Heidi Ruby Miller reviews "Fire Men"

GoodReads
November 7, 2011

Fire Men review
by Heidi Ruby Miller



This fast-paced memoir reads like a novel. Gary Ryman draws in his readers with storytelling that is as captivating as a five-alarm blaze. His attention to historical facts and details makes you feel like a member of his family and his company. There were moments of fist-clenching tension countered by misty-eyed sadness and heart-warming anecdotes. I not only learned something from Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family, I felt something, too.

http://www.fire-men-book.com

Fire Fighter Wife review

Fire Fighter Wife
September 15, 2011

Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family review
by Val Selby

Fire Men starts right off grabbing your attention in the introduction. I like that about a book, but especially an autobiography. Gary gave us a little drama, lots of action and a peak into the relationships we were going to hear more about. And believe me, I wanted to hear more.

I love the way he is passing background information about his or a family members career while not boring me with too much descriptive details. There are fun stories interjected along with tidbits of history.

I’m pretty sure I was annoying my hubby because I had to read a paragraph here and there to him. Yes, I know he’s going to read the book as well, but I don’t like giggling by myself out loud. So many of these stories are vaguely familiar and I’m sure you will start giggling out loud while you read read them.

But just a word of warning to you spouses, this isn’t a total feel good book. There are stories recounted in this book that you may want to skip over parts as they do get a little graphic. Those of us that have been the debriefing for our husbands won’t have a problem, it’s not anything we haven’t heard when they come home. But, I know there are many that have been more “sheltered” for lack of a better word and I’m not sure you’ll want to read the details. It’s worth skipping over those parts. There is also strong language used. I just want you to know it going in so it doesn’t surprise you and ruin the book for you if language bothers you.

This book kept my attention completely which is not the easiest at the moment. I loved hearing the stories. Especially those that involved two generations together. Ironically our son is the same age (13) that Gary says his son started showing interest. Even more ironically, hubby has been talking recently about having him come to hang out at the station. Our son was the victim on a drill. He was crammed in small spaces because he could fit, lowered from high places while tied down in a basket and asks constantly when they need a victim again. Haven’t seen the “switch” get clicked over with him saying he wants to do it himself, but he’s still young

I really enjoyed this memoir and highly recommend it. It was quick on the stories, not taking three chapters to get one incident described. This is a great book to pick up for your husband for Christmas. I know you don’t want to think of the holidays coming up already, but start your stash of presents right now and make it easy on yourself.

Just so you know, I did receive a digital copy of the book in order to do this review. However, you guys all know my opinions are my own and a free copy of a book won’t change that. lol

I recommend being the first of your fire family to grab a copy of Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family. If you are looking for more stories you can go to the books website fire-men-book.com. Gary is also on twitter and facebook.

Putting Words Down on Paper review

Putting Words Down on Paper
August 31, 2011

A Review of Fire Men
by Susanne Drazic

When I heard about the book, Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family, I wanted to review it because I have family and friends who either have been firefighters or still are. I know it takes a very special type of person to be a firefighter, because they face danger every time they answer a call. They truly are heroes.

In Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family the author shares stories of going to the fire station as a young boy and learning early on what it means to be a firefighter. There are stories of intense blazes, holiday calls, sirens blaring, car accidents, and rescues happening just in time that span throughout the three generations of this firefighting family. Ryman doesn’t sugarcoat any of the stories. He tells it like it is, sharing the mistakes as well as the triumphs.

I think that anyone who is already a firefighter, anyone interested in becoming a firefighter, or anyone who enjoys reading memoirs will want to read Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family.

Broken Teepee review excerpt

Broken Teepee [excerpt]
August 31, 2011

Blog Tour and Book Review: Fire Men by Gary R. Ryman
(read full review at this link)
by Patty Woodland

My hubby has been a volunteer firefighter or volunteer EMT for over 40 years. He is currently fire chief in our town so I chose this book for both of us - I figured he would enjoy it. My brother is also a volunteer firemen. In fact the hubby responded to a fire on the day of our wedding. Later in the day the whistle blew in the middle of our reception which was being held at the fire hall. Afterward we invited the returning firefighters back to the party. I'm a fireman's wife....

