The Cookie Doctor

Pugliese spent much of his career as a general practitioner in Bernville, Penn., becoming familiar with the Pennsylvania Dutch community. He addressed certain medical concerns decades before they were publicly discussed, particularly in such an insular community: postpartum depression, addiction, incest, and psychological disorders. In this heartfelt memoir, Pugliese also takes the time to articulate his faith and the experiences that make him believe in God, as well as explaining how he went from a near career in the priesthood to the world of medicine. He is the quintessential country doctor, and his decades of experience and obvious kindness will endear him to readers. His narrative is straightforward, and his values%E2%80%94especially his attitudes toward sex and sexuality%E2%80%94may seem dated and preachy to younger readers, but his sweetness and charm more than make up for it. (BookLife)