Washington, D.C. - January 07, 2009

House Call

“Beat the Reaper,” by Josh Bazell

You have reached Dr. Feelgood’s answering service. If this is not an emergency, leave a message and someone will get back to you. BEEP.

Hi, Doc. I know it’s 3 a.m., but I’m suffering from sleep deprivation. I just can’t put down this new book, Beat the Reaper.

I’m really anxious. The story follows a mafioso who became a medical intern post-witness protection. His coworkers are all apathetic and incompetent. They’re nothing like the people on House. (Side note: Can we discuss your credentials?)

It’s also got bribery, threats, and murders. Now my heart is racing. And I may need reading glasses: The book’s tiny footnotes are so funny that I reread them several times.

Finally, we need to discuss my self-image. The first-time novelist is a medical resident. I feel so inadequate.

Please call me back right away. BEEP.

Available online at politics-prose.com. For more information, go to beatthereaper.com.