Word from one who knows writing and the military

Today I received a wonderful comment on the book from a friend who is a writer and is very familiar with military family life.

"Pediatric Surgeon Christopher Coppola sprints in the first chapter with a no-holds barred account of his first day as a surgeon in a war zone hospital. With intensity and muscle, Coppola brings his readers along on a memorable journey as he recounts the children treated --the smallest victims of war. Coppola, an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, makes a strong case to ensure our combat zone hospitals aren't just for injured soldiers, but serve as a zone of safety, caring and training for everyone. Such acts of humanity go far to create the footing for a healthier society and diplomatic relations. A person of thoughtfulness and humility, Coppola keeps his eye on the long term."

-Kanani Fong, The Kitchen Dispatch: A Literary MilSpouse Blog


Check out Kanani's writing at her sites below. You'll thank me!

Get Lost With Easy-Writer BlogsLiterary Rants

http://easy-writer.blogspot.com

On Military Wife Life

http://kitchendispatch.blogspot.com

On Fashion

http://literaryfashionista.blogspot.com

SoldiersAngels (Support the troops 1/365)

A while back, I told the story of a child we treated at the Air Force Theater Hospital in Iraq. She was a baby who had been injured. It looked severe, but fortunately after a few visits to the OR she did very well. An artist in Oklahoma, Lou Baggett took inspiration and created a watercolor of the nurse caring for the patient.

Lou then donated the artwork, with others, to SoldiersAngels, an organization that is dedicated to ensuring no soldier is forgotten. When I was in Iraq, they gave me a travel mug I still treasure. As I ride warm and comfortable to my safe well-equipped hospital, sipping from the cup reminds me of how lucky I am. I'm lucky because there are troops out there putting their lives on the line for me and my family, and while I was there, A stranger took the time to do a little something to let me know I was appreciated.

Here is the SoldiersAngels store with Lou's cards:

http://www.angelsstore.org/product_p/sapostcards-watercolor-ck.htm

And here is Lou's blog:

http://bagwag.blogspot.com/

Book is available for pre-order

I got some very exciting news this week; our book is now available for purchase!

The book can be ordered at the Coppola the Book website, and it will ship out on 1 NOV

http://buy.coppolathebook.com/Hardcover-Book/Coppola-A-Pediatric-Surgeon-in-Iraq-p4.html

The book is available on Amazon, but Amazon will not be able to ship it out until FEB 2010




http://www.amazon.com/Coppola-Pediatric-Surgeon-Iraq-Chris/dp/0984053115/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255023674&sr=8-1





For more information, check out the multimedia information available at:





http://www.coppolathebook.com/





Here are some quotes from advance readers:





Powerful, thought-provoking and unforgettable, A Pediatric Surgeon in Iraq stands alone among accounts of the Iraq war. Unlike other authors, Chris Coppola has chosen to focus on the two issues that transcend all conflict: our mortality and our sense of morality. Writing with poignant honesty, he illuminates the well-worn generalizations of war with trenchant details, recounting stories about American and Iraqi individuals who must bear, as well as care for, the often tragic consequences of combat. You will never again look at the Iraq war – or any war for that matter -- in quite the same way. - Dr. Pauline Chen, transplant surgeon and best-selling author, Final Exam, A Surgeon's Reflections on Mortality





Dr. Chen's Book and New York Times Column: http://paulinechen.typepad.com/



“Coppola speaks as a witness to human tragedy—a testimony of two deployments in hell . . . This is a heartbreaking memoir by a hero who would never call himself that . . . essential reading for our time.” —Terry Sanders, two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker, producer/director, Fighting For Life





Terry's film account of military medicine: http://www.fightingforlifethemovie.com/



“War often puts doctors in impossible situations. Dr. Chris Coppola's remarkable account of his experience as a combat surgeon in Iraq throws a whole new light on medicine under fire . . . This is a great read and tribute to the American spirit of generosity." —Dr. Khassan Baiev, president, the International Committee for the Children of Chechnya and author, The Oath: A Surgeon under Fire





Dr. Baiev's account of surgery in wartime Chechnya: http://www.theoathbook.com/home.php



"Compelling, heartwrenching . . . Coppola reveals the true victims of war; the children of Iraq." —Gunnar Swanson, War Kids Relief





More about War Kids Relief: http://warkidsrelief.org/



“With a quick wit, and a fine tongue, Coppola brings a fresh voice to the war.” —Michael Anthony, Iraq veteran and author, Mass Casualties: A Young Medic’s True Story of Death, Deception, and Dishonor in Iraq





About Michael's book: http://www.masscasualties.com/








I am very happy for such complimentary feedback, and I would love to hear any and all opinions from others.