What do you think?
Rate this book
Angels in the ER #1
Angels in the ER: Inspiring True Stories from an Emergency Room Doctor
Twenty-five years in the ER could become a résumé for despair, but for bestselling author Dr. Robert D. Lesslie, it's a foundation for inspiring stories of everyday "angels"—friends, nurses, doctors, patients, and even strangers who offer love, help, and support in the midst of trouble. "The ER is a difficult and challenging place to be. Yet the same pressures and stresses that make this place so challenging also provide an opportunity to experience some of life's greatest wonders and mysteries." Dr. Lesslie illuminates messages of hope while sharing fast-paced, captivating stories about For anyone who enjoys true stories of the wonders of the human spirit, this immensely popular book is a reminder that hope can turn emergencies into opportunities and trials into demonstrations of God's grace.
237 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2008
238 people are currently reading
1093 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
February 24, 2011
I found this book by accident, while searching for something else. Because I was intrigued by the title and the fact that it's written by a doctor, I decided to download it to my Kindle. I just finished a couple evenings of delightful reading, and highly recommend the book.
Each chapter is prefaced by an easily digestible passage from scripture, which forms the theme for the real-life stories that follow. This author doesn't inundate the reader with technical language, and writes with great compassion about all types of patients. Despite his obviously kind heart and keen skills, we see that he is definitely no pushover when it comes to dealing with 'patients' who attempt to abuse the ER system (something that had never occurred to me prior to this reading).
This book made me think about the children who suffer (and die) at the hands of irresponsible parenting, the lonely and ostracized folks who don't seem to have anywhere else to go, and the greatness of the people who dedicate their lives to the healing arts (psychological, physical, and spiritual). The book ends with one of the most moving accounts I've ever seen, about another doctor, who unfailingly and selflessly administers to a large/adoring clientele.
Overall, it's the kind of content that makes me want to be a better person myself.
Each chapter is prefaced by an easily digestible passage from scripture, which forms the theme for the real-life stories that follow. This author doesn't inundate the reader with technical language, and writes with great compassion about all types of patients. Despite his obviously kind heart and keen skills, we see that he is definitely no pushover when it comes to dealing with 'patients' who attempt to abuse the ER system (something that had never occurred to me prior to this reading).
This book made me think about the children who suffer (and die) at the hands of irresponsible parenting, the lonely and ostracized folks who don't seem to have anywhere else to go, and the greatness of the people who dedicate their lives to the healing arts (psychological, physical, and spiritual). The book ends with one of the most moving accounts I've ever seen, about another doctor, who unfailingly and selflessly administers to a large/adoring clientele.
Overall, it's the kind of content that makes me want to be a better person myself.
February 2, 2019
As a medical story junkie, this was a satisfying long afternoon's read while recovering from the flu. (Also, it helped me keep things in perspective. I could be clinging to life after a car crash! I could have just discovered my headache is caused by terminal cancer! BUT, INSTEAD, I ONLY HAVE THE FLU! Whew! What a relief!) For those who are considering the book: it is exactly like binge-watching episodes of Chicago Med -- which I also did during my flu -- if those episodes all started with a Bible verse and the doctors were equally compassionate but less hot.
February 18, 2022
I did not finish this book.
The stories were interesting, some were sad and some were funny.
However the transitions occurred with no resolution.
He might be talking about a patient and then the next paragraph it's months later talking about a different patient.
Too often there's no resolution or completion to the stories he begins.
Having work in EMS, I understand that you don't always know what happens when the patient is out of your hands.
But too often these stories he starts and just leaves you hanging and he's on to a different story.
The stories were interesting, some were sad and some were funny.
However the transitions occurred with no resolution.
He might be talking about a patient and then the next paragraph it's months later talking about a different patient.
Too often there's no resolution or completion to the stories he begins.
Having work in EMS, I understand that you don't always know what happens when the patient is out of your hands.
But too often these stories he starts and just leaves you hanging and he's on to a different story.
September 21, 2011
I wanted to like this, I really did. And some of the stories were good, but overall this book was just boring and flat. It wasn't inspiring. It fell way short of that for me.
