Book: Country Doctors of Arkansas
Author: Sam Taggart, M.D.
My Rating: 5 Fascinating Stars
I’m so excited about today’s review! Y’all know I love to support local authors, and I was thrilled to discover that I know the author of this book. So, I jumped at the chance to read and review it. Country Doctors of Arkansas is an interesting history of not only the people practicing medicine, but also a look at how health care in general has evolved throughout the years here in Arkansas.
If you’re a lover of history like me, this book is sure to be entertaining. It easily could have felt like a textbook, but Dr. Taggart managed to evoke nostalgia as he told stories of doctors who ran clinics out of their homes, made house calls by riding horseback into the woods, and boasted of delivering over 7,000 babies. I particularly enjoyed reading about doctors and towns that I’ve personally visited. Like Dr. Nathan Smith in Old Washington, or Dr. Thomas Hardison at Petite Jean Mountain.
Along with the history, there are a lot of fun photographs throughout. One of my favorites was the photo of the TB Sanatorium in Booneville accompanying the story of Dr. Jesse Dean Riley (who was a survivor Tuberculosis, himself). I also loved the photos and stories of Dr. Dewell Gann Sr. and Dr. Curtis Jones right here in Benton! The chapter that covered the range of health problems that doctors have treated over the years was also surprisingly interesting for me. It begins with Malaria and ends with Opioids. What a wide range! I don’t know that I’ve ever taken the time to think of the incredibly diverse patients that doctors treat and care for.
Despite my lack of knowledge about medicine, I sat down with this book and turned the pages for hours. It was fun to read some of the older stories, and it was eye opening to see the advancements made in the medical community today. This is one of those books that can entertain you and inform you at the same time. I highly recommend it! You can purchase the book locally at the Gann Museum downtown.
Friday, July 23rd, at 7 p.m. the Saline County Library in Benton will be presenting a live Author Event via Facebook Live featuring Dr. Sam Taggart and Ms. Jenny Carlisle of Benton and Mr. Kevin Thompson of Fort Smith discussing their latest books and the process of writing. Please visit www.facebook.com/
Krystle Goodman is a crazy cat lady, who loves to drink exorbitant amounts of coffee, and read a shocking amount of books. She lives in Benton with her husband Josh, her son Roman, and their two cats Roxanne and Abby. When she isn’t reading, you’ll find her cooking, painting, or watching true crime shows. Watch for Krystle’s book reviews every other Friday. Send fanmail to: [email protected]
See more of Krystle’s reviews at www.mysaline.com/krystle.