“Shrink” by Martin Robert Grossman is a gripping novel that delves into the psychological and emotional aftermath of war, specifically focusing on the experiences of combat veterans dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The story is set in the post-Vietnam era and follows the lives of several characters, including Dr. Amanda Forbes, a psychiatrist at the Anchorage V.A. Clinic, who leads group therapy sessions for veterans struggling with PTSD.

The prologue introduces the historical context with the death of Wild Bill Hickok, known for being shot while holding the infamous “Dead Man’s Hand.” The narrative then shifts to the present, where Dr. Amanda Forbes conducts therapy sessions for combat veterans. Among these veterans is Michael Janus, a survivor of Operation Hump in Vietnam who battles both physical and mental wounds from his past. As Amanda and her group confront the challenges of PTSD, the novel explores the profound impact of war on individuals and the difficulties of reintegration into society.