Customer Reviews

Life Lines: Stories from the Firehouse (Wisconsin)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Readers unfamiliar with Wayne Mutza's writing, as well as those aware of his stature as an aviation historian, are in for a rare treat with his latest book, "Life Lines: Stories from the Firehouse." While this volume marks a radical departure from Wayne's usual subject matter and format, it continues his tradition of clear, concise documentary writing. In twenty-five very readable vignettes, this former Milwaukee Fire Department officer provides insight to a world the uninitiated can only imagine. The stories, all true, are collected from his own experiences and those of a score of his comrades -- people who willingly do work we are all grateful for but which only a few would choose to attempt. From fear and death to the necessarily macabre humor of those who go to battle every day, the realities, sorrows, and joys of the firefighter's job are presented without apology or softening. The accompanying photographs support the tales, but the words of Wayne and his contributors would ring every bit as true without them. This is powerful stuff, and highly recommended. After reading "Life Lines," your reaction to bare-bones news reports of fires, vehicle accidents, and rescues will be forever changed.

Life Lines: Stories From The Firehouse by experienced firefighter, officer and instructor (serving for almost two decades with the Milwaukee Fire Department, Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is truly impressive and memorable collection of true-life, personal tales of firefighters and paramedics who candidly speak of the most pivotal calls they had to face during their professional duty. Highly recommended for personal, school, and community library collections, the triumph, tragedy, and heroism are all presented in Life Lines makes for truly unforgettable reading.