General Practice: A Sector General Omnibus

Quick ship and a very good book.

I've been a fan of all of James White's Sector General stories since I first bought "Double Contact" as a used book at a flea market. His stories are a true pleasure to read and I find myself re-reading them every couple of years. The complexitiers of his space hospital and ambulance ship are readily believable and his really weird aliens become likable characters.Plots usually involve good "folk" solving recognizable (sort of) medical/mental and social/political problems. Although a lot goes on in his stories, writing is definitely low-voltage with frequent sly and hidden humor. Absent are the more modern popular and edgy sci-fi themes of technology rebellion, end of the world, degradation of mankind, evil immortals and emotional sexual relations. It may not be beyond the realm of possibility that in the future, as we explore the galaxy and even meet other very strange and intelligent beings, White's stories may be a benchmark for peaceful and productive coexistence.

The third omnibus collection in the Sector General series, "General Practice" leads the series away from the memorable Dr. Conway and friends and into a pair of novels describing the adventures of two new, and very alien characters. "Code Blue", the unconventional arrival of a Sommaradvan DCNF at Sector General, will be appreciated by anyone who has ever experienced difficulty fitting in to an institution or company. "The Genocidal Healer" is much more introspective, a sort of journey through personal philosophy rather than time or space, but still manages to cover a fair bit of weird alien medicine; in spite of the extremely Catholic influence of James White it never really becomes preachy, moralizing, or dull- and that's coming from me, an "almost-atheist".I would suggest a first-time reader to NOT read the excellent introduction until AFTER the stories- it unfortunately reveals a few spoilers, but at the same time provides a nice bit of context and commentary. Other than that, the book continues many of the story arcs from the last two collections (Khone, Conway's Hudlar project), intersects with old friends (O'Mara in particular gets plenty of time), and expands on a few characters who've only appeared briefly in past stories (Carmody actually appeared early in Dr. Conway's career, although not named… no spoilers here!). Aside from the interesting characters and story arcs, this book, like the two before it, are laden with bizarre alien physiology, light-hearted humor, in-jokes, and ultimately the theme of unified humanism connecting all individuals which is the strongest trademark of White's writing.

Great, old fashioned science fiction. I've always loved the Sector General books and its great to get the omnibus additions on the kindle. The setting of a giant hospital in space catering for alien species opens up a huge array of possibilities for story-lines.

I grew up reading SciFi, and especially searched for medical stories, as I was pursuing a career as a physician. James White established a continuing series of medical issues that seemed to define one of the best sides of the genre, the ability to write about controversial issues by setting the in a fictional distant future, or a seemingly impossible future depending upon your perspective. He displayed the real feelings that physicians feel when placed in difficult ethical positions. His future races may be impossible, but the interactions mimic many of the interpersonal craziness that occurs in very large hospitals between members of the staff and patients.The main issue that doesn’t ring true to today’s society, are things such as extended stays in the hospital until a cure can be found, and administrative staff being able and willing to provide the support needed by the medical staff. Such behavior was once true, but has been lost due the micromanaging and penny pinching National Health Insurance in Europe and Managed Care, Medicare, and Medecade

I have long been a fan of James White and his Sector General Series. I hadn't read "Code Blue Emergency" and so I jumped at the possibility of getting this novel. I was delighted. The story of the main character, a Warrior-Surgeon with a really strange code of ethics is riveting and whenever you felt that nothing else could happen, well, it happened and you kept reading, and reading... The second novel is just as fantastic: the ethical quality of the characters is the basic part of the plots and you can't help feeling for them. I really liked the addition of new characters besides Conway and Prilicla, though they are still part of the stories. Don't miss a wonderful journey through the most interesting hospital you'll ever see. It's worth it!

This omnibus of stories by James White is in no way inferior to the first one. As I stated in my review of "Beginning Operations," I spent quite a few years in hospital settings in the laboratory as a Medical Technologist, so I have little to no problem identifying with the situations presented in White's books. For me it's a journey home, but to a different time and place. Yes, we got teased a lot about working in a lab, but I had a comeback that left more than one of the provocateurs wondering. When asked by one of these idiots what all we did in the lab, I would slid my specs a little lower on my nose, look at the person over the specs, and in my best Boris Karloff tones reply, "Why, what else? We build monsters!" We were rarely bothered by them again. Anyway, you'll love this book as much as the first one. I know I did.

This rating is for all of James White’s books. Excellent reads! I would recommend them for ages “young adult” to infinity. The subject matter is so unique and mind-expanding.

It's by James White, enough said.

cadeau

Vermutlich bin ich hier nicht unvoreingenommen, da ich die Bücher schon vor 25 Jahren das erste Mal gelesen (und geliebt) habe. Umso schöner, dass ich sie nun auch auf dem Kindl habe.

Another great couple of books in the Sector General series by James White. A little of the old characters and alot about some new. Typical can't put it down stuff tho. If you liked the others, then this is a continuation of James Whites excellence.

I have waited years for the re-release of James White's Sector General Novels.This very original series deals with unique aliens with amazing situationsin a multi-species hospital environment.I remember reading this series over 25 years ago, it's interesting charactershas held up over time and I immediately bought all the omnibuses.I find them a thoroughly satisfying readsTammy Thurston