The book is a memoir of the exploits of three generations of fire fighters. We should all be very grateful for the men and woman that volunteer their time for such dangerous but necessary jobs. The training they undertake to respond to a fire or emergency call is quite extensive.

Some of them are very interesting and heart pounding. The writing style is easy to read and very familiar.

It will certainly open the eyes of people not aware of what a firefighter or EMT encounters in the course of doing their jobs.

You can find Fire Men on Facebook

You can purchase Fire Men HERE

Reading Between the Lines review

Reading Between the Lines
August 28, 2011

Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family
by Kathleen Gerard

Hugs and thank yous don't happen often. This is a thankless job. So why do it? Why be a firefighter? The reasons obviously differ for each person. For me, it's the satisfaction of doing something only a small percentage of people can do - entering buildings being consumed by fire and having the skill to save lives. (Excerpt from Fire Men by Gary R. Ryman)

You've heard the sirens. You've seen the bright red engines that barrel through town when the alarm sounds. You tune in each week to TV programs like Rescue Me. But in FIRE MEN: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family, Gary H. Ryman has given readers an authentic, firsthand account of what it really means to answer the call (literally and figuratively) to fight flaming battles, day-in and day-out.

FIRE MEN is a well-written, emotion-packed memoir that is rich with description. In twenty concise chapters, Ryman details, with unabashed grit, a personal account of what it's like to serve on the front lines of danger. The book has a linear structure and is told via episodic installments of how and why Ryman became a firefighter; how and where he trained; and his personal firefighting experiences that now make him an expert, veteran consultant on firefighting practices. The stories reflect how firefighting has evolved over the years, now requiring more specific training and certifications, as the role of firefighting becomes more diversified and emergency service oriented (EMS), especially post 9-11 and amid the implications of terrorism.

Long-time fireman Ryman offers a unique perspective of what it's like to be the son, as well as the father, of a firefighter. He writes engaging, dramatically-rendered scenes which shed light into what a firefighter may face with his buddies while on-call; at the firehouse during down-time; and also in serving the public.

Taken as a whole, FIRE MEN is filled with joy and heartbreak and offers harrowing insight into the emotional landscape of those who see the best and worst of what life has to offer.

Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family by Gary R. Ryman
Tribute Books, $10.95, Trade Paperback, 978-0982256596, 280 pp.
Publication Date: April 20, 2011
To order this book via INDIEBOUND link HERE

Reviews by Molly review

Reviews by Molly
August 16, 2011

Tribute Books Blog Tour & Review: Fire Men by Gary R. Ryman
by Molly Edwards

Title:Firemen
Author:Gary R. Ryman
Publisher:Tribute Books
Publication Date:April 20, 2011
Pages:280
Source:publisher for Tribute Books Blog Tour| My FTC Disclaimer
Purchase:Amazon| Barnes And Noble| Google
Rating:5 Books

Synopsis:
Having served over thirty years in fire departments across three states, Gary R. Ryman brings a unique perspective to the firefighting experience. The son and father of firefighters, Ryman ignites the fire, smoke, blood and fear spanning three generations of the "family business." He recounts his early days in upstate New York learning from his father, the department fire chief. He describes the blazes he battled with a career and volunteer crew in the crowded suburbs of Washington, D.C. He examines the mentoring relationship established with his son as they respond to the calls of a volunteer department in rural Pennsylvania. Overall, Ryman shares both the personal and professional turning points that define a firefighting career.

Author Bio:
Gary R. Ryman is the second of three generations of firefighters. He has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland and has been employed as a fire protection engineer for over twenty-five years. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in American History. Ryman is married with two children. His oldest son makes up the third generation of firefighters in his family, which makes him feel both old and young at the same time.

My Review:
One thing you will notice about me is this: I don't read a lot of memoirs. But, I love everything to do with firefighters, cops, or military. Something about those heroes that really tug at my heart. So, I jumped on the chance to review this book, and WOW! I was literally blown away by the style of writing, the way the author instantly reached out and grabbed, only to pull me into the heat of the firefighting action and life of a real life hero.

