The Angel of Ashland: Practicing Compassion and Tempting Fate

Rating:
Summary: surprising compassion in coal country
Review: As a resident of conservative , sleepy Schuylkill County, I was amazed at the foresight and forward thinkingness of this physician. In a county of staunch Catholics, it surprised me that this happened anywhere during those turbulent times , much less here. Mr. Genovese presents this biography in a very straight forward manor that leaves the reader to make up their own mind about this controversial man and issue. As someone who generally does not read biographies, i was hooked from page one. An easy and educational read. Thought provoking

Rating:
Summary: Controversial but an enlightening and entertaining read.
Review: There is no doubt about it; Abortion is a difficult issue for a lot of people. On one hand you have the desire for justice of equal choice by all women, on the other hand you have a great desire to respect and preserve life. I am no different in that it is an issue that I've struggled with at both extremes (Pro and Con) for most of my life. I've concluded that there is no definitive answer that all can agree with. All we can do is to work at respecting life from all views and perspectives. This is why I've read this biography with a very open mind and frankly I'm glad I did!

Having grown up near Ashland, PA I had an immediate interest to read a work by a local author about a local legend. I had heard of Dr. Spencer in hushed conversations of appalling outrage and contempt and I have also in conversations of heroic praise. I wanted to find out more about this "Angel" who dared take a stand and help women through a very difficult time. Meticulously researched and expertly told it is a stroke of luck to come across this text and hold it in my collection. Of all the biographies I have read, this work is one of the best. Genovese's use of descriptive prose and convincing speculation of events he could only imagine occurred is noteworthy of praise and attention. He portrays Dr. Spencer honestly and "re-members" him for the reader in such a way you feel like you know the doctor personally.

This work is for you if you have an interest in the stories and legends of the Pennsylvania "Coal Region". This work is NOT for you if you seek to increase controversy with contempt or without an open mind. Read it as a story of a man who dared make a difference and succeeded with great compassion and non-judgmental understanding at a time where a woman's only choice was a wire hanger and certain death.