By His Own Blood

Doc Montandon will quite possibly be the best man you will ever know. This book is about him, a hard-working and religious Texas farmer of uncommonly good character. It's about prejudices that affected everyone growing up in rural Texas in the 50's and 60's. And it's about Doc's tragic death and cover-up by medical authorities.

In very good health, Doc was subjected to unnecessary exploratory surgery and was transfused with tainted HIV blood. To make matters worse, the gentle Texas farmer was not apprised of his condition by medical authorities who covered it up. After he began suffering from the symptoms of AIDS, Doc was refused admittance and help from the same people at the community hospital where the evil deed was done.

This book is, above all, about how the legacy of Doc's example and principles helped his son and family endure, overcome, and experience forgiveness and redemption that can only come from the great sacrifice by his own blood.

By His Own Blood is the 2012 winner of the International Book Awards for Non-Fiction Narrative and is beautifully told by Doc's son, the author of the book. It is an emotional, honest and detailed accounting that can only come from someone who's been there. Based on a true story, you'll feel the grit of country road dust in your teeth and hear Doc exalting a cappella in a favorite hymn over the sound of his John Deere tractor as you are compelled to plow nonstop through this wonderful book.
About the Author: By His Own Blood is John Montandon's first book. Writing it was a true labor of love for him; love of his father, "Doc" Montandon, love of his family, and love of his rural West Texas upbringing. Born in 1946, John brings to life the incredible story about his father, the way he died, and his own experiences growing up in the 50s and 60s in a sparsely populated, sprawling farming and ranching county with fewer than 4,000 residents. Anyone who reads his work should relate directly to his story and the lessons learned from this broad emotional ride from the whimsical to the tragic, with several unexpected turns of events that will keep the reader asking for more. Publishing his first book is a natural extension of his professional journey as John is a successful business owner who has spent his adult career in agricultural communications and marketing. He is a co-founder of several companies related to business media including magazines, radio and online publishing. John was also an owner of one of the world's largest agricultural data services as well as a data processing business. Graduating from high school in 1965 in Knox City, Texas, he went on to receive an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas Tech University and an MBA from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. After living in cities and towns all over the United States, John and his wife, Karen, a banker and real estate professional, have settled near the beach in southern California. John's office is in nearby Palos Verdes where he takes his loyal companion and chocolate lab, Rocky, to work with him every day when he is not on the road for business. Both John and Karen have travelled extensively and have visited China, Africa, Europe, New Zealand, and numerous other destinations around the world.