This is far from being a "light" read, though you will become so engrossed in Mr. Ryhman's story that you will be at the end before you know it. You follow him and his father and son on an unforgettable journey of what it takes to be a firefighter. I can't imagine what it would be like, but after reading this, I feel as if, for a time, I was able to experience every laugh, every tear, every happy ending, every heartache, that these brave, brave men endured. It was an incredible feeling.

I highly recommend that you get this book. It's a 5 book rating in my opinion, and I know that if you love stories about or by true life heroes, then I know you will love this book. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, but more importantly, it will make you see just how much these firefighters go through, and what it costs them to put their life on the line in our time of need.

Freelancing Parents review

Freelancing Parents
August 15, 2011

Fire Men
by Carrie Beasley

As the wife of a volunteer firefighter, I've heard more than my fair share of stories and gained first hand knowledge of the ruined plans and sleepless nights that are a big part of being a volunteer. But while reading Fire Men: Stories From Three Generations of a Firefighting Family, written by Gary R. Ryman, I gained more insight into the life of a firefighter.

Gary R. Ryam is, in his own words, the creme filling in the middle of an oreo cookie of firefighters. His father started the family tradition and his son followed in his footsteps to make the third generation of firefighters. Mr. Ryman has a way with words, pulling you so far in to the scene of a structure fire that you can almost feel the heat of the flames on your face. The book starts with action on the first page, not leading up in to it like so many authors do. This grabs your attention from the start, and it will keep your attention until you get to the very last page.

While Mr. Ryman does omit any overly gory details, you get the gist of every situation that he writes about as you follow him through life, starting with childhood memories of dreaming of following in his fathers footsteps. The book chronicles calls from his fathers day all the way up to his sons time and it is fascinating to note how procedures and equipment changed over the years.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, but if you have a firefighter in your life, it is a must read. Follow Mr. Ryman on Facebook or on his website.

Crazed Mind review

Crazed Mind
August 15, 2011

Filling the Boots
by Lenore Webb

You have heard to be careful of what you ask for. Funny that I asked for a unplugged weekend. And low and behold the Internet where we are house sitting went bonkers. Then we also had a out of town trip to see my Mom-in-law who is in the hospital for heart problems. As happens many different parts of the family all showed up around the same time. So there we sat and talked and laughed with each other. Sharing family time around her hospital bed. I think it did her a world of good to have family gathered around. I know that she had a much better last night than before.

Family is a wonderful thing to have for support. Weather it be to help one get through the day, a home to return to or just the pat on the back for each other in a rough patch. It seems that often families follow in each other footsteps. Weather it be mother to daughter learning how cook the family recipes or father to son tweaking the carburetor on the truck. We learn from our family. And that is were the strongest bonds come from. So it is not at all a surprise when we continue on in the same business as our family. That is how it was for Gary R. Ryman who followed in the footsteps of being a fire fighter. I just finished reading 'Firemen: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family'. I have to say it was as intense as I expected. Stories of unbelievable blazes, rescues just in the nick of time and just how a father leads a son and the pride of seeing who he becomes.

I already had a great respect for the firefighters in our volunteer fire departments around here. Every lil community pulls together any time there is a fire or emergency call. Weather if be from the EMS, to the brush trucks or the 911 operators coordinating. These people train hard to learn how to be the arms of safety while doing this all of their free will and community service. This summer I have seen how efficient they work when the volunteers put out a fire in my father's backyard, making sure to protect the house first and foremost. And just last weekend the EMS responded to our help call when we were trying to help a woman who had fallen from her bed and could not get up. She could not assist us since she could not use her legs and was too large for us to lift on our own. They knew just how to help and preserve her dignity too. And 911 sent out officers to help fill the reports when my brothers storage was broken into just last week. These emergency workers are all around us everyday. Helping in the foreground during an emergency and in the background when all seems calm. My hats off to them.

My thanks once again to Tribute Books for sharing with me. You can follow this blog tour too if you wish. Also there is the facebook pages and twitter that you may join. Along with a place to read an excerpt of this book.

