This was heavy AF! It was quite triggering and very graphic. There were many worthy scenes that made this a memorable read. Dr. Williams experiences of all the macro/micro aggressions was maddening .... but his recounting and acknowledging that he was called the Nword from the playground and through every stage of his life.... from grade school to Medical School... Being a Harvard-trained physician in an interracial marriage in an upper class neighborhood (where he was asked for ID while standing in front of his house) none of his credentials changed how he was and will always be seen in a racist society. Its tragic that he thought that any of it would have spared him the abuse and psychological torment that plagued the many Black Bodies that kept coming. #TheBodiesKeepComing #NetGalley

This audiobook gives a good overview of the problems faced during the pandemic, both by health care workers and society as a whole. The first hand perspective of a BIPOC doctor was definitely an interesting opportunity. Discussion on gun control and racism were also relevant and important. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to listen to this audiobook.

Insightful and much needed.

The Bodies Keep Coming shares the first hand perspective of Dr. Brian Williams, an African American trauma surgeon. As the reader were able to hear about Dr. Williams experience as well as learn about the medical system in the US.

Thank You to Dr. Brian H. Williams and Dreamscape Media, for the audio-digital ARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Dear The Bodies Keep Coming,
You were such a well thought out memoir and cultural statement. The way you tied together all of the complicated issues that you tackled was brilliant. You tied together the issues of gun control and systemic racism in an understandable and relatable way. The stories that Dr. William's shares are horrible and heartbreaking. While you were not an easy story to listen to, you are an important one.

A first hand perspective of a Black doctor. What he endured through schooling, placement, and practice. His journey includes trying to save victims of violence and victims of their own actions. A pivotal moment of racially motivated police brutality leads to more bodies on his table and judgment decisions. VERDICT A strong addiction of historical narrative that exposes history with first hand account to add to high school and adult libraries.

I hate to fall back on this being an important book, but yes, it is important. It tells the story of Dr. Brian Williams from his own mouth, quite literally. As Dr. Williams narrates his own story from several different angles - a black man growing up in America, serving in the Air Force, becoming a trauma surgeon in the south, and being caught up in the worst shooting of police officers, most of whom were white, by a black man and fellow former soldier. Among other dichotomies, Williams is torn by the fact that the shooting of these officers brings more attention than any of the school shootings or random violence against kids who look like him and get shot every day in America. While Williams' narration is a bit rough around the edges compared to the professional narrators usually encountered, it does add something to the telling having him read his own words about everything that he's encountered and lives through on a daily basis. The end of the book also directly addresses the devastation of gun violence in our country and the need for common sense action from a man who deals with the aftermath on a daily basis. Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the early listen in return for my honest opinion.

this book was moving and brilliant. i was captured by every word and read it all in just about 1 sitting. This book is one that everyone shoulr read and is an important topic about race and medicine

The Bodies Keep Coming
by Dr. Brian H. Williams
Narration by Dr. Brian H. Williams

Part biography/memoir, part political essay, part race issue essay, this wasn't exactly what I had been expecting. Dr. Williams is clearly a highly intelligent, eloquent, thoughtful and driven man who has seen his fair share of inequities being a black man whom has served in the military and afterward served as an urban trauma surgeon at an underserved city hospital. I loved hearing his story, and his narration was well delivered with the heart and compassion that he wrote the book with. At times the book gets a little preachy and it feels like I'm reading a well-thought-out essay, but when Dr. Williams tell his own story and what his experiences are thought the various parts of his life are where it really shines.

I enjoyed listening to Dr. Willimas perspective and have a lot of respect for him after listening. Thank you to NetGalley, Dr. Williams and Dreamscape Media for the chance to listen to and review this ARC!

A trauma surgeon offers his reflections on his own journey as a clinician, particularly as an African American. Dr. Brian Williams examines the foundation of violence on which his career is often based, particularly as he works primarily in large metropolitan areas, He also happened to be the attending trauma surgeon the day of the deadly attack on police in Dallas on July 7, 2016.

This audio version of this book was provided to me at no charge; I am offering my honest review of my own volition. I would like to thank NetGalley, Broadleaf Books and the author for this opportunity to review this book.

