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The Rescuer: One Firefighter’s Story of Courage, Darkness, and the Relentless Love That Saved Him
He helped save people every day—but he had no idea how to save himself. Jason Sautel had it all. Confident in his abilities and trusted by his fellow firefighters, he was making a name for himself on the streets of Oakland, California. His adrenaline-fueled job even helped him forget the pain of his childhood—until the day he looked into the eyes of a jumper on the Bay Bridge and came face to face with a darkness he knew would take him down as well. In the following months, a series of traumatic emergency calls—some successful, others impossible-to-forget failures—drove Jason deeper into depression. Even as he continued his lifesaving work, he realized he could never rescue everyone, and he had no idea how to save himself. In the end, Jason was forced to confront the only the relentless power of love could pull him back from his own deadly fall. Action-packed, spiritually honest, and surprisingly romantic, The Rescuer transports readers inside the pulse-pounding world of firefighting and into the heart of a man who needed to be broken before he could finally be made whole.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2020
92 people are currently reading
2189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
June 2, 2021
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
I would have connected much better with this “Christian” nonfiction book had it not used a plethora of curse words and a few crude gestures. These things are always disheartening to me, especially considering Ephesians 4:29 tells us that “no foul language is to come from [our mouths],” and Ephesians 5:4 says that “coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable.”
What I really enjoyed about this book was the journey toward redemption. That journey is completely relatable, and it was well expressed throughout the book. There was a clear distinction between the darkness of sin and the light of salvation.
Here are a few quotes that landed on my highlights list:
“Few made it through. Those of us who did weren’t better than anyone else, but maybe we knew how to suffer more.”
“A firehouse at shift-change might not be the place to find gratitude, but at least it was full of a certain kind of family.”
“Radios are cute, but old-school eye contact and screaming was [sic] our modus operandi.”
“Do yourself a favor, Jason, and try to make good stories your priority.”
Note: That one felt profound to me as I read it.
“It was like all the words had been vacuumed out of my head.”
Note: That one was particularly expressive to me.
Triggers: suicide, depression (as a theme)
Content: profanity, expletives (excessive), sexual terms, graphic medical details, tobacco, crude gestures, alcohol, bars, drugs, suicide
I would have connected much better with this “Christian” nonfiction book had it not used a plethora of curse words and a few crude gestures. These things are always disheartening to me, especially considering Ephesians 4:29 tells us that “no foul language is to come from [our mouths],” and Ephesians 5:4 says that “coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable.”
What I really enjoyed about this book was the journey toward redemption. That journey is completely relatable, and it was well expressed throughout the book. There was a clear distinction between the darkness of sin and the light of salvation.
Here are a few quotes that landed on my highlights list:
“Few made it through. Those of us who did weren’t better than anyone else, but maybe we knew how to suffer more.”
“A firehouse at shift-change might not be the place to find gratitude, but at least it was full of a certain kind of family.”
“Radios are cute, but old-school eye contact and screaming was [sic] our modus operandi.”
“Do yourself a favor, Jason, and try to make good stories your priority.”
Note: That one felt profound to me as I read it.
“It was like all the words had been vacuumed out of my head.”
Note: That one was particularly expressive to me.
Triggers: suicide, depression (as a theme)
Content: profanity, expletives (excessive), sexual terms, graphic medical details, tobacco, crude gestures, alcohol, bars, drugs, suicide
August 24, 2020
The Rescuer // by Jason Sautel
"You ever seen a mustard seed? I was the Demon Seed, but something as small as a mustard seed can change even the most hard-core of men."
Jason Sautel is a seasoned firefighter that has seen his fair share and more of the traumatic side of his profession. But rather than enjoying his well-deserved time off in between shifts, he craves to be back at the station where the dark hole inside of him doesn't feel quite as deep. In this memoir, he writes about his darkest fears and lowest moments but also about the journey back out of the dark.
No other book has made me want to cry as much as this one in the last couple of days. Even knowing that it ends positively from the summary, I had a hard time understanding how someone could come back from the kind of despair that Sautel was feeling. The cases he recounts are absolutely heart-wrenching and I cannot imagine how difficult it would be to be there experiencing them in person. I knew firefighters were tough but this book gives me a whole new appreciation for just how tough they really are. This book was a pretty quick read and had me hanging on to every work the entire time. While I wish it was a little longer and that we could hear more about the love that helped him out of the dark, I do know that this is a book that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
And an extra thank you to Jason Sautel for his service.
"You ever seen a mustard seed? I was the Demon Seed, but something as small as a mustard seed can change even the most hard-core of men."
Jason Sautel is a seasoned firefighter that has seen his fair share and more of the traumatic side of his profession. But rather than enjoying his well-deserved time off in between shifts, he craves to be back at the station where the dark hole inside of him doesn't feel quite as deep. In this memoir, he writes about his darkest fears and lowest moments but also about the journey back out of the dark.
