Anatomy of a Yes is a deeply moving and masterfully written account of what it means to stand at the sacred crossroads of life and death and to bear witness to the quiet power of human generosity. With the heart of a pastor and the precision of a storyteller, Brent Whetstone invites readers into the hidden world of organ donation advocacy, not as distant observers, but as companions on a journey through grief, hope, and redemption. From the very first pages, Whetstone’s authenticity shines. He doesn’t posture or preach. Instead, he gently guides us through the experiences that shaped his calling raw moments in trauma bays and ICU rooms where silence hangs heavy, and decisions carry eternal weight. He writes with a profound respect for both the fragility and dignity of human life. What sets this book apart is its unwavering honesty. Whetstone shares not only the technical and ethical complexities of organ donation, but the emotional cost of bearing witness to loss repeatedly. Yet even in his moments of personal breaking, he reveals a grace that runs deeper than training or protocol a grace that comes from simply showing up with compassion. As the narrative unfolds, Anatomy of a Yes becomes more than a memoir. It is a love letter to Appalachia and its people often overlooked, often underserved, but never without heart. Whetstone doesn’t shy away from the socioeconomic and healthcare challenges in the region, but he approaches them with the nuance of someone who knows the terrain and the tenderness of someone who cares deeply for its future. This book is not just about organ donation. It’s about trust, legacy, calling, and what it means to say “yes” even when your world is falling apart. It's a powerful reminder that the most life-giving acts often come in our darkest hours and that one yes can change everything. Anatomy of a Yes is a must-read for anyone who works in healthcare, ministry, or advocacy but more than that, it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how hope is born out of heartbreak, and how purpose can rise from pain. Brent Whetstone has given us a gift. 

Anatomy of a Yes is a powerful, deeply personal look into the sacred work of organ donation advocacy. Brent Whetstone, writes with humility, clarity, and emotional depth—showing how one quiet “yes” in an ICU room can ripple into countless lives saved