April 18, 2024
This is a beautiful and wise book, and I feel humble gratitude for discovering it. The Doctor who writes it shows such compassion and care for his patience, whether they are wealthy or have nothing at all. The stories he shares remind me to open my heart and share what I have with others.
April 6, 2022
Just a lot of pretty boring and uneventful ER stories. I didn't see any angelic involvement.
December 17, 2022
Wonderful, short, fast reading book...hard to put down. This is a beautiful faith-based book written by an ER doctor that shows love and compassion for his profession and the many varied "characters" that drop in to the ER. Some stories were so touching, they brought tears to my eyes...every kind of case imaginable, from feigned illnesses, to trauma, family problems, violence, "fibs", and love. He begins each chapter with a scripture from the Bible that will match more or less with the subject of the chapter. He is definitely a man of great faith and love of God. Beautifully written, with love and care for each of his patients.
January 24, 2025
I thought this one was going to be about near death experiences. Title threw me.
It’s true stories about an ER doctor and staff.
It’s good, with stories that will make you feel.
It’s not about religious experiences, however. So I was a bit confused at first, waiting for the book to take a turn and bring on the spiritual aspects. I misunderstood the title!
Angels are mentioned in one story involving a child, but that was it. Book was about humans helping humans.
It’s true stories about an ER doctor and staff.
It’s good, with stories that will make you feel.
It’s not about religious experiences, however. So I was a bit confused at first, waiting for the book to take a turn and bring on the spiritual aspects. I misunderstood the title!
Angels are mentioned in one story involving a child, but that was it. Book was about humans helping humans.
June 28, 2025
I looked up the author halfway through reading this book and found out he was murdered a few years ago, rest of the book felt a little strange after learning that.
August 31, 2025
Great book with lots of really good stories. Really cool it’s set in my hometown as well
April 23, 2021
The writing could have been better, but the content was wonderful!
September 23, 2013
Angels in the ER is an eye-opening account of the experiences of an emergency room doctor. Dr. Robert Lesslie shares his personal stories of what he has seen and learned over his years in this position. This variety of stories allows the reader to witness the intensity of the emergency room, along with the tragedy, heartbreak, oddities, extreme situations and miracles that take place there daily. The stories range from those of auto accidents, patients with persistent heart failure, freak incidents, returning patients whose sole intent is getting a warm meal, and innocent young children on their deathbeds, among others. Dr. Lesslie uses his experiences with patients, families, and coworkers to share the lessons he has learned from each situation and apply it to everyday life. He is also able to relate these to his faith, and through the book describes how everyday people can represent earthly angels. This book reminded me of Heaven is for Real, the story of a four year old boy who develops a fatal illness that sends him on an incredible journey to Heaven and back to Earth. It also describes the intensity of the emergency room and the huge hearts of the doctors and nurses that work there. Obviously, this little boy’s story also ended in a miracle. Had Dr. Lesslie written that book, he would have described the little boy as one of the angels he interacts with daily. Angels in the ER was hard to put down. There was so much emotion involved, the stories were relatable, and it was overall well-written. The fact that the stories were true appealed to me even more. I liked the variety of stories and how they all related. The book made me laugh, it made me cry, and it kept me interested the entire time. It is definitely worth the read.
June 17, 2019
Ok. So I was really disappointed in this book. I got this book because I thought it was about patients who were close to death or of extreme cases of care from nurses and doctors. It was none of that. The summary on the back of the book and the title are very misleading.
The stories are completely unremarkable. I’ve forgotten most of them and I just read it! Most of the first stories are about drunks—and not even good drunk stories. This author sets up the story saying how shift changes are critical and how sometimes bump in the roads lead way to full on potholes. Makes the reader think something big is going to happen. Nope. A drunk peed somewhere he shouldn’t. That’s it.
A lot of these stories were missed opportunities. Had this book been written and edited better I might have been able to form an emotional connection, but there was too much information that wasn’t pertinent to the story and no descriptors that would enhance the story. For example, she talks about a friendship between a nurse and a patient and says that friendship caused waves because there wasn’t supposed to be any “race mixing,” but he never says which one was a different race.
