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Owl Books! A Map of the Child: Prompted by the realization that he's soon to become a father, pediatrician Darshak Sanghavi tells the story of children's astonishing development, from their beginning as single cells to their rapid development into complex beings. Using real cases as windows on the wonders and tragedies of human biology, the author examines the development and inner workings of children's bodies from birth through adolescence. In a deeply personal narrative, Sanghavi comes to terms with the great advances and continued limitations of modern medicine, even as he provides a richly detailed-and humanized-portrait of how the pediatric body functions in sickness and health. |
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To hear Darshak Sanghavi discuss
the book
with host Michele Norris on NPR's All Things Considered, click
here.
To read a brief excerpt of the book in Working Mother magazine, click
here.
Reviews
"Lyrical." - John Langone, The
New York Times
"Appealing and informative. . . An elucidation of the human child's organs,
the how and why of illnesses that strike them, and such related issues as circumcision,
vaccination, abortion, and child abuse-all enriched by the author's personal
memories. Sanghavi describes this work as part of his "quest to learn humanity," a
goal he has heartwarmingly achieved." - Kirkus Reviews
"An outstanding quality of this work is that it shows how the author handles controversial issues, such as abortion and child abuse, in an objective and level-headed manner." - Library Journal, starred review
"An example of expert storytelling - a true page turner. [Sanghavi's] profession has provided him with a wealth of illuminating stories that he weaves together seamlesly. . . Compelling, thoughtful and informative... Deserves a wide audience." - Albert L. Huebner, Bookpage
"Sanghavi seems to be the pediatrician
all parents wish they had. He doesn't consider himself merely a health-care
provider, nor does
he view his patients merely as clients. Each patient has a name, a personal
history, and a family. Even though he calls this book a map of the child's
body, it is in no way a dry-as-dust word-map of lungs, heart, blood,
bones, brain, skin, gonads, and guts. Yes, Sanghavi carefully explains
each organ's function and design, but interspersed with clinical information
about the organ's major and minor diseases and disorders are explicatory
anecdotes about patients, colleagues, friends, and family... Minimal
medical jargon and straightforward language make this a handy reference for
parents." — Booklist
"A
delightful, quirky, awe-inspiring journey into the science and stories
of the insides of little people. Who would
expect a book about anatomy to be a page-turner? But this one is. Sanghavi
is a vivid and effortless teller of human tales and quite evidently
a special doctor, too. Pick up the book anywhere. You'll find strange cases,
fascinating discoveries, ingenious
diagnoses, beautiful
puzzles beautifully recounted. I defy you to put it down."
—Atul Gawande, author of Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect
Science.
"A Map of the Child is
a wonderful romp through the human body as seen through the eyes of a discerning
and sensitive
pediatrician. Sanghavi organizes his material by organ systems, but this
simply gives him a launching point to take the reader on spellbinding
excursions. His writing delves deep into the heart of what medicine is
and the miracles and hazards of the voyage of childhood."
—Abraham Verghese, author of The Tennis Partner and My Own Country
"Dr.
Sanghavi teaches by example and complements his stories with science, medicine,
religion, philosophy and social commentary.
Indeed, Dr. Sanghavi provides a roadmap and directory for understanding
the impact of illness on children as well as those who care for them."
—Philip A. Pizzo, MD, Dean, Stanford University School of Medicine
To purchase this book, visit your local bookseller or order online from Amazon.com by clicking here.