A blend of books again today. :-)

Although fiction, Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline, is well researched. It might have seemed like a good idea, sending homeless, orphaned children to farm country and a 'better chance at life', it didn't always turn out that well. Partnered with a modern day story of a young woman in foster care, it's a moving read about an unusual friendship.

The First Family Detail: Secret Service Agents Reveal the Hidden Lives of the Presidents, by Ronald Kessler could have had the subtitle 'Powerful People Behaving Badly'. I was embarrassed to read just how badly some of the first (and second) families treat those assigned to protect them, how they flaunt the rules and defy protocol. In contrast to that, I was amazed at how hard the agents work, and the efforts they take to protect these people. And, I was annoyed to read how management does not support them, often making it harder for them to do their jobs. A good, if somewhat frustrating read.

He was a doctor ahead of his time. He believed in pre- and post- operative care (no putting the patient in a carriage and sending them home immediately). He believed in explaining to the patient just what was going to happen. He believed in a clean operating area, clean tools, clean hands.(He found a lot of resistance here). He was also a pioneer in plastic surgery and did a lot of work with burn victims. (Think flammable clothing and cooking around open flames). Learn all about this fascinating man in Dr. Mutter's Marvels: a True Story of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine, by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz.

From Constant Reader comes this recommendation: Flight By Elephant: the Untold Story of World War II's Most Daring Jungle Rescue, by Andrew Martin. There are books that make me really glad to be here, where I am, and this is one of them. It takes place in the jungle. It's hot, and damp. There are bugs. Food, showers and clean laundry are rare. And don't get me started on the leeches! And yet, men and elephants were willing, and successful (mostly) in the rescue of refugees fleeing the Japanese. This would go nicely with Elephant Company. (September 29, 2014).

Reading Hermit With Dog