No other book has made me want to cry as much as this one in the last couple of days. Even knowing that it ends positively from the summary, I had a hard time understanding how someone could come back from the kind of despair that Sautel was feeling. The cases he recounts are absolutely heart-wrenching and I cannot imagine how difficult it would be to be there experiencing them in person. I knew firefighters were tough but this book gives me a whole new appreciation for just how tough they really are. This book was a pretty quick read and had me hanging on to every work the entire time. While I wish it was a little longer and that we could hear more about the love that helped him out of the dark, I do know that this is a book that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
And an extra thank you to Jason Sautel for his service.
February 6, 2020
I received an advance copy of this book courtesy of the publisher, with a request from the author to write an honest review.
We all have a story to tell. As an editor, though, and a Type 4 on the Enneagram, sometimes I struggle with the why and the what behind the stories being told today. Why is this person's story getting attention over another's? What makes one person's narrative worthy of a mass publication? With this book, I had no such questions. Instead, I raved about the unique, moving, and eye-opening perspective author Jason Sautel humbly shares about his years working as an Oakland firefighter.
Pieced together with anecdotes from some of his most impactful rescue missions—both the successful ones and the heart-wrenching "failed" attempts—Sautel weaves a metanarrative about what it means to rescue and be rescued. He juxtaposes his efforts to save others against his inability to save himself and, ultimately, points to his discovery of faith as the cornerstone that kept and continues to keep his metaphorical house from crumbling to the ground.
This action-packed story moved me to tears multiple times and was as thought-provoking as it was educational and—surprisingly—relatable. We've all needed a rescuer at times in our lives, and we're lucky if one half as competent, caring, and capable as Sautel knocks on our doors. And yet, as Sautel reminds us, the greatest rescuer of all is always there, always knocking. No matter our circumstances, we can open the doors of our hearts and let that loving helper in.
We all have a story to tell. As an editor, though, and a Type 4 on the Enneagram, sometimes I struggle with the why and the what behind the stories being told today. Why is this person's story getting attention over another's? What makes one person's narrative worthy of a mass publication? With this book, I had no such questions. Instead, I raved about the unique, moving, and eye-opening perspective author Jason Sautel humbly shares about his years working as an Oakland firefighter.
Pieced together with anecdotes from some of his most impactful rescue missions—both the successful ones and the heart-wrenching "failed" attempts—Sautel weaves a metanarrative about what it means to rescue and be rescued. He juxtaposes his efforts to save others against his inability to save himself and, ultimately, points to his discovery of faith as the cornerstone that kept and continues to keep his metaphorical house from crumbling to the ground.
This action-packed story moved me to tears multiple times and was as thought-provoking as it was educational and—surprisingly—relatable. We've all needed a rescuer at times in our lives, and we're lucky if one half as competent, caring, and capable as Sautel knocks on our doors. And yet, as Sautel reminds us, the greatest rescuer of all is always there, always knocking. No matter our circumstances, we can open the doors of our hearts and let that loving helper in.
September 13, 2020
The Rescuer is an amazing memoir about a firefighter overcoming his own personal darkness. I couldn't put this book down. Jason Sautel is inspiring for sharing his story in an open and honest way.
Firefighters are heroes. They put their lives on the line to save others and that is so commendable. But who is there to save them? That's exactly the question that Jason asks himself after he witnesses a tragic event while on duty.
I think this book gives readers an insight into the hard truths of being a first responder, in particular, a firefighter. Jason focuses on a specific time in his life where he continues to go through rough times in his job. He has lost multiple victims on his watch. Those loses reminded Jason of the darkness that he has fought his entire life. When he saw a man jump off of a bridge and saw the look in his eyes, he knew that it could have easily been him. That was tough to read because so many of us think that if we don't think about our own darkness it will never consume us. But this time darkness came for Jason.
Jason wasn't himself and so many of his friends and colleagues noticed. Nothing seemed to help Jason. It was a more than a rough patch and his life could have gone a different way. But his niece visiting him seemed to be the catalyst in his life that he needed. His niece brought out so much joy and then someone else also gave him the faith and hope he desperately needed. That person would be his wife Kristie. They met at a restaurant. He was out to dinner with his niece and mother and she was their waitress. There love story is beautiful and compelling. It's amazing to see the power of love and hope can have on a person.
I give The Rescuer 5 stars. It's an inspiring and hopeful memoir about a firefighter overcoming his darkness with the help of love, family, and faith. Jason's vulnerability makes the book so interesting and compelling. If anything this story will remind everyone that even heroes go through their ups and downs. Just because they save lives and appear fearless they feel just like everyone else. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful. I feel like this book will be impactful to so many readers!
Firefighters are heroes. They put their lives on the line to save others and that is so commendable. But who is there to save them? That's exactly the question that Jason asks himself after he witnesses a tragic event while on duty.
