Against the Grain

As a child, Grant Ravenel learned to distrust conventional medical wisdom as he watched doctors stand by while his brain-injured father died. His distrust only increased as he progressed through medical school, internship, and residency. Later, as a practicing neurosurgeon, when his patients' lives were on the line he chose to rely exclusively on his own training, experience, and instinct, even when his conclusions ran counter to his colleagues' judgment. It nearly cost him everything. What others are saying- Those who read this memorable novel will never think of surgery in the same way again. Written by a distinguished, retired brain surgeon, told with authority, it is the all-too-real story of the politics, failures, rivalries, cover-ups, and timidity in contemporary medicine. It is also an account of the sacrifice, integrity, brilliance and humanity on the part of many in the profession. We all owe a great debt of gratitude to those courageous, healing hearts and hands. - Robert Morgan Author of Brave Enemies and Boone: A Biography Larry Rogers writes with the same passion and intensity he had as a neurosurgeon. He has crafted a compelling story only an insider could write. Against the Grain is an intriguing page turner, written by a mature new talent. - Nanci Kincaid Author of Verbena and Balls With surgical precision Larry Rogers tells a gripping story which lays bare the inner workings of the medical world. - Mary Hunter Daly Award-winning writer and poet