For those who knew him, the name Patrick McCarthy brings to mind images of Irish wit, integrity, determination, success and true friendship. Like the authors that he admired, Og Mandino and Paulo Coehlo, Pat had a unique ability to restore a friend's self-esteem and to convince him that he truly is one of God's profound miracles. His stories are skillful and accomplished-strongly influenced by his early years in Pittsburgh, his devotion to his Catholic faith, his wry sense of humor, his success in the pharmaceutical field and his personal battles with alcoholism, family tragedy and pain. The book is a memoir in form, whether true or fictional, with short stories from past and present. Pat had a rich and varied background which adds to the interest, quality and humor in this book. He lived from October 21, 1948 until his tragic death on his 60th birthday in 2008. He was a driven, goal-oriented man whose success allowed him to retire at an early age. During the course of his career in the pharmaceutical industry, he worked relentlessly to provide for his family, whom he loved dearly, as well as to bring sorely needed cancer drugs to patients suffering from the disease. There are 14 short stories in "The Sacred Fraction," some laugh out loud funny and others meaningful and wise-exactly akin to the man himself.