The courage to care is the second book by Christie Watson, her first book was certainly a 2018 favourite and The Courage to Care certainly doesn’t disappoint. I was so glad when she wrote a second book and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.

There was a number of different themes throughout the book which I really enjoyed
One thing I will say I normally find it really hard to keep track of books that move time/location and back again but I didn’t with this one, I knew where we were and who we were with.

Adoption was one of the stand out topics for me with this book it wasn’t what I was expecting but the process was interesting to read about and the strong emotions attached to that.

We go on a number of different journeys in Christie’s nursing. Some of the patients she looks after have heartbreaking stories. Early in Christie’s career we go with her and an experienced nurse to patients in their own home offering nursing within the community and see the isolation some people live in. We also join Christie in A&E later on in her career, seeing people in life and death situations, as well as the care and treatment they receive.


Something I didn't know about was military nurses! I had no idea they existed (I’m not sure why! I’m sure there will be a book from one!) never mind how effective they are within the NHS after leaving the military, this is highlighted in a really positive way within the book.

While the book mentions the dreaded COVID-19 and we see Christie as well as her family coping with it, it isn’t the main focus of the book but does make clear no person will pass away alone when in hospital even if their family can’t be with them.

We all know how much our NHS means but the recent pandemic has really highlighted that. Every time I read a book from Christie Watson I want to fling my arms around her and thank her for the service provided to the NHS.

As absorbing and wonderfully written as her previous book, this explores areas of nursing I hadn’t even considered (such as in a prison) with such wonderful compassion and hope, even in the path of underfunding, cuts, and the current global pandemic.

Another fully interesting read from the courage to care. I loved Christie’s first book and jumped at the chance to read the second. Moving, well structured and thought prevoking it is well worth the read.

Watson’s first book was a heartwarming recount of her past in nursing, and this book follows in the same beautifully created way. Such a brilliant example of the true angels the nurses of the nhs are. Thank you for giving me this arc to read

Watson's first book highlighting the work of nurses was a fascinating read and this even more so. Highlighting the nurses working in less familiar settings we are reminded that clapping once a week is no reward for these dedicated, over worked & underpaid care givers.
The underlying personal thread to the narrative linking it all together was moving & it was interesting to read the new problems Covid 19 is posing to nurses.

A well written and honest account of life working in the NHS whilst being a parent and all the challenges this can bring to you