This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" August 18, 2010
Resilence of the human spirit,
By Maureen Oummadi
In his quest to obtain his medical degree Dr. Robert Schoenfeld ventured to Switzerland to attend Medical School which was supposed to be in English, but much to his dismay was taught only in
German and French. As he could speak neither, imagine the courage it took to continue on with his studies. Over There creates a facinating glimpse into the life of an American medical student in
Switzerland and the fortitude it took not only to complete but to excel. Along the way the reader is mesmerized by one man's journey not only to becoming a physician, but, just as importantly to
becoming a man. The beautiful pictures that accompany this most compelling story, bring the reader along for the ride. You will laugh,cry, and commiserate with the writer along the way. This book is a
MUST READ for anyone who believes in and champions the human spirit.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" August 13, 2010
A Splendid & Inspiring Memoir,
By RebeccasReads.com "Rebecca's Reads" (Austin, Texas)
An autobiographical account of Dr. Schoenfeld's adventure of becoming a medical doctor in Europe is a page-turner. It is a marvelous story of dedication and hard work, showing the reader that
determination pays off.
Desiring to become a doctor, the author gets advised into going to Switzerland to pursue his studies. Being told that everything will be in English, he is completely unprepared for lectures in French and
German. Besides experiencing culture shock, new languages have to be learnt. Oral exams in front of the classmates in two foreign languages - this is just one of the challenges, which many would find
extremely discouraging. The author however, does not lose track of his goals and does his best to persevere.
"Over There" is very enjoyable to read, putting the reader right into the midst of described events. With a good sense of humor, some parts are very entertaining. The author describes his personal life
with its ups and downs, his wins and losses, and the ways he dealt with them. It is absolutely fascinating to read about all the experienced hardships and how everything turned out at the end. Dr.
Schoenfeld accomplished what he desired, being a successful clinician for over forty years. His past experienced shaped his life and taught him crucial lessons. I believe that reflecting on one's past
experiences is absolutely necessary for everyone in order to keep the right perspective into what happened and is happening right. Of course, not everyone's life may be as adventurous as Dr.
Schoenfeld's, but everyone experiences hardships and challenges from which they learn. And the author shows just that in his pages. He tells the story of his life, inspiring the readers to look back and
reflect on their experiences, which taught them important lessons, but may have gone unnoticed.
It is also important to point out that the book is wonderfully illustrated with many photographs, which the author took himself during the adventures. These beautiful color photographs complement the
text extremely well, making the described events even more personal for the reader.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There"
Determination, July 22, 2010
By Reader Views "www.readerviews.com"
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (07/10)
No one ever said going to medical school would be easy, and this was the case of Dr. Robert Schoenfeld. There are very few slots in prestigious hospitals for medical students, but Dr. Schoenfeld
found a true friend and mentor in Dr. Skylar. Although he often found Dr. Skylar's mannerisms strange, Robert found that this Jewish man inspired him and made him try to move to an area he might
not be comfortable with - that is, going overseas to a country one knows nothing about, especially the language and try to finish his medical work.
I don't know about you, but I remember when my husband was in the military and we were stationed in Germany. Talk about a cultural shock! It took time to acclimate as it does with Robert. Where
to live? How to understand professors that you thought would speak in English, but didn't, learning a new language and cultural differences.
What was best about this reading is that the author put you in his life at that time, the struggles, his thoughts of just giving up and his determination to overcome all obstacles. The author has great humor,
knows his shortcomings and yet will overcome them all. He will take you through a journey of his time in Switzerland - his friends, studying or not, and his girlfriend. He will describe his numerous trips
home to see his family and death that affected him. There are beautiful pictures of his time in Europe- many of us can only imagine.
I believe that one of the most important messages that Dr. Schoenfeld gives readers in "Over There" is: Don't give up on your dreams and aspirations. Life is full of obstacles- how hard do you want
this?
