Laura Castellano

A unique sense of intimacy prevails in Pauline Chen’s first book, "Final Exam: A Surgeon’s Reflections on Mortality." In this engrossing memoir, full of surgical detail, Chen, recipient of the George Longstreth Humanness Award at Yale, meditates on her experiences as a student and physician. She reveals her own fear of death, as well as the problems the medical community has in teaching doctors to confront this sensitive (and inevitable) issue. From her med-school cadaver to her beloved Aunt Grace, she methodically examines how learning to deal with death can offer some important insights into life. Although rich in scientific explanation (case studies and facts abound), "Final Exam" satisfies both sides of the brain. Beautiful prose is infused throughout, proving Chen’s ability as an empathetic surgeon and a skilled writer. "There is something intensely personal about surgery," she writes. "Our hands are in our patients’ bodies, caressing them as no lover ever could."

Pauline Chen reads from "Final Exam: A Surgeon’s Reflections on Mortality" January 31 at International House at the University of Chicago, 1414 East 59th, (773)753-2274, at 6pm. Free.

(2008-01-29)

Also by Laura Castellano

Bosom Buddies
Pear-shaped blue and green balloons are filled to capacity and bob throughout the ShareWear Consignment Store in Ravenswood, inviting people inside to the event announced by a sign in the window: "Bra Fitting Party! Join Us." Hourglass-shaped women step in and out of the dressing room, half naked. Some timidly pull the multi-colored curtain aside and step out, while others smooth their chest with their hands and admire themselves in the mirror
(2008-01-15)

Get Poked
Just in time for the big ban, Red Flower Acupuncture Studio is offering a special "stop smoking boot camp" package (complete with treatments, lollipops and tea-tree-oil chewing sticks) to help smokers kick their nicotine addictions
(2007-12-26)

Spell Hell
In the age of spell-check dependency, he who attempts to spell "senescent" on stage without the help of a computer program should be respected. "Senescent," number 58 repeats, with no sign of worry. Then, looking toward the judges: "Please define the word." He brings his beer to his lips; his goatee is bushy and full. "The word means growing old," a judge calls back
(2007-12-18)

Dork City
The intersection of art and technology is here in Logan Square, in a loft space about the size of a small one bedroom. A simple black-and-white laser-printed sign is on the door downstairs. "Dorkbot. It’s who shows up and what gets shown off," says mohawked organizer, Rob Ray
(2007-12-04)

Lunch Break
(2007-11-13)

The Perfect Cup
(2007-11-06)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment