Oxygen: A Novel

I don't understand how anyone who loves reading excellent writing and a wonderful story and perfect character development could give this book anything less than five stars. Masterful writing and I was actually surprised by the plot twist at the end which says a lot about the quality of the writing. I'm so happy I stumbled upon this book.

This story is gripping ,although depressing, but the moist amazing thing was the level of writing - which would have been great for somebody who did this as a full time writer but is astonishing given that the author is also a practicing anesthesiologist -and mother of twins! I kept underlining sections because they were so beautifully written -half my chapters were highlighted!The best part was that I didn't sell e the ending coming at all. A rare treat. Highly recommend this one.

I didn’t read what the story would be about before starting. I loved the title. Silly, I know, but I just got interested by the simple word Oxygen. But wow! This is an amazing story. My heart raced and I was breathless too. Wonderful story.

I really enjoyed this book. I was a little worried that I would not like this book, because some reviews noted that it was filled with too much medical terminology. But I did not find that to be the case. The medical terminology was necessary, it is a medical story.The only criticism I have about the story is that the surgeon was not found at all responsible for the death of a patient. In reality, your surgeon is the one who meets with you and goes through your medical history plus pre-opt testing is always done. In my experience with surgery, I never met my anesthesiologist. I saw my surgeon before and after surgery. I have always received a sedative before entering the OR, so I do not recall seeing my anesthesiologist. Even in cases of emergency, the hospital is responsible for getting your medical history. Your surgeon is the one who informs all medical staff in the OR about your history. Marie seemed to have a lot of contact with patients which I thought was a bit strange. I barely recall mine when I got an epidural in labor. He said five words to me "hold still and don't breath." Then walked out the door. I just think that the whole staff in the OR would be sued and only cleared when the suit was settled. I also do not understand how Joe was able to avoid logging down things when in an OR. Joe seemed to get away with a lot regarding protocols, which I think would of been spotted quickly. I may be over thinking things. Which to me, means a good read. I do highly recommend this book especially if you enjoy medical themes.

Dr. Marie Heaton is a successful anesthesiologist living in Seattle. She is respected and well liked until a tragedy occurs during a routine procedure that upends her life. The story is about what happens after that and why. When the taint of malpractice touched her, friends and associates dropped away, not wanting to be touched by it. Marie’s life will never be the same and she can’t make sense of what is happening. As smart and in control as she, she can’t control or even understand what is happening to her well-planned life. The politics of medicine are exposed.The story is so well written that I didn’t get suspicious about what was going on until very close to the end. Besides a great story, the writing is wonderful. We see the lights of Seattle, we see the hospital and the other doctors, her declining father.This is a debut novel and I don’t think it’s fair that the author is a successful doctor AND can write like this. Just kidding, the book is beautifully written and unputdownable.

First Sentence: People feel so strong, so durable.Dr. Marie Heaton is a skilled anesthesiologist. Her life is off track and her career at risk when a child dies during surgery and Marie is being sued for malpractice. Although she tries to keep working, she must work to find out exactly what happened during the operation in order to retain her career, finances and, possibly, even freedom.It is also a time for her to deal with personal and family relationships with a fellow doctor, her sister's family and her father.Carol Cassella's background as an anesthesiologist is very much in evidence. I found the information fascinating and it did add tension to the operation and hospital scenes.While I never considered putting the book down, I kept wondering when something would start happening. The book is labeled as "a novel' rather than a mystery. Much of the story is taken up with Marie's personal life. It wasn't bad but neither was it that interesting.The investigation of what happened during the surgery was handled as a secondary story line instead, which, for me, was the more interesting thread. However, I also foresaw one of major elements in the plot very early on and found the ending abrupt. The book was a good read but a rather forgettable one.

Once I began reading this story about hospitals, surgeries and most specifically, anesthesiologists- I could barely put it down !I am a registered nurse with many decades of hospital experience and the accuracy and descriptions of people who provide care, those who receive care and the balance of preventing death while managing pain during surgery is spot on !What a great book!

So little story. The author has an impressive mastery of the English language , to excess. The angst was tedious and excruciating as was every-single-description of inconsequential detail. Perhaps I’ve discovered that I don’t appreciate “literature” 🤷🏻‍♀️

I greatly enjoyed the writing in this book, and the twist was heartbreaking. Definitely recommend reading , I started in and had to finish in one sitting.

Excellent! Great writing style and use of language, albeit some people might be irritated by the comparison of emotions to parts of the body. The plot was good. I'm looking forward to her next book.

I confess I tended to skim over some of the peotic descriptive stuff, but overall a great book. I really felt for the main character and I learned a lot about the role of the anesthesiologist in surgery.

It suppressed all my expectations and more.

Wonderfully written , so full of medical detail which I love. Gripping and realistic to the last. Excellent writer, will read more of her books