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.

CMash Loves to Read guest post & ebook giveaway entry link

CMash Loves to Read
August 4, 2011

Guest Author Gary Ryman
by Cheryl Masciarelli

I can honestly say that I have enjoyed each and every day since I have found this wonderful community of book blogging. Every day there is always something new to get excited about, be it, meeting a new blogger, adding more books to the ever growing TBR list, finding a new book, discussing a book just read and the list goes on. Today, I am thrilled about another new and exciting event. Nicole, from Tribute Books, has graciously invited me to be part of her tour group and today is the first time I am hosting!! And what a way to start. With the anniversary of 911 next month, Nicole is introducing us to author and fireman Gary Ryman. So please help me give him a warm welcome to the CMash blog!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

GUEST POST

Slightly more than a month from now we will observe an important anniversary; one significant to firefighter’s nation wide. On September 11, 2001, among the thousands of others who died that day, 343 firefighters perished. Beyond New York City, firefighters from Pennsylvania, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland worked for days—the initial responders to tragedy, as always.

The constant news coverage increased the understanding and respect of the important service that firefighters provide throughout the country. Communities small and large recognized that these are the initial troops, not just for a terrorist attack, but in the daily battles fought against emergencies. Firefighters were feted and praised and more importantly, supported in their needs for equipment and training. Time, however, is a great healer, and the lack of successful additional attacks has lessened the importance of fire departments in the mind of many. Fires, as we all know, only happen to other people, not me. Budget problems, financial difficulties, and simply the passage of time have dulled our memories of the sacrifices made on that day and those before and since. The responsibilities of our firefighters, though, continue to increase as they are expected to handle each new hazard which arises in our communities.

Nothing has changed, however. As before 9/11, firefighters continue to be killed and injured. Thankfully not in the numbers of that day, but die they still do. Hopefully this anniversary will remind communities of all sizes of the protection afforded them by their firefighters. We think of two sureties in life: death and taxes. There is, however, one more. Dial 911 and the firefighters will come. On 9/11, and the days which follow, let’s remember that.


You can find Gary Ryman at the following sites:

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

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.

THANKS TO NICOLE FROM TRIBUTE BOOKS

AND AUTHOR, GARY RYMAN, I HAVE THREE (3)

EBOOK EDITIONS OF THIS TRUE STORY TO GIVE AWAY.

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO

THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.



The Book Connection interview

The Book Connection
August 2, 2011

Interview with Gary Ryman, Author of Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family
by Cheryl Malandrinos

Joining us today is Gary Ryman, author of Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family

Gary 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.

Welcome to The Book Connection, Gary. It's an honor to have you with us. Where did you grow up?


I grew up in a small burg called West Corners in upstate New York.


What is your fondest childhood memory?


One of my favorite things to do when I was small was go to the fire station with my father. He would work on whatever project he was involved with and I would climb all over the coolest jungle gym in the world, fire trucks.


When did you begin writing?



I’ve been writing in one form or another for most of my life, though most of that was school and then work related. I began writing for publication about five or six years ago.


Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?



I try to write whenever I can sneak some time. I try, but fail, to write even for at least a few minutes every day.

What is this book about?



This book is about the stories and experiences of three generations of firefighters. I am the second of the three or the middle of the Oreo. It relates the good, bad, ugly, and funny aspects of firefighting. I try to relate how those experiences affect us.


What inspired you to write it?



Having told many of these stories around the firehouse and to friends and family for years, and having worn out those audiences, I thought perhaps other people might enjoy them. Being both the son and father of firefighters gave me an unusual perspective.


Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?



My road to publication was bumpier than some and smoother than others. In the end, I was lucky enough to connect with a great publisher, Tribute Books (http://tribute-books.com/index.html), where I have received incredible support.


If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?



The easy answer would be to start where I ended up! Really though, I think the search process, submittals, and rejections all made for a valuable learning experience.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?



The book is available on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com. It is also available in a variety of e-book formats including Kindle, Nook, Google e-book, Borders, and Apple iBooks. It is also available directly from the publisher.


Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?



Readers can visit my website at http://www.fire-men-book.com/.

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?


My book trailer is posted on the website and also at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f77Nwe5rA4

What is up next for you?


I’m working on two rather disparate projects. One is the thesis for my Masters degree in American History that I would love to turn into a short book. I’ve become fascinated by Gifford Pinchot and particularly in the two terms he served as Governor of Pennsylvania. The other project is a novel which is naturally about firefighters. I’m also getting requests from readers for another book of real stories, but I haven’t done anything with that idea yet.

Thank you for spending time with us today, Gary. We wish you great success.

Information from the Publisher:

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

Book Facebook page:

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 page: https://www.facebook.com/gary.ryman

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

Tribute Books Facebook page:

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

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!