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All Bleeding Stops
The best and the brightest may have been drawn to politics in the sixties, but the caring and compassionate have been drawn to medicine for centuries. All too often, however, the sensitivity that leads young men and women to a career in medicine becomes the instrument of their own destruction. They simply care too much. Nowhere is this cruel irony more clearly seen than in the setting of war.
Matthew Barrett is an idealistic young surgeon, fresh out of residency, who is drafted and sent to Vietnam in 1967. Sensitive and compassionate to a fault, he has trouble adjusting to life as a combat surgeon. His inexperience shames him. His failures torment him. In heart-rending detail, we witness the effect that constant exposure to death and dying has on an overly sensitive soul. We watch Matthew’s gradual disintegration as he tries desperately to care for the mutilated and dying patients brought to him. His compassion brings him nothing but pain, which he tries to drown in alcohol and denial as he spirals inexorably toward psychological disintegration. Only the love of Therese, one of the nurses seems capable of saving him - but will their love survive the horrors of war?
From combat surgeon in Vietnam to transplant doctor in Ohio to relief physician in Biafra, Matthew learns that in the end love and compassion, rather than being the instruments of his destruction, are the means of his salvation.
Matthew Barrett is an idealistic young surgeon, fresh out of residency, who is drafted and sent to Vietnam in 1967. Sensitive and compassionate to a fault, he has trouble adjusting to life as a combat surgeon. His inexperience shames him. His failures torment him. In heart-rending detail, we witness the effect that constant exposure to death and dying has on an overly sensitive soul. We watch Matthew’s gradual disintegration as he tries desperately to care for the mutilated and dying patients brought to him. His compassion brings him nothing but pain, which he tries to drown in alcohol and denial as he spirals inexorably toward psychological disintegration. Only the love of Therese, one of the nurses seems capable of saving him - but will their love survive the horrors of war?
From combat surgeon in Vietnam to transplant doctor in Ohio to relief physician in Biafra, Matthew learns that in the end love and compassion, rather than being the instruments of his destruction, are the means of his salvation.
287 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2021
About the author
Michael J. Collins
3 books119 followersMike's highly successful first two books, Hot Lights, Cold Steel and Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs have become standards in the field of medical memoir.
His latest work, All Bleeding Stops, was released in 2021. What does a doctor do when he thinks his best is not good enough? All too often, the sensitivity that leads young men and women to a career in medicine becomes the instrument of their own destruction. They simply care too much. Nowhere is this cruel irony more clearly seen than in the setting of war.
Matthew Barrett, fresh out of residency, is sent to Vietnam as a combat surgeon in 1967 at the height of the Vietnam war. Sensitive and caring to a fault, he is ill-prepared for the onslaught of pain and suffering with which he must deal. Only the love of Therese Hopkins, a nurse, keeps him from falling apart. But can their love survive the horrors of war?
In the end, it is Therese who helps Matthew realize that love and compassion are the only things that can make all bleeding stop.
His latest work, All Bleeding Stops, was released in 2021. What does a doctor do when he thinks his best is not good enough? All too often, the sensitivity that leads young men and women to a career in medicine becomes the instrument of their own destruction. They simply care too much. Nowhere is this cruel irony more clearly seen than in the setting of war.
Matthew Barrett, fresh out of residency, is sent to Vietnam as a combat surgeon in 1967 at the height of the Vietnam war. Sensitive and caring to a fault, he is ill-prepared for the onslaught of pain and suffering with which he must deal. Only the love of Therese Hopkins, a nurse, keeps him from falling apart. But can their love survive the horrors of war?
In the end, it is Therese who helps Matthew realize that love and compassion are the only things that can make all bleeding stop.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 8, 2021
Matthew Barrett, a surgeon fresh out of residency in 1967 is drafted and sent sent to Pho Bai, Vietnam. At first hopeful that he can make a difference, he is quickly left feeling disillusioned by all the blood and death. He spirals into depression and alcoholism and only the love of Therese, a nurse stationed in his hospital, can make a difference. But when he fails to save one specific life, he is left reeling, unable to perform surgery anymore without flashbacks of his failure.
