Review: I Am Perhaps Dying: The Medical Backstory of Spinal Tuberculosis Hidden in the Civil War Diary of LeRoy Wiley Gresham

I Am Perhaps Dying: The Medical Backstory of Spinal Tuberculosis Hidden in the Civil War Diary of LeRoy Wiley Gresham by Dennis A. Rasbach
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Totally enjoyed reading this -- it is an excellent companion piece to my edited work "The War Outside My Window: The Civil War Diaries of LeRoy Wiley Gresham, 1860-1865." It gives the reader a lot more information about the terminal illness that LeRoy was struggling with, and which he did not know he had. Dr. Rasbach's input added a great deal to my overall work!

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LeRoy's journals are an important piece of the historical record of not just the Civil War, although they are exactly that.  But they also add a great deal of depth to the history of 19th century medicine, and without Dr. Rasbach's contribution to the completed work, we probably still would not know what the truth was behind LeRoy's early passing.

**spoiler alert**

While working on transcription and with Ted adding his very valuable contributions to the footnotes, we discussed LeRoy's illness frequently.  We never could come to an agreement, but he changed the ambiguity by asking one of his other authors to help with this mystery.  Dr. Dennis Rasbach has an extensive medical background and has a great deal of interest in the medical profession of the 19th century as well.  Ted had me prepare what I like to call "LeRoy's Medical Records" for him; it included his compliants, doctor visits, medications, treatments, everything that could be related to his health.

What I Am Learning From Interviews

There is no such thing as doing too many of them!

I've done some radio (which still make me nervous) and some with newspaper journalists (which are much more relaxed).  Both kinds are fun, because I get to talk about a subject that I really believe in, and the response I have gotten has been amazing.

http://www.macon.com/news/local/article211164589.html 

This is what I posted on the book's Facebook page today.  It's a wonderful article from the Macon Telegraph with a video with a local Macon historian to provide some visual context.  This kind of exposure will give LeRoy's story more prominence, and bring the book to new audiences.

I think a part of our hard work -- and the staff at Savas Beatie has been so creative in thinking of new ways to get this book coverage and exposure! -- has begun to really pay off! 

The hardcover version is the #1 new release in the "U.S. Civil War Confederate History" category!  This version releases in less than a week, and you can still pre-order.  Just follow the directions in the previous post.

The Kindle version is the #1 new release in "19th Century World History"!  This version is available now!

Also new to the market is Dr. Dennis Rasbach's ebook I Am Perhaps Dying, which goes into the medical aspect of LeRoy's story.  It is FREE on Kindle right now and will be also available in paperback in October.  His contribution to LeRoy's story is pivotal, as he used his extensive medical background to clearly identify the terminal illness from which LeRoy suffered throughout his journal writing. 

I am so grateful for all of the amazing support I have gotten during this journey!  In one year, Ted Savas, Dr. Rasbach, and I have gone from concept to published book.  I'm now learning about the process of marketing -- something I've never done before, if you exclude selling Girl Scout cookies! -- and will soon begin my first book tour.  In the background of the photograph above, you can see the interior of the 1842 Inn, the former home of the Gresham family, and where our national debut will take place. 

Keep reading for more updates, schedules, announcements, and my insights into this journey!