Ooo...Juicy...

This week I continued to read Godplayer by Robin Cook. The plot did not advance much as far as the ‘murder’ mystery, but we did find out more about Dr. Kingsley and his wife, Cassandra (a psychiatrist in the same hospital). We learned through watching Dr. Kingsley in action (performing an open-heart surgery) that he is addicted to the adrenaline that accompanies performing surgery. Without two or three cardiac surgeries a day, Kingsley gets all bent out of shape and depressed. He thinks hat if he doesn’t perform surgeries, then he’s a bad doctor and is failing at his job…yeah…some ego. Later on we find out that Cassandra is diabetic and has to give herself insulin injections. But, along with the treatment, a condition in her eye formed over the years that needs medical attention. So, as a result, Kingsley and Cassie have to decide whether or not to get the surgery. I stopped reading at the point when Kingsley gets wind of Cassie talking to people about her condition. He is livid. Why, I’m not sure. But it shows a very dark side of him and he obviously had issues with rumors about his wife drifting throughout the hospital. The character of Kingsley (so far) is the most interesting development. He’s obviously very egocentric (I’m mean, he’s the best), but also very arrogant and easily disturbed. As he walks from the operating room after performing one of the fastest bypasses ever, the crowd of people that had been watching the spectacle are simply ignored by Kingsley. He walks past them because he knew he was the best, and this is all he needs: a few shots of glory everyday to keep him on top. In addition to his feeling of superiority, we see a certain self consciousness when the issue of his wife was brought up. I think his wife is a threat to his position and reputation in the hospital, and therefore is angry that she is open and accepting to her condition (hello, she’s a psychiatrist. They’re supposed to be open). This aspect of Kingsley also opens potential relationship drama. Ooo…juicy…Since they’re on two different ends of the personality spectrum (she’s accepting and open, and he’s arrogant and closed), I wonder how they even found each other. It was probably one of those “OMG he’s such a hero” moments…then they got married…? I don’t know. We’ll see.