Marley and Me ~ John Grogan

I chose Marley and Me as my favorite book because, as a dog owner and dog lover, I can relate to many of the situations recounted by John Grogan. This book tells the story of a young family and how ‘the world’s worst dog’ wins his way into their hearts. This book makes me think of how rewarding being a dog owner is and reminds me of how much humor and joy my dog brings into my life.

Emily Ryan is a senior nursing student graduating in May 2008. She hopes to go on to graduate school and become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

The Servant: A Simple Story About Leadership ~ James C. Hunter

I first read The Servant: A Simple Story About Leadership when our new Skipper made it required reading for officers at the command.  This book is an engrossing story of a businessman, John Daily, whose outwardly successful life is spiraling out of control.  To get his life back on track, he reluctantly attends a weeklong leadership retreat at a remote monastery where, to his surprise, the monk leading the seminar is a former business executive and Wall Street legend.  Taking John under his wing, the monk guides him to understand that the true foundation of leadership is not power but authority, which is built upon relationships, loves, service and sacrifice.

I was completely absorbed by this book and could barely put it down.  Not only did I identify with several characters in this engaging story, but I found the principles of servant leadership deeply resonant.  I feel as though I have incorporated the message of this book into my own leadership style as I continue to serve as a Navy Nurse Corps Officer.

Marnie Buchanan, LCDR NC USN, will graduate Dec. 2007 and report to Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.   She appreciates the opportunity to earn her Master of Science in Nursing, Medical Surgical Clinical Nurse Specialist track through the Navy’s Duty Under Instruction program.