View From the Bedpan
Beverley June Richmond

2nd Edition
5.25 x 8 - 176 Pages

Days after being run over by a truck, newspaper advertising rep Beverley June Richmond awakened to find herself flat on her back in Intensive Care with orthopedic and brain injuries. View from the Bedpan is Ms. Richmond’s amusing, informative, and inspiring journey through hospitalization and healing.
In this candid, touching book, read about outpourings of support and divine intervention. Witness the struggle for survival and the mastery of the commode. Meet nurses, hospital personnel, caregivers, and a revolving cast of roommates.
Learn about hospital routines, the art of summoning a nurse, and the mystery of “the closed door.” Explore pain, hallucinations, and phobias, as well as the many challenges affecting long-term hospital patients. Benefit from over 75 helpful strategies for patients and caregivers alike.
Beverley Richmond’s candid look at recovery explores lessons in humility, determination, compassion, and hope. In Richmond’s hands, hospital life comes alive with real characters, real situations —the good and the bad. Discover what it reveals about ourselves and others.


“I enjoyed it immensely. It was in parts humorous, in parts touching, in parts informative, and always engaging…. Your book speaks to the intellect…. [It] also spoke to my emotions. I laughed, I cried, and I marveled. In short, I think that it is a grabber. It is a book that many can benefit from reading.”
~John Kumpf, Executive Director, Ontario Brain Injury Association

“[I] Really enjoyed the book. [It was] a good, useful book, a pleasure to read.”
~Marjorie Green, Writer-in-Residence, Toronto & Central Ontario Branch, Canadian Authors Association

Reviews…

“Richmond’s well-written book draws the reader into a world that explores it all…. At times graphic, and always gripping, Richmond’s candid look at hospitalization and healing is a definite page-turner.”
~Jennifer Bell, Belleville Intelligencer

“It’s good…. I read [it] with interest and pleasure. I think you pay attention to the very things that matter to people in the hospital, and you write with humour and spirit. Anyone going through a ‘medical interlude’ would be cheered and consoled to read your thoughts.”
~Marni Jackson, reviewer, author and former Globe columnist

“A joy to read. Lots of people will be interested in it…mass market. Timing is right. Motivational. Lots will get a lot out of it. Quite well written and absorbing reading.”
~Jane Karchmar, independent professional editorial critique

“An entertaining mix of the good and bad, the negatives and the positives. An excellent job. everyone in the hospital situation is included; gave recognition and credit where due.”
~ Carole Vincent, President, Brain Injury Association Quinte District

“Well-written with an appealing lightness and humour… I read every word… It showed great strength and wisdom… full of encouragement… This is an amazing and moving saga.”
~ Mr.s M. Darlington, artist and poet

“Sat down last night and read your book from cover to cover… It made me laugh, it made me cry, but most of all, it made me think.”
~ Lin Jenkins-Hawkyard, Beeton

“I suppose it’s strange to say I enjoyed your book when it sometimes made me weep. I thought you created a marvelous picture of hospital life. Thank you for writing your magnificent book.”
~ Jean Williams, Belleville

“View from the Bedpan gives some very good insights into the subjective experience of major illness or surgery. Please inscribe another copy.”
~ Blanche Lewis, Toronto

“Your observations are priceless. The lessons we learn from your amazing book help all of us… Your wisdom has helped me immeasurably.
~ Evelyn Darcy, Belleville

“The part I most loved about the book was that I felt you were talking to me personally.”
~ Janice Tizzard-Preiss, Beeton

“Richmond’s humour fills the pages.”
~ Juanita Losch, Peterborough Examiner/Canadian Press

“I’ve been meaning to write to let you know how much I enjoyed your book. Once I started I couldn’t put it down. When you described the accident…well…it made me cry.”
~ Laura Vink, Brighton

“Your efforts, not only to overcome personal tragedy but also to write a humorous book about you experiences, are admirable.”
~ Judith Rapson, Award Committee, Stephen Leacock Associates

“Every nurse should read it!”
~ Cheryle Kingsman-Ralph, nurse, Belleville

“It is the most down to earth, good sense book I have read in a while. It should be read by anyone contemplating major surgery. It must have been difficult to relive those memories in order to share them on paper. It is a readable reference book… it is appreciated by our family.”
~ Mae Pulver, Carrying Place

“She’s not afraid to call a spade a spade, but this is leavened with insight…informative, well-written, and a potential source of comfort to others who may have the misfortune to end up in hospital.”
~ Dr. Patrick Taylor, Stitches: The Journal of Medical Humour

“Your book was awesome. I couldn’t put it down.”
~ Kim, MDS Lab nurse, Belleville

“I appreciated your willingness to be vulnerable and candid. I related to many things, including how a life can change so drastically from one moment to the next. Your reflections on how your situation was impacting those close to you, and on the one-upmanship that happens when people ‘compare notes,’ especially hit me.”
~ Cathy, receptionist, Belleville

“I talked to my survivor’s group about your experiences throughout the book and we had a good laugh at parts and, with other respects, can relate to your ordeal.”
~ Cynthia LaForce/Panter, lanark County Brain Injury, Smith Falls

“I believe every survivor should read this book, and if you cannot read it then have someone read it to you. I laughed, I cried… View from the Bedpan is an excellent book… Anyone who reads it would understand what having a brain injury is all about.”
~ Ron Graham, London

“Your style of writing is easy to follow, and more than once I found myself laughing out loud at an amusing story. I also found myself in tears…. Thank you for writing this book. I hope it becomes required reading for all ABI caregivers, rehab educators, and nurses.”
~ Linda Murray, Peterborough

“I was captivated from start to finish. The style was so easy to read and the content was amazing. What a wonderful book for people who have to spend a lot of time in hospital.”
~ Valerie Andrews, Richmond Hill

“I enjoyed your book very, very much and read it non-stop! May I have a copy to share with my friends…my cheque will be ready.”
~ Evelyn Darcy, Belleville

“This is the first book that when I finished reading it—I read it all over again. I enjoyed it so much!”
~ Wm. McDonald, senior, Belleville

“Surprisingly upbeat and positive.”
~ IR Staff, Independently Reviewed

“Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your book. It was definitely an inspiration to me.”
~ Gail Farr, Newsletter editor, Women’s Sales & Advertising Club of Belleville

“View from the Bedpan has just blessed my life. If your tragic experience was the catalyst to bring your book into being—it was worth it all. I’m so sure it will bless every reader.”
~ Roberta Fisk, Roslin

“What a tour de force! Congratulations on a fine piece of writing…an inspiration…”
~ Wilma Alexander, author, Trenton

“Your book causes readers to think, wonder, gasp, marvel and be thankful…. The behaviours, philosophies and truths discussed will, when applied, improve every aspect of our lives…. I look forward to reading your next book.”
~ Susan Dalton, Manager Library Services, County of Lennox & Addington

“A humorous look at your own situation, but also a helpful treatise on how to deal with everything you have to face in a hospital when you are there long-term.”
~ Fiona McCall, author, Yacht Carpe Diem