Transplant

Set in 1985 when the transplant of human organs first became a practical means to extend and prolong lives, Transplant is the complex story of seven people mixed up in moral, ethical, and scientific dilemmas within a Midwestern teaching hospital. Drawing upon his own expertise in the study and practice of surgery, S.R. Maxeiner Jr.'s character-driven, multi-perspective writing forms the core of an excellent novel incorporating very real and timely medical and ethical issues.

Hardly a day goes by when we are not exposed to another human-interest report in the print or electronic media on an issue of organ transplantation. This new novel is an inspired work of fast-paced fiction with very true-to-life characters that draw you in and hold your interest. At the same time, the author's insights from decades of surgical practice make the settings and the events ring true. He avoids the melodramatic and medically naïve while presenting many of the awesome challenges that transplants involve. The perspectives and issues of organ donors (and their next of kin), those in need and those involved in the carrying out the complex processes and procedures are informative and carefully but quietly woven in. Maxeiner is to be congratulated on his skillful writing. He reminds me of another Minnesota author, Jon Hassler. I rate it a 5. Ken Berge Rochester, Minnesota

Reading this book began only because I am acquainted with the author. I didn't know what to expect. It was a double challenge since I am not a reader of fiction. My mind was changed within the first ten pages. Not only was the plot fascinating, but the characters became my friends (and enemies) with lives of their own. Dr. Maxeiner's intimate knowledge of surgical procedures lends realism and I found myself into the action, a part of on-the-edge life in a busy hospital. Like any book I especially like, I hated to finish TRANSPLANT. It's exciting and well-written.