As a child, retired Elloree family physician Dr. Robert Holman often wondered why his ancestors never left anything in writing about his roots. He has made certain that his grandchildren and their children will never have to wonder. His book, "Homeward Bound," tells his story, and what a remarkable story it is.

He begins with a brief glimpse of what he knows about his family's history. He then shares his knowledge of his grandparents and parents. When he was 4 years old, his father died at the age of 28. Perhaps his love of writing comes from his dad, for his father left him a beautiful keepsake, a letter he wrote to commemorate his son's first birthday. This loving memento is included in Holman's book.

"Homeward Bound" is not only an account of Holman's life but also an informative and interesting commentary on this time in history. Reading this book, I learned many things. I learned about growing up in difficult times in rural South Carolina. I learned about the Navy during World War II. I learned about a young man's courage dealing with a dangerous and contagious disease. I learned about college life at Wofford (being a Converse graduate, I was interested to learn a new meaning of the term "ROTC"). I learned about courting in the '50s. I learned about life in medical school, which Holman called "womb to tomb" education. I learned about practicing medicine as a country doctor. To paraphrase an old adage, truth is sometimes more engaging than fiction.

"Homeward Bound" is full of humor. There is a delightful story about the swimming pool game "Marco Polo." It is also loaded with insightfulness. There are quotes such as, "The sad and glad touch the doctor," "Listen to the patient -- he is telling you his diagnosis" and the last question to ask a patient -- "Is there anything you want to ask me?"

"Homeward Bound" is Holman's second book. His first, "The Black Bag," is a charming compilation of 40 years as a country doctor. Fans of his writing must thank Pat, his wife of 51 years, who encouraged him to put his thoughts and musings into stories.

Copies of "Homeward Bound" can be purchased at Clark's Restaurant in Santee, Golden Kernel Pecan Company in Cameron, Calhoun County Museum in St. Matthews, the gift shop at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, the Elloree Heritage Museum and the Delta Pharmacy in Elloree. You can also contact Holman directly at P.O. Box 340, Elloree, SC 29047 or 803-897-2322. The book retails for $15, plus tax and postage.

Orangeburg native Boo Sheppard, retired host of Time-Warner's "Orangeburg Inside Out," lives in Charleston with her husband, Macon.

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