The Beauty in Breaking

by Michele Harper

Summary 

The Beauty in Breaking by Dr. Michele Harper is a memoir that follows her journey as an African American emergency room physician who confronts both personal and professional challenges. Through her work in the ER, Harper encounters patients from diverse backgrounds, each revealing unique struggles that highlight the importance of empathy, resilience, and cultural sensitivity in healthcare. As she navigates a demanding career, Harper reflects on her own healing from a difficult childhood, a broken marriage, and the emotional toll of her profession. Her stories reveal how moments of connection and understanding can transform both patient and physician, emphasizing that true healing often lies in embracing both the beauty and fragility of life.