Dear Mr. Braziller:

I’ve just finished re-reading Ward 402. The gut-twisting grip is still there! It is just as painful – and just as rewarding – as the first time I read it. The bound proof came at a bad time. It arrived as I was trying to put together plans for two new stores. Still, booksellers who don’t read shouldn’t be involved in opening stores. I took Ward 402 home with me. Anger, sadness, frustration, compassion, spoke to me from the pages. But most of all there was the caring, real caring, that spoke to me. Here were people who really cared about the patients they treated.
In re-reading Ward 402 (this time from the advance reading copy) everything that had come through in the first reading came through again just as strong. Whatever the weaknesses and strengths of medicine may be, as long as there are those who really care it will make up for the most of the deficits. Thank you for giving me a book I can get red-in-the-face about, pound tables over, and twist arms to get others to read. I’m going to talk about Ward 402 to every person who can read and some I’m doubtful about. 365 Days is a fine book. Ward 402 is just as moving, just as eloquently understated, and with the same walloping impact that leave you reeling on shaky legs!

Sincerely,

Gerald, N. Battle, Manager
Retail Stores Marketing Department.