Blog Archives
Break Glass in Case of Emergency The Healthcare System Unlocked (Proceed with Caution and Caffeine!)
Jennifer Riggs’ Break Glass in Case of Emergency is a witty, sharp, and practical guide through the twisted maze of the American healthcare system. Written with candor and a splash of humor, this book tackles everything from health insurance jargon and hospital chaos to navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and senior care options. It’s part how-to manual, part insider exposé, and part comic relief. Riggs—drawing on her experience as a healthcare executive—shares war stories and hard-won tips in a voice that feels less like a policy lecture and more like a savvy friend guiding you through a bureaucratic jungle.
Reading this book was like being handed the cheat codes to a game I didn’t even know I was playing. I appreciated how Riggs translated mind-numbing insurance language into something I could actually understand without having to Google every third word. She doesn’t sugarcoat the confusion or the frustration that comes with trying to get care, get reimbursed, or just find the right specialist. And yet, she does it all with a kind of dry humor that made me laugh more than once. The stories made me feel seen in the absurdity of it all. The advice is solid, realistic, and rooted in lived experience, not some idealistic “best practices” list.
What really stuck with me wasn’t just the clever tips or the “aha” explanations. It was Riggs’ obvious passion for empowering regular people—especially caregivers and families of seniors—to advocate for themselves. There’s an emotional thread running through the chapters, especially when she writes about aging parents and the invisible labor of caregiving. She writes like someone who’s been in the room when decisions go wrong and wants you to avoid the same heartache. Her blend of empathy and sarcasm hits just right, especially when she takes aim at the red tape and passive-aggressive chaos baked into the system.
Break Glass in Case of Emergency is not the book you dream of reading on a beach, but it is absolutely the book you’ll be glad you read before the next medical crisis hits. It’s a gift for anyone dealing with the stress of insurance, elder care, or just trying to make sense of their benefits. I’d recommend it to caregivers, adult children of aging parents, anyone turning 65, and frankly, anyone who’s ever stared at a medical bill and thought, “This can’t be real.” It’s like getting the behind-the-scenes tour of a haunted house before you go in—terrifying, but way less scary when someone hands you a flashlight and says, “Here’s what to watch out for.”
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0F9MDQ42T
You Don’t Know Sh*t About Leadership
Leadership books are everywhere. Most of them repackage the same tired advice, wrapped in a neat list of rules or principles. But G. Damon Wells doesn’t play that game. Instead, he rips apart traditional leadership myths and exposes why so many leaders fail—repeatedly and predictably. You Don’t Know Sh*t About Leadership takes a raw, research-backed look at why leadership is broken and offers a fresh, brutally honest framework for getting it right. Wells blends cognitive science, game theory, and real-world case studies to dissect the psychology behind leadership, ultimately introducing the Ballistic Leadership Framework (BLF), a model designed to work with, rather than against, human nature.
Wells doesn’t sugarcoat things. Right from the start, he hits hard with data: 82% of organizations pick the wrong people for leadership roles, and bad leadership costs the global economy trillions of dollars. He argues that leadership failure isn’t just about poor training or bad hires; it’s about the fundamental ways our brains misunderstand power. One of the most eye-opening sections is his takedown of the so-called “hero leader” myth. We love the idea of the lone visionary saving the day, but in reality, leadership is more about networks, adaptability, and trust than one charismatic figure making all the calls.
One of the strongest parts of the book is its exploration of the biological and psychological reasons behind leadership failures. Wells explains how our primitive neural wiring makes us default to outdated leadership behaviors, fight-or-flight responses, status obsession, and irrational decision-making under pressure. He gives compelling examples, like how Uber’s former CEO Travis Kalanick’s aggressive, winner-take-all mindset worked in Uber’s early days but led to long-term cultural and reputational disaster. Wells is at his best when he’s showing how leaders unknowingly sabotage themselves by following instincts that were useful in small tribal groups but disastrous in modern organizations.