I'm feeling so emotional after reading this book. This phenomenal story is going to stick with me for a long time.
I received an advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
I'm feeling so emotional after reading this book. This phenomenal story is going to stick with me for a long time.
I received an advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
March 12, 2026
A powerful piece that speaks to compassion, trauma, disillusionment, service, & sorrow best told by a down-home rock-thrower turned surgeon. This book has it all…Vietnam, pure love, precise surgical performance, military/medicine ethics, addiction, losing oneself & finding again through humanitarian work. A work that leaves you with some heavy sorrow & a lot to think on. All bleeding stops indeed.
September 9, 2021
REMARKABLE, MUST-READ STORY WITH ENERGY, SUSPENSE, HUMOR, COMPASSION AND GRACE
Collins has a gift for creating engaging narratives with memorable characters that the reader cares about, all with a writing style that does justice to his themes.
He does not waste words.
Chapter One (half a page): We are with Lt. Matthew Barrett, combat surgeon, as he touches down in Vietnam for the first time. It is May, 1967, approaching the height of the war. To my mind this brief chapter is a minor masterpiece.
Chapter Two (4 pages): It is 2017, and a major air disaster has overwhelmed an Illinois emergency room at the Loyola University Medical Center. Young intern Megan Parker is with an elderly victim on the brink of death. We will become better acquainted with both.
Chapter Three (3 pages): It is still 2017, and now the narrator is a former JAG captain who begins to reflect on his 1968 investigation of Lt. Barrett. It was a pivotal one for both the surgeon and the prosecuting attorney, who decades later sits in a Federal pen with time on his hands as he recalls that experience and its far-reaching repercussions. More about that as the story progresses.
That is the intriguing setup in just eight pages of text. In Chapter Four we are back in 1967 Vietnam with Lt. Barrett as he checks in for duty at the 42nd Surgical Hospital in Phu Bai. Now the heart of the story is beginning to rip with chapters of a more traditional length. It will be a wild, emotional, consequential ride.
I could not put this book down and read it in a day. War is deadly and grotesque, but Collins' writing is lively and beautiful. Do yourself a big favor: read this book!
Collins has a gift for creating engaging narratives with memorable characters that the reader cares about, all with a writing style that does justice to his themes.
He does not waste words.
Chapter One (half a page): We are with Lt. Matthew Barrett, combat surgeon, as he touches down in Vietnam for the first time. It is May, 1967, approaching the height of the war. To my mind this brief chapter is a minor masterpiece.
Chapter Two (4 pages): It is 2017, and a major air disaster has overwhelmed an Illinois emergency room at the Loyola University Medical Center. Young intern Megan Parker is with an elderly victim on the brink of death. We will become better acquainted with both.
Chapter Three (3 pages): It is still 2017, and now the narrator is a former JAG captain who begins to reflect on his 1968 investigation of Lt. Barrett. It was a pivotal one for both the surgeon and the prosecuting attorney, who decades later sits in a Federal pen with time on his hands as he recalls that experience and its far-reaching repercussions. More about that as the story progresses.
That is the intriguing setup in just eight pages of text. In Chapter Four we are back in 1967 Vietnam with Lt. Barrett as he checks in for duty at the 42nd Surgical Hospital in Phu Bai. Now the heart of the story is beginning to rip with chapters of a more traditional length. It will be a wild, emotional, consequential ride.
I could not put this book down and read it in a day. War is deadly and grotesque, but Collins' writing is lively and beautiful. Do yourself a big favor: read this book!
