The Journal of a Civil War Surgeon Book

Loved loved loved this book! I could not put it down--I read it in one day! Jane Stern is fighting depression and a series of phobias (that we learn stem from a challenging and sad childhood as well as family background) so at the age of 53 she decides to become an EMT! Reminiscent of Michael Perry's writing in "Population: 485" we laugh and cry as Jane takes all her coursework in the first half of the book and then puts her knowledge to practice in the second half of the book. She is so appreciative about what she is learning and so observant of the personal dynamics around her. It is wonderful! And by the end you are so proud of her accomplishments and how she has risen above all the negative things that were holding her back. She finds a sense of community with the other EMTs that she never had before. Powerful stuff! It makes you ask, "How can I do something brave?" Funnily, Jane and her husband are regular contributors to "A Splendid Table" on NPR. So if you want to hear what her voice sounds like, you can hear it on there!