I think this book gives readers an insight into the hard truths of being a first responder, in particular, a firefighter. Jason focuses on a specific time in his life where he continues to go through rough times in his job. He has lost multiple victims on his watch. Those loses reminded Jason of the darkness that he has fought his entire life. When he saw a man jump off of a bridge and saw the look in his eyes, he knew that it could have easily been him. That was tough to read because so many of us think that if we don't think about our own darkness it will never consume us. But this time darkness came for Jason.
Jason wasn't himself and so many of his friends and colleagues noticed. Nothing seemed to help Jason. It was a more than a rough patch and his life could have gone a different way. But his niece visiting him seemed to be the catalyst in his life that he needed. His niece brought out so much joy and then someone else also gave him the faith and hope he desperately needed. That person would be his wife Kristie. They met at a restaurant. He was out to dinner with his niece and mother and she was their waitress. There love story is beautiful and compelling. It's amazing to see the power of love and hope can have on a person.
I give The Rescuer 5 stars. It's an inspiring and hopeful memoir about a firefighter overcoming his darkness with the help of love, family, and faith. Jason's vulnerability makes the book so interesting and compelling. If anything this story will remind everyone that even heroes go through their ups and downs. Just because they save lives and appear fearless they feel just like everyone else. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful. I feel like this book will be impactful to so many readers!
September 1, 2020
All I can say is Wow! What a powerfully visceral & inspirational story! Jason does a great job creating visual atmosphere in the pages of his painstakingly raw, heart-wrenching, yet ultimately hopeful & inspiring, memoir. Being a fireman or any sort of first responder may be a rewarding career on many levels, but the emotional toll it may have on these heroic individuals is often worse than the physical one.
'The Rescuer: One Firefighter's Story of Courage, Darkness, & the Relentless Love That Saved Him' is an incredibly engaging, thought-provoking story of hope & soul redemption. I was emotionally captivated the whole time I read 'The Rescuer' & Jason's story, along w/ the stories he shared, will stay w/ me for yrs to come!
'The Rescuer: One Firefighter's Story of Courage, Darkness, & the Relentless Love That Saved Him' is an incredibly engaging, thought-provoking story of hope & soul redemption. I was emotionally captivated the whole time I read 'The Rescuer' & Jason's story, along w/ the stories he shared, will stay w/ me for yrs to come!
June 20, 2020
I loved this book. I've always had great admiration for our first responders, but this book sheds light on some really dark moments Jason went through, only increasing my respect for what men and women like him do everyday. I felt like I could SEE the situations he was describing, it was all so visually compelling. I also love the family camaraderie the station had. He was so honest about his personal struggles and I kept waiting for things to "get fixed" for him...and was impressed how the positive changes in his life that came later in the book were handled with such grace and tenderness. It's never preachy, but instead, thoroughly compelling.
December 31, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review. This is one of my favorite books I've read this year! It's very well written and the stories of being a first responder are amazing yet sad. Books don't usually make me cry but this one did. Jason is such an incredible person and I am so happy for him that he found live and essentially was rescued himself. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
June 30, 2020
I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas Nelson the publishing company and also Jason Sautel. I was very excited to be approved to read this wonderful book and give my feedback. I am a firefighter's wife, I knew going into the book some of the terminology, the closeness of brother and sisterhood of being a part of a family such as the fire department. It's amazing!
Reading Jason's stories was heart wrenching, I myself have not seen these type of incidents but I know my husband has and I know how the calls can weigh on his heart. He has been a part of the fire department for over 34 years. He has seen all kinds of things, things we don't discuss because of the nature of the calls. Like Jason I can see in my husbands eyes how this very rewarding but yet heart wrenching job can cause stress, depression etc . I call Jason a hero just as I call my husband a hero. Firemen and women do not see themselves as a hero. To them it's saving lives and helping others. This story warmed my heart and my heart went out to Jason. Reading his struggles through life was eye opening but he is a true hero. I was rooting for Jason throughout the whole book. It was a true page turner for me. Not wanting to give away too much I'm so happy that at the ending of the book Jason fights his demons and finds happiness., The book made me cry, made me smile and left a warm feeling inside. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to read this wonderful book. Once published I will be buying my husband and stepsons this book. My stepsons are both firefighter and I believe they would truly enjoy and appreciate Jason's story. Thank you Jason for sharing your life with us.