Honestly, as a medical provider myself, I fell this is really a must read for any clinician who is open to looking squarely at the racism faced by our colleagues and patients. There was well researched background in the long history that overt racism has played in the American Healthcare system - some of which I as well informed on. To my dismay, much of it was history I had not learned before.

In addition, Dr Williams offers insights into the world of medicine in addition to life in general in the U.S. as an African American man. It is brutal at times, but again it felt important to read this and have my eyes opened to what is outside my direct personal experience.

The book is well written, cutting, and truthful while maintaining a quality of introspection and without being preachy. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone, without hesitation. The audio component was seamless, and as always, I appreciated hearing an authors story in their own voice.

This book was written well, it just wasn’t for me.

~This book was given by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

A raw look at life as a black trauma surgeon in the US. This insightful book, read by the author cuts to the heart of what it takes for someone to fulfil this role. Beginning with the loss of a patient.

Regardless of the intellect required for such a job, the sheer mental strength for the role, is something that I cannot imagine having to push to the very edge on a daily basis. The element of racism in this doctors experience is visceral and saddening; there are few that have the acuity to perform such a role and they should be treated with respect regardless of race. Clearly bigotry and racism is a larger issue within society that needs a solution, but the level of disdain from patients towards people giving up their time to help literally save lives is something I truly cannot fathom.

The statistics provided as well as a cross section of historical and generational experiences, give a sadly clear picture of the societal issues impacting the lives of BAME communities from the insidious evil within policing, to issues of gang culture.

On a secondary note, whilst to people living in the US their healthcare system may seem normal, it is mind boggling to me and many that a first world country allows their citizens to be treated in this way, by putting the greed of corporations ahead of its own people. It is also clear that this issue is most impactful on BAME communities and needs to stop. I’m not sure what I expected from this book, but it was so raw and moving, the authors despair evident throughout.

The narration was heartfelt and present, as you would expect from an author reading their own work. This connection to the work along with the wonderful tonality of voice really elevated this audiobook, giving it a deep intimacy.

I normally stay away from memoirs. It's not my thing. But this one was a good read. It was an educated version of many of the injustices of today's society based on race, violence, community status, insurance, and money.
Dr Brian Williams touches on the event of 7/7/2016 that occurred in Dallas when multiple police officers were shot and killed by a sniper
Dr Williams touches on insurance and also touches on how, regardless of your educational background and what job title may be, because of the color of your skin, police still treat you as a criminal and prejudices automatically decided upon when they pull you over
If I were a history teacher or a professor in African American studies, I would most certainly have my students read this book

I don’t even know where to start with my review.

This book gets you in the feels and it also makes you think about many topics of how people of color are still viewed today.

While the Canadian Health System has its issues I’m grateful for it as I learn more and more about the American system.

Like Dr. Williams pointed out that Healthcare is a right and shouldn’t be a privilege to those that can afford it.

I’m sure many don’t realize the burden Healthcare workers carry, especially those that do everything they can to save your loved one. Those moments never leave you as you will learn from Dr. Williams.

Dr. Williams did a great job narrating his book

Thank you to @DreamscapeMedia and #NetGalley for the audio ARC of #TheBodiesKeepComing. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Behind the scenes/medical memoirs are a favorite of mine and this didn't disappoint. Williams was raised in a military family, moving every 3 years. He ended up in the Air Force himself where he decided to go into medicine. As a trauma surgeon in Dallas, he saw first hand how gun violence impacts black lives daily. A mass shooting which took the lives of 3 police officers forced him to confront his emotions and find another way to make a difference. This book is part history lesson, part public policy critique and part medical memoir and it works, delivering a strong message we all need to hear.

The author covers a lot here - his upbringing and experience being one of the few black doctors, much less trauma surgeons, in any given hospital; his ordeal trying to save the lives of the Dallas police officers after the 7/7 mass shooting in 2016; racial inequities in healthcare (among others) and the decades of government policies that perpetuate them; and the prolific gun problem in America, which also disproportionately affects Black people.
None of this is really new information, but the author’s perspective is one we don’t get to hear too much. Definitively not an uplifting read, but good food for thought.
Thanks to #netgalley and #broadleafbooks for this #arc of #thebodieskeepcoming in exchange for an honest review.

