When Dr. Michael Hallisey, Interventional Radiologist at the Jefferson Radiology Farmington office, noticed his team felt overwhelmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, he thought of a creative way to distract them and lower their stress. He bought his team copies of The Poet by Michael Connelly and gave them matching t-shirts to wear. The book club, which grew by 12 members in just one hour, meets once a week on zoom to discuss the book and now includes dozens of employees.

Following the initiative, award-winning author of the book, Michael Connelly, gave Dr. Hallisey and his team a shout out on social media and sent over 40 signed copies of his book to Jefferson Radiology staff. The story was covered twice by WTNH – once when the book club launched and again when the author publicly commended the effort. The LA Times book club then covered the story on May 16th, 2020. A few days later, the National Guard flew over the Jefferson Radiology Farmington office with a “plane wink”.

And then, in early October, Michael Hallisey, MD received a call from Connelly’s publisher.

“Have you seen it? Connelly has dedicated his new book to you and your team.”

Dr. Hallisey and his team were incredibly touched by the dedication. They feel more inspired than ever to continue their vital work.  

Michael Connelly’s new book The Law Of Innocence is available in the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The Mysterious Bookshop in New York has published a signed limited edition. Get the virtual book tour details here.

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