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Reflections of an Invisible Duck
For over twenty years, Don held the line along an altered path. The calls, the chaos, the politics—he could stomach it all for one raising his daughter. But now, with that chapter of his life closed, the job’s cracks are harder to ignore. The ones who wear the uniform but don’t live up to it. The ones who lower the standard while good people burn out trying to hold it up.
As the weight of it all becomes unbearable, Don finds himself at a crossroads. Does he walk away, or battle an entire culture? Before he can decide, the choice is taken from him—and in the wake of his absence, those who truly understood what he stood for are left to pick up the pieces and ask themselves what comes next.
A gripping, unflinching look at the cost of duty and the struggle to do what’s right—even when it feels like no one else cares.
For some, the job's image is everything. For Don, it was always about something more.
As the weight of it all becomes unbearable, Don finds himself at a crossroads. Does he walk away, or battle an entire culture? Before he can decide, the choice is taken from him—and in the wake of his absence, those who truly understood what he stood for are left to pick up the pieces and ask themselves what comes next.
A gripping, unflinching look at the cost of duty and the struggle to do what’s right—even when it feels like no one else cares.
For some, the job's image is everything. For Don, it was always about something more.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
9 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 16, 2025
If actions are the measure of a man, there isn’t a ruler that can capture the depth of Don Warren. Through the eyes of those who knew him best, you are transported to a world that some will never know, others know but don’t care enough, or choose not, to see, those who know it all too well, and the ones who shape its’ very core…for good, for bad and every place in between.
You already know the people you’ll meet along the way, or at least some small part of them. This story is woven from the fibers of humanity. You don’t need to be a member of police, fire or EMS services to lose yourself in this book. You just need to be human.
Locke has a seemingly innate ability to put to paper the intangibles of a life well-lived. I hesitated to write this review because I feared my words could not do it justice; however, if I learned anything from Don, it’s that fear does not justify inaction, and so here it is. Now that I’ve had the privilege of knowing him, I hope you will too.
To the countless EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement and Healthcare Professionals everywhere who bravely and competently fight back the raging tides so those of us safely on shore never have to see…Thank you.
You already know the people you’ll meet along the way, or at least some small part of them. This story is woven from the fibers of humanity. You don’t need to be a member of police, fire or EMS services to lose yourself in this book. You just need to be human.
Locke has a seemingly innate ability to put to paper the intangibles of a life well-lived. I hesitated to write this review because I feared my words could not do it justice; however, if I learned anything from Don, it’s that fear does not justify inaction, and so here it is. Now that I’ve had the privilege of knowing him, I hope you will too.
To the countless EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement and Healthcare Professionals everywhere who bravely and competently fight back the raging tides so those of us safely on shore never have to see…Thank you.
February 16, 2025
I’ll start with the TW list: suicide, violence, blood, child abuse, sexual assault (implied heavily, no direct scenes), descriptions of anatomy, descriptions on injuries, line of duty death, car accidents, maternal mortality, coping with loss, racism, hazing, bullying, alcohol consumption.
The above list is my own that I compiled. I’m sure there are more.
It’s been a long time since I sat glued to a book and finished it within a day. This “based on a true story” book is an absolutely honest, raw, and brutal vivisection of Fire/EMS services, their current state and the impacts on its members and their family.
It lays it all out. You follow three people through the course of the book and how each have been impacted by either their work in the Fire/EMS realm, or are family members of fire medics.
If you work in the fire service and you’re not angry by the end, you may be part of the T-shirt/whacker club.
IMO - a must read. Tread carefully and bring tissues.
The above list is my own that I compiled. I’m sure there are more.
It’s been a long time since I sat glued to a book and finished it within a day. This “based on a true story” book is an absolutely honest, raw, and brutal vivisection of Fire/EMS services, their current state and the impacts on its members and their family.
It lays it all out. You follow three people through the course of the book and how each have been impacted by either their work in the Fire/EMS realm, or are family members of fire medics.
If you work in the fire service and you’re not angry by the end, you may be part of the T-shirt/whacker club.
IMO - a must read. Tread carefully and bring tissues.
July 29, 2025
Full disclosure: I listened to this on Audible. And I have one word to describe this book.
Wow.
To put it mildly, this book was a gut punch. It was based on a true story which occurred in a New England town. While I don’t know the events that this is based on, much of the observations made by the author hit home. As for the details, I’m not going to share any spoilers. What I will say, however, is that the author got it right.
Regarding the author, I have no idea who this person is. That said, they are an incredibly talented writer. This story is incredibly well-written, plus any loose ends that exist are resolved at the end of the novel. There were multiple parts of the narrative where I could not control the tears or the laughter. That in itself is indicative of a quality piece of writing.
I highly recommend this book
Wow.
To put it mildly, this book was a gut punch. It was based on a true story which occurred in a New England town. While I don’t know the events that this is based on, much of the observations made by the author hit home. As for the details, I’m not going to share any spoilers. What I will say, however, is that the author got it right.
Regarding the author, I have no idea who this person is. That said, they are an incredibly talented writer. This story is incredibly well-written, plus any loose ends that exist are resolved at the end of the novel. There were multiple parts of the narrative where I could not control the tears or the laughter. That in itself is indicative of a quality piece of writing.
I highly recommend this book
October 5, 2025
Reflections of an Invisible Duck is an insightful, sensitive, and deeply realistic window into the world of EMS providers — and the people who love them.
Drawing from his own experiences, the author masterfully weaves together characters and situations that feel achingly authentic, creating a story that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. The character development is exceptional, evoking a full range of emotions that brought me to tears more than once.
What truly stands out is the author’s ability to articulate the emotional sacrifices of first responders, as well as the quiet strength of their spouses and loved ones who share that burden.
From the very first word to the very last, this book is utterly captivating — a poignant tribute to the unseen heroes among us.
Drawing from his own experiences, the author masterfully weaves together characters and situations that feel achingly authentic, creating a story that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. The character development is exceptional, evoking a full range of emotions that brought me to tears more than once.
What truly stands out is the author’s ability to articulate the emotional sacrifices of first responders, as well as the quiet strength of their spouses and loved ones who share that burden.
From the very first word to the very last, this book is utterly captivating — a poignant tribute to the unseen heroes among us.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews