The unforgettable inspiring memoir of one extraordinary doctor who is saving lives in a most unconventional way. Ask Me Why I Hurt is the touching and revealing first-person account of the remarkable work of Dr. Randy Christensen. Trained as a pediatrician, he works not in a typical hospital setting but, rather, in a 38-foot Winnebago that has been refitted as a doctor’s office on wheels. His patients are the city’s homeless adolescents and children.
In the shadow of an affluent American city, Dr. Christensen has dedicated his life to caring for society’s throwaway kids—the often-abused, unloved children who live on the streets without access to proper health care, all the while fending off constant threats from thugs, gangs, pimps, and other predators. With the Winnebago as his moveable medical center, Christensen and his team travel around the outskirts of Phoenix, attending to the children and teens who need him most.
With tenderness and humor, Dr. Christensen chronicles everything from the struggles of the van’s early beginnings, to the support system it became for the kids, and the ultimate recognition it has achieved over the years. Along with his immense professional challenges, he also describes the trials and joys he faces while raising a growing family with his wife Amy. By turns poignant, heartbreaking, and charming, Dr. Christensen’s story is a gripping and rich memoir of his work and family, one of those rare books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
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Sexual Content - 3/5
3/5
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Violence - 2/5
2/5
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Language - 0/5
0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 1/5
1/5
Summary
Overall This was a surprisingly good book about a doctor who treats homeless children in Arizona. It was a heartbreaker at times; the doctor details children he has treated who have been abused. The story has gained nationwide attention and the dr has received numerous awards for his work. However, he is quite shy about being in the spotlight and at no time did it seem he was bragging about his achievements. I recommend this book but I would not let my 13 yr old read it b/c it does discuss rape, prostitution and drug use.
Violence I gave this a 2 b/c there are some stories in the book about violence against children. They aren't described in detail, it's more implied violence.
Language
Sexual I gave this a 3 b/c there are sexual situations discussed in the book that include rape and prostitution.
Drug & Alcohol Some implied drug use is included in the stories the author tells.