Book Review: What the Eyes Don't See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City

By Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha

Reviewer: Rija Awan, MS2

One of the most transformative books I read before starting medical school was “What the Eyes Don't See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City” by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha.

Dr. Hanna-Attisha takes readers through her harrowing journey about the Flint Water Crisis: from the initial recognition of alarmingly high blood-lead levels in her pediatric patients, to the painstaking analysis of data, and finally, to the uphill battle she faced in bringing these findings to the attention of those in power. The book gives an intimate look into her thought process, the ethical dilemmas she faced, and the relentless pursuit of the truth, despite the formidable obstacles and pushback she encountered. All of this she did while balancing the demands of her already intense job, driven by an unwavering commitment to the safety of her patients.

Dr. Hanna-Attisha’s courage in standing up against the status quo, even in the face of resistance, serves as a powerful example. Her story highlights the importance of advocating for every single patient. It’s a call to remember that patients are more than just cases—they are people with families, lives and hopes, who trust us to care for them with integrity and compassion. Reading this book may influence a reader’s perspective on being a physician and an advocate for the underserved. To speak out against injustice, no matter how difficult the path may be.

I would recommend “What the Eyes Don’t See” to anyone, regardless of their field of study, but especially to those in medicine and public health. The book is a stark reminder that crises like Flint’s can happen anywhere, but they are preventable if we remain vigilant, informed, and, above all, courageous enough to act.

Reviewer Bio:

Rija Awan is an M2 at the University of Michigan Medical School. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2023 with a degree in Neuroscience and a minor in Education for Empowerment. She is interested in surgical education, community health, and refugee/immigrant health. In her free time, she enjoys playing basketball, traveling, and exploring new coffee shops!