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One More Light: Life, Death and Humanity Through the Eyes of a Firefighter
What changes would you make to your life if you could view it through the lens of a first responder? One More Light takes you on a journey with veteran firefighter and paramedic James Geering. As each chapter unfolds, the heart-wrenching stories are coupled with a unique physical and mental health perspective about preventing tragedy and unnecessary suffering. It’s about maximising the wellness and fulfilment of one another. But most of all, this is a book that ultimately leaves you with the hope that, with us at our best, we have a fighting chance to thrive in an uncertain world.
- GenresBiography
160 pages, Hardcover
Published April 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 16, 2024
An authentic portrayel and account of the lives of those whose services we take for granted.
April 25, 2024
Excellent book that was recommended to me by on my police academy instructors. The book is focused on the well-being and health of first responders to continue in the career we love in a more healthy way. It encourages a change of attitude and behavior but gives hope for continuing in the profession. This should be required reading in every law enforcement and firefighting academy in the world.
September 13, 2020
One More Light was a beautifully written collection of events and memories that will have you gripped from the prologue. While it does contain stories of danger and rescue, it is also a narrative of current and relevant issues of social injustice, the COVID pandemic, and our children’s safety in schools...told from the POV of a firefighter, a father, a husband.
“The world is full of people with powerful stories overcoming immense tragedy to become an even more resilient version of themselves. We must learn from those who have walked through fire and made it out the other side.”
Each chapter reads like an individual story, told with the common thread of discipline, sacrifice, and sometimes loss. There were moments that were gruesome, but I couldn’t look away from the words. There were moments that were inspirational and motivational. The book awakens both social and self-awareness, layered with poignant human moments that easily resonate with the reader. It was eye-opening about how we view ourselves, our capacity to reach our potential, and the misappropriation of importance of public image. One of my favorite questions the book poses for you to ask yourself is, “what kind of life do you want to live and what impact do you want to have on the world?” We need to ask this more of ourselves.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who yearn for a reminder that we are each small parts of a big world, but have the power to be thoughtful in how we treat others and the type of impact we will make before our time on earth comes to an end. Poignant, reflective, and thought-provoking.
“The world is full of people with powerful stories overcoming immense tragedy to become an even more resilient version of themselves. We must learn from those who have walked through fire and made it out the other side.”
Each chapter reads like an individual story, told with the common thread of discipline, sacrifice, and sometimes loss. There were moments that were gruesome, but I couldn’t look away from the words. There were moments that were inspirational and motivational. The book awakens both social and self-awareness, layered with poignant human moments that easily resonate with the reader. It was eye-opening about how we view ourselves, our capacity to reach our potential, and the misappropriation of importance of public image. One of my favorite questions the book poses for you to ask yourself is, “what kind of life do you want to live and what impact do you want to have on the world?” We need to ask this more of ourselves.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who yearn for a reminder that we are each small parts of a big world, but have the power to be thoughtful in how we treat others and the type of impact we will make before our time on earth comes to an end. Poignant, reflective, and thought-provoking.
June 11, 2023
One More Light should be a mandatory read for anybody entering the fire academy, first responders and especially administrators and politicians who dictate the allocation of funds. And if you are a citizen, curious about what it’s like to throw on bunker gear, start here.
Chapter 3 alone is worth the price of this book. How lack of sleep is killing careers and creating unnecessarily dangerous scenarios for our first responders is an eye opening subject.
James shares stories from his career that stick with you well after you put the book down, as well as important lessons that transcend his profession. In particular, his explanation of how repeated exposures to traumatic events are like a holes in a bucket is outstanding. For each traumatic exposure, another hole in the bucket is created. An individual’s ability to fix a hole and refill their bucket depends on positive coping mechanisms, like exercise, therapy, nutrition, community, sleep, altruism and exposure to nature. Where refilling a bucket with alcohol or other vices, technically fills the bucket but rather with contents that bring harm to oneself. This metaphor is absolutely brilliant.
Be warned: sometimes truths are hard to face and there are many truths in this book.
Chapter 3 alone is worth the price of this book. How lack of sleep is killing careers and creating unnecessarily dangerous scenarios for our first responders is an eye opening subject.
James shares stories from his career that stick with you well after you put the book down, as well as important lessons that transcend his profession. In particular, his explanation of how repeated exposures to traumatic events are like a holes in a bucket is outstanding. For each traumatic exposure, another hole in the bucket is created. An individual’s ability to fix a hole and refill their bucket depends on positive coping mechanisms, like exercise, therapy, nutrition, community, sleep, altruism and exposure to nature. Where refilling a bucket with alcohol or other vices, technically fills the bucket but rather with contents that bring harm to oneself. This metaphor is absolutely brilliant.
Be warned: sometimes truths are hard to face and there are many truths in this book.
February 8, 2021
James Geering's book, One More Light - Life, Death, and Humanity Through the Eyes of a Firefighter, lives up to its title. James shares his personal experiences as a firefighter to emphasize the value of strength; mentally and physically that are necessary for complete wellness in all aspects of life. I believe his book would be of value for all first responders to read, as well as friends and family members. The way James is able to weave his story between the times he is in his bunker gear and the times he is at home, as a husband and father, truly embodies the conflict of mind and heart that most first responders face. I highly recommend purchasing this book.
February 3, 2021
As a Mom of two firefighter/paramedics advancing their careers through the ranks, this author's writing and descriptions really crystalize what our first responders deal with daily and how it affects all aspects of their lives. It doesn't end there though. This books transcends the firefighter and first responder and addresses physical and mental wellness as well and charity and compassion. Whether first responder, family of first responder, or just anyone with compassion, this is a good read.
May 17, 2021
James’ first-hand experience as a firefighter and EMT shines a powerful light into the dark corners of our culture. This is a real-life story of heartbreak, loss and hope, all told with true compassion and a call to action that will have you reassessing how you manage your physical and mental health. When I interviewed James for an article last year, I new I wanted to read his upcoming book. I can confirm it’s a must-read ✨
October 20, 2020
James does a magnificent job in telling his stories. They are impactful yet open up a world few really know about. He discussed PTSD for emergency services in such a wide realm and how we can work to deal with it. I am happy to know James and his book is a home run for sure.
May 31, 2025
I was deeply moved and there were many times I cried (literally had to put the book down to catch my breath). We all know that first responders put their lives on the line every day for us but no one ever thinks of what that actually does to them.
October 1, 2020
James Geering tackles some of the fire services “elephants in the room” and he names them. He should be commended for the way he brings these issues to light and continues to make issues like mental health and PTSD in the fire service ok to talk about. A good read even for the non-firefighter.
October 5, 2020
This was a great book, highly recommend for all whether you're a first responder or not!
December 9, 2021
Great book. Mental illness is a big thing and this helps bring it to life. “What you eat will either heal you or hurt you.”
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews