Weekends at Bellevue

By: Julie Holland MD

Narrated by: Julie Holland MD

His name was Joshua Silver. He was 23 years old, educated, and had an impressive vocabulary. The NYPD had found Joshua Silver naked in Times Square, barking like a dog.

It was just another night for Julie Holland, the attending doctor in the world-famous Bellevue Hospital's psychiatric emergency room. Every weekend for nine years, it was Holland's job to evaluate and treat all patients admitted, from the schizophrenic to the bipolar to the traumatized, from the homicidal to the suicidal to victims of unthinkable crimes.

In this absorbing memoir, Holland provides a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into her life-altering experience at Bellevue, recounting stories of the patients who moved, terrified, fascinated, and amused her, the patients who helped her grow in ways she never imagined. Along the way she documents her life outside the hospital - her relationship with her husband and the births of their children; her own therapy sessions, which helped her finally crack through the tough exterior she had formed; and her close bond with her best friend and mentor, Lucy, a fellow doctor whose battle with cancer left Holland forever changed.

©2009 Julie Holland (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"An extraordinary insider's look at the typical days and nights of that most extraordinary place, written with a rare combination of toughness, tenderness, and outrageous humor, this book is a fast read that you will savor long after you have put it down." (Andrew Weil, MD)
"Equal parts affecting, jaw-dropping, and engrossing." ( Booklist)

Dr Holland nailed it!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would definitely recommend this audible to my friends. Dr. Holland nailed it when she wrote this book. I have been to this hospital on several occasions to observe to write papers and what I have seen and heard is exactly what she wrote about. She wasn't afraid to write the truth.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was Dr. Holland because she is a woman of multiple talents.

What about Julie Holland’s performance did you like?

Dr. Holland's performance was down to earth, sincere, right on the money.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I wanted to just keep reading and reading it was just that good.

AWESOME!!

Loved it. Great read for anyone in, around, or interested in psychiatry or even just inner-city medicine. Truly enjoyed ever moment as the reader gets the real life perspective of a psyc ED physician.

Not about hospital or patients

This was a good story but it is not about of the patients or hospital. It's a good memoir about a psychiatrist and her life.

Really interesting

I loved hearing about how much this author grew within herself, and in her practise.
If you want a book about detailed accounts on patients, listen to a different book. This touches on people the author helps, but not in much more than her initial assessment as that's where her expertise lies. She does get as much information upon meeting patients (super interesting) however, we don't hear anything long term.
Recommend.

Great account of the workings of a psych ER

If you are looking for an account of what a a Psychiatric Emergency Department is or as referred in this book as the Bellevue Hospital Center CPEP Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program aka Psych ER this is the book for you. Dr. Holland's book was excellent!

What an awesome book!

It was like I was there. The story of Dr. Julie Holland working at Bellevue was intense, funny and made me shed a tear too. Made me understand what kind of people are out there and they're suffering and struggles in life.

Outstanding: Pure Mind Trip

I thoroughly enjoyed this entire experience. I recently entered the field of psychiatry and what little bit I have come across definitely in this book has helped me to deal with in my own special way! Thank you Dr Holland

Could have done without the sex talk

Enjoyed the book but I really could have done without the sections talking about the staff having sex with each other in fine detail or the author’s bicurious musings. It kind of threw me off and not in a good way. I understand that it was apart of her life story but still lol so uncomfortable.

Great Book

Julie is quite the over achiever not to mention the ego! The anecdotes, Julie ' personal growth and life experience s made this a wonderful thoughtful read.

Awesome book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would for sure. I could not put this book down

What other book might you compare Weekends at Bellevue to and why?

I can't think of any book to compare this one too.

What does Julie Holland bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love the way she talks and the way she tells the story. Made it very interesting. I felt like I was there with her

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Inspirational

Any additional comments?

One of the best books I have listened to in a long time. I recommend it highly.