Disputed Passages

This is the third novel I've read by this author. The first two were White Banners and Green Light. I would recommend these as well. Douglas wrote back in the 1930s and his stories hold up well over time. This particular story is about a young medical student in his quest to be a great surgeon. He attends a medical school that is headed by a brilliant yet undeniably lacking-in-social-skills doctor with the improbable name of Tubby Forrester. Dr. Forrester is a strong proponent that doctors must retain an objective distance from patients to be able to implement the best treatment. He and our protagonist immediately butt heads, but as it becomes apparent what promise out budding doctor holds, Dr. Forrester goads as well as aids our hero to push himself to be the best. Dr. Forrester and our hero continue to almost hate each other, but they also work well together. Add to this mix the appearance of an old college mate of Dr. Forrester's who does not espouse the same medical theories Forrester does. This doctor maintains that a patient should be treated holistically and not just for his specific ailment. The themes in this book are surprisingly current. Further, the author writes a great narrative that contains conflict, romance, a touch of humor, and a satisfying ending.

I read this book as a young man and I want to give it to my three grandsons who live in Colorado. I know they will enjoy it and benefit from reading it; they are 16, 14, and 11.

Not quite as good as "Magnificent Obsession" but still exceptionally good. Should be required reading for burned out medical professionals that need a lift. Nice old fashioned book where everything is worked out by the end and the reader is left wanting to read more about the "happily ever after." Strongly agree with the review suggesting it as reading for teenager as well as aspiring medical professionals.

An oldie but a goodie. This is a classic tale which should convince us that we do not have to like someone to learn great lessons from them. This is an ideal book to be placed on the reading list of every high school student. In a day and time when morals are at an all time low, we need to remind our youth of the utmost necessity to have faith in something and respect for the views of others even though we do not always agree with them. To me, this is among the best of Lloyd C Douglas' work and I have always been surprised that it has not been accorded more recognition than it has. I am very disappointed that the book is not readily available to our youth and I do hope that something could be done about it