12 Books to Bring to the Doctor’s Office

They try their best, but you know you'll be spending some time in the waiting room at your next doctor's appointment. Here are suggested books to help you pass the time.


An emergency room doctor penned this debut novel about two women sharing the day-to-day drama of hospital life.

The Queen of Hearts


Explore the life of our bodies after all life has ended with this humorous and quirky read.

Stiff


This sweeping novel set in Ethiopia and New York City follows twin brothers who share a fascination with medicine and ordinary miracles.

Cutting for Stone


A neurosurgeon facing a terminal cancer diagnosis struggles with wanting to live and learning to die in this poignant memoir.

When Breath Becomes Air


The author, also the co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine, sheds light on seven times when scientific breakthroughs rendered disastrous results.

Pandora's Lab


A classic novel set in a mental hospital with a cast of unforgettable inmates. 

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest


This award-winning nonfiction book deals with the ethics of scientists using the cancer cells of an unknowing patient to advance their research.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks


The 2011 Pulitzer Prize winner in general nonfiction and now of documentary by Ken Burns, this book presents a detailed and thoughtful history of cancer.

The Emperor of All Maladies


A moving story about a cat who could teach most humans a thing or two about empathy.

Making Rounds With Oscar


In a ironic twist of fate, a Harvard professor of cognitive psychology is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. This was turned into a movie starring Julianne Moore.

Still Alice


From the author of Awakenings comes this compilation of strange tales told with insight and compassion about patients with rare neurological disorders.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for A Hat


A suspenseful medical mystery from master storyteller Michael Crichton.

Case of Need