Reading Jason's stories was heart wrenching, I myself have not seen these type of incidents but I know my husband has and I know how the calls can weigh on his heart. He has been a part of the fire department for over 34 years. He has seen all kinds of things, things we don't discuss because of the nature of the calls. Like Jason I can see in my husbands eyes how this very rewarding but yet heart wrenching job can cause stress, depression etc . I call Jason a hero just as I call my husband a hero. Firemen and women do not see themselves as a hero. To them it's saving lives and helping others. This story warmed my heart and my heart went out to Jason. Reading his struggles through life was eye opening but he is a true hero. I was rooting for Jason throughout the whole book. It was a true page turner for me. Not wanting to give away too much I'm so happy that at the ending of the book Jason fights his demons and finds happiness., The book made me cry, made me smile and left a warm feeling inside. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to read this wonderful book. Once published I will be buying my husband and stepsons this book. My stepsons are both firefighter and I believe they would truly enjoy and appreciate Jason's story. Thank you Jason for sharing your life with us.
July 12, 2020
This is an amazing story of a career firefighter's life, calls, and faith. As a firefighter myself I can relate to the highs and lows of the job. As a Christian, I can relate to Sautel's story on a deeper level. While our backgrounds and experiences are different the job is one and the same.
Sautel has had some incredibly devastating, life-changing, and heart-wrenching calls. Being a firefighter is a rewarding career, but it takes its toll, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He cuts through the crap and tells it like it is in all of its gorry-glory.
What an amazing story, I'm sure Sautel has more incredible stories to tell and I can't wait to see what God will write through him.
5 Stars!
Sautel has had some incredibly devastating, life-changing, and heart-wrenching calls. Being a firefighter is a rewarding career, but it takes its toll, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He cuts through the crap and tells it like it is in all of its gorry-glory.
What an amazing story, I'm sure Sautel has more incredible stories to tell and I can't wait to see what God will write through him.
5 Stars!
July 25, 2020
This book captures Jason’s true story of how God worked in his life as a non believer. How even the bravest of men are battling some of the darkest moments. That when you least expect it God places someone in your life to save you.
July 9, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Rescuer: One Firefighter’s Story of Courage, Darkness, and the Relentless Love That Saved Him by Jason Sautel with D.R. Jacobsen is a deeply personal story from someone who spends much of his life on the frontline. Many of us cannot fathom how life is for someone who puts themselves in harms way day after day to save others. The author shares the realities of his life as a fireman and paramedic. While doing so he opens his soul to the world.
The stories that Sautel tells are far beyond what we see on Chicago Fire or any television show portraying rescue personnel. For this author each call is personal even though he may have never seen those he saved again or be able to give his condolences to the family members he couldn’t save. What is unique about this book is that Sautel blends much of his work and personal life together in his stories.
Sautel tells how his upbringing affected his adult life leaving him feeling dark and worthless despite the incredibly important work he chose to do. He devoted his life to his work because for the most part his life felt empty.
The one person who gives him much joy is his niece who encourages him to find Mrs. Right. When she visits him for a week, his life changes for the better. He meets a woman who accepts him for who he is and lifts him out of his deep despair. How they meet and their bonding will delight and bring encouragement to readers. Ultimately, the author proves that one can be rescued to when they open themselves to love.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and will definitely to recommend this book to my friends and family who seek to gain more insight into the life of a front line worker while seeing how easily love grows when we allow others to see our real selves.
The Rescuer: One Firefighter’s Story of Courage, Darkness, and the Relentless Love That Saved Him by Jason Sautel with D.R. Jacobsen is a deeply personal story from someone who spends much of his life on the frontline. Many of us cannot fathom how life is for someone who puts themselves in harms way day after day to save others. The author shares the realities of his life as a fireman and paramedic. While doing so he opens his soul to the world.
The stories that Sautel tells are far beyond what we see on Chicago Fire or any television show portraying rescue personnel. For this author each call is personal even though he may have never seen those he saved again or be able to give his condolences to the family members he couldn’t save. What is unique about this book is that Sautel blends much of his work and personal life together in his stories.
Sautel tells how his upbringing affected his adult life leaving him feeling dark and worthless despite the incredibly important work he chose to do. He devoted his life to his work because for the most part his life felt empty.
The one person who gives him much joy is his niece who encourages him to find Mrs. Right. When she visits him for a week, his life changes for the better. He meets a woman who accepts him for who he is and lifts him out of his deep despair. How they meet and their bonding will delight and bring encouragement to readers. Ultimately, the author proves that one can be rescued to when they open themselves to love.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and will definitely to recommend this book to my friends and family who seek to gain more insight into the life of a front line worker while seeing how easily love grows when we allow others to see our real selves.
August 28, 2025
I loved this audiobook so much! It had my attention all the way through and I didn’t want it to end. I was invested. I love to read about firefighters but it’s hard to find books with depictions of actual firefighting and this one has that, and it’s true events which makes it even more suspenseful. I wonder how can people do this kind of work. It’s amazing. But then this also has info about being a paramedic. There are some very sad things that happen in this book and I think being a paramedic has got to be one of the hardest jobs there is.
This book is a memoir and he had not the greatest childhood and thought of suicide as a child. Then to go into that type of work already having depression had to of been really hard.
I love how he was able to find love and happiness. I’m not religious but if it helps others I think thats wonderful.
And this is not a religious book so don’t let that keep you from reading/listening.
Highly recommend!
This book is a memoir and he had not the greatest childhood and thought of suicide as a child. Then to go into that type of work already having depression had to of been really hard.
I love how he was able to find love and happiness. I’m not religious but if it helps others I think thats wonderful.
And this is not a religious book so don’t let that keep you from reading/listening.
Highly recommend!
February 4, 2022
This book is an excellent testimony to the grace of God, especially for those of us ragamuffins who don't happen to have it all together. I deeply appreciated the inside look into the authors life and struggles. His ability to tell it like it is and maintain his integrity while doing it is a fine example for us all.
I highly recommend this book and have given bought some for family and friends.
I highly recommend this book and have given bought some for family and friends.
April 6, 2025
Great read, it really captured the battle that a lot of first responders have inside themselves on a daily basis. Some feel the language may be crude, and the cursing might be much for some, but at the beginning of the book he told us he was going to try to capture what life in a firehouse was like.
June 30, 2023
Fantastic but heavy read at times. Great writing by Jason Sautel the way he talks about his work and life makes you feel like you are there with him experiencing it.
May 3, 2024
Don't know how to rate this. The firefighting part was glorious but Sautel completely lost me when he started talking about Christie and Jesus. On the other hand, we have the same brain with a little black hole in it and that shall link us forever.
Let's go with 3.5.
Let's go with 3.5.
March 17, 2025
Probably my favorite book I read in 2024.
July 1, 2020
As a Christian, I appreciate the author’s sincerity of what life is really like. All to often, the journey’s are watered down, but not Sautel’s! Christians and non-Christians alike will be pulled into this man’s first hand accounts of the struggles we all go through while giving us a look into the breathtaking firefighting world few have seen. I cried, wanted to give him a much needed hug multiple times and laughed out loud. Well done! Highly recommending this book to people within my circle of friends both Christians and non-Christians alike!
July 14, 2020
This is a peak behind the fire station doors of what these brave men and women deal with everyday. I appreciated the author's raw and honesty writing style. I felt every emotion that he described in the book. As a Christian I appreciated reading of the struggles that he went through and how he eventually overcame his past. I would recommend this book.
***I received an advanced copy from Net Galley in exchange for my review***
***I received an advanced copy from Net Galley in exchange for my review***
July 12, 2020
This is an amazing story of a career firefighter's life, calls, and faith. As a firefighter myself I can relate to the highs and lows of the job. As a Christian, I can relate to Sautel's story on a deeper level. While our backgrounds and experiences are different the job is one and the same.
Sautel has had some incredibly devastating, life-changing, and heart-wrenching calls. Being a firefighter is a rewarding career, but it takes its toll, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He cuts through the crap and tells it like it is in all of its gorry-glory.
What an amazing story, I'm sure Sautel has more incredible stories to tell and I can't wait to see what God will write through him.
5 Stars!
Sautel has had some incredibly devastating, life-changing, and heart-wrenching calls. Being a firefighter is a rewarding career, but it takes its toll, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He cuts through the crap and tells it like it is in all of its gorry-glory.
What an amazing story, I'm sure Sautel has more incredible stories to tell and I can't wait to see what God will write through him.
5 Stars!
July 11, 2021
4/10
I seem to be the only one, at least who reviewed it, to not know this book had a Christian ending. I didn’t necessarily dislike the book for it but it did slightly catch me off guard. But other than that the writing was alright, pretty un-noteworthy, and I did enjoy the responding scenes. If you’re considering reading it I would say that it was a quick read but I don’t think I was really the target audience from the beginning.
I seem to be the only one, at least who reviewed it, to not know this book had a Christian ending. I didn’t necessarily dislike the book for it but it did slightly catch me off guard. But other than that the writing was alright, pretty un-noteworthy, and I did enjoy the responding scenes. If you’re considering reading it I would say that it was a quick read but I don’t think I was really the target audience from the beginning.
April 19, 2023
Really amazing book. You don’t have to have an interest in the fire service to enjoy it, however it admittedly did make me appreciate it more. One of the few books that’s genuinely made me cry, has a great ending that doesn’t leave it on a bad note though. Would highly recommend anyone read it and support this author, he’s got a great story.
September 22, 2020
The Rescuer is an excellent book. It’s the heartfelt true story of firefighter Jason Sautel. Sautel had a troubled life growing up but had found his place in the world as an Oakland firefighter. He loves his firefighter family, but he has an emptiness in his heart. Not having faith, and being basically alone without his biological family, Sautel knows that he needs to find help to fill this emptiness. In a romantic twist, Sautel meets the love of his life and starts to fill the void inside of himself.
