Cooked: An Inner City Nursing Memoir

by Carol Karels
Cooked: An Inner City Nursing Memoir cover
Good Books rating 4.4
Biography and Memoir
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 11303
  • Added: 2026-03-07
  • Updated: 2026-03-07
  • ISBN: 9781450706629
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

In May 1971, Look magazine exposed the dire conditions of Chicago's Cook County Hospital, the largest public hospital in the country, located in a gang-controlled and drug-infested area. Months later, the author, then a naive suburban teen, began her nursing training there, despite warnings that the hospital might close any day. /n/n At 'the County,' nurses and doctors provided care under the most desperate circumstances, with duties ranging from swatting flies in the OR to delousing patients. Cooked offers an unflinching look at the 2,000-bed ghetto hospital that served millions of Chicago's poor, providing a stark and powerful narrative of resilience and survival.

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.

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