By day, neurosurgeon Jeffrey Yablon '80 delves deftly into the life-and-death cases of patients in need of his highly specialized care. But he spent late nights during much of the last decade dissecting and weaving characters for his first novel, Eight Cases.

Drawing on Yablon's own experiences, the book is told from the perspective of a mechanic and fledgling writer who befriends a neurosurgeon. In his visit to the mechanic's shop, the fictional Dr. Robert Green offers compelling insight into his professional and personal life as he shares with his friend.

Yablon wanted to leave a legacy for his 16-year-old son, Jeremy, so the teen would understand his father's work. "I had a lot of information and stories that I wanted to tell from my training and practice."

The New York native had written journal articles through the years, but this was his first attempt at fiction, with characters to develop and grow through the story. "It was almost cathartic. I had the story in me, and I wanted to get it out. And I wanted it to have a surprise ending."

He co-wrote the book with the late Jerry Leech, a handyman friend with whom Yablon shared a love of literature. Leech, who passed away two years ago, told the physician, "I have a lot of free time. I can help you."

The actual writing took eight years of late-night powwows. Editing and publishing added another two years to the project. Eight Cases is available for purchase on Amazon.com.

The biggest reward came at a local book signing. "A whole group of my patients showed up and had me sign the book." Yablon's private practice in Pottstown, Pa., serves patients in Chester and Montgomery counties. Named Wilkes' Outstanding Young Alumnus in 1995, he also is affiliated with Temple University and Graduate Hospital and serves as a medical legal expert. He is married to Monique and has two stepdaughters.

Yablon hopes to follow Eight Cases with a sequel, and he has other ideas for stories that don't deal with medicine. "I hope in retirement to continue writing extensively."

Public invite to all wishing to attend the upcomming book signing on July 12,2007 at 5pm.. Located in the Sandy Pages book store. 844 Boardwalk, Ocean City, N.J. 08226. Any questions contact the Riccardo Family @ 1-609-391-0777.

Another signing will be held in August, 2007 in the Sun Rose book store, 756 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, N.J. 08226. Contact # 609-399-9190.