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The Shot Not Heard Around the World
This is a short book about uncommon courage. Jeramy Prescott is a young patriot who becomes a healer by not shooting the enemy. He becomes a healer in ways he could never imagine. Although written for adults, it would make a great gift for a young adult reader.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 2, 2024
3.75⭐
A story of humanity during the American Revolutionary War.
This short book follows the story of a young lad named Jeremy, who decides not to shoot his first enemy. That decision leads him to start apprenticing as a physician.
I really enjoyed this story of a young boy who finds himself unable to kill, and therefore decides to heal instead. The book made for quite an emotional reading but offered humor and positivity, too.
I only had an issue with some medical inaccuracies.
A story of humanity during the American Revolutionary War.
This short book follows the story of a young lad named Jeremy, who decides not to shoot his first enemy. That decision leads him to start apprenticing as a physician.
I really enjoyed this story of a young boy who finds himself unable to kill, and therefore decides to heal instead. The book made for quite an emotional reading but offered humor and positivity, too.
I only had an issue with some medical inaccuracies.
May 28, 2025
The Shot Not Heard Around the World is a powerful story that reminds readers how the choices we make can shape our destiny.
At the center of the narrative is Jeremy, a fourteen-year-old boy entrusted with a significant responsibility by his father and the Minutemen. Though he had experience as a hunter, this time was different—he was both the hunter and the hunted.
Jeremy’s fears were realized when a lone Redcoat began making his way up the slope toward his hiding spot. As the soldier came within range, Jeremy couldn’t bring himself to pull the trigger. In that moment, he listened to his conscience and chose not to take a life—recognizing the man before him as someone’s father. Though he had the heart of a patriot, Jeremy discovered he wasn’t capable of violence.
This realization led him to make a life-changing decision: instead of taking lives, he would dedicate himself to healing the wounded. In this way, he could still serve his country—without shedding blood.
To follow Jeremy’s journey and his transformative encounter with Doc Thorndike, I highly recommend reading this book.
Jeremy’s character moved me deeply. He is an unsung hero, and his quiet courage left a lasting impression on me. This story shifted something within me—it made me reflect on how our choices, when guided by compassion, can truly make the world a better place.
At the center of the narrative is Jeremy, a fourteen-year-old boy entrusted with a significant responsibility by his father and the Minutemen. Though he had experience as a hunter, this time was different—he was both the hunter and the hunted.
Jeremy’s fears were realized when a lone Redcoat began making his way up the slope toward his hiding spot. As the soldier came within range, Jeremy couldn’t bring himself to pull the trigger. In that moment, he listened to his conscience and chose not to take a life—recognizing the man before him as someone’s father. Though he had the heart of a patriot, Jeremy discovered he wasn’t capable of violence.
This realization led him to make a life-changing decision: instead of taking lives, he would dedicate himself to healing the wounded. In this way, he could still serve his country—without shedding blood.
To follow Jeremy’s journey and his transformative encounter with Doc Thorndike, I highly recommend reading this book.
Jeremy’s character moved me deeply. He is an unsung hero, and his quiet courage left a lasting impression on me. This story shifted something within me—it made me reflect on how our choices, when guided by compassion, can truly make the world a better place.
May 26, 2025
I’ve always been drawn to stories of courage, and this time I picked up Charlie Damitz’s The Shot Not Heard Around the World. The story follows young Jeremy, who is handed a musket and tasked with watching for Redcoats near his father’s farm. Any further action would be taken by the nearby Minutemen.
One day, a lone British scout separated from his unit and began climbing the slope toward Jeremy. When their eyes met, Jeremy didn’t just see an enemy—he saw a father. Not his own, but someone else’s. The scout, who was also preparing to fire, may have seen a son in Jeremy. Instead of engaging, the scout turned back and went downhill.
After this moment, Jeremy was consumed by feelings of guilt. He questioned whether he was a coward or a traitor. But everything changed when he met Doc Thorndike, who gave him the chance to help those wounded by war. That encounter set him on a path of healing and compassion.
This story powerfully explores the courage it takes to choose peace over violence. Jeremy’s journey is deeply inspiring. I’m glad I read this book—the ending was especially compelling. I enjoyed every moment of it.
