I have been in a reading slump for the previous months. What kept me busy was the Korean drama series that I have been watching. But after purchasing books during Manila International Book Fair 2023, I decided to pick up a book and dedicated time to reading it.
The first book that I have decided to read is the non-fiction book written by Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All. Doc Ron is a pediatric neurosurgeon, teacher, and writer. He became a fellow of the 58th UP National Writers Workshop. He currently works as an associate professor at the UP College of Medicine. When we met him during his book signing, he is so kind and humble. He asked questions to us before signing our books. Hehe.
The book cover says a lot to what the collection of essays is all about. Its refreshing shade of blue looks calming, and pleasant. The illustrations on the cover are so meaningful. Each icon truly represents something about the essays in the book. In short, maganda.
Some Days You Can’t Save Them All contains personal anecdotes, and stories about his patients. He has written each essay as if he weaves the emotional rollercoaster of life in a hospital. His medical tales will surely make you cry or laugh. His collection contains his stories about his journey from medical school to becoming a full-fledged doctor. He has deliberately described his humble beginnings.
What I love most about this book is his skill in humanizing the medical profession. He has written essays about loss, pain, and the saddest stories in the corner of a ward. But at the same time, he manages to balance those kinds of stories with stories of success, good news, and happy endings.
His remarkable essay for me is Where I Got Extra Money When I Was A Medical Student. He said:
As hard as it may seem to believe during the most difficult of times, there is never a shortness of kindness in this world.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All
Despite the sad reality that the medical scene in the Philippines portrays, some people are still willing to help. In this essay, he mentioned the people who generously lend him a hand when he was a student. After reading this line, I paused from reading a book and tried to absorb this line. Nakakatulala lang talaga.
Yes, there will still be people who are willing to help. Someone out there will help. It may be difficult to believe, but this is possible, I guess. 🙂
My Favorite Lines from the Book
I survived by taking things one day at a time.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All
I took this line by heart. I totally agree that we could still succeed by taking things one day at a time. I am used to rushing things. I always wanted to finish the tasks on my list. But this line reminded me to slow down, and be more relaxed.
Everybody is in such a hurry to achieve something or become someone, that we forget to be thankful for what we have in the now. We are always where we are meant to be.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All
Hehe. The message is somehow the same with the first line. This line is found at the last pages of the book. I believe it is also a gentle reminder for us to be grateful for what is happening at the moment.
I only have this advice to give: First, never settle for anything less. … And second, stay honest.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All
It is a good reminder for me–that despite what’s happening around me, I should continue producing quality outputs and never be satisfied with the mediocre. It inspires me to keep going and to keep creating something meaningful.
My Final Verdict
5/5! This book is beautifully written, heartwarming, and truly engaging collection of essays that will leave a mark in your heart. The essays here contain reminders that will make you reflect on the incredible human connection. Doc Ron is so kind and humble in person, too. Plus 5 stars!
Read this, please! 🙂
Probably, we can make all the entries of our blogs into a collection of essays when we want to publish a book.