Wells’ writing style is punchy, direct, and sometimes borderline confrontational but that’s part of what makes this book refreshing. He’s not here to stroke egos; he’s here to challenge assumptions. The book isn’t just a rant, though it offers solutions. The Ballistic Leadership Framework is a practical, well-explained system that prioritizes adaptability, psychological safety, and trust. He shows how real organizations can apply these principles through case studies and scenarios, making it clear that leadership isn’t about following rigid models but understanding the science behind human behavior.
If you’re looking for a feel-good, motivational leadership book, this isn’t it. But if you want an unfiltered, science-backed reality check on why most leaders fail and how to do better, this book is a must-read. It’s perfect for mid-career leaders, executives struggling with organizational dysfunction, or anyone frustrated by the endless cycle of bad leadership. Wells challenges everything we think we know about leadership, and in doing so, he provides a path forward for those willing to embrace the complexity of human nature.
Pages: 318 | ASIN : B0DX8C67YR
Anatomy Of A Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Anatomy of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit provides a moving and meticulously comprehensive account of one man’s harrowing journey through the complexities of Florida’s legal system and medical malpractice. Written by a passionate and eloquent narrator, the book details the tragic circumstances leading to his wife’s untimely death and the protracted legal battle that ensued. The author’s vivid descriptions and raw emotions immerse readers in his intimate and poignant world.
The story takes readers on a captivating journey through the sequence of events that culminated in his wife’s premature death, from the initial fall to the subsequent misdiagnosis. By employing a personal narrative approach, the legal intricacies are effectively humanized, highlighting the severe personal costs associated with medical negligence. Throughout the book, the author skillfully intertwines personal anecdotes with complex legal terminology. The concluding chapters provide a sobering reflection on Florida’s sovereign immunity rules and the state’s flawed healthcare system. His desperation and resolve to inform the public resonate deeply with readers, prompting them to consider the broader implications of these legal protections. Readers witness the author’s evolution from initial shock and grief to advocacy and strategic efforts to navigate the legal system. Each chapter is meticulously detailed with personal reflections, court documents, and medical records that bolster the narrative. One of the book’s strengths is its call for systemic change. Beyond his personal loss, the author’s commitment to justice is evident in his persistent efforts to highlight the shortcomings of sovereign immunity legislation through op-eds and letters to the editor. This advocacy elevates the book from a personal story to a powerful plea for legal and healthcare system reform.
Anatomy of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit is an engaging and impactful read that serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity. The author’s ability to blend a deeply moving personal story with intricate legal issues makes this book both profoundly touching and educational. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the human cost of medical malpractice and the challenges of seeking justice in a system fraught with legal obstacles.
Pages: 241 | ASIN : B0D3LS966L
Kit Wilson, RN: Treading Water
In Kit Wilson, RN: Treading Water, author Beth E. Heinzeroth White crafts a narrative that delves into the harrowing experiences of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kit, a nurse based in the US Midwest, initially receives reassurances about the nation’s pandemic preparedness. However, the reality she confronts is vastly different. Thrust onto the front lines, Kit navigates an inundated healthcare system, striving to provide care amidst an unprecedented crisis.
White adeptly portrays the psychological toll of the pandemic on healthcare workers. The reader is drawn into the emotional landscape of Kit’s life, witnessing her struggles with isolation and the incredible stress of her duties. Yet, it’s not just a story of hardship. The narrative is punctuated with moments of levity and warmth, particularly in the interactions Kit has with colleagues and patients, offering a well-rounded exploration of her world.
The novel shines in its attention to detail, particularly in depicting the daily realities faced by nurses during the pandemic. From the physical discomforts of prolonged mask-wearing to the adoption of unconventional remedies for relief, White’s background as a nurse lends authenticity to these descriptions. These elements are not just informative but also deeply immersive, giving the reader a palpable sense of the characters’ experiences.
Kit Wilson, RN: Treading Water is more than a fictional tale; it’s a poignant reflection of the real challenges and resilience witnessed during the pandemic. The book balances its serious themes with humor and heart, creating a tapestry of human experience that is both engaging and enlightening. It’s a recommended read for those who appreciate medical fiction and anyone seeking to understand the personal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals and communities.
