Worthy by Judy Salz.
The earthquake that strikes their hospital catapults three strangers into life-long friendships and exposes the fault lines in each of their characters. Dr. Jenny Gordon, Dr. Mark Stewart, and Chaplain Joseph Waters, all with troubled pasts, yearn to regain their self-esteem, and better their lives and the lives of others. Their determination to overcome obstacles results in a discovery that profoundly benefits mankind. Follow their lives and adventures as they learn to love and trust themselves and each other. Their inspirational journey exemplifies the ability of all of us to make the most of who we are.
Review by Linda Thompson, Host of TheAuthorsShow.com: Worthy is a well-written feel-good read. First time author, Salz, shows a lot of depth in her character descriptions, and the story line is solid. I appreciate the story ending in the future, so as to seem more realistic. If this story actually came to pass it would be a wonderful thing indeed, but we can only dream. While, at times, the writing does get bogged down a bit due to over-attention to details, I read Worthy in one sitting, not wanting to put it down until I knew what happened on the very last page. Anyone looking for a novel that speaks from and to the heart, addresses global health challenges, and proves the need for each individual to feel love and a sense of purpose, Worthy should be at the top of your must-read list. I’ll be recommending this one to all my bookworm friends.
Review by Arya Fomonyuy, Readers’ Favorite: Worthy by Judy Salz is a slim, inspirational novel that explores the deeper meaning of friendship, following the lives of three unusual characters bound together by an inscrutable bond. It is the story of two doctors and a chaplain whose lives are irresistibly linked after a tragedy. Dr. Jenny Gordon has had a very painful past and it catches up with her in ways that tend to overshadow the beauty of her work and womanhood. Dr. Mark Stewart has had a pleasant childhood until a tragedy that altered the way he looks at life. The chaplain, Joseph Waters, has had his own share of problems and he is struggling to redefine his image of God. A friendship between these three people will dramatically change the way they see themselves, God, and the world. Judy Salz’s novel is very inspiring. It is one of the best books I have read on the spirituality of friendship, a story with deeper layers, exploring the beauty of humanity. This book so beautifully shows how our connections with others can help us see ourselves even better, and how friendship can become a haven for the restless heart. The writing is impeccable and the diction is accessible. Salz has a way with words and her narrative voice is as clear as it is compelling. The characters are well-explored and, through a combination of well-crafted dialogues and highly descriptive prose, the author leads readers into the climates of the hearts of her characters and their inner worlds. Worthy redefines the way we look at friendship and gives readers great entertainment, subtly showing them how to transform their lives through genuine human connections. It is a page-turner.
Review by Megan Bain, U.S. Review of Books: The lives of doctors Jenny Gordon and Mark Stewart along with Chaplain Joseph Waters are thrown together when a massive earthquake destroys the hospital where they are working. Now, on his first day of work, Mark must mark patients who managed to escape with ribbons: red for immediate attention, blue for beyond help, and yellow for less serious. Mark is torn as he feels he is playing God in the decision of who lives or dies. Jenny is treating all the patients she can, and Joseph, on his second day as the hospital chaplain, is administering last rights. None of these remarkable characters have had an easy past, and it comes to haunt them, especially on this disastrous day. As time moves on, readers find out about the soured pasts of these three characters and experience them overcome all obstacles together to bring hope, love, spirituality, and healing to as many people as possible throughout the rest of their lives. Through these experiences, these admirable characters also grow spiritually themselves and dispel the ghosts of the past. Salz has created an inspiring novel focusing on faith and spirituality. She shows readers how by faith one can change their life regardless of circumstance. Mark was once homeless, Jenny always feels inadequate due to her mother, and Joseph has a troubled youth with a criminal record yet these three fascinating characters change the entire world with their research, work, prayers, and faith as the novel progresses. Salz connects her astonishing characters by drawing on her background as a physician herself, lending validity to her compelling story. She expresses how people can truly transform not only their lives but also the lives of others all around the world by just having simple faith in yourself and those around you.