August 15, 2021
'All Bleeding Stops’ is a powerful story, told in equally powerful language. It had a profound impact on me and, long after reading the last word, I was musing about my impressions: the fragility of the human psyche when confronted with trauma - especially so when it is ongoing, and the double-edged sword of compassion that can become self-destructive when it is allowed to come too close and become too personal.
The book’s protagonist is Matthew Barrett, a young surgeon drafted into the U.S. Navy and detailed to Phu Bai, Vietnam, eager to begin his surgical career in earnest. I witnessed the gradual unravelling of his psyche bombarded by horror, the unending exposure to broken bodies, his perceived powerlessness in the face of irreparable damage to young lives: death, dismemberment, disfigurement, shattered futures, broken lives; all that in spite of his heroic, exhausting, never-ending attempts to repair and save - and fix. And his dawning despair, his increasing revulsion with the destruction of lives, his impotence to save that one important life, leading to the final moment of utter disgust with himself. By the time he returns from Vietnam, Matthew is broken, and caught between either practicing his surgical skills on dead bodies, or giving compassionate assistance to the living. He chooses the latter - in another horrific war.
I was completely absorbed by Matthew’s story; the commanding prose and powerful images held me in thrall. I could strongly identify with him and commiserate with his pain, despair, guilt, rage, and emptiness. I empathised with Packy and was uplifted by Denis and Therese, all these other well-defined and -developed characters. I loved every minute of reading this book and would gladly afford it a plus sign behind the five stars!
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this spellbinding eARC!
The book’s protagonist is Matthew Barrett, a young surgeon drafted into the U.S. Navy and detailed to Phu Bai, Vietnam, eager to begin his surgical career in earnest. I witnessed the gradual unravelling of his psyche bombarded by horror, the unending exposure to broken bodies, his perceived powerlessness in the face of irreparable damage to young lives: death, dismemberment, disfigurement, shattered futures, broken lives; all that in spite of his heroic, exhausting, never-ending attempts to repair and save - and fix. And his dawning despair, his increasing revulsion with the destruction of lives, his impotence to save that one important life, leading to the final moment of utter disgust with himself. By the time he returns from Vietnam, Matthew is broken, and caught between either practicing his surgical skills on dead bodies, or giving compassionate assistance to the living. He chooses the latter - in another horrific war.
I was completely absorbed by Matthew’s story; the commanding prose and powerful images held me in thrall. I could strongly identify with him and commiserate with his pain, despair, guilt, rage, and emptiness. I empathised with Packy and was uplifted by Denis and Therese, all these other well-defined and -developed characters. I loved every minute of reading this book and would gladly afford it a plus sign behind the five stars!
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this spellbinding eARC!
September 8, 2021
Dr. Michael Barrett is on his way to Vietnam in the 1960s. He is assigned there as a surgeon. He is not the typical surgeon or doctor. He cares a lot about his patients. He sees so many dead and dying. He sees even more maimed and scarred mentally and physically. He himself is forever changed and is mentally and physically exhausted by the unending surgery, violence, tragedy, and poor leadership in his field hospital. He isn't sure he can make a year there in this place he feels is Hell.
Somewhere in the present time, a plane is attacked by terrorists. On that plane is a man who is mortally injured. The influx of patients to the hospital makes treating one with no chance of survival relegated to an untried intern. She listens to his story. It is one of triumph of the human spirit over horrible circumstances. It is the story of love and compassion. It is the story of Michael Barrett.
To say more of the plot would be a spoiler to the reader. I will say that it is an important book. Any book that reveals the tragedy of war, the horrors of it to its citizenry and soldiers is important. It does not matter why the war is started, one must examine the human cost, the long-term effect of its worth. The characters in this book are well developed. The plot and explicit narrative hold the reader's interest.
The legal aspect of Dr. Barrett's journey were interesting but at first, confusing to me as the reader but it did not distract from the story and added to Dr. Barrett's stresses in the end. The book was well-researched and while fiction, it displayed a raw reality that only a surgeon could tell. The book will make you think. It is a heartfelt accounting of an era that is still painful in the hearts and minds of many of our citizenry and one we all should be aware of. I hope to read more books from Michael J. Collins, the author. I highly recommend this one. Thanks to #AllBleedingStops#NetGalley for the opportunity to read this important book.
