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Red Deer Reads author Dr. James Maskalyk to speak Thursday at the library

Free tickets are available from Eventbrite
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Red Deer Reads co-chairs Candice Putnam and Briana Ehnes stand next to a sign of the community book club’s winning title for 2019. (Advocate file photo).

Emergency room doctor and Red Deer reads author James Maskalyk will speak Thursday at the Red Deer Public Library.

Maskalyk’s memoir, Life on the Ground Floor: Letters from the Edge of Emergency Medicine, was selected as the 2019 Community Book Club title in August from three nominations.

Since then, the book has been “flying off the shelves” as people get ready for the author’s visit, says Briana Ehnes, the library’s adult services manager.

“James’ heartbreaking, rewarding experiences and personal stories are so inspiring. I think his presentation… will change people’s perspectives about health care,” added Ehnes.

Maskalyk, who practices emergency medicine and trauma at one of Toronto’s largest hospitals, volunteered in 2010 with Doctors Without Borders in Ethiopia.

He helped create the country’s first emergency room in Addis Ababa’s Black Lion Hospital.

Life on the Ground Floor bounces between his work at the Ethiopian hospital and St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, detailing the stark contrasts between the two.

The book also includes personal tales about his relationship with his aging grandfather in a small Alberta town.

An Evening with James Maskalyk will be held at 7 p.m. at the downtown branch. There will be a book signing, prize give aways and free refreshments.

Guests can get complimentary tickets via Eventbrite.