January Book of the Month - Code Blue (Prescription for Trouble#1) by Richard Mabry

[Loraine]

Code Blue will be one of our Books of the Month reads from Jan 1 to Jan 31.

[Loraine]

In the first book of the Prescription for Trouble series, Code Blue means more to Dr. Cathy Sewell than the cardiac emergency she has to face. It describes her mental state as she finds that coming back to her hometown hasn t brought her the peace she so desperately needs. Instead, it s clear that someone there wants her gone or dead. Cathy returns to her hometown seeking healing after a broken relationship, but discovers that among her friends and acquaintances is someone who wants her out of town or dead. Lawyer Will Kennedy, her high school sweetheart, offers help, but does it carry a price tag? Is hospital chief of staff Dr. Marcus Bell really on her side in her fight to get hospital privileges? Is Will s father, Pastor Matthew Kennedy, interested in advising her or just trying to get her back to the church she left years ago? When one of Cathy s prescriptions almost kills the town banker, it sets the stage for a malpractice suit that could end her time in town, if not her career. It s soon clear that this return home was a prescription for trouble."

[Tammy]

Loved this book. I could not put it down!

[Loraine]

I'm getting ready to start it tomorrow. Have to finish another one first. Look forward to discussing it. I have loved everything I have read by Richard Mabry so far.

[Sarah]

I read this one last year. I really enjoyed it.

[Loraine]

Be sure to jump in on the discussion Sarah!

[Diamond]

Happy New Year Everyone, Can't wait to start this book.

[Sarita]

Loved this book. The Action started from the start and did not stop. I love fast pace suspense!

[Loraine]

Started it last night. Richard Mabry's writing reminds me a lot of Robin Cook's medical thrillers. Equally great writers. Code Blue is definitely (so far) a "page turning, can't put it down book"

[Loraine]

Reminder- please mark your *SPOILER comments well so that those that have not finished reading the book yet, can comment.

If you do not know how to do a spoiler alert, here are the directions:
SPOILER ALERT
Also, if you click on the (some html is ok) words at the top right of the comment box and look towards the bottom of that pop up, you will find a spoiler code you can copy and paste. Then just type what you want where the . . . are and this will alert everyone to the fact your post is a potential spoiler. It will say (view spoiler). It hides the text and if others want to see it, they can click on it. Just a helpful heads up for the day! :)

[Nicola]

Just purchased the book on my nook... Got one to finish first though then I'm in...

[Justin]

This one has me up late. I really should stop reading so many of my books in one or two sittings. Makes it harder to pick out and discuss individual elements of a book with groups like this one. But I just couldn't put it down. I'd like to have a doctor like Cathy. I hope she makes appearances in the rest of the series.

[Loraine]

Justin wrote: "This one has me up late. I really should stop reading so many of my books in one or two sittings. Makes it harder to pick out and discuss individual elements of a book with groups like this one. Bu..."

Justin I stayed up late last night and finished it as well. I couldn't put it down either and never did figure out who was behind it all. I agree Cathy was a very caring doctor. I'll wait til the middle of January to start discussion.

[Beth]

I put a free copy of this on my Kindle app a couple of years ago, so will give it a try now.

Beth -;)
in Calgary

[Loraine]

Beth I was finally getting around to a free copy I grabbed a couple of years ago!

[Loraine]

If anyone would like to read Code Blue and has a Kindle, I'm finished and can loan it to someone.

[Christine]

Oh, I'd love to borrow it! I've never borrowed a Kindle book. How does it work?

[Loraine]

I just added you as a friend. Accept me as a friend then send me a message with your e-mail addy. I can then go to my account and loan it to you. You will get an e-mail saying it has been loaned to you and you just accept the loan. It is very easy.

[Christine]

Thanks!

[Beth]

I read it this afternoon/evening.

Beth - ;)
in Calgary

[Tanx]

I read the whole series last year, book 1 is definitely my favourite :)

Book 3 is somewhat related to book 1, Cathy is mentioned in book 3.

I can't remember if there's a connection between book 2 & 4, but between book 1 & 2, it isn't related at all. You can just proceed to book 3.

In fact, this book 1&3 bundle is cheaper than if you were to purchase just 1 book!
http://www.amazon.com/Prescription-Tr...

happy reading!

[Sarita]

This was my review on this book - really enjoyed it.

Wow, the start of the book grabbed my attention in such a way that I just had to know what will happen. This is my first book from Richard Mabry, and I am very glad I found this author. Would definitely want to read the rest of this series.

The way the book was written was easy to follow and there was so much happening that you kept on wondering who the person is who is out to get Cathy. There was one stage where I felt, poor Cathy. The secondary story line about her parents also kept me intrigued, wanting to know what happened there.

I really liked the character of Cathy, sometimes she came across scatterbrained, forgetting things, though it was after accidents, so understandable. There is also some clear issues she is struggling with due to a situation with her mother and history with men. She also stood up for herself.

I loved the character Will. He represented Godly men for me, because of the way he was just so patient and helpful and there for Cathy.

(view spoiler)

Loved this from the book: "God provides for His Children. We may not like what He provides, though, because we don't see the big picture as God can" and "We don't always like what God sends. We forget that He sees things we cant's. God wants to send us blessings, even though we may not recognize them".

[Kalena]

About one hundred pages in and I like it although I would welcome more medical details/action for the storyline... The writing is good and I hope things start looking up for Cathy soon. This also makes me miss Texas. I love Fort Worth!

[Michelle]

I got this for kindle for free ages ago and just got around to reading it for the challenge. It was really interesting; it only took me a day to finish. I especially enjoyed the medical aspects. I thought the writing needed some work, but as a first novel, this was a good read. I think I have a couple other books in the series on my kindle too, and I look forward to reading the next.

[Kalena]

Clearly, I am a slow reader. I am almost halfway and was glad to see some medical action come up. :)

[Loraine]

Kim & Kalena so glad you are joining the discussion I will begin posting discussion questions next week.

[Loraine]

Since we are almost halfway through January, I will kick of the discussion for those who have finished. If you include a "spoiler" in your comment please use the Spoiler alert.

For those who don't know how to use the spoiler alert, here are some directions:
SPOILER ALERT
If you click on the (some html is ok) words at the top right of the comment box and look towards the bottom of that pop up, you will find a spoiler code you can copy and paste. Then just type what you want where the . . . are and this will alert everyone to the fact your post is a potential spoiler. It will say (view spoiler). It hides the text and if others want to see it, they can click on it. Just a helpful heads up for the day! :)

[Loraine]

This book is definitely part of the genre I would call "Medical Thriller". Have any of you read any of Robin Cook's medical thrillers? I have read several:
. If so, how are they similar or different?

I find Richard Mabry's very similar in style to Robin Cook's but I like the added faith thread that flows through Richard's.

[Carole]

Loraine, I love medical drama and did read some of Robin Cook many years ago. Not sure how many, though. But since I like drama rather than suspense, his quickly got too scary for me.

I'm reading more than one book at a time, so I'm only about 20% into Mabry's book. Really enjoying it so far, Loraine.

[Sarita]

This is my first medical thriller I read and enjoyed it. I loved the TV series House. Will definitely read the rest of the series and more medical thrillers. I enjoy that theme/industry.

[Sarita]

Did any of you read any of Candace Calvert's books?

Think she also writes medical suspense. I still need to read a book by her - just wondered how her books compares to Code Blue.

[Loraine]

I have read and I really liked it. They are in a very similar vein as Richard Mabry's.

[Amanda]

As a nurse, it is hit or miss if I'll like a medical fiction - or more truthfully, it really depends on how much I like my job at the moment to see if I'll like it. There are days after I've seen the worst of humanity that I don't want to read more about what I'm trying to escape from.

I've just started this one today. So well see how I do. :)

[Loraine]

Amanda wrote: "As a nurse, it is hit or miss if I'll like a medical fiction - or more truthfully, it really depends on how much I like my job at the moment to see if I'll like it. There are days after I've seen t..."

I would think that would make you read it from a different perspective. Never thought about that. Hope you do enjoy it.

