The Comfort Garden is an account of the five years Laurie Barkin worked as a psychiatric nurse consultant on the surgical/trauma unit at San Francisco General Hospital. Written in a literary style, these true and fast-moving stories disclose many tragic tales and some humorous. Against the backdrop of patients who have survived motor vehicle accidents, falls, fires, fists, bullets, and knives, The Comfort Garden explores what happens to professional caregivers when exposure to tragedy becomes routine. Vicarious trauma can affect anyone who regularly bears witness to victims'stories of violence, abuse, and neglect. She uses humor and beauty to counterbalance the sadness and weight of trauma.

Ms. Barkin also depicts a working parent's ongoing struggle to juggle family life and work, especially when emotions run high in both arenas. The Comfort Garden will appeal to students, health care professionals, and anyone whose life has been touched by trauma.