Angels and Heroes: True Stories from the Front Line

by Robert D. Lesslie

In his popular first two books Angels in the ER (over 200,000 copies sold) and Angels On Call , Dr. Robert Lesslie inspired readers with moving accounts of remarkable people and incidents from his 25 years as an ER doctor. Now in Angels and Heroes , Dr. Lesslie shares amazing experiences of the courageous men and women who exhibit the grace and strength of angels in the face of danger every day. In this uplifting book, readers will be inspired by the human connections and the divine moments These fascinating true experiences will encourage readers to appreciate those who serve others―and to watch for those moments when they too can rescue someone with God’s love.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medical

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didnt like the stories in this one as much as I did one of his other books...the best story was the last one...very sad though.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am about 3/4 of the way through the book, likely to finish tonight, and I'm really enjoying it so far. I've read a number of Lesslie's other works, so I knew what to expect, a number of short stories spotlighting members of the medical community where he works in South Carolina, in this case first responders (firefighters, medics, and police). Although he doesn't outright say it, the stories are fictionalized to protect the professionals and patients alike.
However, that fictionalization leads to my biggest beef with the book, that there are at least 2 major criminal cases, where those involved are likely public record, and yet he still conceals the identities of everyone. I feel it is a dishonor in particular to the police officer who lost his life in the line of duty to not be memorialized with his actual name. Thanks to Lesslie providing a year and some other details, I was able to find some information on that officer and what happened on that fateful day, with Lesslie's details not too far from the truth, sadly. The other case, in which keen medics notice something suspicious when 2 children in the same household die in the same manner within weeks of each other, I have not been able to find, despite an exhaustive internet search utilizing the elements Lesslie didn't change in the police officer's story to see if they also remained the same in the children's story. In that case, I completely understand the altering of the children's names, particularly to protect the surviving sibling or siblings.
All in all, it is an interesting book to read, as I enjoy looks into the lives and careers of first responders, and generally have accustomed myself to knowing that books like this by necessity have to blur the lines between fact and fiction. As long as you're not a nosy news hound like me, I suspect you'll enjoy this book too.

[Dan Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually I find his books a films e star. This one was not up to his usual five star. Well at least it wasn't for me. Still a really good read though. The usual happy, sad and tragic stuff you find in these type of books. Of course there is also the funny and some times hilarious stories and the occasional totally bizarre. If you like ER or paramedic true stories then you will not be disappointed.

[Sarah Ewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

More stars needed, please. Inspirational stories of front line emergency personnel. As the mom of a police officer, I was drawn to the tag line. This is the kind of book that you want to pass to a friend, and say 'read this.'

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.5 out of 5 stars]

I expected stories of supernatural intervention... But to my surprise, this book is more about angelic heroes than heroic angels. Firemen, policemen, doctors, nurses, EMS, and 'regular' people all play their parts in these stories.

The very best part of the book are the quotations that introduce and sometimes conclude every chapter. Here are my favorites:

"Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen." ~ Mark Twain

"The first question which the priest and Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But...the Good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man what will happen to him?' " ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

"Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
No hands but yours,
No feet but yours,
Yours are the eyes through which
Christ's compassion is to look out to the earth.
Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good;
Yours are the hands with which he is to bless men now."

~ Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

And my very favorite:

"From goulies and ghosties
And long-legged beasties
And things that go bump in the night
Good Lord, deliver us."

~Traditional Scottish prayer

[Nelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a compilation of stories from first responders in North Carolina, written an emergency room doctor and published in 2011. The author, Robert D. Lesslie, along with his wife, was murdered by an intruder in their home in the spring of 2021. The world has lost a caring and competent doctor; his books stand as a legacy to all that he meant to his community.

[Marie Buccellato · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT

[Patti Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book. Real life stories that touched my heart, sometimes made me smile and sometimes made me cry.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good Sunday afternoon read. This author, an ER doctor writes from his own experiences.

[vickie boynton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart felt stories

Some of these stories reach out and touch your heart. Others are humorous and funny; thought provoking at times. It is easy reading.

[lori karpinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast easy read.

[teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I loved this book. A doctor from Rock Hill, SC wrote this amazing
Book. I also live in Rock Hill.

[Joanne Bryant]

good

[Christine Goodnough · Rating 5 out of 5]

And excellent, inspiring collection of stories. Gives us a glimpse of the situations our police firemen, and other first responders face in when they come to our aid in our time of need.

[Mary Kamrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite interesting and inspiring but I still prefer Dr. Leslie's emergency room stories the best of all.

[Marcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

True stories of everyday heroes. Doctors, nurses, emt's, fire & police. Heart wrenching stories.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, now I want to read the other books. The Angels & Heroes are doctors, nurses, EMS, policemen,firemen, and some everyday people. We never think about the people that put their life's on the line for others. Not all of the stories end in a happy ending, but some good can come out of bad. This book makes you appreciate the people who help, protect, and service others.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected more out of this book than what I got. A few of the stories were exciting, but many of them were pretty ho-hum. Before anyone goes cra-cra on me I want to make it clear that I have the upmost respect for these individuals in the book who are/were constantly on the front line in whatever profession they are in, it's the writing that I was not that crazy about.

[Robert Adauto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a book that takes you behind the scenes of those on the front line. First responders deal with a lot of challenging situations where they need to complete their tasks while dealing with the worst. Dr. Lesslie hooks the reader with great storytelling and interesting characters. A great read that's quick and easy!

[Marcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best way to describe it Chicken Soup for the Soul type book.

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!! I love the stories being an EMT i could relate with the stories very good.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as Angels in the ER.

[Elizabeth Nesbit-comer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series is amazing.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this whole series. This one is a collection of short stories about emergency medical personnel. I like the ones about the people in the ER better, but it was still fun to read.