That's Life: It's Sexually Transmitted and Terminal (ISBN 1435754360)

Witty, informative, touching in its humanitarian perspective.:
It's a delight to recommend Dr. Barry Friedman's "That's Life: It's Sexually Transmitted and Terminal." The tongue-in-cheek, witty title perfectly reflects the spirit of this extraordinary collection of stories from the life of a man with a keen eye for human foibles and a deeply humanitarian spirit. You'll be dropped into the technology and practice of the surgeon in the mid-1900s. You'll be treated to fascinating episodes from his days in medical school, aboard a Navy ship during WWII, as a volunteer in tumultous Israel, and in the private practice of an orthopedic surgeon. You'll laugh out loud, feel deeply touched by tragedies, and for those of us old enough to remember those years, be reminded about how much the practice of medicine and life in general has changed. Each story is a unique, delightful treat from the chocolate box of life.

Just what the doctor ordered:
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (11/08) "That's Life: It's Sexually Transmitted and Terminal" is filled with fifty-one outlandish and mildly-exaggerated (only a bit, per the author), yet true tales. Like many husbands (mine included), Barry Friedman, MD, drove his wife crazy telling "those damned" stories over and over again. He will not in the least drive you crazy but will stir up many other emotions - mostly good belly laughs along with some snickers. In over fifty-years as a physician specializing in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Friedman, has put those notes he has taken to good use. As you read: "No stool, No school," "The Sword is mightier than the Pen-is," and so many others, you will quickly come to realize that doctor's do have a sense of humor and this doctor has chosen to share his with us. "That's Life: It's Sexually Transmitted and Terminal" by Barry Friedman, MD, is so much more than a really good read. I will be passing my copy on to many who are facing surgery and other medical issues. What an uplifting and somewhat motivational read this will be, a sure smile on their face.

It's humor and wit are contageous:
That's Life: It's Sexually Transmitted and Terminal is a collection of humorous vignettes from a lifetime in Medicine. It's warmth and humor are contageous and it will have you in stitches, whether or not you had an operation! I highly recommend it.

Doctor's Orders: Laugh, Cry, Enjoy This Book!:
I have read several of the good Doctor's fiction books (very enjoyable reading, I might add) so when I saw that he had published a new non-fiction book (okay, maybe slightly embellished by his own admission on the back cover), I knew I had to purchase it. What a delight! The reader is given a front row seat peering into the inner sanctum of Barry Friedman, Orthopaedic Surgeon, as he traverses life. We get to experience through his eyes and wonderfully descriptive memories just what it was like going from wet behind the ears medical student at NYU, to Navy Doctor serving in the Pacific during World War II, and finally to daily life experiences in private practice. Most of the "vignettes" as he refers to them, are humorous, some are sad, but all of them well-written, insightful and a true pleasure to read. Did you ever want to know what the doctor is really thinking during your exam? You might be surprised when you read that what he says and what he's thinking are quite different indeed. In addition to its assortment of stories which stimulate the reader's "funny bone", That's Life: It's Sexually Transmitted and Terminal touches our hearts with tales of caring and compassion, heroics and valor, as we get a glimpse of a physician who has dealt with life, death and a war that most of us never have nor never will know the likes of. This book was such an enjoyable reading experience I hope the good doctor has another one like this coming, because for this reader, That's Life: It's Sexually Transmitted and Terminal is just what the doctor ordered! Highly recommended.

ANOTHER MARK TWAIN !!!:
MOVE OVER MARK TWAIN - there's a new great story teller on the scene. With his latest page turner, Dr. Barry Friedman has once again delighted his fans with his witty, erudite and color- ful tales of his amazing life. THAT'S LIFE: It's Sexually Transmitted and Terminal is one of his best. It's on our holiday gift giving list as a surefire, one size fits all, winner. Put it on your list too. SONIA & JOSEPH LESSER