One of the best memoirs I have read this year (maybe ever?). An absolute must read for anyone in the health professions or interested in racism. Dr. Williams writes with heart and thoughtful insights, both granting himself grace while pushing himself to change , do more, and be better. He writes with nuance, but what I am most impressed by is his honesty with regard to his growth from his previous incomplete understanding of racism and it’s pervasiveness in health and his role in it all as a Black physician. He shows how you can be brilliant and still have a lot left to learn, and he does so with evocative prose. Additionally, as a reader who is also a doctor, I think Dr. Williams has done the best example of balanced science writing that explains clearly without devolving into overly simplistic terminology—I often find myself frustrated with health sciences writers who do so to the point that I can’t recognize what they’re talking about clearly, but here the author exemplifies how to do this well!

Disclaimer: I received an audiobook ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book provided really great insight into the perspective a Black man faces in not only the medical field, but also in his flashback memories to how his perception was formed as a child.

As someone who has done focused research on the disparity of gender in health care, it was fascinating to see how aligned and also how different race plays a role in not only treatment, but career advancement, general care, etc. and to have a first hand retelling of a specialized field like trauma.

I found the stories shared to be heavy, but also something that needed to be shared. I thought that the author did a great job of weaving his own upbringing and experiences in with his day-to-day life as a trauma surgeon.

I also thought he did a wonderful job at narrating the book - should he ever retire, I am SURE he could get many jobs narrating books! He was so engaging throughout.

‘The Bodies Keep Coming’ by Dr. Brian H. Williams is a thought provoking audiobook that I think every American should read. Throughout listening to this book I felt a variety of emotions. I liked the mix of the personal stories from Dr. Williams' time as a trauma surgeon and facts and history about healthcare and guns in the US. This book is a great look into how healthcare and race intersect. I loved listening to Williams tell his own story. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know. Every white American needs to read this.

"The Bodies Keep Coming" by Dr. Brian H. Williams is a thought-provoking audiobook that deserves a solid four-star rating. My experience with this book left me with a whirlwind of emotions and reflections. Dr. Williams, a trauma surgeon, opens his life story with raw honesty and courage, offering readers a glimpse into his upbringing as an army brat, which provided him with stable housing, healthcare, and a good education. His journey from the military to medical school and ultimately into trauma surgery is inspiring.

One of the most captivating aspects of the book is its exploration of the history of medicine in America. Dr. Williams delves into topics such as the placement of hospitals, the closure of black universities, and the intricacies of Medicaid and Medicare laws. These discussions shed light on the systemic disparities that have persisted over time, leaving a lasting impact on marginalized communities. The history lessons in the book are eye-opening and shed light on the roots of healthcare inequality.

I also found the concept of the redlining policy during the Great Depression to be particularly fascinating. Dr. Williams effectively conveys how this practice perpetuated inequality and hindered the development of black neighborhoods. It's a stark reminder of the lasting consequences of discriminatory policies.

The book shines when Dr. Williams shares his personal experiences and reflections on his surgeries. These poignant stories provide insight into the complexities of trauma surgery and the toll it takes on both patients and surgeons. These narratives are not only engaging but also deeply moving.

However, I did encounter some challenges in the book. While Dr. Williams passionately discusses the social changes he envisions, there's a lack of concrete strategies or plans for implementation. It feels like he paints a compelling vision but doesn't delve into the practical steps needed to achieve it. This leaves readers wanting more substance in terms of the "how" behind his vision.

Additionally, the book occasionally veers into political territory, especially when Dr. Williams' aspirations for political office become apparent. This shift in tone, while understandable given his passion for change, makes the book feel somewhat self-serving and political at times.

Despite these minor drawbacks, it's evident that Dr. Williams genuinely cares about his community and aims to make a positive impact. His perspective is valuable, and he could be a formidable advocate for change in a political role.

Reading this book also prompted me to reflect on my own healthcare system, as I'm in Australia where we have universal healthcare. It raises essential questions about the effectiveness of different healthcare models and the need for constant improvement.

In conclusion, "The Bodies Keep Coming" is a book that challenges your thinking and stirs your emotions. It offers a unique perspective on healthcare disparities and the journey of a dedicated trauma surgeon. I'd like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to review this thought-provoking audiobook. It's a valuable addition to the discourse on healthcare and racial inequality.

An incredibly brutal, poignant, personal and interesting look into how race and healthcare intertwine from perspective of a black trauma surgeon.