|
Publisher:
iUniverse, Inc. |
Release
Date: Nov.2003 |
ISBN:
0595292070 |
Awards:
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Format
Reviewed: Trade Paperback |
Buy
it at Amazon |
Read
an Excerpt |
Genre:
Nonfiction / memoir |
Reviewed:
2004 |
Reviewer:
Janet Elaine Smith |
Reviewer
Notes: Janet Elaine Smith is the author of 11 published
novels, including And They Called Her General Leigh,
a Civil War romantic comedy, and her new non-fiction book,
The Flood of the Millennium: The Survivors, the Real Heroes.
She also writes for nine magazines and many online ezines. |
Copyright
MyShelf.com |
|
Letting
Go: A Memoir
By William A. Gruber,
MD
There
are many fine doctors in this country, but you would have to travel
many miles to find one to equal Dr. William Gruber, the author of
Letting Go: A Memoir. It takes the reader through a very heartfelt
journey in which he describes his relationship with a patient, Mark
Smetko, as “At first he was a patient, then he became my friend,
and then he became my teacher.”
Mark
Smetko had more medical problems than any human should have to bear.
He went through periods of deep depression to times of great personal
challenge which he met with incredible courage. When he went to
see Dr. Gruber, an almost immediate bond was formed between the
two men. Dr. Gruber was a great support system to Mark, as a close
friend as well as his physician.
And
then the bomb dropped! Dr. Gruber was infected with hepatitis through
a surgery he was performing, and before long he had to surrender
his practice. The book contains the e-mails, phone calls and personal
visits between the two men. Mark’s intrigue with railroads—both
model and real ones—served as a common ground for the men.
When Dr. Gruber needed personal reinforcement, it was provided by
Mark.
This
is the most emotional rollercoaster I have ever been on. There were
times of tears, heart-wrenching fear—for both of them, and
some times of laughter as well.
One
of the most moving parts to me was the contact that was established
between Dr. Gruber and Mark’s mother, Zita.
If
you only read one book this year, this is the one you should choose.
You will never look at life the same way again. An absolutely wonderful
reading experience.
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