In Stitches [Hardcover]

Anthony Youn (Author), Alan Eisenstock (Contributor)

Book Description

Release date: April 26, 2011

Full of heart and humor, a memoir about becoming a doctor that's unlike anything you've ever read before.
All Tony Youn ever wanted was to fit in. One of two Asian‑American kids in a small midwestern town, he was tall and thin with Coke‑bottle glasses, Hannibal Lecter headgear, a bowl cut, and a protruding jaw that grew even faster than his comic‑book collection. He finally got his chance senior year as he lay strapped in an oral surgeon's chair having his jaw broken and reset--a brutal makeover that led him to his calling.

Egged on by his overachieving Korean father ("Doctor never get fired."), Tony spent the next four years mired in the angst, flubs, triumphs, nonstop studying, intermittent heavy drinking, and sexual frustration of medical school. He entered a shy, skinny nerd with no nerve, no game, and no clue. He left a doctor.

Heartwarming and laugh‑out‑loud funny, In Stitches is a universal coming‑of‑age story about a kid who found the best in himself by bringing out the best in others and finally learned to be comfortable in his own skin.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In Stitches was named a 2012 Michigan Notable Book by the Library of Michigan.

“Dr. Youn is a frequent guest on my show, and I can say without a doubt that he’s a cut above the rest.”—Rachael Ray

"Surprisingly warm and unquestionably witty, In Stitches is a riveting look at the sacrifice it takes to become a premiere plastic surgeon. In a world where physicians can be almost god-like, Dr. Tony’s not afraid to show us his heart, his humor, and his humanity. I adored In Stitches and even though I’m not ready to book Dr. Tony for a face-lift, I’d sure like to call him for lunch." —New York Times bestselling author Jen Lancaster

"Part 'Grey's Anatomy,' part 'Nip-Tuck,' In Stitches takes you under the knife to expose the layers of one doctor's journey to become not only a plastic surgeon but also his own man. A humorous, heartfelt, honest memoir about med school and MCATs, fathers and sons, and finding your place in the world, In Stitches will tickle your funny bone, touch your heart and make you think differently about your doctor." —critically-acclaimed author Wade Rouse

"In Stitches is a brilliant and bouncy read. Humorous and energetic, the author takes us along with him in medical school on his way to becoming a surgeon. He makes you feel as if you are along on the ride. Rich with dialogue, I found my self routing for him in all sorts of circumstances from his first surgery to hitting on co-eds." —Dr. Drew Ordon, host of The Doctors

“Tony Youn traces his success to a stern Korean father and his own fanatical work ethic -- but the real secret is his fabulous sense of humor. If you're contemplating medical school, you'll need three things: resilience, caffeine, and In Stitches -- a raucously funny and genuinely affecting account of what becoming a doctor is really like.” —Audrey Young, M.D., author of What Patients Taught Me: A Medical Student's Journey.

"In Stitches is well written, very readable and appropriately witty. I had the pleasure and opportunity of meeting and working with Dr Youn. I find him not only to be extremely capable and a great surgeon, but also a kind and generous man. In this book, I actually see a lot of myself in him. At times I was in tears and at others was laughing out loud. I highly recommend it!"— Dr. Robert Rey of Dr. 90210

“In 1980, I read The House of God, the sardonic story of residency training at Harvard’s Beth Israel Hospital. Now, some 30 years later, readers are brought into the dorm room, the anatomy lab, the classroom, and the operating room with Dr. Youn as he describes his medical school training. The reader sweats the stresses and enjoys the laughs med students experience. I was touched by the honesty and frankness of the experiences he describes—most people understand the life of a doctor, but few understand the sacrifices that young men and women make while in medical school. Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a fun ride. This memoir will certainly keep you In Stitches." —Arthur W. Perry, MD, FACS, author of The Real Life of a Surgeon

