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In Stitches [Hardcover]

Anthony Youn (Author), Alan Eisenstock (Contributor)
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)

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Book Description

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.

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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

Review

“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 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 288 pages
  • Publisher: Gallery Books (April 26, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1451608446
  • ISBN-13: 978-1451608441
  • Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #189,139 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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. He's very active on his website: www.InStitchesBook.com. IN STITCHES is his first book.
Dr. Youn is available to Skype with any book clubs who read and discuss IN STITCHES! Please email miplasticsurgeon@yahoo.com to schedule.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 22 people found the following review helpful
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!
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
I loved In Stitches! July 17, 2011
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!
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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I'm sure Anthony Youn could tell many riveting, funny stories about being a plastic surgeon, but what gems he has about the road to becoming one!

Obviously, a success beyond even what his father dreamt for him - with a thriving practice and multiple appearances on television and now a book - how Youn got to where he is today is loaded with anecdotes. In Stitches moved fast through Youn's childhood, college, and med school days, with two continuous themes: his path to surgery (set for him by his strict but loving father) and his very bumpy road to find love. Okay, actually, not love, just, in his words "to get laid."

From having his enormous jaw broken as a teen and reset (ouch!) and being repeatedly rejected by women (double ouch!), I felt for the self-deprecating and personable Youn. I cringed often and at one point just cried when he tells of The Moment when he knew he would be a surgeon - witnessing a terribly disfigured victim brought into the emergency room. While this was an important moment, Youn, however, doesn't tell the aftermath. Was the surgery successful? What ever happened to the victim?

It's hard to pick my favorite part of the book as each stage of Youn's life towards becoming a surgeon is full of fascinating moments ranging from wierd to wierder. Here's a snippet of one the stranger interviews he went for his residency which had me, yes, in stitches. And remember, this interview was conducted by a doctor - someone who holds people's lives in his hands --- scary!

"An attending surgeon leads me into his office. He stands behind his desk and stares at me. I don't know whether to sit, so I don't. I face him, shifting my weight nervously, waiting for him to give me some indication of how to proceed. Finally, he points to a chair. We sit simultaneously. He reaches behind him and places on his desk a sculpture of three monkeys in "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" pose.

"He claps his hands. 'IT'S MONKEY TIME!' He shouts.

"I practically fly out of my chair.

"'It's MONKEY TIME!'" he screams again, then says quietly, "Discuss." He places a stopwatch next to the monkey sculpture. 'You have thirty seconds to impress me...Doctor.' He clicks on the stopwatch.

"How the hell do I get out of here?"

An aspect of the memoir that disturbed me was Youn's seeming aversion to his own Asian-ness. When he first goes to med school in Michigan, he is horrified to find the halls full of other Asians (where are all the white people?!) and his dorm smelling like Thai food. The sense of irony in these scenes aren't as clear, especially coupled with his continuous mimicry of his Korean father's accented English for comic effect. An interesting thing to explore would be if his career as a plastic surgeon might be related to an underlying psychological need to re-make his Asian-ness.

Otherwise, In Stitches is a Scrubs-style look into the making of a surgeon - comical, poignant and eye-opening.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A total waste of money
I gave this book one star for two reasons: first it is the lowest I could give, and second, it is the lowest I could give. Read more
Published 7 hours ago by Wright
In Stitches
What a delightful yet realistic view of our real world of medicine. People of different cultures in our chosen medical professions have always had "something to prove". Read more
Published 21 days ago by redknowledge
A great read!
I loved this book. How refreshing to find a book that is clean, well written, entertaining, and thought provoking. Dr. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Julie Maegdlin
enjoyable story about a journey into medicine
This is a delightful story of a young man who pushed by his father into a medical career and yet still manages to find his calling. Read more
Published 2 months ago by mikemac9
Tony Youn keeps us in stitches with his memoir
It's a bit off-putting when someone as young as my son feels compelled to write a memoir. So this book had a strike against it before I turned to the first page. Read more
Published 2 months ago by docweighsin
fascinating, humorous, and infinitely relatable
This memoir from Dr. Tony Youn held my interest from beginning to end. I couldn't stop reading. I have twin sons exactly his age and I thought they had a good work ethic but... Read more
Published 3 months ago by cml
A fun read!
Anthony Youn grew up as a first generation Korean-American in a small town. Living in a household that was steeped in Korean heritage, but living in an American town, Mr. Read more
Published 3 months ago by HeatherMS
Best Medical Memoir I've Read All Year
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. Read more
Published 3 months ago by VAreader507
Awesome & Hilarious. A GREAT Read!
Although I had never seen nor heard of Dr. Youn, I purchased "In Stitches - A Memoir" after getting a "look inside" here on Amazon. Read more
Published 5 months ago by SeaGoddess2403
prefer more medical, less sex
I love medical stories. While I did enjoy this book, I wished it had focused more on the medical aspect and less on the fact that he spent many unsuccessful years trying to get... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Karen Miller
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