There is a chapter that could have been truly terrifying, but he did such a poor job of explaining the situation, I couldn’t see it. Apparently it was so scary a nurse wet herself. Why? How was it scary like that? I need you, author, to make it clear so I can be afraid too.
The writing reminded me of a fourth grader who wants to write a book. It’s out of touch. This was boring and the writing was just bad. Waste of time.
The stories are completely unremarkable. I’ve forgotten most of them and I just read it! Most of the first stories are about drunks—and not even good drunk stories. This author sets up the story saying how shift changes are critical and how sometimes bump in the roads lead way to full on potholes. Makes the reader think something big is going to happen. Nope. A drunk peed somewhere he shouldn’t. That’s it.
A lot of these stories were missed opportunities. Had this book been written and edited better I might have been able to form an emotional connection, but there was too much information that wasn’t pertinent to the story and no descriptors that would enhance the story. For example, she talks about a friendship between a nurse and a patient and says that friendship caused waves because there wasn’t supposed to be any “race mixing,” but he never says which one was a different race.
There is a chapter that could have been truly terrifying, but he did such a poor job of explaining the situation, I couldn’t see it. Apparently it was so scary a nurse wet herself. Why? How was it scary like that? I need you, author, to make it clear so I can be afraid too.
The writing reminded me of a fourth grader who wants to write a book. It’s out of touch. This was boring and the writing was just bad. Waste of time.
November 14, 2019
read for my journal book club. some good stories, like watching an episode of ER without all the drama, but should have a trigger warning for people like me ... lots of sad stories and tales of babies & children that made this mama cry.
July 29, 2011
Not at all what I expected - a total disappointment.
May 7, 2023
Whoever titled this book needs to look up the word "inspirational" in the dictionary! If you want to be depressed, read this book!
I purchased this book because I wanted to read "inspiring" stories. I was also misled by the word "Angels" in the title. This book is not about angels (unless the author thinks that he and other doctors and nurses are angels--which they are NOT) and of all the parts I read, there is not a single "inspiring" story. I read the first several stories, hoping that the "inspirational" stories would eventually start. Then I flipped to the middle to see if there were any there. None. I'm actually going to throw this book in the garbage because I don't want to be responsible for inflicting it on anyone. Also, the fact that there are several of these books blows my mind!
SPOILER!
How anyone could be inspired by stories of rape, incest, negligence, malpractice, and the likes is beyond me! One of the "inspiring" stories was about a woman who was considered a "regular" in the ER. After doing their usual glance over and determining there was nothing wrong with the woman, as usual, the nurse told the doctor he needed to have a closer look at her because "something was off". When he examined her again she said she was find other than the splitting headache she had. He looked at her eyes and they were crossed. He wondered how she was able to keep them crossed like that then sent her home. Two days later she died because she had a tumor in her brain. End of story. You tell me... how is that inspiring!?? The rest of the stories are basically like that. Bad.
Like I said, if you want to be depressed, read this book.
I purchased this book because I wanted to read "inspiring" stories. I was also misled by the word "Angels" in the title. This book is not about angels (unless the author thinks that he and other doctors and nurses are angels--which they are NOT) and of all the parts I read, there is not a single "inspiring" story. I read the first several stories, hoping that the "inspirational" stories would eventually start. Then I flipped to the middle to see if there were any there. None. I'm actually going to throw this book in the garbage because I don't want to be responsible for inflicting it on anyone. Also, the fact that there are several of these books blows my mind!
SPOILER!
How anyone could be inspired by stories of rape, incest, negligence, malpractice, and the likes is beyond me! One of the "inspiring" stories was about a woman who was considered a "regular" in the ER. After doing their usual glance over and determining there was nothing wrong with the woman, as usual, the nurse told the doctor he needed to have a closer look at her because "something was off". When he examined her again she said she was find other than the splitting headache she had. He looked at her eyes and they were crossed. He wondered how she was able to keep them crossed like that then sent her home. Two days later she died because she had a tumor in her brain. End of story. You tell me... how is that inspiring!?? The rest of the stories are basically like that. Bad.
