Description

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An illuminating, hilarious, and practical guide to 99 of the most terrifying ways to die and how to avoid them from an emergency medicine doctor.

Dr. Ashely Alker is a self-described death escapologist—or, in more familiar terms, an emergency medicine doctor. She has seen it all, from flesh-eating bacteria to the work of a serial killer to the more mundane but no less deadly, and her work outwitting the end has uniquely prepared her to write this book.

Dr. Alker manages to shock readers while making them laugh, educating them on how to outsmart a wide range of deadly situations and conditions. Many of the chapters include stories from her experiences in life and medicine, at times heartwarming, others heartbreaking. Sections include explorations of sex, poison, drugs, biological warfare, disease, animals, crime, the elements, and much more.

An Anthony Bourdain-style greatest hits tour of death, 99 Ways to Die is entertaining while it informs. Full of valuable advice and wild stories, this riveting read might just save your life.

About the Author

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Ashely Alker, M.D., M.Sc., is an emergency medicine physician on a mission to improve public health. While completing her master’s degree, Dr. Alker studied at Harvard School of Public Health’s multinational institute in Cyprus, where she lived near the United Nations Green Zone and worked in humanitarian affairs at the Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture. After graduating from the George Washington University School of Medicine, Dr. Alker served as a healthcare advisor for a member of the US Congress. During her residency in emergency medicine at the University of California, San Diego, Dr. Alker became a technical consultant and medical screenwriter, improving medical accuracy on over twenty shows, including TV and film for Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and Disney. Her nonprofit, Meaningful Media, connects writers, artists, and reporters with certified public health experts to develop scientifically accurate messaging. You can visit Dr. Alker online at AAlkerMD.com.

Praise For…

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"Witty yet indispensable...Alker balances a tongue-in-cheek tone with honest reflections on death, which she says 'is the force that defines human life as a temporary, precious spark of magic.' Readers who want to be prepared for the worst will treasure this." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Somehow this guide to many horrific ways to die (and to avoid dying) manages to be fascinating, informative, and tastefully witty. Alker shares her passion for public health and preventive care 'even though it’s bad for business.' This engagingly written medical primer should induce smiles and save lives." —Booklist

"99 Ways to Die is a compelling and informative romp through your local ER. Thoughtfully organized and well researched, it succeeds with a brilliant combination of scientific jargon and playful prose. Highly recommended.” –Michael J. Collins, MD, author of Hot Lights, Cold Steel, All Bleeding Stops, Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs and The Shieling

"Smart and a bit snarky, in the best possible way, 99 Ways to Die is a fascinating read for those who love life and want to ensure theirs stays healthful." —Dr. Judy Melinek, New York Times bestselling coauthor of Working Stiff

"From sore throats to snake bites, heart attacks to helicopter accidents, and quite literally everything in between, this book is filled with practical, accurate, and, yes, entertaining, information about all of those infections, illnesses, accidents and poisonings we often wonder about but never really understood. This book is jam-packed with easy-to-understand information, history, and actionable ways to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe. You will not be able to put this one down!" —Nina L. Shapiro, MD, author of Hype: A Doctor's Guide to Medical Myths, Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2018

"99 Ways to Die (And How to Avoid Them) is the hilariously grim and wildly insightful science book you didn’t know you needed. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, you’ll have endless fodder for cocktail party conversation — and you might just survive a little longer, too.” —Melinda Wenner Moyer, author of Hello, Cruel World! and How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes

"In 99 Ways to Die, Dr. Alker gives the world a glimpse of the landmines actively avoided every day in Emergency Medicine. As a mom and fellow emergency medicine doctor, I want my friends (and kids) to read this book. Maybe now they will understand why my babies never got honey, but always got their vaccines! A fun and interesting read, everyone will learn (and laugh) by reading this book." -Dara Kass, M.D., Former HHS Regional Director, Mom, & Crisis Averter.

"Ways to Die truly checks all the boxes; it masterfully illustrates our medical vulnerabilities in the most sobering, yet absolutely funniest way! From page one until the last, this book takes the reader on a pleasurable journey of renewed purpose coupled with practical tips for living our best lives. The accuracy is unparalleled and will undoubtedly save lives." -Aisha T. Terry MD, MPH, FACEP, George Washington University School of Medicine, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Health Policy, American College of Emergency Physicians, Past President