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0BMB6DCT3
A Caregiver’s Love Story
A Caregiver’s Love Story is an awe-inspiring memoir by Nancie Wiseman Attwater. This passionate story goes into detail about her and her husband’s life together throughout the good and the bad, sickness and health, just like they promised each other the day they said I do.
Bill and Nancie grew up and lived very different lives until they met. From a young age, Bill was a curious child who grew into a hardworking, accomplished lawyer. On the other hand, Nancie had a rough upbringing with her father dying when she was just 4 years old and her mother, who wasn’t around much. Years went by before life would bring them together in Nancie’s store. They would go on to marry and live a life full of changes and growth, as any marriage does. Bill started experiencing health problems, including lung disease and dementia, so Nancie took on the role of primary caregiver.
This extraordinary book is much more than just a captivating memoir of two people who have a deep love and care for one another. This book also serves as a guide for others who are experiencing similar situations. Attwater covers various health issues, treatments, and helpful tips on specific devices to use to help your loved ones get around. The author also shares with readers the toll that her husband’s health issues took on her as she dealt with loneliness and exhaustion.
This relatable read contains a substantial amount of helpful information for caregivers and for those in the health field. The author’s tone throughout her novel is loving and conversational, as I felt the genuine love that she had for her husband. Towards the end of the memoir, I felt connected to Nancie and Bill because I knew so much about their childhood, adulthood, and retirement years.
Attwater shares her personal story with us and touches readers’ hearts, making this one read that is hard to put down. A Caregiver’s Love Story is an excellent read for anyone interested in a heartwarming memoir.
Pages: 254 | ASIN : B0B1VYJZFK
NOT Too Tired To Care
![NOT Too Tired to Care: Learn Evidence-Based Mindfulness Practices to Support Well-Being, Improve Patient Care, and Address the Unique Challenges of These Times by [Angela Thomas Jones, Dr. Arthur Hengerer, Roger Carroll, Michael Meit, Frances Feltner, Megan Heffernan, Dr. Sally Garhart, Elizabeth Ropp, Diane Fontneau, Lara Cooley]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pc1uj3PQL.jpg)
The demands on public service workers are only increasing, and the pressure involved in all of these jobs is building by the day. Human Resource offices are inundated with contacts from employees who are on the verge of giving up–in more ways than one. How can we help them? What can be done to save them and their broken spirits?
Angela Thomas Jones’s book, Not Too Tired to Care, takes a close look at the growing concern surrounding burnout and how it affects workers across careers. Considering the intensive demands currently placed on our nation’s healthcare workers, Jones’s work is both timely and much-needed. It is not enough to say that we should do more to address the well-being and mental health of our essential workers–we should act on it. Jones delves into how burnout began to manifest itself among workers and offers a great many resources as well as strategies to combat this rising problem.
I found the pacing of Jones’s work to be refreshing. Not all nonfiction books are written in a format that makes for an easy read, but Jones takes care of her readers. She includes breaks in some of the heaviest parts and provides readers with the opportunity to note valuable resources throughout the reading. Jones leaves no stone unturned. From facts to reflection breaks to tips, she covers all the bases and creates a flow in the reading that is well-matched with the subject matter.
The personal stories peppered throughout the text draw readers into the book and give faces and names to the cold hard facts and figures supplied by the author. Jones’s work reads as much like a personal narrative as it does a self-help book. These touching and relatable scenarios give voices to the thousands of men and women suffering on a daily basis, heading for complete burnout. Jones has managed to explain the phenomenon known as “burnout” in a way which instantly draws empathy and coaxes a reaction from readers. Kindness is key, and Jones knows this. Making others aware of the plight of public service workers, especially in the time of Covid19, is a key first step in changing the course of their lives.
I am giving Angela Thomas Jones’s book, Not Too Tired to Care, 5 out of 5 stars. As a teacher and sister to a nurse, I can appreciate the work that has gone into this book. Jones has done her homework. From cover to cover, she provides readers with facts and strategies, all designed to improve the plight of our public service workers. I recommend Jones’s heartfelt work to anyone who works in or has loved ones in the medical field. Jones’s insight is truly invaluable.
Pages: 214 | ASIN: B08NY21F1W
LITERARY TITAN 