Like I said, if you want to be depressed, read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2021
One of the most thoughtful books I've read
Dr. Leslie is more than just an ER dic telling amusing or unusual stories. Every story has a point and a moral underpinning or a life lesson he learned. He is humble and deeply concerned for those who have nothing. He i clues a lot of quotes from great philosophers as well as Biblical scripture to open a chapter, then the chapter illustrates that concept.
I was horrified to learn that, even as I was thoroughly enjoying this book andbthe light that this man has to offer the world, he was senseless gunned down, along with his wife and other family members, by an evil creature for no reason at all.
What a huge loss to the world. When you read his books, you'll be so glad that there are such empathetic and thinking and humble people who just want to serve others. Then to have to know that such a light in this world was slaughtered in his own home by a madman is too much to bear.
I will read everything he wrote. He left us a legacy of wisdom and love, and we can try to be like him.
Dr. Leslie is more than just an ER dic telling amusing or unusual stories. Every story has a point and a moral underpinning or a life lesson he learned. He is humble and deeply concerned for those who have nothing. He i clues a lot of quotes from great philosophers as well as Biblical scripture to open a chapter, then the chapter illustrates that concept.
I was horrified to learn that, even as I was thoroughly enjoying this book andbthe light that this man has to offer the world, he was senseless gunned down, along with his wife and other family members, by an evil creature for no reason at all.
What a huge loss to the world. When you read his books, you'll be so glad that there are such empathetic and thinking and humble people who just want to serve others. Then to have to know that such a light in this world was slaughtered in his own home by a madman is too much to bear.
I will read everything he wrote. He left us a legacy of wisdom and love, and we can try to be like him.
April 20, 2021
I knew nothing of this book until I read about it in news reports of Dr. Lesslie’s tragic murder on April 7, 2021. I suppose a title that includes the word “angels” helps sell inspirational books; but although Lesslie was a dedicated Christian layman, and though there is a Bible verse at the head of most of the chapters, this book is not particularly religious in orientation. Furthermore, there are fewer angels in the book than demons, both the kind that walk on two legs and the kind that comes in bottles. (I’d guess that even non-religious ER doctors silently nurse prohibitionist sentiments.) There are heartwarming vignettes in this collection, but since I already knew about Lesslie’s murder, I was also more aware of stories that suggested how working in an emergency room might be dangerous.
October 2, 2018
Eddi in Florida
Angels in the ER is a first hand actual observations of the Dr. turned author, Robert Lesslie.
Each chapter contains the highlights of a visit to the ER of different people and the interactions and reactions of the staff of Rocky Hill ER. we seen through Dr. Leslie eyes.
Each chapter begins and ends with a relatable quotation. Many are from the Bible.
I would strongly recommend that everyone entering or in the medical profession read this book.. You don't want to get so busy or greedy that you loose the caring inner being that first came into the profession. Appreciate the people who make up the team from the EMT that makes that first contact to every trained personnel within the facility.
Angels in the ER is a first hand actual observations of the Dr. turned author, Robert Lesslie.
Each chapter contains the highlights of a visit to the ER of different people and the interactions and reactions of the staff of Rocky Hill ER. we seen through Dr. Leslie eyes.
Each chapter begins and ends with a relatable quotation. Many are from the Bible.
I would strongly recommend that everyone entering or in the medical profession read this book.. You don't want to get so busy or greedy that you loose the caring inner being that first came into the profession. Appreciate the people who make up the team from the EMT that makes that first contact to every trained personnel within the facility.
