Book excerpt: The Human Side of Nursing: A Short Story Collection, Second Edition gives readers the day-to-day experiences of a visiting nurse as she interacts with patients and their families. The original book has been updated and includes six additional stories. Lois explores how illness, aging, disability, cultural beliefs, and poverty affect people and how they regain hope and meaning for their lives as they learn to manage their health and reconstruct their relationships. The stories are meant to look beneath the surface to the deeper part of human nature. They show the connection among individuals, families, and communities and the challenges and triumphs of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.The story themes are similar-joy, fear, anger, confusion, self-determination, and personal growth. Nurses, nursing students, family caregivers, or anyone interested in warm inspirational stories will enjoy this collection.Review by JeanMarie--Lois' stories of caring for her patients expertly depict how not only the patient or family member is touched by her interventions, but also how the nurse herself is affected.