About
Whitey's Kid is an autobiographical memoir of Dr. Bernard (aka "Bernie") Koire (1928 - 2018), the son of a notorious Jewish gangster, decorated Korean War veteran, and one of the pioneering plastic surgeons of Beverly Hills.
Bernie grew up in Kensington, Pennsylvania-up the Delaware River from Philadelphia. It was a 200-year-old immigrant entry point and then a failed industrial ghetto for the Irish, Polish, Italians, and Jews. The streets were mean-instructive and formative for him, especially as the second-generation son of a mobster. Bernie's future seemed dim at best, but he literally was a fighter, with a passion for discovery and learning, who excelled in school. Over two tumultuous decades, Bernie finds himself in numerous difficult situations, some dangerous and others hilarious. And despite the odds, he emerges from his background to become an early innovative plastic surgeon with a zest for storytelling, adventure, risk-taking, and world service. When not practicing in Beverly Hills, Bernie travels with his wife Nina to perform surgery on medical missions in remote locations around the world. While on these trips, he finds adventure and mishaps, including encounters with characters such as the Shah of Iran and Mother Teresa.
Whitey's Kid traces some of the earliest evidence of the mob connections and volatility of the Philadelphia-New York mob turf wars which ended in the mysterious and unsolved death of Whitey Cohen. The book introduces the impact on his son of the experience of living with a "made" guy in the Jewish mafia. It traces the life and times of a street kid to a leader in his chosen medical field. The book celebrates a child who was forged in the reality of being worse than fatherless, and translated that experience into an inspiring tribute to hard work, risk taking, persistence and perseverance. Bernie is a stubborn visionary who never fully abandons the lessons of the streets and is filled with a passion for risk, travel, and occasional visits into his dark side without apology.
REVIEWS
A riveting, multidimensional tale of an extraordinary life
In the pantheon of compelling memoirs, WHITEY'S KID, the autobiography of Dr. Bernard Koire, distinguishes itself as a riveting, multidimensional tale of an extraordinary life. This powerful and thought-provoking book charts the life of Dr. Koire, the son of a notorious Jewish gangster, a decorated Korean War veteran, and one of the pioneering plastic surgeons of Beverly Hills.
From the very first page, WHITEY'S KID captivates readers with its vivid storytelling and rich details. Dr. Koire masterfully weaves together tales of his father's criminal past, his own journey through the Korean War, and his groundbreaking work in plastic surgery, capturing the emotional complexity and historical significance of each chapter in his life.
The memoir reveals the duality of Dr. Koire's life, as he wrestles with the weight of his father's legacy, while simultaneously forging his own path. Despite the adversity he faces, Dr. Koire's resilience, intelligence, and resourcefulness shine through as he overcomes obstacles and breaks barriers. His journey serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit, showing that it is possible to rise above the circumstances of one's birth.
One of the most compelling aspects of WHITEY'S KID is its deep exploration of the impact of family dynamics and generational trauma. Dr. Koire shares intimate details of his struggles with the shadow of his father's reputation, while also acknowledging the love and support that his father provided. This honest and poignant portrayal of a complicated relationship adds depth and nuance to the memoir, making it an even more compelling read.
Dr. Koire's distinguished career as a pioneering plastic surgeon is chronicled with equal fervor, painting a vivid picture of the early days of this transformative field. His impact on the lives of his patients, the medical community, and the world of cosmetic surgery is both inspiring and groundbreaking. Through his work, Dr. Koire reshaped not only the faces of those he treated but also the perception of the industry as a whole.
WHITEY'S KID is more than just a personal story; it is a rich tapestry that encompasses the wider social, cultural, and historical context of the times. Dr. Koire's life provides a unique lens through which to examine key moments in history, such as the Korean War and the evolution of plastic surgery. The book's engaging narrative style invites readers to fully immerse themselves in these moments, enhancing the overall experience.
In conclusion, WHITEY'S KID is an extraordinary autobiography that offers readers an unforgettable journey through the life of Dr. Bernard Koire. A captivating and inspiring tale of resilience, ambition, and redemption, this book is an absolute must-read. It transcends the boundaries of the genre, providing a deeply personal and historically significant account of a life well-lived.
Rick Smolan, #1 New York Times best-selling author and creator of the DAY IN THE LIFE book series
Great real life rags to riches story of a Philly Boy
Bernard Koire is compelling and amazing. Bernard grew up in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. His father was part of the Jewish Mafia, but despite the family business Korie rose to the heights of the medical profession. This story is an amazing ride of a remarkable man who grew up poor, excelled in music, and was a hero in the Korean War. Using his GI bill, he eventually became a famous Plastic Surgeon and pioneer.
His life is a real rags-to-riches story, filled with danger, heartfelt activities and interesting world-famous people Dr. Koire worked with and met during his career. I also grew up in the Kensington section of Philly, but 20 years after the doctor. His descriptions of his youth are similar to mine (except for the mafia thing), and they evoked many pleasant memories. I whole heartily suggest this book.
H Mark
A remarkable tale of survival and success
Whitey’s Kid is the compelling autobiography of Dr. Bernard Koire, who grew up as the son of Whitey Cohen, a notorious Jewish gangster in the Philadelphia area. Through brains, brawn, entrepreneurship, and a fair amount of luck, Bernie supported his family after his father disappeared, dodged death while a medic in the Korean War, and went onto to become a pioneering plastic surgeon in Los Angeles. Readers will enjoy Bernie’s humor as the book recounts one incredible story after another. Whitey’s Kid is an unique American rags-to-riches tale that will keep readers turning the pages to find out what happens next.
C. Allen