The Tennis Partner: A Doctor's Story of Friendship and Loss

Rating:
Summary: More literary that first book
Review: I am a huge Verghese fan; I have both books and try to keep up with his freelance work. This book is better crafted than his first, giving more insight into his emotional journey and that of his tennis partner. But I have to admit, I skimmed the parts where waxes on about tennis. If you check the credits at the back, you'll find many of these "mini-essays" began as magazine articles before he folded them into his story. But his indulgences don't ruin the read--there was more than enough to enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Thoughtful and insightful
Review: As a fan of Dr. Verghese's "My Own Country", I was intrigued by this topic, obviously a departure and a deeply personal memoir, when I first decided to buy "The Tennis Partner". I think enjoyment of this book requires the ability to realize that he is searching for answers regarding the addiction of his friend, a situation which boggles the mind of someone who has not struggled with the same problem. I admire his research into the world of drug addiction and the beauty of his attempts to explain his insights into David's world, actually into David's mind. There didn't seem to be a resolution for his search to understand David, but it seems this book was Dr. Verghese's method of paying tribute to his friend and probably therapeutic way to deal with his loss. The tennis descriptions were an interesting way to tell this story. I like the way he showed the tennis partnership interwoven with getting to know and understand David. To me, Dr. Verghese seemed at a loss to come to grips with what could be happening inside David to cause such destruction in a life of promise. Dr. Verghese even seemed to be unfamiliar with the whole addiction and recovery process, as he was sucked into the life of a dependent so far as to be an enabler of sorts. I admire him for putting his thoughts and experiences together, and exploring his own attitude toward drug abuse.

Rating:
Summary: A friendship?
Review: I am amazed that someone can consider type of relationship discribed here to be one of very close friends....the book title more aptly displays the depth of feeling, in my opinion. This book might be enjoyed by someone who adores tennis; as one who has no specific interest in it, those long segments of the book have no appeal...they might as well be discussing bowling...anything physical. This allows the writer to skirt issues instead of allowing close human interaction. I am amazed that what most women would consider an aquaintance, this writer considers to be a close (only?) friend. I think he has emotionally arrested development, though he seems kind, and most likely is an able physician.

Rating:
Summary: Thank you, Abraham!
Review: Abraham Verghese's writing is wonderfully readable, leaving a lasting impression. Time spent in this book will deepen your understanding of drug addiction--and friendship.

Rating:
Summary: Simply but Eloquently Written - a Gift
Review: This book moved me as few others have, in part because of the story itself, but mostly by the beautiful, honest and unadorned way it is written. Abraham Verghese opens his lonely soul without pretense or fanfare: unusual for a man, rarer still for a physician. I have worked with physicians and am close to one. Many of the emotions Verghese describes as he cares for his patients I long suspected physicians experienced, but was never certain. Physicians don't wax poetically to non-physicians over the feeling of a pulse or the percussion of an abdomen, fearful it might diminish them. They certainly don't expose their vulnerability or need for friendship as plainly as Verghese does. Despite their skills and accomplishments, both Verghese and Smith remain very much affected by their childhoods and by their insecurities. They are lost souls. Ultimately, Verghese finds his way back while David is lost forever. It is Verghese's sensitive description of this story that captures both the forlorn and the passionate sides to these two men, forever etching them into my own soul. This is Verghese's true gift to his reader.

Rating:
Summary: powerful, well written, insightful !
Review: I found this book hard to put down even though you know from the cover of this book that he loses his friend. As a retired R.N., Verghese's observations regarding physicians is astute and accurate. As a person who loves the game of tennis, his metaphors for life based on tennis are absolutely stunning. I will always remember the last sentence of this very well written book and I look forward to reading his future endeavors.

Rating:
Summary: Warm, compassionate, inviting and tragic.
Review: An even better read than his first book, Abraham Verghese really hits his stride with The Tennis Partner. The characters come alive with warmth and a gentle, nonjudgemental touch. I feel like I've come to know a part a part of El Paso - its people and the place. A must read for all physicians in practice and those in training - and anyone who plans on seeing a physician too. I was sorry when the book ended. Sign me up as a new member of the Abraham Veghese fan club.

Rating:
Summary: A touching book regarding finding friendship and loss.
Review: The Tennis Partner was a sensitive and touching portrait of a friendship that is found between two men and the loss that can occur. Verghese handles the feelings, thoughts, emotions and bonding involved in a real and sensitive manner, never cheapening his story by descending into a soap opera style. The evolution of the characters and the relationships of the characters are compelled by their natures which Verghese paints so beautifully with his words. Along with Tuesdays With Morrie, perhaps the most realistic and sensitive book I have ever read.

Rating:
Summary: emotional, honest.
Review: I have read plenty of memoirs and usually find them overrated and dissapointing. Not this one. Having never been to El Paso, I felt myself driving on roads with mountains and brown all around. The author's relationship with a drug-addicted intern was honest and heartwrenching. Great job and a great read.

Rating:
Summary: Beautifully written, rare look at friendship and addiction
Review: One of those few books that incorporates so many themes seamlessly; drug addiction, work, friendship, divorce, loss. On top of all that, suspensful. Excellent. Nice insights into El Paso as well.