Sharks On Wounded Fish: Chum Water

By Hodge Wood

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0978515862
• ISBN13: 9780978515867
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: River Road Press
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Hodge Wood's autobiographical "Chum Water" is not for the faint of heart.

In fact, Wood's disarmingly matter-of-fact and personal style of storytelling will tug at the reader's heart on nearly every page. After an automobile accident leaves him paralyzed, "Chum Water" chronicles the author's struggles against unbelievable odds to get his body back in shape, adjust to the resultant changes in his lifestyle, and begin a new life. Hodge Wood provides us with is an unflinchingly detailed look at the incredible hurdles faced by those whose bodies are forever changed by injury. It is also an intimate look into one man's life: his youthful mistakes, his loves, his faith, and his constant struggle to adapt and persevere. Discouraged at nearly every step by a medical system that repeatedly predicted he'd never walk again, not only does Mr. Wood prove them wrong (getting back on his feet both literally and figuratively); as the cover of the book depicts, he even manages to get back onto his beloved water skis! "Chum Water" is one man's affirmation that hard work, perseverance, and an abiding faith--augmented by the efforts of caring and committed loved ones--can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. To those unfamiliar with the specific challenges faced by those whose lives are devastated by debilitating injury, this book will be a gut-wrenching learning experience. To those who are already well aware of the challenges and hurdles faced by spinal injury patients, the book is a testament to hope. Certain aspects of Mr. Wood's experiences will also make you angry. Some of the "care" Mr. Wood receives would truly be worthy of the Marquis de Sade! It might even be seen as a cautionary tale of what a government-run healthcare system might look like if allowed to become as soulless as the one with which Mr. Wood often had to contend. In the end, "Chum Water" will leave the reader moved and enlightened... highly recommend!

Riveting and Entertaining Read

Hodge Wood's "Sharks on Wounded Fish: Chum Water" is an absolutely riveting read ... a personal memoir that captures and holds the readers interest from beginning to end. Mr. Wood grabs the reader from the very first pages with his unique voice and flair for humor, and masterfully maintains that flow throughout. His plotting and writing skills makes reading his work a pleasure. The reader can surmise from the back cover and the introductory pages that this book is about an incredibly debilitating accident that renders the author paralyzed, so I expected a heart-wrenching account of the fateful day that ended life as Hodge Wood knew it forever. I wasn't disappointed, but I was surprised. The picture-painting detail and sometimes humorous way that Mr. Wood tackles a very dire and sober subject was completely unexpected, and totally appreciated. The open and honest way that he relays the experience of his ordeal allows the reader to become a part of (and actually feel) everything that he felt and endured. The reader will find themselves terrified during his description of the accident that broke his neck, and completely outraged by the inept and cruel way that he was treated by some of the health care professionals that were sworn to provide him with quality patient care and compassion. Throughout his ordeal, Mr. Wood lost everything but his faith ... his faith in God and in himself. His story is an incredible tale of strength and perseverance. His passion for life drove him not only to push his battered body beyond its physical limits, but to thrive in his quest for a career, and a fulfilling personal life. Mr. Wood is a master storyteller and I look very forward to reading his works to follow. I will enthusiastically recommend "Chum Water" to my family and friends.

It's the little things about Hodge's life that move the most...

Hodge Wood is a remarkable person. Filled with joy, empathy and insight into human nature, Sharks On Wounded Fish: Chum Water (Sharks on Wounded Fish) is the first in Hodge's Sharks on Wounded Fish series. In it, he describes the accident that changed his life forever -- and his valient effort to deal with paralysis. For those of us who complain about bills, romantic disappointments and the state of the government, Hodge reveals the intimate details of life with spinal cord injury. It is a wakeup call. He shows us what it feels like to be dependent on others for the smallest of his human needs. His disability both frightens and horrifies those of us who are secure in our abilities. On the other hand, his determination to rebuild his life after the accident inspires and gives the laziest of us hope. Having said that, Chum Water is a page-turner. Readable and tender, Hodge shows us the best part of humanity -- and the worst. A man filled with fun and adventure before the accident, Hodge shows us that we are always who we are dispite the misfortunes of life. I highly recommend this book.

Chum Water

Chum Water by Hodge Wood Left with a devastating spinal cord injury after a car accident, Hodge Wood's young life is turned upside-down. In Chum Water, Wood provides a unique, insightful perspective as a patient and later as a health care provider. Reality slaps Wood in the face when he is thrust into a world where caretakers strip him of his self-dignity...as well as his Wellington boots. With determined and courageous effort, Wood brings to light the dedication and tenacity one must have to survive with a broken body and a broken soul. Wood begins his lifelong recovery facing many obstacles others can only try to imagine. He navigates the health care system and endures strenous therapy sessions to gain back physical strength. When questioned as to what he will do for the rest of his life, he rises to the challenge of being a "disabled" student in a health field dominated by women. Wood's positive attitude, along with his humor and belief in God, provides him with the needed strength to conquer his fears and tread new waters. Chum Water, is the first book in Hodge Wood's series, Sharks on Wounded Fish.

JOHN'S REVIEW

Chum Water is definitely a heart felt journey that will keep you crying and laughing at the same time. This book shows the true meaning of overcoming all obstacles. No matter what happens to one, as long as we have our mind, we can accomplish anything. I think Hodge truly captured this idea in his book.