One day, a lone British scout separated from his unit and began climbing the slope toward Jeremy. When their eyes met, Jeremy didn’t just see an enemy—he saw a father. Not his own, but someone else’s. The scout, who was also preparing to fire, may have seen a son in Jeremy. Instead of engaging, the scout turned back and went downhill.
After this moment, Jeremy was consumed by feelings of guilt. He questioned whether he was a coward or a traitor. But everything changed when he met Doc Thorndike, who gave him the chance to help those wounded by war. That encounter set him on a path of healing and compassion.
This story powerfully explores the courage it takes to choose peace over violence. Jeremy’s journey is deeply inspiring. I’m glad I read this book—the ending was especially compelling. I enjoyed every moment of it.
May 24, 2024
The Redcoat was invading their land and soon a war would be there. Jeremy, a young soldier, was face to face with a scout. His father has trusted him and he has to shoot the scout to win the approval of another Minuteman. However, when Jeremy was face to face with the scout, he realized that he was against violence.
This realization made him take the decision of serving other humans by joining the field of medicine. Roger, the scout, became Jeremy's friend. He asked Doc Thorndike if he could work under him as he needed a job. Once Roger's wound healed, he was introduced as Roger Hackett, a young surgeon's assistant from New Jersey.
This is an unputdownable book. The author has done great work in this fiction novel. The writing is descriptive and I felt as if I was pulled into the story. The narration is smooth and the backdrop setting is done nicely. Charlie has written a great story that will stay in our mind for a long time. I am deeply touched by the character of Jeremy.
Rating 4.5/5
This realization made him take the decision of serving other humans by joining the field of medicine. Roger, the scout, became Jeremy's friend. He asked Doc Thorndike if he could work under him as he needed a job. Once Roger's wound healed, he was introduced as Roger Hackett, a young surgeon's assistant from New Jersey.
This is an unputdownable book. The author has done great work in this fiction novel. The writing is descriptive and I felt as if I was pulled into the story. The narration is smooth and the backdrop setting is done nicely. Charlie has written a great story that will stay in our mind for a long time. I am deeply touched by the character of Jeremy.
Rating 4.5/5
May 30, 2025
Jeremy is a fourteen-year-old boy who quickly became my favorite character because of his courage. When a Redcoat appeared at his father's farm, Jeremy had a chance to kill the enemy and be hailed as a hero. But he couldn’t bring himself to take a human life.
After that moment, Jeremy was overcome with guilt and began to see himself as a coward or even a traitor. He withdrew into a cave until he emerged with a new purpose—to help the wounded. In this way, he found a way to serve his country without resorting to violence. Instead of taking lives, he began saving them.
Though it's a short read, this book leaves a strong impact. By sparing one life, Jeremy altered the course of his own and found more meaningful opportunities. The influence of a local doctor sparked a transformation in Jeremy—one that would go on to heal many lives.
This is a book well worth reading. I finished it in one sitting. The plot is gripping, the pacing brisk, and I truly enjoyed it. Damitz has crafted a powerful story, and I’m definitely interested in reading more of his work.
After that moment, Jeremy was overcome with guilt and began to see himself as a coward or even a traitor. He withdrew into a cave until he emerged with a new purpose—to help the wounded. In this way, he found a way to serve his country without resorting to violence. Instead of taking lives, he began saving them.
Though it's a short read, this book leaves a strong impact. By sparing one life, Jeremy altered the course of his own and found more meaningful opportunities. The influence of a local doctor sparked a transformation in Jeremy—one that would go on to heal many lives.
This is a book well worth reading. I finished it in one sitting. The plot is gripping, the pacing brisk, and I truly enjoyed it. Damitz has crafted a powerful story, and I’m definitely interested in reading more of his work.
June 12, 2025
If you enjoy stories about uncommon courage, this book is a must-read—especially for readers aged 10 to 18.
The story follows young Jeremy Prescott, a patriotic boy who faces a life-changing moment when he comes face to face with an enemy at his family’s farm. Given a chance to shoot and become a hero, Jeremy hesitates. With his finger on the trigger, he sees not just an enemy—but possibly someone’s father, someone human. In that moment, he realizes he isn't wired to take a life.
This powerful realization leads Jeremy to choose a very different path: one where he saves lives instead of taking them. He becomes an apprentice to Doc Thorndike, learning the art of healing as an assistant surgeon.
