Forged through Fire: A Reconstructive Surgeon’s Story of Survival, Faith, and Healing

Thank you in advance to Just Read Publicity Tours, Revell, and Mark Donough, MD for a copy of this book to review. It was a pleasure and honor to review this book. I was not compensated in any way, nor was a positive view required.

All thoughts are my own.

“Forged Through Fire” by Mark McDonough, MD is his personal memoir of how a tragedy when he was 16 transformed his life and how his faith in God guided him through the dark days of recovery, rehabilitation, and finding his own path. This book extensively talks about God and faith. Though I had no issues with it and loved reading this book despite the topic that started Mark’s journey.

When he was 16, Mark was in a catastrophic house fire that claimed the lives of his mother and youngest brother. Suffering burns over 65% of his body, his first thoughts turned to death being better than the suffering he was in.

During one surgery, he recalls the vivid details of the surgery – feeling the pain and being acutely aware of what was being said and done. It was that same surgery that lead to a “near-death” experience which McDonough beautifully describes. With that experience he realized that God would be there to help us survive our trials and experiences and that he was meant to survive the ordeal that had almost consumed his life. With each reconstructive surgery after the other his faith was tested.

Still, he became a physical therapist, physician, and later a plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

Through McDonough’s book, the reader learns about his past and even that of his family’s. He talks about perseverance and trials. His life and journey have not been perfect. He has battled Guillain-Barré syndrome as a child, the fire, alcoholism, a stroke, and the loss of two siblings (one to suicide and the other to a vertebral artery aneurysm), later his father to cancer.

Still, despite all the challenges, he remains humble and inspiring. He is also the proud father of three sons – Connor, Riley, and Toby who form the popular band “Before You Exit”.

McDonough’s book is a testament to his faith, though not perfect, always a work in progress. After another health setback, he was forced to scale back his medical practice but still serves as a volunteer at local clinics.

“Forged Through Fire” is an inspiring read that serves as hope for those who
always wonder “why”, have been tested, or need a reminder that God is always there for us. We don’t always know the plans God has for us, but he will be there with us during the trials. Pain is not the end of the story by any means.
McDonough, like the Phoenix, has risen literally from the ashes to physically heal people and help guide them as well.

This book will certainly have triggers for those who’ve lost loved ones by fire, accidents, suicide, PTSD. It is a difficult, challenging, and beautiful read – possibly serving to heal the spirit.

I rarely recommend books, but I do highly recommend this book.

Mark McDonough went through more suffering, emotional and physical, in his life they numerous people put together. As a child he faced the debilitating effects and a long healing from Guillain-Barre syndrome. One would think that was enough for one lifetime. When he was 16 he faced an even greater hardship. A house fire took the life of the beloved mother and little brother. He experienced burns over 65% of his body. There was even more tragedy for him to face in future years which he shared in his story.
This was a very moving and thought provoking book for me. The author’s transparency in his thoughts and feelings took such courage to put on paper. His descriptions of the year’s pain, discouragement and agony during the medical treatments he experienced were incredible. I could sense at points the intensity of the pain and emotional distress was beyond what he could find words to describe. As I read I thought several times, “I would have just given up.” Yes, he wavered, doubted, wanted to quit and just throw the towel in on life, but he did not!
He grew stronger in the Lord and learned each time to rely on Him in great greater ways. None of this is sugar coated, trust me! Not only did the author prevail over insurmountable tragedies used those sufferings to help others. He against all odds became a plastic and reconstructive surgeon to help burn victims like himself. What a gift I know that has been to all his patients. He had the insight and compassion other doctors could not.
I found myself ashamed for my pity parties and despair over what I have faced. I don’t think I can ever look at my problems the same without thinking of Mark. I am even having problems finding the words to write this review! This is a book you want to read! Dr. McDonough’s story is more than just a publication to read. It is a testimony and encouragement to everyone facing trials. I can tell it was written out of love to all those who read it.
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.