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Dr. Monica Starkman is a psychiatrist who is a faculty member of the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She writes regularly for Psychology Today as one of their Experts on her blog-column : "On Call". Dr. Starkman has also published in The New Republic and Vogue magazine.. She is a clinician and a scientific researcher. Many of her publications in the scientific literature highlight concerns and conditions of women, such as the first study of women’s reactions to the use of fetal monitoring during labor. She is also a recognized expert on the effects of stress hormones on mood and on brain structure.
Reviewed by Tawny Molina for Readers' Favorite
There are very few moments in life when I will take the time to sit down and listen to an entire audiobook in one sitting. Today was one of those days when I began listening to The End of Miracles: A Novel by Monica Starkman. The book covers some sensitive subjects that may not be suitable for all people, particularly those involved in a mental health crisis. However, as a person who has also battled with severe mental health conditions, I can also say it was particularly cathartic to listen to this audiobook written by a psychiatrist.
The End of Miracles is an intense novel following Margo as she copes with the desperate desire to have a child, losing the child, and dealing with the existing and lingering mental illness that the loss seems to bring out in her. This story takes a realistic look at mental health issues, which displays the author's excellent grasp of her field of study. Many novels about mental health patients and mental health facilities are often exaggerated for the shock value. The book is indeed shocking, but this is because of its realism and the fact that the issues that come up are entirely plausible.
As I listened to The End of Miracles, I also need to add that beyond Monica Starkman’s amazing writing, the audio performance of Jane Oppenheimer was fantastic. Oppenheimer not only narrates in a steady and easy-to-follow tone but takes the time to give each well-written character the personality that their journey deserves. This is a wonderful audiobook! Just make sure you set some time aside because once you start listening, you will not stop.
