Plan on taking some time off from medicine this summer? See which recently published books our physicians recommend for your getaway or staycation.

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The Gene: An Intimate History
by Siddhartha Mukherjee

"If you're a sucker for prose, Mukherjee is your man. If you're obsessed with factual accuracy—so obsessed that you never miss a trick, but always miss the point—you're probably better off reading the Yellow Pages. But, if you want to understand something about the genetic code—not at the level of a PhD in genetics, but enough to pull off a dinner-table conversation—this is the book.

Gene is personal and personable. It is historical and futuristic. It is scientific and humane. It leaves you with pessimism and optimism. The book will make you think without incurring the burden of thinking."

—Saurabh Jha, MBBS, MRCS, Medscape Radiology Advisor

Image courtesy of Simon & Schuster

The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah

Two sisters living in Nazi-occupied France embark on two separate journeys to survive the war. The novel depicts the sacrifices made by these two different protagonists.

Recommended by Jeffrey S. Dover, MD, FRCPC, Medscape Dermatology Advisor

Image courtesy of St. Martin's Press

Brain Damage
by Freida McFadden, MD

"This follows the rehabilitation and recovery of a woman who was shot in the head as she struggles to remember the identity of her attempted murderer. Physicians will appreciate how McFadden incorporates accurate details about a right-brain injury and how the cognitive decline affects everyday functions."

—Sara Cohen, MD, Medscape Medical Students Advisor

Image courtesy of Hollywood Upstairs Publishing

Shoe Dog
by Phil Knight

"The cofounder of Nike starts this memoir in 1962, when he is 24, and ends in 1982, right after Nike forms an initial public offering. If you are an entrepreneur, this book may be life-changing. Indeed, it takes perseverance to succeed, and expect many failures along the way. Knight is open and funny and may even make you cry. The description of industrial Japan, with its postwar mentality, is fascinating. It is apparent that there was some luck or even signs from the universe that he recognized and benefited from."

—Carol Frey, MD, Medscape Orthopedics Advisor

Image courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Smarter Faster Better
by Charles Duhigg

"The author talks to talented researchers in behavior, psychology, and group dynamics. He dives into some intriguing case studies. It's extremely well-written, and although it hasn't made me more effective at running meetings or delegating (yet!), I can at least understand how its lessons could help me improve."

—Nicholas Genes, MD, PhD, Medscape Emergency Medicine Advisor

Image courtesy of Random House LLC

Into the Magic Shop
by James Doty

"The book's subtitle is A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart. Dr Doty's mindfulness alphabet has been a great way to focus myself, carrying why I became a doctor into each encounter with patients."

—Alan Greene, MD, Medscape Pediatrics Advisor

Image courtesy of Avery

When Breath Becomes Air
by Paul Kalanithi

"A neurosurgery resident is diagnosed with lung cancer and dies while working on this book. This examines the challenge of facing death and the relationship between doctor and patient."

—Russell W. Steele, MD, Medscape Pediatrics Advisor

Image courtesy of Random House LLC

The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World
by Sir Michael Marmot

"Marmot discusses the issue health policy-makers are too afraid to pose: The United States spends the most dollars on healthcare, yet it has one of the highest maternal mortality rates for a developed country. Population health is not simply determined by wealth or poverty, but rather the size of inequities between a nation's most elite and most vulnerable."

—Omar A. Khan, MD, Medscape Public Health Advisor

Image courtesy of Bloomsbury Press

Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy: The Ultimate Guide to the Therapeutic and Clinical Application of Essential Oils
by Scott Johnson

"This is a great reference book for healthcare providers who want to know more about essential oils. Many of our patients are using these natural products, so it helps them and us to be informed. This book discusses research and clinical observations as well as ancient practices, and protocols for common conditions. The chapters are extensively referenced with citations from the literature that does exist on essential oils—and there is some out there. The book also includes information about safe use of essential oils, which is very important for healthcare providers to know."

—Jan Patterson, MD, Medscape Infectious Disease Advisor

Image courtesy of Scott A. Johnson Professional Writing Services

Finding Audrey
By Sophie Kinsella

"Finding Audrey is a book about a young girl who suffers a psychological trauma at school and becomes so overcome by her social anxiety that she can't leave her home. The book follows her gradual recovery as she proceeds with the stepwise integration back into the outside world with the help of a new friend."

—Sara Cohen, MD, Medscape Medical Students Advisor

Image courtesy of Delacorte Press

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