“Gray Matter”

David began his adult life as a car mechanic. Hands on cold gears, engine valves at his fingertips, head down and full pursuit of the fix to a fine running machine. Then he discovered he really wanted to “fix” another body: The Human One! He began his adventure in the medical world as the youngest member of his medical school class and excelled! Deciding on a specialty in neurosurgery he entered the profession in the one of the most intricate and dangerous areas where doctors go during surgery. The book shows us Dr Levy’s walk to help patients with more than just brain surgery but their overall health, including their mental health, relationships and spiritual growth.

What is “Gray Matter”? First hint, it is not the C-141 in the photo. Actually, you are using yours right now to read this and make a determination if you want to continue. Gray matter controls your decision to continue, your breathing rate, eye movements, thoughts and much more! Your brain is a wonderful creation that guides us through our daily lives! “Gray Matter” relates the personal experiences of Dr Levy, a neurosurgeon who regularly operated on the brains of patients with serious problems. This surgery is a trauma in itself that could further lead to stroke, paralysis, blindness and even death.

My curiosity about the book was driven by my own recent medical experiences fighting cancer. The cancer was not in my brain but in my foot and leg. With amputation a possibility, I talked to professionals like Dr Levy while making critical decisions about my own life. As a Christian, I would have appreciated the “bedside manner” that Dr Levy grew in his practice! He met, cared for and prayed with many different patients; but facing the parents of tiny patients pulled at the heart strings. Dr Levy wove the storyline to help us better understand some of the medical what’s and why’s. He posed that there were never answers to everything we experience but his faith helped him deal with tough ones!

If you are looking for an inspirational book that delivers a riveting story of lives in need, read Gray Matter to see how one doctor found a key to open the door to help his patients (and opened the door to his own heart as well). I found the book an easy read despite some of the complicated procedures described and laid it down with a “wish there was more” feeling. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: MilitaryAvenue The author after his last flight in a C-141 at the end of his 30 year Air Force career is 3d from right.

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of “Gray Matter” to review.byColonel KonTuesday, March 01, 2011Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to PinterestMilitary Life:book review,Col K,military family,military medical