September 1, 2020
This well-balanced collection of short stories is set in a busy emergency room. Thought provoking, the book reveals many facets of humanity: from humor to courage and joy, through loss and surprises, to forgiveness. As Dr. Lesslie says, "The ER. It all happens here. This is an amazing place to observe and study the human condition." As well as the science of medicine, Dr. Lesslie reflects on important truths that, while intangible, are real. The stories are written with such clarity that you feel as though you are right there. This is an enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down! I recommend this as a wonderful gift to a student considering any career in medicine, or anyone interested in inspirational stories from a faith-based perspective
July 26, 2020
Angels in the ER: Inspiring True Stories from an Emergency Room Doctor reminds me of those old television shows that used to be (and may very well still be) on TLC on which there were recreations of medical situations in the ER reenacted by cheesy actors. The stories hold our attention and there are some observations for further reflection, but ultimately it's Chicken Soup for the Soul Christian ER doctor style. The irony for me is that I am a Christian EMT and I finished this in this ER as a patient.
November 8, 2021
Oh my gosh, the best surprise ever! I saw this on an end cap in the medication section at the grocery store and, for reasons I can’t explain, I bought it. The first and only time I’ve bought a book at the grocery store. These short stories, organized by “topic”, were amazing, touching and so enjoyable to read. I thought I’d read these very short stories over a long period of time…just whenever I had a few moments waiting at the dentist’s office or when I needed to settle before going to sleep, but I could hardly put it down once I started!
March 18, 2022
View from the ER
Dr Leslie’s care for his patients comes through clearly in this book. He begins each chapter with an appropriate scripture and tells stories of the men and women he treated in the ER…and of the angels who served each patient, the times when death was the outcome, the times when patients themselves were the angels. Moving and enlightening about emergency room care, the book gives insight into the importance of patient care regardless of financial or emotional cost.
Dr Leslie’s care for his patients comes through clearly in this book. He begins each chapter with an appropriate scripture and tells stories of the men and women he treated in the ER…and of the angels who served each patient, the times when death was the outcome, the times when patients themselves were the angels. Moving and enlightening about emergency room care, the book gives insight into the importance of patient care regardless of financial or emotional cost.
March 31, 2020
I was a disappointed that the title seemed a bit misleading compared to the content, but I found this book in an airport bookstore last month and bought it for a quick read on the plane and after I returned home. It was interesting, uplifting, and inspiring. Skillful storytelling. Good takeaway. Lots of good insight into the everyday life of ER personnel. I'm fascinated with the medical profession, so it was especially enjoyable.
January 24, 2024
The book is well written, however, was not what I was expecting from the title. There are some inspirational folks among the stories, however, there are also some very sad and even horrific cases. It is a compliation of true stories Dr. Leslie wrote as a result of being an emergency room doctor. It is a picture of life and the things that happen along the way. Interesting, tragic, lovely, heartwarming, and devestating.
June 10, 2017
My dream is to work in the ER as a nurse.
Dr. Lesslie showed over 30 years of his experience in the ER. Some of them are cruel and sad, and some of them are unbelievable and speechless.
It will definitely make you interesting and thrilled if you are working or will work in health science field. Worth it.
Dr. Lesslie showed over 30 years of his experience in the ER. Some of them are cruel and sad, and some of them are unbelievable and speechless.
It will definitely make you interesting and thrilled if you are working or will work in health science field. Worth it.
January 11, 2019
Great read! Robert Lesslie has chosen patients with a variety of illnesses and injuries that show what it's like to work in an emergency room. I think he also did a wonderful job explaining how patients inspired the staff, the staff inspired the patients, and showing how we should treat each other regardless of the other person's background.
January 5, 2022
I loved this book!!!! I am a retired ER nurse. I have lived the life of this book. And I worked with someone just like Dr.Lesslie. This book had he laughing hysterically and sobbing!!!! I loved my ER nights and miss them so much. Everyone would enjoy this book, nurse, doctor,EMT, medic….it’s all the tales you have lived through in your career!!!!! Dr. Lesslie….you are awesome!!!!!
May 19, 2025
as an aspiring physician, you would think that reading this book would deter me from pursuing this profession. quite the opposite actually. if anything, i am even more determined to become a doctor. this book is a gentle reminder why (i think) most people want to become a doctor: to heal the sick and to give love to the unloved. thank you, dr. lesslie, for being a good writer and a good doctor ♡
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews