Charles D. Ponte

Bryson City Secrets

History & Biography

“I’m hoping one day to be a ‘certified storyteller,’ ” writes Walt Larimore in the Author’s Notes at the end of Bryson City Seasons. Once you’ve read this book, you’ll be happy to grant him that certification, for Larimore is already a consummate storyteller. Part fiction, part real, the stories Larimore tells about the life of a small-town doctor will make you feel as though you’ve stepped much further back in time than the early 1980s when these events took place. christianbookpreviews.com Dr. Larimore’s conversational and folksy storytelling style captivates the reader. Dr. Larimore is skilled at weaving various colored threads (humanistic, spiritual, scientific) throughout the fabric of each of his stories. These “threads” teach us about the important things in life — coping with adversity, the value of religious faith, and even the art and science of medicine. The book conveys an appeal to the healthcare professional and layperson alike. The author has taken the approach to clearly articulate medical jargon in terms easily understood by the medically naive reader. The book is a must-read for medical students contemplating family medicine as a specialty, and, likewise, family medicine residents should find this intimate glimpse of rural family practice both educational and inspirational.”