Reads! · SMC Reads! · 2023-01-01
gripping 4.50

The book offers an insider's perspective on one of the largest public hospitals, highlighting the author's personal experiences. Readers find it to be a gripping and educational read.

SMC Reads! shares that this memoir provides a gripping account of the author's time at a large public hospital. The personal stories and insights make it an educational read, offering a deeper understanding of the nursing profession. The group finds the book to be both engaging and informative, making it a valuable addition to any nurse's reading list. The raw and honest portrayal of the challenges faced in inner-city healthcare is particularly noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    This book shows an insiders perspective at one of the largest public hospitals.

    A gripping and educational read.

    The personal stories and insights make it an educational read.

Goodreads · 2010-03-01
inspiring 4.00

The memoir provides a raw and unfiltered look into the chaotic world of inner-city nursing. It highlights the resilience and dedication required in such an environment.

This memoir doesn't hold back on the gritty realities of working in an inner-city hospital. The author's personal journey and the stories she shares paint a vivid picture of the challenges faced by nurses. It's a testament to the strength and compassion needed in the profession. The book is a page-turner, making it hard to put down once you start. It's not just a memoir; it's a lesson in humanity and perseverance.

Quick quotes

    A raw and unfiltered look into the chaotic world of inner-city nursing.

    It highlights the resilience and dedication required in such an environment.

    A page-turner from start to finish.

Appears in Lists