HSE MD

I purchased this book during an obsessive daily dose of three House episodes on Netflix absent commercials. The writing for this show was obviously above par, as was the acting. I wanted to know more about the reality of daily schedules and the inner life of the actors as well as the back stories and foundations for the show concept. For these needs, the book delivered well. There were some real insights included like how the show's primary actor at one point felt locked in a vortex having to arrive daily early morning and be on set into early evening with few breaks. He felt trapped and thought that if he got into a car accident he would get a badly needed respite. I didn't like the way the book was organized and there was a lot of filler with descriptions of the filing difficulties. It was a mishmash compendium without good integration to really get at the soul of the whole organization. That being said, House as a show was a phenomenon in that it conveyed some excellent strategies in diagnosing difficult cases and toyed with issues faced by most physicians such as whether patient contact is really helpful when trying to decipher complex and arcane disorders. So to that end the book did background the conceptors and their purposes and the doctors in real life who were the basis of the idea. Not much was said about why the show ended, except that ratings went down. Perhaps it was just a lifespan issue but I would have wanted more here and I also wanted to know more about what the key actors thought of their experience in retrospect. I have now drafted my to nieces into watching the show. They are ages 7 and 12 and they are hooked. I believe it could draw them towards medicine, which would be a good thing. They are now fluent in the lexicon of House which uses the terms plasmaferesis and sarcoidosis in almost every episode. I test them on new words we hear and what they mean in the context of the show using Siri on my I-Phone. This has now become a contest. House is a good teacher to start them off, although they will need to develop a different bedside manner. Jeff Newman

This is an amazing book, with detailed inside description of the process behind making House.There is inside information on how the show started, how David Shore came up with the character and Katie Jacobs / Paul Attanasio's involvement in that. There is casting info, talks with all behind the scenes working crews, major talks with writers and how House is written and the process behind it, details on the process of filming the show and how things are done and shot, talks with directors, key talks with Greg Yaitanes - House's amazing Director-Producer, the flow of a typical day on House, talks with ADs and, major talks and interviews with the actors. On chapter dedicated to each character - with actors, directors and producers discussing each one.And, then, there is the awesome Foreword by Hugh Laurie - who's cleaver and funny, the man has wit to spare.Do not hesitate to buy this book, you won't regret it if you like House and/or the process of "making of" as much as I do.Must have!!!! Buy it now!!!

I was prepared for disappointment as I usually am let down by this sort of book. I was pleasantly surprised. I of course thoroughly enjoyed Hugh Laurie's introduction in and of itself, but there was more. The book starts from the concept to pilot and runs through the sixth season. I was walked through the step by step process of producing each episode, treated to interviews with cast and crew, and re-introduced to each character and how they ticked. Both creator and cast give insights into the latter. A must read for a House fan. Also interesting for someone interested in what goes into putting together a TV episode.

I highly recommend this book of the behind-the-scenes House. Hugh Laurie introduces the book with a wonderful forward, befitting his unlimited talents. The book is full of quotes from everyone I could think of related to the show, including more from Mr. Laurie. Ian Jackman obviously spent countless hours in research and interviews doing detailed preparation to give us fans an entertaining and refreshing look at what it takes to put House on the air. The book is visually easy to read with many new pictures, varying fonts, entertaining quotes, quips and stories that are making it most difficult to stop reading! Not a retread of information at all, as I had anticipated.

This book is a great way to find out more about the characters and actors on House. It gives a great deal of insight into what it takes to put a one hour drama on the air. The attention to minor details that might not even be on the show is amazing.The forward is hilariously wirtten by Hugh Laurie. He is also interviewed numerous times about his character and about the show itself.It seems to me that Ian Jackman had direct access to the cast and crew.I find the book very well written.

I loved this book!! As an avid House fan, this book is a must read for all you House fans out there!! It goes in depth of the making of an episode, telling about not just Hugh and the cast,but the background guys who make the show possible!! You have a great respect for ALL the workers of a tv series,not just the main actors! It tells about what the actors think of their characters, and the foreword by hugh laurie is just AWESOME!!! If you are an avid House fan,this book is for you!!!!!!!

Love this book. If you are looking for a book on the TV series. Love Hugh Laurie and the rest of the casts interviews in the book. Highly recommended if you are a fan of the show.

I don't usually like these sorts of books but these one is exceptionally good. It's a fascinating insight into how a TV series is made with lots of entertaining detail. Loads of info on the characters, cast, writers and production crew, all intelligently written. If you are a fan of 'House', I don't think you can fail to enjoy this. Usually I would read and sell on but this one is staying on my bookshelf to be read again!

My daughter loved this book, started reading it the day i gave it to her as a gift

An incredible insight to the world of House and its production team! I have loved the show since it was first aired and my aspirations to work in Film / TV production myself made this a perfect book for me. While it may somewhat take away from the "magic" of TV for some people, I found this book endlessly interesting and informative. True fans will love this book!

A great buy for any House fan. Very informative and entertaining.

Love House