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" April 18, 2010
Pleasant and captivating, June 26, 2010
By Basil Reynolds
Dr. Schoenfeld's book, "Over There", was a pleasant, fast paced and captivating read. His many exciting and challenging experiences were met with courage, perseverance and stamina. A true
testimony to the undaunting exuberance of youth. Although our experiences were entirely different, I was able to relate to the, "foreign culture experience", having lived abroad myself. However, I never
had to overcome the challenge of studying in unknown languages, which from my perspective was his most remarkable achievement. His book encapsules stories of joyous accomplishments and times
of bitter sweet sorrow. These coupled with an exceptional collection of photographs all come together to fashion a delightful journey!!
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" April 18, 2010
By Pamipie (New York, USA)
"Over There" is an amazing, informative and thoroughly entertaining recount of Doctor Bob Schoenfeld's 5-1/2 year journey through medical school in Switzerland. This book ranks as one of the best
memoirs I have read. Bob's easy writing style befriends you and makes you feel you are right there traveling on the road beside him through his many escapdes. His descriptive voice, along with the
many beautiful pictures, give the reader an understanding of the wonder and sensation that Bob felt (at the ripe old age of 21) in Switzerland his magical and mystical new home.
Bob goes through the gamut of emotions- from being on his own and traveling by ship, to his destination. He then finds out abruptly that his communication skills won't cut it. He needs to learn two
languages French and German (never known to him before)in order to learn medicine. His fear and despair almost send him back to the USA -but Bob finds soemthing to make him stay....... through
the many laughs and tears he finds his positive light and becomes motivated and determined to overcome his obstacles and do what has to be done to attain his medical degree abroad.
As I came to the close of this book, I felt as I do sometimes when reading ---- that I didn't want the story to end. Of course it had to, but I will ask the author for a favor. Please Dr. Schoenfeld don't
stop now. This wonderful, inspirational story was only about 5-1/2 years of your life!! There must be more!! Would you, could you, roll up your sleeves, get those nimble fingers typing and tell us
more????????
Thankyou
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There"
A truly inspirational book!, April 16, 2010
By Glorian M. Leicht (New York, USA)
This review is from: Over There (Paperback)
This is a truly inspirational book. A wonderful example of how determination and perseverance accomplishes success! Imagine for a moment taking medical school classes in two foreign languages,
neither of which you speak! You will see that Dr. Schoenfeld is truly an amazing person. The story is quite captivating and the book couldn't be put down. It touches on the universal human experience
of loss which everyone can relate to. It shows how sometimes, something quite unexpected can be the changing and influential force in motivating a person to stay on a course in life. The photography is
most beautiful. Dr. Schoenfeld is a wonderful artist as well. While reading this story you will feel your essence enveloped and transported as if you are really,"Over There", with Dr. Schoenfeld in
Switzerland. You will become enriched with the flavor of his experience now shared with you.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There"
A Real winner!, January 25, 2010
By Mucho Gusto Reader "MGR" (NYC)
Wow; this book was such an unexpected pleasure!
I initially was drawn to it because it is such an attractive, even beautiful book. Then I started to read it and I couldn't put it down. It's the true story of the author's medical school adventures in
Switzerland. Imagine coming to medical school in the small town of Fribourg, Switzerland, having been told that your classes would be conducted in English, only to find that they were conducted
entirely in French and German, two languages that are totally unknown to you? To make matters worse, each test of the material would be done verbally, in French or German, by the respective
professor in an open class setting.
What do you do? The author puts you entirely in his shoes as he flails about, becomes increasingly discouraged and moves toward the inevitable; going home with his tail between his legs. But, just as
he's about to make that inglorious retreat, a lifeline is thrown to him and it comes in the unlikely shape of a basketball! A basketball?
That's as far as I'll take you into this most colorful and significant anecdote. To complete it would be unfair to the reader who will be most amused by the central role it plays in the medical school
career of the author, Bob Schoenfeld. This account is but one of the heart-warming and fascinating human interest adventures that make this book into such an enjoyable read from cover to cover.
Many of them are quite funny; some touch on serious romance; the others cover the emotional spectrum; all of them colorful and most entertaining. But, the author also is a world-class photographer.
The many photos displayed throughout the book, all in color, fully capture the incredible beauty of Switzerland and also bring to life the main characters of his exciting and adventure-packed five years
in the country. I read this book in but several sittings. I really had a ball in doing so and I have no hesitation in giving "OVER THERE" my highest recommendation. It's a real beauty, both inside and
out!”
Book Reviews
