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Book Reviews of The Diagnosis

The Diagnosis
The Diagnosis
Author: Alan Lightman
ISBN-13: 9780375725500
ISBN-10: 0375725504
Publication Date: 2/19/2002
Pages: 384
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 14

3.5 stars, based on 14 ratings
Publisher: Vintage
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

5 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

paigu avatar reviewed The Diagnosis on + 120 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Highly recommended. Part mystery, part social commentary, I love the slight digs at modern medicine and the futility of the healthcare system. Though the protagonist's "disease" is fictional, it makes us remember that, despite all advances in modern biomedicine, there's still no cure-all...or even a cure for the common cold.
reviewed The Diagnosis on + 242 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Alan Lightman has written a highly original book that's an indictment of
"a time-crunched, information-glutted world." (Entertainment Weekly) This book "forcefully captures the great confluence of our times: information overload, unimaginable prosperity and spiritual bankruptcy." (The New York Times) Loved this book! Bill Chalmers is an upper echelon executive who loses his memory while on his way to work. He's the "everyman" of today: suffering from information overload and the pressures of a job where projects never seem to end, Bill's memory just can't take it any more. He goes from one specialist to another. None of the doctors can figure out exactly what his medical diagnosis is. Then, he quickly starts to recover his memory only to start feeling numb in his hands. The numbness starts spreading and Bill ends up paralyzed. Reminds me of Kafka set in the 21st century. This is an allegorical novel of one man's descent into darkness. Unable to communicate his angst to anyone, Bill even communicates with his beloved teenage son through email. Having worked for over 15 years in New York City, I can definitely relate to this book. And, I've heard it's even worse now...anyhow, I think anyone will be able to relate to this book at some level. I couldn't put it down; loved the story and the truth shining from this book.
buzzby avatar reviewed The Diagnosis on + 6062 more book reviews
I read just enough to figure out that I would not be cheered up by the story.
reviewed The Diagnosis on + 141 more book reviews
Fantastic book. Absolutely. One of my favorites. Not an "easy" read, but good. Very good.
reviewed The Diagnosis on + 51 more book reviews
Excellent. Fascinating. Disturbing. Wonderful.