Happy Father’s Day! This post is dedicated to my dad.
Beneath the Flames by Gregory Lee Renz (2019)
Laura’s Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
My father was a firefighter for almost 29 years, bravely risking his life for his community. The gear in the photo is my dad's! He worked alongside his friend, Greg Renz, the author of this book, for years on the Milwaukee Fire Department.
The Analysis:
Mitch is a volunteer firefighter in a small town in rural Wisconsin. After a local tragedy and fire at his own family’s farm, Mitch is determined to prove himself by joining the Milwaukee Fire Department. He leaves behind his high school sweetheart, as well as his brother and father that are struggling to keep the farm afloat. Mitch pours himself into his work, forming unlikely friendships and even beginning a wild new romance. When tragedy strikes again, Mitch is torn between his ties to life back home and his newfound purpose in the big city.
First I have to say, it was so cool to read about the city and department that I grew up around, made even more meaningful by my dad’s connection to the author. I also got some laughs, knowing that some of the firefighter hijinks were based on actual happenings. My main critique of the book is that some of the events felt unrealistic or at least exaggerated. A firefighter from the country forming such impactful bonds with the urban community in such a short amount of time seems rather unlikely, as does the occurrence of so many fires that have a direct impact on the main character’s life.
Putting aside my questions of plausibility, Beneath the Flames is a thorough examination of the bonds of family and community. It contains moments of love, humor, and heartbreak. I so appreciated a story told from this perspective and I think the book paints a picture of a good and honest young man serving his community in as many ways as possible, something firefighters do every day. Anyone wishing to learn more about the life of a firefighter or looking for a meaningful story about finding one’s purpose should read this book.
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