Book Review of Heroes & Giants
By D. G, Sparks Nevada resident. Sent to Janice Hermsen @ LeRue Press
Before I get into the book review I received, I want to point out the way I received it. In today’s world, we get emails, we get junk mail, we get texts, Telegram messages and posts of all kind. I was surprised to receive a book review via the USPS and HANDWRITTEN! I’ve shared the image of the review for “authenticity”. Because D.G. does not frequent the internet “AT ALL”, he decided to send the review via snail mail. So, I have transcribed it for all to read:
Book Review of Heroes & Giants by Douglas Ashby.
From a former firefighter (1977 Lassen County Eagle National Forest Lake Spaulding Tract) D. G. Sparks, Nevada Resident
The first thing I’d like to say is there is little comparison between fighting fire in the woods and fighting structure fires (except maybe the adrenalin rush you get from both). Who should read this book? Basically, every adult who appreciates first responders. This book will make you laugh, cry and wonder why you chose this as your career. There are many examples in this book that may cause you to say, “Yeah, I want to be a firefighter in any given city or county but not for the faint of heart and physically unfit. In other words, between 18-50 years old is it.
Doug’s book, Heroes and Giants takes place in Los Angeles County from 1967 to 2001 +or- a year or two. Los Angeles County has a population around 10 million so it’s the most populated county in the United States. There are 88 incorporated cities and many unincorporated areas with 1/4 of California residing there.
Now that you know the “where it’s happening”, let’s get to some specifics like Pasadena as a city to start your career. “If I spent my entire career there, I would have been completely content” states Doug. Guess what folks? That was only the beginning. Doug moved from station to station, city to city, so often one would think he was on the run from the cops! Once you make it up to Chapter 35, you will think that was the absolute truth, but guess what ladies and gentlemen? I’m not going to tell you anything about that chapter. I want YOU to be as surprised as I was when I read that chapter. Suffice to say, “Doug, do you have a problem with authority figures?”
There were so many good quotable quotes throughout this book that no matter what your age, there is plenty to glean from. I would like to add my own quote: Luke 16. “Be a good steward and you will be promoted.” This is what happened to you, Doug, and I’m so glad you survived. Many of Doug’s friends died throughout his career and yes, I did cry as any real man would.
Vehicle fires on the freeway can be scary and when the gas tank blows, you might be wondering when you’re lying in the burn center, was this the right choice for my life. How about structure fires? Floors and roofs collapsing, 200 lb. ladders falling, you can’t see S _ _ _ and now you have to drag out a 350 lb. human that might be alive. Suicides - yeah, they could be fun…NOT!! Gang bangers squaring off and you beat the cops to the scene; that sounds scary and when I read it, I was scared.
You might be wary of reading this book before you turn in for the night especially if you have vivid dreams like me.
Rating this book was easy: 8 out of a possible 10. One point off for no index and one point off for getting carried away with family problems. Doug is truly the HERO in this book and if you haven’t heard him on the radio with Jan and Ed, then it’s time to start listening, Tuesday, 3-5 p.m. on 93.7 FM or 1060 AM in northern Nevada. They are also on americamatters.us (but I don’t listen there; I listen on the radio). Book available at LeRue Press in Reno or online at your favorite shop.