Somewhere in the present time, a plane is attacked by terrorists. On that plane is a man who is mortally injured. The influx of patients to the hospital makes treating one with no chance of survival relegated to an untried intern. She listens to his story. It is one of triumph of the human spirit over horrible circumstances. It is the story of love and compassion. It is the story of Michael Barrett.
To say more of the plot would be a spoiler to the reader. I will say that it is an important book. Any book that reveals the tragedy of war, the horrors of it to its citizenry and soldiers is important. It does not matter why the war is started, one must examine the human cost, the long-term effect of its worth. The characters in this book are well developed. The plot and explicit narrative hold the reader's interest.
The legal aspect of Dr. Barrett's journey were interesting but at first, confusing to me as the reader but it did not distract from the story and added to Dr. Barrett's stresses in the end. The book was well-researched and while fiction, it displayed a raw reality that only a surgeon could tell. The book will make you think. It is a heartfelt accounting of an era that is still painful in the hearts and minds of many of our citizenry and one we all should be aware of. I hope to read more books from Michael J. Collins, the author. I highly recommend this one. Thanks to #AllBleedingStops#NetGalley for the opportunity to read this important book.
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April 4, 2022I suppose I'm just a sucker for books about the Vietnam War, especially those concerning doctors. After all, I was there myself, as a physician (345th Medical Detachment, Can Tho Army Airfield, 1972-73) and literally turned out the lights after all of my colleagues left in February, 1973.
I was amazed at the laudatory reviews of this book. Almost every reviewer liked it and described this novel generously as a triumph of the human spirit, a work of redemption, and more. Quite to the contrary, I found this book to be morbidly depressing. You might infer that I had some PTSD flashbacks while reading. This was true-and these sentiments were certainly amplified by the current horrors in the Ukraine-but try as I might, I just couldn't find anything of comfort in the entire book. Stress, guilt, pain and death are the dominant themes; and there is no spiritual comfort or even comic relief to mitigate the blows. Michael is a good writer and his prose is nicely constructed and clear; but I would rather vacation in Ukraine right now than read his book a second time.
I was amazed at the laudatory reviews of this book. Almost every reviewer liked it and described this novel generously as a triumph of the human spirit, a work of redemption, and more. Quite to the contrary, I found this book to be morbidly depressing. You might infer that I had some PTSD flashbacks while reading. This was true-and these sentiments were certainly amplified by the current horrors in the Ukraine-but try as I might, I just couldn't find anything of comfort in the entire book. Stress, guilt, pain and death are the dominant themes; and there is no spiritual comfort or even comic relief to mitigate the blows. Michael is a good writer and his prose is nicely constructed and clear; but I would rather vacation in Ukraine right now than read his book a second time.
November 9, 2023
This book was fascinating!
I was born with a sever cardiac condition so I like to say I grew up in the hospital and maybe its because of that I find medicine to be amazing. I love medical mysteries and the heart the most but trauma surgery is amazing and so under appreciated by both people and doctors. They know and do so much and this book definitely demonstrates that.
The stories in this book are quick and easy for everyone to understand and they are really cool to hear about. This book talks about rare and crazy stories but also the types of surgeries these doctors deal with on a daily basis.
This book also takes the time to point out the problems in the medical industry but its very real about in. Dr. Cohn takes the time to point out the issues but he doesn't turn things into these big deals that could maybe scare patients away.
If you are thing medicine is cool like I do or if you just wanna hear some cool medical stories definitely check this one out!
I was born with a sever cardiac condition so I like to say I grew up in the hospital and maybe its because of that I find medicine to be amazing. I love medical mysteries and the heart the most but trauma surgery is amazing and so under appreciated by both people and doctors. They know and do so much and this book definitely demonstrates that.