The book explores how this single decision shapes Jeremy's future. Did he do the right thing by sparing the enemy? How will this choice affect him down the line?
I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this story. The plot is unique and thought-provoking. It beautifully captures the inner strength it takes to choose compassion over violence. I'm eager to read more books by Damitz!
The story follows young Jeremy Prescott, a patriotic boy who faces a life-changing moment when he comes face to face with an enemy at his family’s farm. Given a chance to shoot and become a hero, Jeremy hesitates. With his finger on the trigger, he sees not just an enemy—but possibly someone’s father, someone human. In that moment, he realizes he isn't wired to take a life.
This powerful realization leads Jeremy to choose a very different path: one where he saves lives instead of taking them. He becomes an apprentice to Doc Thorndike, learning the art of healing as an assistant surgeon.
The book explores how this single decision shapes Jeremy's future. Did he do the right thing by sparing the enemy? How will this choice affect him down the line?
I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this story. The plot is unique and thought-provoking. It beautifully captures the inner strength it takes to choose compassion over violence. I'm eager to read more books by Damitz!
May 23, 2024
There are very few books that have the power to captivate the readers from the beginning to the end. 'The Shot Not Heard Around the World' penned by Charlie Damitz is one such book. The protagonist of the story Jeremy won my heart immediately. His compassion made me realize that we shouldn't hurt any human even if it's your enemy.
Jeremy decided that he would help in a war by giving medical treatment to the patients. He also helped an enemy named Roger and took him to Doc Thorndike for medical attention even though he was at the risk of being called a traitor. Jeremy's humanity would make us question if we think about the other human as he did in this story.
The story is well paced and there are no dull moments in it. The characters are likable and written nicely by the author. Through this book, readers would realize the importance of compassion, empathy, non-violence, mentorship, serving others, etc. Novella fans should get their hands on this book. Highly recommended.
Jeremy decided that he would help in a war by giving medical treatment to the patients. He also helped an enemy named Roger and took him to Doc Thorndike for medical attention even though he was at the risk of being called a traitor. Jeremy's humanity would make us question if we think about the other human as he did in this story.
The story is well paced and there are no dull moments in it. The characters are likable and written nicely by the author. Through this book, readers would realize the importance of compassion, empathy, non-violence, mentorship, serving others, etc. Novella fans should get their hands on this book. Highly recommended.
May 24, 2025
“The Shot Not Heard Around the World” by Charlie Damitz is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it left a lasting impression. The story follows Jeremy Prescott, a young patriot who chooses the path of healing over violence. When a group of British Redcoats passes by his father's farm, Jeremy encounters a lone British scout. As he raises his gun, he sees not an enemy but someone's father — and finds himself unable to pull the trigger.
At that moment, Jeremy understands that he cannot take another human life. Therefore, he chooses to support the war effort by saving lives, becoming a surgeon’s assistant. This powerful book follows Jeremy’s journey as he embraces compassion and courage in a time of conflict.
I highly recommend this book to young adult readers. The cover is appealing, and the title perfectly captures the spirit of the story. With its touching plot and memorable characters, this thought-provoking novel will stay with you long after the final page.
At that moment, Jeremy understands that he cannot take another human life. Therefore, he chooses to support the war effort by saving lives, becoming a surgeon’s assistant. This powerful book follows Jeremy’s journey as he embraces compassion and courage in a time of conflict.
I highly recommend this book to young adult readers. The cover is appealing, and the title perfectly captures the spirit of the story. With its touching plot and memorable characters, this thought-provoking novel will stay with you long after the final page.
May 23, 2024
"The Shot Not Heard Around the World" penned by the author Charlie Damitz is an intriguing read. In this novel, the main character of the story is a young soldier named Jeremy. When he saw the enemy, Jeremy was supposed to kill the enemy but the compassion in him didn't allow him to take a human life.
As the story progresses further, Jeremy makes the decision to save lives by joining the field of medicine. His training by Doc Thorndike prepared him to heal otherwise patients. The empathy and compassion in Jeremy teaches us to choose non-violence and help others in need.
The intellect of Doc Thorndike has won my heart. The writing style of the author is amazing and the language used in the book is lucid. The cover photo is well designed. This is a gripping read that I read in one sitting. You won't be able to put this book aside once you start reading it.