"Tony Youn's book is wonderful! Written from the heart, in a style that makes you want to read more, it is a touching, sensitive account of his journey. It should be read by everyone who's ever wanted to be a doctor, as well as anyone who's ever wanted to know what his doctor was thinking. A great read!" -- Robert Marion, M.D., author of Intern Blues

"Laugh out loud"— USA Today

"Youn's description of his journey from high-school outcast to rock star plastic surgeon is full of fascinating stories and laced with self-deprecating humor in the midst of dark desperation, providing a refreshing insight into medicine." —Publisher's Weekly

About the Author

Anthony Youn, M.D. is a physician, writer, and television personality. He has been featured on The Rachael Ray Show, Dr. 90210, CNN, Fox and Friends, Good Morning America, The O'Reilly Factor, E!, VH1, and others. He's a frequent contributor to MSNBC.com and CNN.com, where he's written articles such as "Why You Should Avoid The Hospital In July" and "Smoking Can Make Your Nipples Fall Off" which have gone viral. He's very active on his website: InStitchesBook.com.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Gallery Books (April 26, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1451608446
• ISBN-13: 978-1451608441
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (89 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,283 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #49 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Humor > Doctors & Medicine

More About the Author

Anthony Youn, M.D. is a physician, writer, and television personality. He has been featured on The Rachael Ray Show, Dr. 90210, CNN, Fox and Friends, Good Morning America, The O'Reilly Factor, E!, VH1, and others. He's a frequent contributor to MSNBC.com and CNN.com, where he's written articles such as "Why You Should Avoid The Hospital In July" and "Smoking Can Make Your Nipples Fall Off" which have gone viral. You can read excerpts and 'deleted scenes' on his website: www.InStitchesBook.com. IN STITCHES is his first book.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved In Stitches! July 17, 2011

By Elizabeth V. Flagg

Format:Hardcover

I bought this book after reading one of Dr. Youn's articles on cnn.com. I always enjoy reading autobiographies and memoirs, and this is one of my favorites by far. Some parts were so funny that I laughed out loud and couldn't stop thinking about them the next day. There were also moments that were extremely touching and a bit sad. The narrative is witty, descriptive and moves along at a good pace.

Dr. Youn covers a lot of ground in this book, but in the end you really have a good sense of what a funny, genuine, caring person he is, and the ups and downs he experienced on the road to becoming a renowned plastic surgeon. I really had a hard time putting it down and am definitely planning on giving it a second read through.

If you are looking for a great summer read, do not hesitate to pick up this book. You will not be disappointed!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Medical Memoir I've Read All Year January 31, 2012

By VAreader507

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've read ALL the medical memoirs - Atul Gawande's, Another Day In the Frontal Lobe, Weekends @ Bellevue --- you name it. And this was by far my favorite in recent memory. Dr. Youn is hilarious and his wry, sarcastic humor leaps off the page. His perspective on medical school and on his demanding Asian parents was so honest and his observations stuck with me for days. He's obviously an extremely caring person, but also doesn't hesitate to reveal some of his inner thoughts, including that he originally went to medical school....for the girls. I really really enjoyed this book - I recommend it to anyone who wants a laugh and an interesting story.

32 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars heartwarming, refreshing and fun read April 20, 2011

By Brooke

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I usually find I don't have as much time as I'd like to read. It may take me weeks to read a book. I have always been interested in plastic surgery, so I thought I would give this book a try not knowing what to expect. I opened this book and found it so interesting and entertaining, I kept flipping pages. I was so caught up and couldn't wait to find out what happened next that I read the whole book in one sitting! A testament to what a well written read it was. I was really touched and refreshed by Dr. Youn's candid personal story. Also his eye opening account of what really happens to medical students and just how difficult it is, not only on an academic level, but what they must endure on many other levels. His story telling of his experiences had me laughing while at the same time you were able to connect to him as a person and his heartwarming story. I was surprisingly and pleasantly entertained and would highly recommend this book!