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T.J. Mitchell

Judy Melinek MD

Working Stiff: 2 years, 262 bodies and the making of a medical examiner Paperback – 19 November 2014

by Judy Melinek (Author), T.J. Mitchell (Author)

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An engrossing, poignant, humorous and gripping account of the life of a medical examiner - and the secrets a body can reveal. A must for fans of true crime, the best science writing, and behind-the-headlines memoirs. 'Far from the magic we see on TV, Working Stiff describes forensic pathology in the real world. The book is a compelling and absorbing read.' Kathy Reichs, New York Times bestselling author

'engrossing . . . pulls back the sheet to show readers just what goes on after someone dies . . . Armchair detectives and would-be forensic pathologists will find Melinek's well- written account to be inspiring and engaging.' Publishers Weekly

Dr Judy Melinek has made a career out of working with dead bodies. As a forensic pathologist, she has probed and prodded corpses for clues that may reveal murder, suicide, a medical accident or a rare genetic WC disease This fearless memoir tells the gripping story of the young doctor's 'rookie season' as a forensic pathologist, and the cases-hair-raising and heartbreaking and impossibly complex- that shaped her as both a physician and a mother.

Just two months before the September 11 terrorist attacks, Dr Melinek began her training as a New York City forensic pathologist. With her husband T.J. and their toddler Daniel holding down the home front, Judy threw herself into the fascinating world of death investigation-performing autopsies, investigating death scenes, and counselling grieving relatives.

Lively, action-packed, and loaded with mordant wit, Working Stiff offers a firsthand account of daily life in one of the modern world's most arduous professions, and the unexpected challenges of shuttling between the domains of the living and the dead. Dr Melinek lays bare the truth behind the glamorised depictions of autopsy work on shows like CSI and Law & Order to reveal the secret story of the real morgue and what really goes on behind the police tape.

'Melinek's enthusiasm for her calling is always apparent, and her writing is unselfconsciously bouncy, absorbed and mordant (though not caustic) . . . A transfixing account of death, from the mundane to the oddly hair-raising.' Kirkus Reviews

'Working Stiff is the grossest book you'll ever love. But it is also so much more than that: Seamlessly fusing memoir, science journalism, riveting whodunit mysteries, and light humour about a dark topic . . . a relentlessly fascinating and informative book from the first page to the last.' Scott Stossel, author of the New York Times Bestseller My Age of Anxiety

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Product details

Publisher : Allen & Unwin (19 November 2014)
Language : English
Paperback : 272 pages
ISBN-10 : 1760111821
ISBN-13 : 978-1760111823

Best Sellers Rank: 60,648 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 372 in Biographies of Medical Professionals (Books)
- 20,577 in Humour & Entertainment (Books)

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1,811 ratings

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About the Author

Dr. Judy Melinek is a San Francisco-based Forensic Pathologist and an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF Medical Center. She earned her college degree from Harvard and received her medical degree and pathology residency training at UCLA. During her fellowship in forensic pathology at the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Manhattan, she performed 247 autopsies and identified victims from the World Trade Center terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. She became an Assistant Medical Examiner in Santa Clara County for one year before coming to San Francisco, where she has worked since 2004.

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Terrifying, gruesome and true!

Reviewed in Australia on 31 May 2018

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This book is gruesome, mind bogglingly horrific and absolutely true! That is what I had to keep reminding myself. This is a personal account of Judy Melinek's two years working as a forensic pathologist with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York.
I have found out information about decomposing bodies, burns and dismemberment that I did not know were possible. And given that Judy's time there encompassed September 11, 2001 and the scale that OCME had to deal with in deaths is almost beyond comprehension.
As terrible as some of the accounts were, it was also a fitting tribute to the unsung heroes who give their time to answer questions for those who are still living and need resolution, justice or just consolation.
If however, you find something like Agatha Christie or Midsummer Murders confronting and grisly then you may wish to steer clear.

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Hank

What I also enjoyed was that Dr Melinek demonstrated her humanity in the ...