Just Our Thoughts review

Just Our Thoughts
August 15, 2011

A Book Review - Fire Men by Gary Ryman
by LaDonna Harris

Book web site

Book Facebook

Author’s Facebook

Publisher: Tribute Books website and Facebook and Twitter

About the book:

Having served over thirty years in fire departments across three states, Gary R. Ryman brings a unique perspective to the firefighting experience. The son and father of firefighters, Ryman ignites the fire, smoke, blood and fear spanning three generations of the "family business." He recounts his early days in upstate New York learning from his father, the department fire chief. He describes the blazes he battled with a career and volunteer crew in the crowded suburbs of Washington, D.C. He examines the mentoring relationship established with his son as they respond to the calls of a volunteer department in rural Pennsylvania. Overall, Ryman shares both the personal and professional turning points that define a firefighting career.

Author’s Bio:

Gary R. Ryman is the second of three generations of firefighters. He has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland and has been employed as a fire protection engineer for over twenty-five years. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in American History. Ryman is married with two children. His oldest son makes up the third generation of firefighters in his family, which makes him feel both old and young at the same time.

My Thoughts:

My husband has been a volunteer fire fighter for 7 or 8 of the last 10 years, on two different fire departments. He also worked oilfield safety as a fire-watch fire fighter. When Tribute Books approached me about doing a review of this book, I couldn’t wait to get my paws on the book!

I have loved every story, felt emotions along with the fire men, felt his mother’s anxiety as she waited to hear word on this or that situation. I found myself coming to a better understanding of what my husband experiences when he goes out on these calls, when he experiences these injuries. My husband is not open about feelings and experiences. Part of this could be to spare me stress and worry, and partly just to cope with the job itself. I understand better his love for the job, his adrenaline rush when the pager tones and the let down of that rush when he arrives home, safe.

This book is a must read for anyone wanting to understand what our fire fighters and their families experience in their day to day lives. It’s not just for fire wives or fire parents. Fire wives already get it a little bit, but for any fire wives (past or present) reading, this book will give you a deeper insight, that your fire fighter may not give you.

I know our department (probably many other departments out there do) has a number of women fire fighters as well. This book is from a man’s perspective (three generations of fire men); I’d love to have input from my own gender on how this job affects them, too, in comparison to the men we know.

The Story of a Writer review

The Story of a Writer
August 8, 2011

The Story of a Family of Firemen
by Beverly Stowe McClure

I am delighted to introduce you today to some of our true-life heroes, not the ones in movies and books. Meet Gary R. Ryman, the second of three generations of firefighters in his family.

FIRE MEN, STORIES FROM THREE GENERATIONS OF A FIREFIGHTING FAMILY

By Gary R. Ryman

Book Courtesy of Tribute Books

The sirens blare as the fire truck races down the street. Firefighters on their way to another fire or accident, we think, and are thankful our house is safe or our family or someone we know aren’t injured. But do we ever stop to think what being a fireman is really like. Sure, they visit schools and teach fire safety. They answer alarms for drownings, auto accidents, fires, and other things we can’t even imagine. Well, if you’ve ever wondered about or thought of becoming a firefighter there is a book out that will give you an inside look at what it’s like. You may be surprised.

Author Gary R. Ryman has written a book about three generations of firemen in his family: his father Richard Ryman, himself, and his son Mike. From battling house fires to administering aid at auto accidents, to saving babies’ lives the author takes the reader along with him and his fellow firemen. The scenes are so vivid that sometimes I could almost smell the smoke and feel the heat of a roaring blaze. The author also talks about trust among firefighters. For example, you don’t leave your partner alone in a fire. He mentions, too, that being a firefighter is a “thankless job” at times. So why does he do it? Why do others do it? For Gary Ryman it’s “the satisfaction of doing something only a small percentage of people can do--entering buildings being consumed by fire and having the skill to save lives.” Some of the calls are funny, but I’ll let you enjoy reading about those yourself. Others are sad and make you appreciate the bravery and dedications of the firefighters.

FIRE MEN, STORIES FROM THREE GENERATIONS OF A FIREFIGHTING FAMILY tells a great story about the joys and the sadness of the job. Of course, fire departments in different towns, large and small, would be a bit different. But they all have one thing in common: saving lives and property. As the wife of a retired firefighter, I recommend this book for a close look at the brave men and women who we take for granted, but who we want to be there when duty calls.

