Review of Death Panels

[Diana Lowery]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Death Panels" by Greg Vigdor.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Because I enjoy TV medical dramas, especially those that deal with the inconsistencies of the American health system, I chose to read Death Panels: One More American Health Policy Detective Story by Greg Vigdor. I was unfamiliar with the term used for the title, but the meaning soon became obvious. Vigdor's fictional story is well supported by his knowledge gained from years of working in hospital administration. I would never have chosen to read a non-fiction book on this topic, but I thoroughly enjoyed how the author presented his viewpoint on the subject.

The tale begins by following Nancy Jones, who is suffering from Long Covid and is being kept in a facility for the terminally ill. The 109 chapters switch between several protagonists, but their stories intertwine. This is the third book in the Irv Tinsley Health Policy Detective Series, but it is not necessary to read the other books first. Scenes that take place in Las Vegas and the interactions with the Russian mob keep the story interesting. I like the honesty of Irv's character as he struggles with his moral decisions.

The chapters are not numbered on the individual title pages, which bothered me a little. Another negative for me occurred halfway through when the focus shifted from Nancy to Irv. The frequent updates on Nancy's situation disappeared. I kept wondering about her. However, this technique did increase the apprehension that led to the dramatic climax.

The factual information presented by the author and his solution on how to right the wrongs of our failing healthcare system was eye-opening. I appreciate that the profits from this book go to a not-for-profit health foundation. Vigdor is the volunteer president of that organization. The author has included a link to a health form at the beginning of the book.

My rating for this book is five out of five because I like that it made me face a question I hadn't considered before: How do we, as a society, determine who gets life-serving benefits? If you are interested in learning about that topic, you will benefit from reading Death Panels.

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Death Panels
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[Lene Lena]

I enjoy TV medical dramas as well, and this book sounds like it could be a good adaptation. It's wonderful to hear how Greg Vigdor's blend of fiction and real-world health policy is eye-opening, especially in offering solutions to the failing healthcare system. I'll add this to my list. Thank you for this excellent review!

[Diana Lowery]

I enjoy TV medical dramas as well, and this book sounds like it could be a good adaptation. It's wonderful to hear how Greg Vigdor's blend of fiction and real-world health policy is eye-opening, especially in offering solutions to the failing healthcare system. I'll add this to my list. Thank you for this excellent review!

Thank you for your comments, Lene Lena.

[Kristin Paolantonio]

Count me in too! I enjoyed your review!
I love the intrigue of intertwining characters. I enjoy TV medical dramas. This will be fun and interesting to read!

[Diana Lowery]

Count me in too! I enjoyed your review!
I love the intrigue of intertwining characters. I enjoy TV medical dramas. This will be fun and interesting to read!

Thank you Kirstin, I hope you enjoy the book.

[NetMassimo]

I had a good impression from a previous novel of this series and I see that the author went on with his medical thrillers developing ethical and moral issues connected to the American healthcare system and using the pandemic as an inspiration for the plot. I'll look into this series. Thank you for your great review!

[Louis Donald]

The mix of healthcare policy and fiction in this story is intriguing, especially with the moral questions it raises. It’s definitely something I’d consider reading, as I’m interested in both medical dramas and the flaws in the healthcare system.

[Pearl Flourish]

Greg Vigdor’s “Death Panels” offers a gripping narrative that intertwines personal stories with a critical examination of the American healthcare system. Drawing from his extensive experience in hospital administration, Vigdor presents a fictional yet eye-opening perspective on how life-and-death decisions are made within the industry. The book not only engages readers with its compelling plot but also challenges them to reflect on the ethical and systemic issues inherent in healthcare policies.

[Bookish_Tropes]

Honestly, I didn't realize this book would be talking about Long COVID and I'm glad it's being normalized in fiction this way.

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

Being British, I can see parallels between the US system and our own, and it’s worrying to say the least. It written well, and is a well researched narrative into a faulty system. The reviewer has explained it all well.

[Limpho Mojakisane]

Thanks for this clear and thoughtful review. I didn’t know “Death Panels” was part of a series, so it’s helpful to know it can be read on its own. I’m also glad you pointed out that it mixes fiction with real healthcare issues, which makes a complex topic easier to follow. The shift away from Nancy mid-story sounds a bit frustrating, but it’s interesting how that added to the suspense. It’s great to see a book raise real questions about fairness in healthcare while supporting a nonprofit cause.

[Stephanie Gail Stephen]

This review really caught my attention. I appreciate how it highlights the blend of fiction and real-world healthcare issues—especially since this isn't a genre I would usually explore. It’s interesting how the book manages to weave a suspenseful story with complex moral questions about healthcare access. The fact that it left you thinking about “who gets life-saving benefits” makes me curious to read the series of books.

[Rupak Singh]

This book is a brave and interruption of discourse around healthcare, justice, and death. It's not a guidebook it's an invitation to rethink care outside the systems that have harmed so many. This book will appeal to readers focused on abolition, disability justice, decolonial theory, and radical healing practice. It's difficult, lyrical, and profoundly emotional.this book is intresting when you are radical,

But i my review this is osm book

[Daisy Contreras 2]

Wow, this book sounds like something I’d really enjoy! I love medical dramas, especially when they dive into real issues in the healthcare system. The idea of different characters’ lives weaving together really grabs my attention. I’ve never heard of “death panels” before, but now I’m intrigued. Thanks for the review—I’m adding this to my reading list for sure!

[Daisy Contreras 2]

This title sounds of my interest most definitely going to read.Thanks for posting such an amazing review.