5 Stars-Tragedy Turns To Inspiration!
The story begins as an L.A. County Hospital endures a devastating earthquake. The pressure is on to determine if all the patients have been evacuated. Doctors Jenny Gordon and Mark Stewart, along with Chaplain Joseph are thrown into a triage situation that resembles war time.
Throughout history, amazing friendships and lifelong bonds emerge from tragedy. It is important to know that Jenny Gordon, Mark Stewart and Joseph Waters are perhaps, like yourself, struggling with past circumstances while going about the routines of everyday work and life. As you read about each of these individuals, you will come to respect the author’s insights. She weaves a story that will inspire you and leave a lasting impression. Out of tragedy comes new perspective, challenges, and possible innovation that will benefit all on the planet.
Let me bring you into chapter 3:
…He left the triage area and sat down under a tree, tears streaming down his face.
…Joseph looked up to see a man about his age walking toward him. His salt-and-pepper hair and clothing were covered with dirt and blood, and a stethoscope hung loosely around his neck. Joseph saw dark rings under his eyes.
…“You all right, Chaplain?” the man asked him. “I saw you sitting there, and thought you might be injured.”
…“Physically, I’m fine. Emotionally, no.” Joseph wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.
…The man sit down next to him, rubbing the dirt off his hands. “Yeah, me, too. I’m Mark Stewart. It’s my first day as an intern.” Mark shook his head. “I don’t feel ready for all this.”
…“An intern? You look way too old to be an intern!” Joseph felt his face flush. “Oh, I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. It’s none of my business.”
…“It’s okay. I got a late start. A long story. Maybe another time. How about you? How long have you been a hospital chaplain?”
…Joseph smiled for the first time since the earthquake struck. “Two days. I’m also a late bloomer. Also, a long story. I’m Joseph Waters.”
…They stood and shook hands. “Two beginners, neither prepared to cope.” Mark gestured toward the triage area. “I guess we’d both better get back to work.”
Author Judy Salz’ inspiration for this compelling story comes from her thirty years of internal medicine practice, patient encounters, and life experiences. She is currently an investigator doing clinical research. She expresses how people can truly transform not only their lives but also the lives of others all around the world by just having simple faith in yourself and those around you.
You will be challenged by the shared experiences of these admirable characters who use their experiences to grow, move beyond the post traumatic events of their past, and engage in activities that will promote healing in a hurting world.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details:
Perfect Paperback: 365 Pages
Publisher: Hardway Press; 1st Edition (November 1, 2017)
Language: English
Customer Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 Stars (34 ratings)
Fiction (Coming Of Age and Friendships)
Fiction (Adventure)
Fiction (Medical Saga)
Fiction (Saving The Rain Forests)
Amazon Print:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692943595/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_K7G66RSMJZM9G5JDXRMZ
About The Author: A semi-retired physician, Judy draws on her years of medical practice, patient encounters and life experiences for inspiration. A native New Yorker, Judy now lives in Las Vegas, where she is indulging in her three passions.
No longer practicing medicine, Judy is keeping her love of medicine alive by doing clinical research.
Writing became a passion more recently. Her first short story,” Mikey”, submitted for publication to The Literary Nest in April 2015, won the fiction contest. Since then, numerous stories have appeared in online magazines and journals.
Her first novel, “Worthy”, was published November 1, 2017. It chronicles two physicians and a hospital chaplain on their journeys toward redeeming their self- esteem. With some assistance from serendipity, their efforts succeed in bettering the world. It has received a five-star review from Readers’ Favorite and a recommended status from the US Review of Books.
Choral singing since high school, Judy is currently a member of The Las Vegas Master Singers, the chorus-in-residence for the Las Philharmonic Orchestra, and performs with them at the Smith Center regularly, and independently at other venues.
Amazon Author’s Page:
https://www.amazon.com/Judy-Salz/e/B078HRCXFF/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJudySalz
Author’s Page At Book Marketing Global Network:
https://bookmarketingglobalnetwork.com/book-marketing-global-network/judy-salz-books/
