Committed

"By turns funny and tragic, Committed pulls back the curtain on what it takes to become a psychiatrist-and how the practitioners, or the good ones, anyway, can put their own sanity on the line in the service of healing others." -People, Book of the Week pick "A mesmerizing memoir...[Stern] paints sensitive and often touching portraits of his patients, who dealt with everything from paranoia to anorexia to severe depression...Compassionate and candid, this is as human as it gets."-Publishers Weekly, STARRED "[A] dynamic debut memoir...As the author vividly captures the urgency, chaos, and eerie fascination involved with the treatment of mental illness, he also candidly shares numerous patient portraits, which provide some of the most moving and disturbing moments in the book...The combination of patient case studies and medical trainee journal creates an intense reading experience and an eye-opening appreciation for medical professionals charged with psychiatric care. Residents and those contemplating a career in mental health will find much to glean from this spirited memoir of dedication and dogged determination...Engrossing, indelible, and brimming with genuine humanity."-Kirkus, STARRED "With high-stakes drama, interesting characters, and a predictably appealing protagonist, it's no wonder that medical memoirs are often compelling reading. Stern's is no exception as he recalls his four years of psychiatric residency training at Harvard...A sensitive chronicle about becoming a doctor and the value of human connection and empathic listening."-Booklist "This book is a fascinating look at the inside of a medical residency, and it offers a glimpse of many of the often-understated personal costs involved...Readers who have also experienced the vigor of professional academic training will find Stern's account familiar and satisfying, while those who haven't will get a rare and insightful glimpse into the many potential struggles involved...This well-written, engaging book will have a special appeal to those already in academia and will be of interest to those who are considering it." -Library Journal -