As the story progresses further, Jeremy makes the decision to save lives by joining the field of medicine. His training by Doc Thorndike prepared him to heal otherwise patients. The empathy and compassion in Jeremy teaches us to choose non-violence and help others in need.
The intellect of Doc Thorndike has won my heart. The writing style of the author is amazing and the language used in the book is lucid. The cover photo is well designed. This is a gripping read that I read in one sitting. You won't be able to put this book aside once you start reading it.
May 24, 2024
Charlie Damitz has crafted a compelling character in Jeremy, whose journey imparts lessons of compassion, empathy, and self-discovery. Jeremy, a young soldier in the American Revolutionary War, finds himself unable to shoot a British soldier, Roger, during a tense encounter.
Later, when Jeremy discovers Roger hiding in his family's chicken coop, he brings him to Doc Thorndike for medical assistance. This act of kindness leads both Jeremy and Roger to become apprentices to Doc Thorndike, where they acquire valuable skills in treating others.
The narrative is gripping, showcasing Charlie's exceptional storytelling ability. Jeremy's character leaves a lasting impression, and his path to self-discovery resonated deeply with me. The story's engaging plot has me eager to read more of Charlie Damitz's work in the future.
Later, when Jeremy discovers Roger hiding in his family's chicken coop, he brings him to Doc Thorndike for medical assistance. This act of kindness leads both Jeremy and Roger to become apprentices to Doc Thorndike, where they acquire valuable skills in treating others.
The narrative is gripping, showcasing Charlie's exceptional storytelling ability. Jeremy's character leaves a lasting impression, and his path to self-discovery resonated deeply with me. The story's engaging plot has me eager to read more of Charlie Damitz's work in the future.
July 16, 2024
The Redcoats were coming. Young Jeremy was afraid that he could become both the hunter and the hunted. He was given the task to hunt the British Soldier. When the enemy's eyes meet his, Jeremy doesn't see an enemy. He saw a father in him. Jeremy allowed him to head back to the hill.
Jeremy kept it a secret with him that the Redcoats passed by his father's farm and he failed at the plan. By not shooting an enemy, Jeremy realized that he doesn't have the heart to kill someone. This directed his path towards becoming a healer and serving many people.
Jeremy's journey involved many lessons. His story is an inspiration to us. It tells us to put our humanity first. The author has created an interesting story. One won't be able to put this book down without knowing the ending of the story. I am delighted to read this book.
Jeremy kept it a secret with him that the Redcoats passed by his father's farm and he failed at the plan. By not shooting an enemy, Jeremy realized that he doesn't have the heart to kill someone. This directed his path towards becoming a healer and serving many people.
Jeremy's journey involved many lessons. His story is an inspiration to us. It tells us to put our humanity first. The author has created an interesting story. One won't be able to put this book down without knowing the ending of the story. I am delighted to read this book.
July 18, 2024
Charlie Damitz's this book is captivating. It is a beautiful, heart-warming story that you won't forget after reading it. When Jeremy was protecting his home and people, he was supposed to kill the enemy the moment he saw him. However, Jeremy couldn't shoot at the enemy.
This realization made Jeremy serve people by providing medical care to them. Readers would be delighted to follow Jeremy's journey from a young soldier to a medical healer serving in the war. This is a novella that is well written.
The historical backdrop setting is done nicely by the author. The pace of the story is fine. I loved the character of Doc Thorndike as a mentor. This story inspires us to be supportive to others with our mentorship. It also tells us to choose an alternative instead of choosing violence.
I am looking forward to reading more historical fiction novellas.
Rating - 4.5/5
This realization made Jeremy serve people by providing medical care to them. Readers would be delighted to follow Jeremy's journey from a young soldier to a medical healer serving in the war. This is a novella that is well written.
The historical backdrop setting is done nicely by the author. The pace of the story is fine. I loved the character of Doc Thorndike as a mentor. This story inspires us to be supportive to others with our mentorship. It also tells us to choose an alternative instead of choosing violence.
I am looking forward to reading more historical fiction novellas.
Rating - 4.5/5
December 22, 2023
“The Shot Not Heard Around the World” by Charlie Damitz is a short story coming of age, perfect for young adults and adults.
Reading this short story “The Shot Not Heard Around the World” by Charlie Damitz has brought me memories of “The Adventures of a Black Bag” (short stories, 1943, rev. 1969) by A. J. Cronin, a doctor writing his memories as a small-town physician at the beginning of the 20th century in Scotland.