I couldn’t stop reading this book. Sautel describes a vivid picture of heart pounding action as a firefighter and EMT. He has to deal with a lot of terrible situations and the loss of people that he is trying to save. He deals with it, by not dealing with it, which causes problems. I like that he was very straightforward in this book about his past and his feelings. I felt really sad for him and for all other children that grow up neglected. It reinforced my thoughts on volunteering - you don’t know when you will be the light that a young person needs.
One item that really struck me was when Sautel tried to go to church in his best khaki shorts and t-shirt and the ushers wouldn’t let him in as he wasn’t dressed properly. This really, really disturbed me. How can Christians do that? My church in Northeast Wisconsin has a wide variety of dress (including Packer gear on game day) and I can’t imagine someone being kicked out for the way they dress. Some churches are definitely more welcoming than others, and it is something to think about as a church. In one of the best homilies I ever heard, a priest talked about who Jesus would welcome at church and how we should be welcoming to ALL people. The message has resonated with me for the past fifteen years, and it sounds like one that Sautel’s church needed to hear.
I loved the love story between Jason and Kristie at the end of the book as well as how Jason found his faith. I am ready for a book two however, I really didn’t want this book to end. It was a true gem of a book. I’m passing it on to my husband now to read.
Favorite Quotes:
“When a structure is on fire, you can see the danger and plan a way to fight it . . . but when a soul is on fire? How can a rescuer prevent a life from burning down?”
“As always, I was locked in a pit of pain with no way to call for rescue.”
Overall, The Rescuer is a look into the thrilling and heartbreaking world of a first responder, and how he was able to find love and faith to save himself.
Book Source: Review Copy from Thomas Nelson for being a part of the TLC Book Tour. Thank-you!
This review was originally posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2020...
September 4, 2020
Jason Sautel didn't have the best childhood. His life exemplifies the fact that children are NOT resilient. Jason suffered from anxiety as a child: What he suffered alone his first day of school was so awful that I get angry just thinking about it. He came from a broken home, and his parents seemed to be more interested in fixing the mess of their own lives than shaping and encouraging their children's lives. He dropped out of high school when he was a sophomore, and eventually earned his GED and became a firefighter. Jason is a very sensitive person. He can read people extremely well which helps him in his work. He can recognize darkness and despair in those he tries to save. One of the toughest parts of the book is about a man who jumps from a bridge. What Jason sees in the man's eyes frightens him because he recognizes it in himself.
Jason's anxiety only worsens as an adult, and his career choice amplifies it. Suicidal, a friend's impromptu invitation to breakfast one morning literally saves his life. He describes the anxiety and despair living inside him as a dark hole, an entity. The darkness literally destroys anything positive, so he lives with very low expectations. He yearns to have a normal life, with a relationship and someone to love, but [he] "just new he couldn't have what [he] wanted because the darkness would eat it."
When he meets the love of his life, Kristie, he sees the light in her. He is attracted to this light, and she is proof that when one allows Christ's light to shine from within, it can change lives. Kristie and Jason fall in love quickly, and her one caveat for their dating: Jason must attend church with her. Kristie's shining light leads him to Christ. Jason remembers the moment he accepts Christ, shortly after a fire that could've easily taken his life.
Portions of this book are tough because Oakland, California is a tough city, and some of the fires and rescue attempts are heartbreaking. However, I found many of the duties firefighters are expected to perform at a fire fascinating because I had never heard of these duties before. I must also mention that I love how D.R. Jacobsen writes. He is a fantastic storyteller, and I almost forgot that I was reading a memoir. I highly recommend this book to everyone, and I must say that I'm quite proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and reading this wonderful book.
Disclosure: I received a hardback copy of The Rescuer from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Jason's anxiety only worsens as an adult, and his career choice amplifies it. Suicidal, a friend's impromptu invitation to breakfast one morning literally saves his life. He describes the anxiety and despair living inside him as a dark hole, an entity. The darkness literally destroys anything positive, so he lives with very low expectations. He yearns to have a normal life, with a relationship and someone to love, but [he] "just new he couldn't have what [he] wanted because the darkness would eat it."
When he meets the love of his life, Kristie, he sees the light in her. He is attracted to this light, and she is proof that when one allows Christ's light to shine from within, it can change lives. Kristie and Jason fall in love quickly, and her one caveat for their dating: Jason must attend church with her. Kristie's shining light leads him to Christ. Jason remembers the moment he accepts Christ, shortly after a fire that could've easily taken his life.
Portions of this book are tough because Oakland, California is a tough city, and some of the fires and rescue attempts are heartbreaking. However, I found many of the duties firefighters are expected to perform at a fire fascinating because I had never heard of these duties before. I must also mention that I love how D.R. Jacobsen writes. He is a fantastic storyteller, and I almost forgot that I was reading a memoir. I highly recommend this book to everyone, and I must say that I'm quite proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and reading this wonderful book.