Reviewed in Australia on 25 February 2015

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A highly readable and enjoyable book. It gives the reader a rare insight into an area which is generally off limits to most of us. The book was well written and lucid in the description of the procedures the author had to perform.
What I also enjoyed was that Dr Melinek demonstrated her humanity in the care and respect she showed the bodies presented to her. I gained the sense that it was more than just a job to her and that she was always conscious of the fact that she was dealing with what was a human being at some stage. After reading the book, it makes one think about the people out there who do this line of work but we are unaware of them unless we are affected by some misfortune or another.

3 people found this helpful

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Ms Marianne Idle

Graphic descriptions but interesting read.

Reviewed in Australia on 9 November 2018

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This is a very interesting book, though not for the faint hearted. Descriptions of the autopsies are very graphic. I am glad there are doctors willing to perform these autopsies, as it certainly wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea. Descriptions of the human devastation from the 911 twin towers collapse were very sobering: I realised that what we received on the news was only a tiny glimpse of the true story.

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Vanessa

Not for weak stomachs

Reviewed in Australia on 26 February 2015

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Such a great read to see what really happens in our city morgues. The author is well versed and speaks with humanity and empathy for all the people who ended up on her autopsy table. Although at times it is a bit gruesome hearing what actually happens in an autopsy, it was so interesting to read all about it as well. Would definately recommend.

One person found this helpful

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WELL WORTH THE READ

Reviewed in Australia on 7 July 2016

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Well written, factual, concise and cases related with compassion but not sensationalism or over dramatisation. Highly recommended. Gives a great inside view on the work medical examiners do - which is not for everyone - but Judy Melinek has moved into a profession that suits her skills and aspirations and brings that profession alive to her readers. And her readers are treated to an author as skilled with words as she is with a scalpel and interpretation.

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Working Stiff: 101

Reviewed in Australia on 26 February 2015

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Extremely detailed and jaw dropping description based on the career of Judy Melinek. You almost feel like you are stepping into her boots, seeing what she sees, doing what she does. However, without the repercussions of instanity, which most would aquire just by a day doing what she does. Judy seems like a strong individual, but still has her own moments of heart break within her work.

2 people found this helpful

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Dr Peter Davies

Working stiff.

Reviewed in Australia on 26 June 2018

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Magnificent book, Sometimes a little gory for those not of a medical disposition.I would highly recommend this book to any one with an interest in medicine.Those with no interest should still read it to admire the work of the medical examiner.

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Ristari

A sincere account of training in forensic pathology in the era of 9/11

Reviewed in Australia on 20 April 2017

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Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Author blends forensic science, real-life detective work, and her own memoirs with sincere and heartfelt writing. Restores a bit of faith in humanity to know that people like Dr Melinek are advocates for those who can no longer speak for themselves.

A word of warning - there are quite graphic sections on the aftermath of 9/11 and a plane tragedy, these may make for quite challenging reading if you reach them while while flying (or if you're about to fly).

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TC Review

Are you SURE you want to know?

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 April 2016

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Judy’s well-written and compelling book pulls no punches and it is definitely not for the faint-of-heart reader.

Wear a seatbelt and don’t smoke, she tells us, or you could end up as one of her fascinating studies in human anatomy. Maybe wearing a seat belt should be compulsory while reading this book?

But this book goes a lot deeper than traffic accidents and smokers’ diseases. Are you sure you really want to know the details of the really gruesome things that can happen to people who simply came to be in the wrong place at the wrong time? If so then read on, you will read stories like the one of the guy who ended up stuck in a steam vent; the construction worker hit on the head by a 383-foot tower crane jib; and the heinous crimes perpetrated on innocent human beings at the World Trade Centre 9/11 disaster. And then there are the murders and the self-inflicted agonies drug addicts and suicides bring upon themselves.

The book is peppered with many multi-syllable medical words worthy of a German dictionary of course, but that I think is unavoidable. Judy’s light touch however, never lets the technical become dull. Indeed, she adroitly interweaves her personal life and family with the pressures of her profession in a way that becomes a pleasure to read.

