Letting Go: A Memoir
By William A. Gruber, MD

      There are many fine doctors in this country, but you would have to travel many miles to find one to equal Dr. William Gruber, the author of Letting Go: A Memoir. It takes the reader through a very heartfelt journey in which he describes his relationship with a patient, Mark Smetko, as “At first he was a patient, then he became my friend, and then he became my teacher.”

      Mark Smetko had more medical problems than any human should have to bear. He went through periods of deep depression to times of great personal challenge which he met with incredible courage. When he went to see Dr. Gruber, an almost immediate bond was formed between the two men. Dr. Gruber was a great support system to Mark, as a close friend as well as his physician.

        And then the bomb dropped! Dr. Gruber was infected with hepatitis through a surgery he was performing, and before long he had to surrender his practice. The book contains the e-mails, phone calls and personal visits between the two men. Mark’s intrigue with railroads—both model and real ones—served as a common ground for the men. When Dr. Gruber needed personal reinforcement, it was provided by Mark.

        This is the most emotional rollercoaster I have ever been on. There were times of tears, heart-wrenching fear—for both of them, and some times of laughter as well.

         One of the most moving parts to me was the contact that was established between Dr. Gruber and Mark’s mother, Zita.

         If you only read one book this year, this is the one you should choose. You will never look at life the same way again. An absolutely wonderful reading experience.