The Other Dr. Gilmer: Two Men, a Murder, and an Unlikely Fight for Justice (by Benjamin Gilmer)

While not what I was expecting when I started the book, this was an interesting read. The beginning felt more like a story. But as you get further into it, you are taken on a journey of discovery and a fight for justice. A developing relationship between the two Dr. Gilmers … one a practicing physician and the other a murder has you anxiously waiting to see where the story will go. The author does a wonderful job of describing Huntington’s Disease and the effects it has on an individual. Because I know someone whose daughter suffered from Huntington’s Disease, it was interesting to see the parallels in their behavior and changes to their physical abilities. It is very difficult to read at times … from Vince Gilmer’s experiences growing up, the way he was treated in prison, and seeing him deteriorate because of the lack of appropriate care. This book will have you rethinking your view of mental illness and how the prison population is not provided the type of care needed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.