Unusually, the book poses ten questions at the end – I strongly advise not reading these until you have read the book – here is my answer to one: No, reading the book didn’t alter my opinion on suicides. I believe I understand and empathise with her opinion, but I also believe (given legal protection of the vulnerable) we should have that right over our lives. Indeed, it is arguable that had her father not needed to be secretive of his intentions, and been able to put his house in order, she may not have been quite so devastated by his act. It must be said however, that but for that dreadful loss, the medico-legal profession may not have gained such a consummate professional as she has proved to be.

I recommend Judy’s book without reservation.

I hope you found this independent review helpful. If you did, please let me know by ticking it up.

16 people found this helpful

IllNeverForget

A very human perspective

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 February 2020

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I'll be honest in that the subject of 9/11 drew me to this book. As a 16 year old girl I watched these events unfold across the water in Northern Ireland. Even from so far away, the magic of the world seemed to be sucked out of the air. The shock over time grew into deep respect and love for those lost and bereaved across the sea.

As a person who intends to Never Forget, I spend much time digesting any information I can find about the September 11 events knowing (luckily) I'll never appreciate the magnitude of that day as a New Yorker would. Melineks book not only puts a human heart and eyes at the centre of her experience of that day and it's aftermath, but also offers an intriguing insight to her line of work at the time. There are plenty of lovely moments in here too that show her deep respect of the dead she speaks for and the rich bond she shares with her family and colleagues.

Wether you've arrived at this book for 9/11 reading, an interest in post mortems, or something else entirely I urge you to read it. Judy really provides a beating heart in the midst of so much death.

3 people found this helpful

Clare Bray

FASCINATING READ

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 January 2019

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As I enjoy medical mysteries and am in no way squeamish, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has been very well written and explains some very complicated medical procedures in very simple language. The chapter which includes the work of the emergency services during the collapse of the twin towers of the World Trade Centre atrocities was moving and gave the reader a new perspective. It is graphic but also shows the human story behind the work done to show cause and manner of death.
As I finished this book I really wished it had been longer, I wanted to hear more about the work of this Forensic Pathologist and her colleagues - I hope she writes another as I for one can't wait!!

3 people found this helpful

Miss Thompson

Wonderfully written book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 November 2018

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I bought this book a few months ago and I've already read it 3 times - it's that good.

Judy has a fantastic, pragmatic style of writing. She describes situations and the aspects of her work in perfect detail - there are heart achingly painful stories, issues that leave you angry or surprised, and she does it without being over the top gory (something Hollywood blockbuster directors could learn - more gore doesn't necessarily mean a more horrifying story!).

She intersperses the different cases she works on with snippets of her own life and back story, so there are lighter areas of the book to relieve the heavier parts - and again, it's done so tastefully that the book never feels forced or desperate to shock. It really is just about her experiences in her job.

She comes across as an amazing medical examiner - a real credit to the industry, working hard to speak for the dead.

Brilliant book, thank you to Judy Melinek for sharing your experiences.

One person found this helpful

Jay The Reviewer

Insightful, Interesting with minor quirks along the way

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 February 2017

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I very much enjoyed working stiff, it's one of those 'confessions of a...' that you just can't seem to put down. your emotions can be pulled by some of the different stories, and is very hard to put down.

The personal narrative (namely her farther) was written in a fashion contradictory to the objective nature of the rest of the book that makes it stick out like a sore thumb. For me this is the only component that lets the book down as there seem to be little understanding (from her professional viewpoint) about the demons that must have been eating away at him to make him do what no sane person would even consider.

This viewpoint would have been OK if the subject matter had been brought up, investigated from an emotional point of view and then dropped but it is constantly brought up throughout the book and can ruin the immersiveness of her story telling especially as you can see it coming up in the narrative..

But that is a small nuance in what is otherwise a solid and outstanding piece of story telling. If you like your 'Confessions of a.. ' books, you will really enjoy this.

I highly recommend it

One person found this helpful

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