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Nightstand: Diana Akins
By Piper Castillo, Times Staff Writer
Published December 9, 2007
Diana Akins is the chief librarian at Bay Pines Veterans Administration Medical Library. For 14 years she has worked with hospital staff as well as patients, researching information on medical conditions.
What is on your nightstand?
A Quiet Voice by Susan Adger and Eugene "Tree" Hairston. It's a moving account of Tree's experiences, including Vietnam and his downfall from post-traumatic stress disorder. I met Tree when he was a patient. He now works here (in environmental management). Who would you recommend this book to?
Anyone facing obstacles in life and suffering from a sense of hopelessness. The title mentions Tree's quiet voice. Did you expect he'd have a compelling story?
You don't think people you know from your day-to-day world will have their life story published. So, yes, I was pleasantly surprised. I told him I admired him because he made his life an open book, pardon the pun.
[Last modified December 7, 2007, 16:47:09]
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by Pat
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01/25/08 01:40 PM
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I thought it was a compeling story. Wow Show anybody can get clean & sober
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by Deb
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12/11/07 08:50 PM
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I hope his book will be able to inspire others who have faced adversity. His book proves that anyone can start their life over. He has been an inspiration to me and I'm proud to be able to call Eugene my friend.
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by Mary
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12/11/07 11:38 AM
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This is a prime example of the old saying "never judge a book by it's cover." Eugene "Tree" Hairston is an inspiration to everyone that he meets. He is "a guiet voice" that gives hope in times of struggle. His book is a MUST read.
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by Bob wenger
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12/11/07 07:09 AM
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A compelling story....one that challenges the moral fiber in all of us.
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by Eugene
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12/11/07 06:51 AM
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This book was a (3) year enterprise, 9 years ago I was a homeless person living on the streets.
This book exspress the thoughts, and fears, and transformation back into society. Diana was witness to this transformation, ans still serves as a mentor
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