[Loraine]

Here are some of the Discussion Questions from the end of Code Blue. Please feel free to answer any of them or raise your own questions:

1. Dainger seems to be a typical small town. What is your impression of the "character" of such small towns? Do they present any unique challenges or opportunities for Christians trying to live out their faith?


2. Why do you think Cathy is running away from God? What started her reversal? What factors altered her reaction to adversity?


3. Cathy felt the "good old boys" system was keeping her from her full potential at the hospital. Do you think her perception was correct and does this attitude still exist today?


4. With which of the book's characters did you most identify?

5. What do you think was the most important factor in Cathy's transformation?

[Loraine]

I will respond to number 1 since I just returned from spending the weekend with my sister-in-law who is a retired pastor/missionary wife and now lives in a small Texas town where she and her husband felt called to retire. They found the members of their church denomination had become very complacent and did not feel called to go out in to their new community and look for people who needed help and ways to bring new people to Christ. Having ministered all over the world, she and her husband both spotted many people with needs throughout their communities. They began recruiting others to help address the needs of the homeless, those released from jail/prison, single mothers who needed job skill training, etc. There are many who are still complacent about taking the gospel into their small town but others are seeing the changed lives and beginning to ask in what way can I help.

[Sarita]

1. I think small towns can actually be both - it could be negative in the sense that you get in a comfort zone and everyone knows each other, so you don't want to offend someone so just keep quiet. Everyone knows each other's business and also your sins - so it will be challenging to step up because everyone knows who you are. But, the positive is that if you changed drastically, everyone will know so it will be a strong testimony for Christ.


2. I think comparing God to the men in her life who let her down.


3. I think people don't like change and if someone younger comes in they feel threatened. I don't think it is only due to gender, I think it is more old vs new, especially at the speed that technology is changing.


4. I did identify with Cathy - I also had to deal with trust issues and had to realize God is different. And in order to be able to trust people you have to fully trust Him with everything and everyone in your life.

5. Trusting God - Cathy lost trust in men and this caused her to lose trust in God. She had to realize that God is different and never lets you down and that you can trust Him. When she started trusting Him, she was able to heal and forgive.

[Kalena]

Sarita wrote: "This is my first medical thriller I read and enjoyed it. I loved the TV series House. Will definitely read the rest of the series and more medical thrillers. I enjoy that theme/industry."

Love the TV show, House, although I lost interest in the middle (seasons 4-6) and have not yet finished the series. Have you watched the whole series?

I have read a lot of medical thrillers because I am in health care and love the subject. I felt Code Blue was less technical than a lot of the others I have read but the story was much fuller than those of say, Cook. I have to say that the faith dimension is a very welcome addition for me and I liked seeing it extend to their personal lives as well.

[Kalena]

1. Dainger seems to be a typical small town. What is your impression of the "character" of such small towns? Do they present any unique challenges or opportunities for Christians trying to live out their faith?

Personally, I prefer the country to the city so I appreciate it. The description made me miss Texas! It does seem that gossip or critical judgment seems to be an issue not matter where you live. In some ways, small towns make you more accountable for your behavior since you are more than a face in the crowd. The diversity in larger towns is nice too because I think compassion and open-mindedness is more easily born from knowing a variety of people and circumstances.

2. Why do you think Cathy is running away from God? What started her reversal? What factors altered her reaction to adversity?

The feelings of judgment, abandonment, hurt, and mistrust. It is difficult to actively feel these things and trust in a loving God when it might feel easier to control things yourself.

3. Cathy felt the "good old boys" system was keeping her from her full potential at the hospital. Do you think her perception was correct and does this attitude still exist today?

Yes! I have seen this in both the military and the hospital. Many people resist change. On the flip side, I do feel that this may also be used as an excuse to complain or quit instead of a trial to address and persevere.

4. With which of the book's characters did you most identify?

Cathy or her receptionist/office manager--so sorry, I cannot recall her name right now.

5. What do you think was the most important factor in Cathy's transformation?

Trust and forgiveness--things are not always what they seem. Also, God is always working things together for our good. Sometimes we need to stop, open up, and rely on Him.