An Unspoken Art: Profiles of Veterinary Life

by Lee Gutkind

Stories depicting contemporary veterinary life address many of the current issues surrounding the profession, illustrate the challenges faced by zoo veterinarians, and profile a veterinarian in rural Pennsylvania

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Medical, Nature

226 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Lee Gutkind has been recognized by Vanity Fair as “the godfather behind creative nonfiction.” A prolific writer, he has authored and edited over twenty-five books, and is the founder and editor of Creative Nonfiction, the first and largest literary magazine to publish only narrative nonfiction. Gutkind has received grants, honors, and awards from numerous organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Science Foundation. A man of many talents, Gutkind has been a motorcyclist, medical insider, sports expert, sailor, and college professor. He is currently distinguished writer in residence in the Consortium for Science, Policy, and Outcomes at Arizona State University and a professor in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very esy book to read. It is interesting to meet the different vets and the different jobs they do, inside of the profession.

Looking as the very easy to read writing style and the two "errors" I found think either Gutkind is grinding out books, or he is catering to people with little education.

Beside the low reading level two other things things concerned me. The author is prolific and he has also been an editor. He used the word complected, instead of complexioned. In older dictionaries complected is not listed, or it is noted as dialectical. Merriam-Webster says complected is used only in America, but that handbooks recommend the use of complexion.

My second problem is he used the word autopsy several times, when the correct word is necropsy. Autopsy is listed as a synonym, along with biopsy. I would be happier with more precise language.

[Scoop Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My expectations were not high when I opened this book. I expected a modern approach similar to All Creatures Great and Small. The book has many stories about the day-to-day lives of veterinarians from many specialties. From elephants to geckos, penguins to cats, the there is a vet who was to help each one. But, the true value of this book is in the author's examination of vets as people, people who care, who unfailing treat the animals in their care better than most M.D.'s treat their human patients. The bonds between a vet and his patients is described with such luminosity I was moved to tears more than once.

This is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read.

[Joan Colby · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting compilation of interviews with veterinarians ranging from small animal vets to those that care for racehorses to researchers. Gutkind is a fine reporter who lets the words tell the story and is unafraid of introducing controversy.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book easy to read and enjoyable. Each area covered by the author gave an in-depth enough picture of that type of veterinarian to get a feel for the job. City, rural, zoo and then a personal share from the author.

[Donna Riley-lein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Herriot

If you are looking for another "Great an small" book, this will do as a snack. The meat and heart, the humanity of the Herriot books is lacking.

[Jane Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get Story

An interesting book, such explains the life and times of vetrinarians. The author shows the techniques they use, and describes the almost. Impossible job of the zoo vet. It is good on detail s d points out the feeling that a vet must have toward animals