Book web site:
http://www.fire-men-book.com

Book Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fire-Men-Stories-from-Three-Generations-of-a-Firefighting-Family/183551625026176#!/pages/Fire-Men-Stories-from-Three-Generations-of-a-Firefighting-Family/183551625026176?sk=wall
Gary Ryman Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/gary.ryman

Tribute Books website:http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

Buy links:http://tribute-books.com/shop.html#biography1

Excerpt:http://fire-men-book.blogspot.com/search/label/Read%20an%20Excerpt

Thank you, Gary and your family for all you do.

Average Jake Firefighter Blog review

Average Jake Firefighter Blog
August 1, 2011

Book Review: Fire Men
by Jake

Fire Men is told from the view-point of Gary Ryman, and is about three generations of a firefighting family. The book starts off with Ryman detailing his fathers entry into the volunteer fire service, and the various incidents that shaped his interest into following in his fathers footsteps.

A large portion of the book details Gary’s journey in the fire service as he goes to his first fire, becomes a company officer, is a live in firefighter while attending college, and eventually making it to the chief officer ranks.

Finally the book details the beginning of Gary’s son Mike as he beings to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, and father as a third generation fireman.

My self being a second generation fireman I have definitely felt a lot of the emotions that the author has experienced. My dad has been a fireman for around 30 years in various capacities (industrial, volunteer, and career) and me and my brother have been in the same position as the author on several instances coming up under someone with a lot of knowledge and background, learning from him, getting scolded for doing something dumb, and finally succeeding and getting to a level where he viewed us as equals and not just his sons. So on that level I really enjoyed the book as I could relate to it. I can also relate to being a young fire officer in a volunteer organization, then having kids and having to cut back (or stop all together in my case).

One thing that was both positive and negative was how the book was layed out. The book is a lot like a firehouse BS session, while good it is sometimes hard to follow. The author will tell a detailed account of an incident, and state that was not the only call that would be horrible that day (or some other teaser) then never talk about it or mention it again. I found this a little frustrating as it could have led to more detail of the story. I also wish there would have been a little more on his “live in” experience while attending college. I feel like that alone is another whole book and I hope him or some other author out there visits this topic, I would surely like to read it, and if I could go back and do it over again it I would have chosen that path to pursue my college education.

Overall this is a good read, and shows how the fire service has progressed over three generations. I definitely recommend picking it up and giving it a chance.

You can pick up the book here: http://www.fire-men-book.com

You can also become a fan of the book on face book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fire-Men-Stories-from-Three-Generations-of-a-Firefighting-Family/183551625026176?sk=wall

A special thanks to Tribute Books http://www.tribute-books.com for giving me a copy of the book to review.

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!

Fireground Discussion & Photography features "Fire Men"

Fireground Discussion & Photography
July 16, 2011

If You're Currently a 2nd Generation or Have Kids That Will Be in the Future - This Is a Great Read

If your a 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation firefighter or you have small children that will be your 2nd generation this is a great read. Read the following excerpt from his book and you will see what I mean...............

"He followed me out the front door onto the snow covered lawn. We both knelt down and removed our helmets and face pieces.
My son and I, together.
I looked over at him as he stared at the house, now only light smoke was coming from the front door. 'Did you enjoy it I asked?'
He just nodded back at me, with a satisfied look on his face.
I always thought it would be great to be there for his first time inside, but I never knew it would actually happen. I had just lived a dream. Emotions welled up inside me, flowing through my system. I thought I was going to cry. He wasn't my little boy anymore."

Click the following link for more information: http://fire-men-book.blogspot.com/

Midwest Book Review

An excellent read and very highly recommended reading for those seeking memoirs and stories about fire fighting

To battle the force of destruction itself can be something so very daunting. "Fire Men: Stories From Three Generations of a Firefighting Family" is a familial memoir from Gary R. Ryman as he tells his story of how he, his son, and his father have made their line of fire fighters, telling the stories that can only come from a growing line of fire fighters. Thoughtful and profound, "Fire Men" is an excellent read and very highly recommended reading for those seeking memoirs and stories about fire fighting.