Forged Through Fire

"Forged Through Fire:

A Reconstructive Surgeon's Story

of Survival, Faith, and Healing"

by Mark D. McDonogh, MD

I've read several memoirs about injury, pain, suffering, and healing but wow Forged Through Fire by Dr. Mark D. McDonough is very emotionally engaging. 

Surviving a house fire at 16 which claimed the lives of his mother and younger brother and suffering burns in 65% of his body, Dr. Mark recounts his healing, both physically and internally. Dr. Mark has lived through many painful experiences, besides surviving the fire and undergoing numerous reconstructive surgeries, he was also diagnosed with a rare muscular disease as a child, he survived a car wreck, alcohol addiction, a stroke, and deaths of both parents and 3 brothers. 

Through it all, he clung to his faith and found redemption, healing, and happiness. He used his experience to motivate him to pursue a career as a physical therapist, physician, and reconstructive surgeon. This book is a powerful read and a testament to human survival against all odds. Readers will find this memoir very encouraging especially those who are suffering and family of those who suffer. 

I would have liked to see a little more faith content, it would have been even more inspirational if we could have seen how the author overcame with God's power at work in his life. From what I read, it seems the author is Catholic which was a bummer because I was expecting to read how God is credited for this amazing testimony of healing. But it's still inspirational and will no doubt, touch many lives. 

I received a copy from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.