Set foot in the emergency room of a major university trauma center and follow the work of someone who has spent his professional life in that setting addressing every kind of life crisis: psychosis and suicide, depression and mania, violence and drug addiction, child and elder abuse, sudden illness and injury, death and grief. He has some stories to tell: a man whose methamphetamine use provoked a dangerous paranoid psychosis, a woman imprisoned by a controlling, violent boyfriend, a brilliant, suicidal college student who can never be brilliant enough, a man robbed of life spirit by his narcissistic mother after the death of his father, a day of multiple deaths and unpredictable reactions to those deaths. These stories and many more reveal to the reader the pain, poignancy, struggles, and even humor of emergency room patients and their families whose lives have been changed unexpectedly and abruptly.

With poignancy and wit, Dr. Farrell transports us to some precious moments when hearts and souls of patients and therapists connect. He has the rare ability to convey the essence of a person’s fundamental source of pain in a few words, and, with humorous and touching candor. A riveting read. I love this book. Martin Johnson M.D., Psychiatrist, Private Practice, San Clemente

A book that Kurt Vonnegut would have LOVED…Insightful, funny, smart and full of surprises that leaves the reader filled up and satisfied with what matters. I found myself grateful, at times tearful, and always appreciative that John gave me an insightful and entertaining mirror in which to see what we do every day we walk into our Emergency Department. Stories, thoughts and notions that are so smart, so insightful, and sometimes just plain laugh-out-loud funny and right-on. Debbie Cott L.C.S.W., Crisis Team, U.C.Davis Medical Center

A thrilling, emotional roller-coaster ride that made me cry and laugh and cry some more. Captivating reading for nurses, psychologists, social workers, and physicians, and anyone aspiring to become one. A beautiful picture of a skilled therapist in a startling setting. Mary Ann Pollard R.N., Director of Nurses (Retired), Sutter Center for Psychiatry.

Here comes the James Herriot of psychiatric emergencies. A sweet and lovely book, written with grace and style, each story compelling, each written with wisdom and affectionate humor. Robert Baker D.V.M., Veterinarian, Lagunitas