Title: How Green Were My Mountains?
Author: Leonard I. Linkow, DDS, DMSc
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 9781401079130
Pages: 380
Genre: Autobiography
Reviewed by: Barbara Bamberger Scott
Pacific Book Review
Leonard I. Linkow, DDS, DMSc (1926-2017) chased many dreams in his life—he longed to become a baseball star, he wanted to be a pilot, he even imagined he might someday be a famous singer. But his saving grace came from an unexpected, and some would say mundane, career choice.
As a young boy, Linkow recalls in his autobiography, How Green Were My Mountains? he had a strong penchant for sports, especially baseball spurred on by his domineering dad and perfectionist mother. After high school he tried, although failed, to get in the major leagues, however was accepted in the minors just as America was entering World War II. Jewish and very sensitive to the sufferings of his people under the Nazis, Linkow enthusiastically enlisted in the air corps, hoping to become a pilot. But he was sent instead for paratrooper training. By the time his stint in the military was over he had matured; he acknowledged he should choose a more conventional career than baseball. He went to college and was accepted in the School of Dentistry of New York University.
When he had been practicing dentistry for only a few months, now married and with two children, Linkow overheard two dentists talking in an elevator about a technique known as dental implantation. He was sure he could do that—on his own. He was certain, too, that implantation—actually centuries old but not in current use would revolutionize modern dentistry, relieving patients of needless pain and replacing inconvenient, uncomfortable dentures forever. He performed his first implant soon after—an experiment that would change his career and his life.
Through several relationships, marriages and many travels overseas, Linkow remained single-minded in promoting and improving the techniques of dental implantation. The story he has chosen to tell is largely about his career: “I have traveled six continents and worked literally countless hours in my pursuit of professional perfection.” His clear, well-chosen words express his professional obstacles and triumphs, but also his happiness about the accomplishments of his children and gratitude for the support of numerous co-workers who encouraged him over the years. Toward the end of his working life he was honored by NYU with the Leonard I. Linkow Endowed Professorship and The Linkow Chair.
How Green Were My Mountains chronicles the challenges and achievements of a man whose vision was great, whose craftsmanship was outstanding, and who did not give up when he believed he was right. I found this book to be a well written and an inspiring true story that all readers can learn from.
