Arts, Dining & Entertainment

Phoenix Books hosts virtual book discussion

Wednesday, June 17 at 7 p.m.—RUTLAND—Join a virtual discussion with local author Dr. Peter Hogenkamp about his latest novel, “The Intern.”

The book tells the story of Maggie Johnson, a 27-year old fledgling medical doctor struggling to get through her internship at Our Lady of the Golden Arches, a busy charity hospital in Spanish Harlem; and Bobby, a 12-year-old ward of the state suffering from incurable cancer. They meet in the ninth month of Maggie’s internship, at a time when she is physically spent, emotionally drained, and uncertain if she wants to continue down the path her father—the renowned orthopedic surgeon and chief architect of her life—has laid out for her. Bobby’s courage and verve are as much of a balm for the rash of Maggie’s problems as her warmth and compassion are a balm for his; with Bobby in her life, the hours seem less long, the fatigue relents on occasion, and even the pressure from her father is easier to deal with. But when Bobby’s state-appointed guardian is pressured, against Bobby’s wishes, to change his code status to Do Not Resuscitate, Bobby’s life and Maggie’s new-found contentment—not to mention her career—hang in the balance.

Author Peter Hogenkamp is a practicing physician, public speaker, and author of medical fiction and thrillers, living in Rutland. He is the founder and editor of “The Book Stops Here,” a literary blog for readers and writers written by authors, agents, editors, publishers, and poets. He is the creator, producer, and host of “Your Health Matters,” a health information program, which airs on cable television, streams on YouTube and sounds off on podcast. He was a finalist for the prestigious 2019 Killer Nashville Claymore Award as well as the 2020 Vermont Writer’s Prize. When he isn’t writing or working, he loves to hike, ski, and take photographs.

This event is free and open to all. Please register ahead at  the website, phoenixbooks.biz.

Mountain Times Newsletter

Sign up below to receive the weekly newsletter, which also includes top trending stories and what all the locals are talking about!