Disclosure: I received a hardback copy of The Rescuer from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 6, 2020
“I was trained & equipped to deal with whatever emergency this screwed up world threw my way but I was slowly dying inside. Who would rescue me?”
This short memoir is the honest and raw faith testimony of Jason Sautel, a 22 year veteran of the Oakland fire department as he grappled in his early years with severe depression after witnessing so much trauma and loss on his job. This book dives deeply into detailed accounts of the day to day life of a fireman. I had no idea they did so much more than fight fires!! He had to go to the scene of gruesome automobile accidents, talk jumpers off bridges, and comfort moms whose children died.
"If I'm honest with myself, saving lives wasn't my only motivation. The excitement of the job helped numb the pain of my past. Firefighting was my drug. Responding to a call helped me forget the darkness that was always lurking nearby."
Just when his depression becomes almost unbearable, he meets his future wife. It’s a beautiful reminder that the only thing more powerful than fear and death is love. Jason writes honestly about his painful past and struggles but also how all of it ultimately led him to her and a life of faith that he wouldn’t trade. He wants people to know there is a life that’s livable after great loss.
“Being a Christian doesn’t make everything better. It doesn’t erase the pain. But the hope I have gives me strength to keep pushing.”
This is an action packed little memoir with a sweet love story! There was a lot of build up with his "before" life. But I would have loved to learn more about his "after", including how his life changed, how being a Christian changed how he viewed his job, and ways he now gives back and encourages others.
In the book, once he meets his future wife, the story quickly ends. I felt like that was just the beginning!
This short memoir is the honest and raw faith testimony of Jason Sautel, a 22 year veteran of the Oakland fire department as he grappled in his early years with severe depression after witnessing so much trauma and loss on his job. This book dives deeply into detailed accounts of the day to day life of a fireman. I had no idea they did so much more than fight fires!! He had to go to the scene of gruesome automobile accidents, talk jumpers off bridges, and comfort moms whose children died.
"If I'm honest with myself, saving lives wasn't my only motivation. The excitement of the job helped numb the pain of my past. Firefighting was my drug. Responding to a call helped me forget the darkness that was always lurking nearby."
Just when his depression becomes almost unbearable, he meets his future wife. It’s a beautiful reminder that the only thing more powerful than fear and death is love. Jason writes honestly about his painful past and struggles but also how all of it ultimately led him to her and a life of faith that he wouldn’t trade. He wants people to know there is a life that’s livable after great loss.
“Being a Christian doesn’t make everything better. It doesn’t erase the pain. But the hope I have gives me strength to keep pushing.”
This is an action packed little memoir with a sweet love story! There was a lot of build up with his "before" life. But I would have loved to learn more about his "after", including how his life changed, how being a Christian changed how he viewed his job, and ways he now gives back and encourages others.
In the book, once he meets his future wife, the story quickly ends. I felt like that was just the beginning!
October 29, 2020
This is a true story written by a firefighting paramedic who was called to many traumatic events and suffered from similar symptoms to PTSD. Blocking himself off from help, he is slowly dying inside and firefighting becomes his drug and the only thing keeping him going. He shares some of the highs and lows of working for this essential service and how the rescuer became the rescued.
At what was probably the lowest point in his life he discovers God and the love of a woman who shows him it is possible to be saved. Although I am not a religious person I do believe everyone needs something or someone to believe in, giving purpose to their life and hope when bad things happen.
Reading this book revealed firefighting is a lot more than a service and has a very human side to it. I also like how each of them had an almost family like connection and looked out for each other. I know from personal experience how good this sort of work environment can be when times are tough.
You will also receive glimpses into his childhood eg his childhood experience of being placed in the janitor’s cupboard and feeling something brush up against him in the dark gave me the shivers.
This is an essential read if you want a behind the scenes view of this amazing service and the people involved. My review probably doesn’t do it justice.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy of the book in return for an honest review.
At what was probably the lowest point in his life he discovers God and the love of a woman who shows him it is possible to be saved. Although I am not a religious person I do believe everyone needs something or someone to believe in, giving purpose to their life and hope when bad things happen.
Reading this book revealed firefighting is a lot more than a service and has a very human side to it. I also like how each of them had an almost family like connection and looked out for each other. I know from personal experience how good this sort of work environment can be when times are tough.
You will also receive glimpses into his childhood eg his childhood experience of being placed in the janitor’s cupboard and feeling something brush up against him in the dark gave me the shivers.
This is an essential read if you want a behind the scenes view of this amazing service and the people involved. My review probably doesn’t do it justice.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy of the book in return for an honest review.
September 17, 2020
When I requested this book, I didn’t read the synopsis. I just saw a fireman jacket and hit request. Yes, I have a thing for firemen. I’m not one that falls for uniforms but I am a sucker for a man with a hose !
