Summary: Most people assume that if you are in an accident, once you arrive at the hospital you will receive immediate attention. While the ambulance may rush you there in a timely fashion, your health insurance or lack thereof may determine how quickly you are treated and to what depth. Hogan Gorman worked nights in New York City as a cocktail waitress pursuing her acting career. She worked hard trying to remain optimistic about her future, often reminding herself how much she “loves her job” even while dealing with inebriated patrons at the club. Given this unfulfilling life-routine, her friend, Aura, advised her to ask the “universe” for change where she worked. Change is definitely what she received! While crossing the street to get to work, she was struck by a car. From the moment her head shattered the car’s windshield, she found that life as she knew it had indeed changed. In Hot Cripple, Hogan Gorman meticulously writes about the events of her accident and life thereafter struggling with dire pain trying to fulfill life-sustaining body functions and daily routines. She writes candidly about her experience with hospitals, doctors and inevitably, her rude awakening with public assistance. Hogan also describes the harrowing experience of shopping for vegan foods with food stamps. Ironically, she finds that unhealthy foods are remarkably more affordable that life sustaining organic foods. Hot Cripple is an eye-opening look at the reality for millions of Americans who at some point may have to rely upon “the system” when there is no one else to