My grandfather was a family doctor in a small mining community; before the beginning of the Second World War, he used to say that the most peculiar anecdotes happened every time he or the patient assumed something instead of asking.
I recommend this short story to fans of the historical fiction, young adult adventure, and medicine genres.
Reading this short story “The Shot Not Heard Around the World” by Charlie Damitz has brought me memories of “The Adventures of a Black Bag” (short stories, 1943, rev. 1969) by A. J. Cronin, a doctor writing his memories as a small-town physician at the beginning of the 20th century in Scotland.
My grandfather was a family doctor in a small mining community; before the beginning of the Second World War, he used to say that the most peculiar anecdotes happened every time he or the patient assumed something instead of asking.
I recommend this short story to fans of the historical fiction, young adult adventure, and medicine genres.
July 16, 2024
"The shot not heard around the world" penned by the author Charlie Damitz is an interesting read. Jeremy found himself face to face with an enemy. He was supposed to pull the trigger but his kindness didn't allow him to see an enemy. Even the Redcoat didn't fire at him.
Later, Jeremy found the same Redcoat hiding in the chicken coop. He was wounded and needed medical attention. Jeremy took the Redcoat to Doc Thorndike. Both Jeremy and Redcoat Roger became apprentices to Doc Thorndike and learned many things to treat others.
This story walks us through the self-discovery journey of Jeremy. There are many things to learn from this story. This story can be read in a single sitting. Charlie's writing is easy to follow. The unique plot made me crave for more of his books.
Later, Jeremy found the same Redcoat hiding in the chicken coop. He was wounded and needed medical attention. Jeremy took the Redcoat to Doc Thorndike. Both Jeremy and Redcoat Roger became apprentices to Doc Thorndike and learned many things to treat others.
This story walks us through the self-discovery journey of Jeremy. There are many things to learn from this story. This story can be read in a single sitting. Charlie's writing is easy to follow. The unique plot made me crave for more of his books.
July 17, 2024
This is a unique read that would show you how the career path of a man changed once he realized he couldn't kill anyone. The story revolves around Jeremy. When the Redcoats were coming to their farm, Jeremy had to encounter and report to his father about any Redcoat he came across.
When he was in the situation, he couldn't kill a man who might be someone's father. Surprisingly, even the Redcoat couldn't kill Jeremy seeing a son in him. Jeremy would later find this Redcoat hiding and they would start the career of healing people.
Their journey is inspiring. This story teaches us to have a big and kind heart. It teaches us to be compassionate towards other human beings. The pace of the story is fine and I loved the gripping plot. Charlie should write more such books.
When he was in the situation, he couldn't kill a man who might be someone's father. Surprisingly, even the Redcoat couldn't kill Jeremy seeing a son in him. Jeremy would later find this Redcoat hiding and they would start the career of healing people.
Their journey is inspiring. This story teaches us to have a big and kind heart. It teaches us to be compassionate towards other human beings. The pace of the story is fine and I loved the gripping plot. Charlie should write more such books.
July 17, 2024
The main character of the story is Jeremy. He joined Minutemen to defend against the Redcoats invasion in their area. When Jeremy saw a British soldier named Roger and was expected to shoot the soldier, he couldn't fire at him. Roger also didn't shoot at Jeremy.
Because of their sensitive hearts that couldn't shoot others, Roger and Jeremy joined Doc Thorndike as a surgical assistant. By healing many people during the war, Jeremy played an important role. He has also grown in his personal life.
I loved Jeremy's values and was inspired by him. This book inspires us to find ourselves by trying our hands in different fields. The title of the book is something I really appreciate. The story is heart touching and would stay in my mind for a long time.
Because of their sensitive hearts that couldn't shoot others, Roger and Jeremy joined Doc Thorndike as a surgical assistant. By healing many people during the war, Jeremy played an important role. He has also grown in his personal life.
I loved Jeremy's values and was inspired by him. This book inspires us to find ourselves by trying our hands in different fields. The title of the book is something I really appreciate. The story is heart touching and would stay in my mind for a long time.
October 7, 2023
A lovely story of a young lad living in America during the time of english/America wars. It shows how he develops into a surgeons aid; eventually training to become a doctor. It shows the realities of the battlefield before automative warfare.
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