Jason has been a fireman forever. He’s seen it all and has given up on life. How can their be good in the world with everything going on in the world that he sees on a daily basis? Contemplating suicide several times, Jason just buries himself in his work. As long as he is helping people, it keeps his mind off of what’s really going on inside.
This is a story about a man whose seen the worse of the worse. He’s watched people die and found people dead. How do you feel there is a God when you see such awful things happen to good people? Then he meets Kristie. She’s always so happy and peaceful which is overflowing onto Jason as well. He knows that in order to be in a relationship with her, he is going to have to open his mind about Christianity.
I really enjoyed this read. I loved the firehouse stories along with the pranks. Some of the stories are sad also but it just shows what these guys really deal with.
Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank You Jason Sautel for your service and your story!
Jason has been a fireman forever. He’s seen it all and has given up on life. How can their be good in the world with everything going on in the world that he sees on a daily basis? Contemplating suicide several times, Jason just buries himself in his work. As long as he is helping people, it keeps his mind off of what’s really going on inside.
This is a story about a man whose seen the worse of the worse. He’s watched people die and found people dead. How do you feel there is a God when you see such awful things happen to good people? Then he meets Kristie. She’s always so happy and peaceful which is overflowing onto Jason as well. He knows that in order to be in a relationship with her, he is going to have to open his mind about Christianity.
I really enjoyed this read. I loved the firehouse stories along with the pranks. Some of the stories are sad also but it just shows what these guys really deal with.
Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank You Jason Sautel for your service and your story!
January 2, 2023
There aren’t many beacons of hope when looking for books about the darkness that consumes firefighters or other first responders. I should know, I’ve been looking since 2016, when my husband, a career firefighter, was diagnosed with PTSD.
Sautel was able to describe the pull to help even at the detriment of his own life, mood, relationships. I hadn’t read that pull, that want to be back at the station rather than lost in the darkness of his pre-Kristie life, any more clear and for a former-firefighter wife - watching my own husband put himself through the ringer for a calling that wasn’t doing him any favors - it made sense. It wasn’t a just a job.
While I don’t share the religious awakening of the author, I do believe when working with trauma shift after shift, believing in a higher power with a higher purpose can protect a person through the darkness much like the turnout gear firefighters wear.
Sautel should be commended for laying out his vulnerabilities. Most first responders, bury them and hold them too close to their person to let anyone in, including their own family. When the superhero cape is hung up, that’s when the real work begins and I was glad that Sautel was able to do that hard work before it was too late.
Sautel was able to describe the pull to help even at the detriment of his own life, mood, relationships. I hadn’t read that pull, that want to be back at the station rather than lost in the darkness of his pre-Kristie life, any more clear and for a former-firefighter wife - watching my own husband put himself through the ringer for a calling that wasn’t doing him any favors - it made sense. It wasn’t a just a job.
While I don’t share the religious awakening of the author, I do believe when working with trauma shift after shift, believing in a higher power with a higher purpose can protect a person through the darkness much like the turnout gear firefighters wear.
Sautel should be commended for laying out his vulnerabilities. Most first responders, bury them and hold them too close to their person to let anyone in, including their own family. When the superhero cape is hung up, that’s when the real work begins and I was glad that Sautel was able to do that hard work before it was too late.
January 14, 2025
After reading this, I had a renewed appreciation and deeper understanding of the words ‘hero’ and ‘heroic’. This book is a series of rescue stories relayed by the author who spent decades as a firefighter/paramedic . Starting from the very first rescue story, I was gripped by the real life suspense of a 'day in the life' of a First Responder – once I started reading, I did not want to put it down. How do these guys do this day in and day out? This occupation takes a pound of flesh from these dedicated warriors. The stories in the book were raw and sometimes devastating - but the real rescue story was Jason's transformation and redemption as a result of his new faith. I came away from reading this with a conviction of how fragile and temporary life is. And our battle is one of good versus evil. The faith element was beautiful as we see the transformation of the author as he is introduced to his Savior. I almost wanted to do this book as a ‘buddy read’ so I could share and compare notes with someone regarding the amazing and gut wrenching rescue experiences in this book. Highly recommend!
June 29, 2020
The Rescuer provides insight into the life of a paramedic working on the front lines as a part of the Oakland Fire Department. Despite what we think we know about the types of calls and rescues these brave people do, the book provides a graphic, although not gruesome, image of the harsh realities of working to save others lives. There are heartbreaking recounts of those they cannot save as well as the deep burden and depression that these events can leave behind on someone. We may also forget how close to death they come with so many of their calls. The book tells small counts in the life of the author. It does become hard to tell how long a time passes between each new chapter. Sautel mentions several times a darkness hovering over him from the job, his search for a higher power, and a search for real and meaningful connection, but it did not come through enough as a reader. I constantly pictured scenes from the Fox show 9-1-1, but did not FEEL as much as I expected to while reading this.
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