As someone who grew up with several relatives that worked in the medical field, I often heard stories about the horrors that burned victims dealt with.

This book delves into the painfully story of a burn victim, Mark McDonough, MD and his story of what he went through during the tragic house fire that took the lives of his mother and one of his brothers, and left him with burns over 65% of his body and the long, painful recovery that followed.

This is a raw and emotional read. There is so much more going on within these pages than just a story of a burn victim. Faith to lean on God through the hardships runs deeply though this story. This is an impactful and inspirational story that will stick with you long after you finish reading.

Wow, what a story Mark McDonough shares in Forged Through Fire. And none of it is fiction.

As McDonough recounts the tragic house fire that resulting in the deaths of one of his brothers and his mother and left him with burns over 65% of his body, readers get a taste of the pain and suffering this family experienced. The way the author weaves chapters of his family life (including stories of his childhood, a look into the family dynamics, friendships, and more) with his suffering, surgeries, recovery, and near-death experience helps alleviate some of the heaviness of the descriptive process to heal his body.

Yet, I found myself shaking my head in sympathy at how much this family had suffered only for McDonough to drop another tragedy or fact about the fire I didn’t see coming.

The testimony of this family confirms that God does not promise His followers a life excluded from pain. McDonough’s faith is not perfect, he’s had periods spent away from God or in the desert, but he’s learned to lean on God through hardships, pain, sorrow, and disappointment. It’s a testimony I won’t soon forget.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

"It is my belief that God allows certain experiences-some rather painful- to shape and grow us in character consistent with His desires and plans for us."

What a perfect way to sum up Forged Through Fire--- a memoir by Mark D. McDonough MD. Surviving a tragic fire as a teenager that left his body over 65% covered in burns, this book tells his story of overcoming what would be just one of many medical emergencies through his life. It is these occurrences that brought him to practice medicine--- particularly plastic surgery so that he could help other burn victims rise from the ashes and get a new chance at life- just as he was given.

While this book was certainly enlightening as to the pain and turmoil a burn victim must face, I must admit it was a bit hard to read at times. He goes into rather detailed descriptions as to what he felt during that time, as well as the procedures and care that it required. I could certainly see that appealing to those who are looking to learn more about the medical aspect, and again it did make it very eye opening to hear the extent of it. Still, I have a rather weak stomach so there were points where I admit I had to skip through some of the details a bit. Again, that's just my own issue though.

We've so often heard about God bring beauty from ashes--- using the negatives to bring about His plans, and I think Mark's story is a beautifully told story and quite literal example of just that.

**I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

"...we never know exactly what's in store on this journey in life. That has been true repeatedly in my story. As many before me have said, we will fall, but how we rise again is what matters. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, adversity can make us stronger and better with God's help."

"Forged Through Fire" is the story of Mark McDonough's life, and it is a read that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Mark goes through unimaginable trauma when a fire destroys his childhood home, taking the life of his mother and brother, and leaving him severely burned. The reader of this incredible story has the change to come along of Mark as he suffers, has a near death experience, recovers, and ultimately, learns to trust in God. The story continues through his adult life until the present day, and also flashes back to experiences from his childhood. Mark ends up becoming a surgeon who is able to help other patients who went through similar trauma, and it was so uplifting to see how far he came.

One thing that I really appreciated about this book was that after Mark's near death experience and when he began to trust in God, it was not wrapped in a neat little bow with a fairy tale ending. Believing in God and trusting in Him does not mean that we will not have struggles in this world. In fact, Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33. Mark talked about his troubles even after his near death experience, and in the end, it made his faith even stronger. This book will have you crying for the pain that Mark feels, as well as cheering at his successes. I highly recommend this book to strengthen your faith, and to read about a wonderful role model of Christian faith!