I read a lot. Even with all I read, though, I rarely read about nursing. I mean, it’s what I do; it’s part of who I am, and I’ve heard my fair share of nursing stories as well as want to keep my vicarious traumas to a minimum. However, when I heard about Call the Nurse: True Stories of A Country Nurse on A Scottish Isle, by Mary J. MacLeod, I knew I had to read it.

Maybe it was the idea of MacLeod, a first-time nurse author – at the age of 80. Maybe it was the description of the book’s mix of poignant and hilarious true stories. Perhaps it was the thought of being the sole nurse on a Scottish Hebridean isle. Whatever it was, it compelled me.

This book is an amazing read. I devoured its 42 chapters, each with a new story only a few pages long. I absolutely cried as I poured over some pages, and I literally laughed out loud at MacLeod’s definitive style capturing some true “characters.” MacLeod gave me a glimpse into countryside nursing and some historical innovation in care. I learned quite a bit about the Hebrides while reading Call the Nurse, as well. During several “stories,” I had to put down the book and think in awe at MacLeod’s quick thinking, wondering if I’d ever be able to think of such solutions with the same care, tenacity, and fervor. I chuckled and was struck as I thought of all the nursing stories across the globe sharing such similar themes of compassion, courage, and ingenuity.

Call the Nurse is a delightful book. It’s a perfect summer read whether you are a nurse or not. Buy it. Read it. You’ll like it; I definitely did.