Waking Up in America: How One Doctor Brings Hope to Those Who Need It Most

The sincere/passionate message of service and human accountability to help your fellow man, whether that man(or woman) is homeless or simply has not had the gifts that you may have may have recieved in life, is found throughout this wonderful and inspirational book. I have read it more than once, whenever I need some "perspective". I have asked my teenage children to also read this book as well. My daughter read and analyzed this book in her ninth-grade english class and I would applaud any teacher (high-school or college) to do the same. I guarantee teachers will get a reaction and hopefully that seed of conscience toward human accountability for service will be nourished. I am lucky to know Dr. Greer and the sincerity and integrity that he carries out his calling in life is real and can be validated by anyone who has met him.

WHEN I PURCHASED THIS INSPIRATIONAL BOOK ON THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE, I NEVER SAW THE DAY WHEN I WOULD BE READING AND RE READING A BOOK FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. BOOK HAS IMPACT ON ANYONE INTERESTED IN SOCIETY AND IT'S ENHANCEMENT AND IMPROVEMENT. THERE SHOULD BE MORE OF DR. GREER'S KIND OF LITERATURE AND FEELINGS EXRESSED IN WRITING. THE TEXT IN GENERAL IS NOT HEAVY READING BUT HAS CONSIDERABLE EMOTION AND GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A WHITE COAT SERVING HIS COMMUNITY ESPECIALLY WITH THE ENDORSEMENT OF HIS WIFE AND FAMILY. THE DOCTOR IS ALSO TRAINING DOCTORS HOW TO BECOME SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION SHOULD BE USING THIS TYPE OF BOOK AS A METHOD OF TEACHING AND EDUCATING OTHER DOCTORS WITHIN THEIR HALLS OF ACADEMIA. AS AM INSTRUCTOR AT AREA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN BUSINESS, I WILL INCLUDE THIS BOOK ON MY SUGGESTED READ LIST FOR ETHICS IN BUSINESS AND AREAS WHERE THEY ARE DEALING WITH PEOPLE.

The book was exellent. It made me really see what goes on with the homeless. Dr. Greer has struggled with giving the homeless medical service, as well as becoming their friend. The same way Dr. Greer has learned from the homeless, we all should learn from him and help him in this.

This book by Dr. Greer is an excellent account of how one well-intentioned physician was able to defy the odds, the political and social establishment, and the bureaucracy to help those less fortunate. He has mobilized many sectors of this community into helping the homeless, to the point of drawing national attention to their plight.The book also gives the reader insight into the process of becoming a physician for the reason the profession exists--to help those in pain and need. He is certainly the quintessential role model for medical students to emulate. As a physician colleague, I congratulate him both on his book and his community service.I am sure you will find this book as hard to put down as I did.***** Great Job- Joe Greer and Liz Balmaseda*****

Dr. Greer's account of his work should be required reading for everyone. His unselfish actions have helped thousands of people in South Florida and he challenges you to open your eyes and think about the ills in your society. Rather than viewing the poor and homeless as a burden on society, he teaches you that they are human beings like everyone else and that they need to be treated with compassion and humanity. The most impressive part of the book is that Dr. Greer does not get on a soapbox and tells you what the solutions are. He wants you to think and let your conscience be your guide. You will be inspired to be a better person.