RELEASE DATE: June 2008
On the surface The Spirit of the Place could be looked upon as a romantic novel about a physician who must grudgingly return to his hometown upon receiving word of his mother’s death.
Relationships ensue, old wounds are reopened, insights are gained, and life moves on.
But, that is truly not what this story is about.
This work is layered with theme upon theme about being wounded, being forgiven, and learning to bloom where you are planted.
The central character of this story, Dr. Orville Rose, holds within him repulsion towards the physical deformities that can afflict a human.
How many healers enter into their profession in order to heal something that has been deformed in their own lives? Such is the case for Dr. Rose, who learns that as his heart of stone melts to a heart of flesh that he has been crippled. He finds that he has been handicapped throughout his life with emotional burdens carried with him from childhood, and the complicated fresh grief over the death of his mother.
“It’s not how we’re crippled… it’s how we walk.” (p.330)
Samuel Shem is the pen name of Dr. Stephen J. Bergman.
You can learn more using the links below:
AUTHOR’S OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
AVAILABLE ON DVD:
Hazelden -- Bill W and Dr Bob DVD
AND…
Here’s a list of more books about doctors (from a terrific med student):
bravenet.com