The stories in this book are quick and easy for everyone to understand and they are really cool to hear about. This book talks about rare and crazy stories but also the types of surgeries these doctors deal with on a daily basis.
This book also takes the time to point out the problems in the medical industry but its very real about in. Dr. Cohn takes the time to point out the issues but he doesn't turn things into these big deals that could maybe scare patients away.
If you are thing medicine is cool like I do or if you just wanna hear some cool medical stories definitely check this one out!
July 14, 2025
When I started reading “All Bleeding Stops” I had a hard time getting into it. But when I did, I was totally engrossed. The author, Michael J Collins takes the reader with Dr Matthew Barrett from mangled soldiers in Viet Nam in the 60’s to the starving people of Biafra. Most of the book takes place in Viet Nam, a war that tore apart our nation as well as those unfortunate souls who fought it. What Matthew sees during his time in Viet Nam is written so that I felt I was there, seeing and feeling the horrors of that war. Matthew is compassionate and strives for excellence. What he sees begins to unravel him and Terese (a nurse) is the only one who can save him from himself. This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time. Well done, Michael J Collins!
October 24, 2023
This book really surprised me because I usually would not pick up a book about war.
It begins with a little bit of a mysterious person (a lawyer) talking about a surgeon who has gone rogue and who he needs to prosecute. It then dives in to the story of a surgeon who goes to Vietnam with high hopes to make a difference and who is quickly disillusioned. The description of the war, the surgeries, the emotions is extremely well done. It was like reading MASH, but better, because it brought you right there. The ending has a twist that I didn't see coming but was very appropriate.
Very well written. I would like to read his other books
It begins with a little bit of a mysterious person (a lawyer) talking about a surgeon who has gone rogue and who he needs to prosecute. It then dives in to the story of a surgeon who goes to Vietnam with high hopes to make a difference and who is quickly disillusioned. The description of the war, the surgeries, the emotions is extremely well done. It was like reading MASH, but better, because it brought you right there. The ending has a twist that I didn't see coming but was very appropriate.
Very well written. I would like to read his other books
October 23, 2025
Okay so I wrote a big letter to Dr. Collins about how much I love his books and writing style but THIS one was super-extra meaningful to me because I read it while I've been finishing my capstone. My capstone is all about landmine injuries and the effects of armed conflict etc. and having Barrett accompany me a bit while navigating that has been great.
Recommend to:
women who could be firefighters
someone who has seen the light leave a person's eyes
alcoholic fishermen
Recommend to:
women who could be firefighters
someone who has seen the light leave a person's eyes
alcoholic fishermen
September 4, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.
This is a confronting story and at times I struggled with it. I'm glad I stuck with it but I feel like I need to I have a little lie down for a while.
This is a confronting story and at times I struggled with it. I'm glad I stuck with it but I feel like I need to I have a little lie down for a while.
January 25, 2022
Mind and soul gripping
I knew very little if anything about a surgeon and not much about Vietnam. This book takes you there and it isn't pretty but it is fascinating. The character of Matthew pulls you in and won't let you go.
I knew very little if anything about a surgeon and not much about Vietnam. This book takes you there and it isn't pretty but it is fascinating. The character of Matthew pulls you in and won't let you go.
December 29, 2023
An excellent read, and I didn’t think it would be a book that I couldn’t put down but that is the case. Told with humor and compassion it really gives an eye into the life of the trauma surgeon from all different walks of life.
December 12, 2021
The best book I’ve read in ages
I loved this book. It was such a joy to spend my weekend reading this gem. In fact, I may just read it again next weekend.
I loved this book. It was such a joy to spend my weekend reading this gem. In fact, I may just read it again next weekend.
July 30, 2026
Riveting story about a medical outpost in Vietnam and the relentless horror all servicemen face daily, relentlessly there.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews