Official Review: On Fire by G. Stone Johnson

[Lorraine De Vos]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "On Fire" by G. Stone Johnson.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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On Fire by G. Stone Johnson is about the riveting fire-fighting career of the author in the West Bloomfield, Michigan Fire Department.

Starting out as a fully qualified EMT in 1977, he was in the unique position of outranking most of the crew based on qualification and ends up being transferred to different stations often when staffing issues requires it.

Gregory (as I prefer to affectionately call him) comes across as a caring, intelligent and extremely competent master of his occupation. The light-hearted banter amongst the crew and the clear bond they have with each other is like that you would find with any close family.

Although the book is a recollection of calls that he went out on with his respective crews at the different stations, it reads more like a novel. He tells the stories of his fellow fire-fighters with great respect and vivid detail. He also shares personal stories of his family, kids, pets and experiences he had outside of the fire department in his time off.

Being a qualified First Aider myself and an avid fan of television shows that portray fire-fighters, policemen and doctors, I found it easy to understand the lingo used and I could picture each run in great detail. However to make it easier for any reader to understand, the author graciously adds in a glossary of terms used by the department in the back of the book, as well as a few charming photos.

I quickly formed an emotional bond with the author, his family and his crews at the different stations by simply reading about them and to me that is a sign of excellent writing. The book is filled with passion, sadness, happiness and the type of comradery every living being wishes to have in their lives.

It is difficult for me to pinpoint my favorite part of the book, as I laughed just as much as I cried from beginning to end. The fascinating stories distracted me from the occasional spelling errors and I could easily have missed some while eagerly reading the action scenes. My interest in the book did not waver and due to the fact that the book does appear to be professionally edited, I have no hesitation in giving this book a solid 4 out of 4 stars.

There is a lot that can be learned from this book; compassion, how to deal with certain emergency situations and just how much our emergency workers give up to care for people in need.

I would not recommend this book to children due to some of the graphic medical emergencies that are portrayed or to anyone that is squeamish about blood, broken bones, suicide or traumas.

I sincerely hope there is a sequel, as I am certain there are many more untold stories over his career that spanned decades.

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On Fire
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[kandscreeley]

I can only imagine the stories he has to tell. It sounds entertaining. We should all learn more about firefighters and what exactly they do. Thanks for a great review.

[essyallan7475]

It seems like a exciting book. The plot is good. It will make a good book to read

[BookPower9]

A more challenging job in the area of firefighting is the scenario of saving important things, and of course the life of the people trapped in the house with fire. It did not come to my mind having this kind of profession. But it's very Nobel job. I would include this to my reading shelves. Thanks for the reviews.

[LinaMueller]

Wow, the cover is amazing. Sounds like an exciting read. I will give it a shot. Good job, Jbcitygirl.

[essyallan7475]

A great review. I like its about the lives of firefighters. They save so many peoples lives. They live so exciting lives. This book honors them and their bravery. They risk their lives everyday.