Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Life Support - A Review






A Review


The thrill ride of this book comes not from the medicine, but from the weather.  Houston’s latest hurricane is about to tear apart more than one family.  Rather than being a “medical thriller”, this is a book about relationships - relationships between family members, between friends, and with God.  


Abuse is possible in any family and comes in many forms - and until confronted, it will continue.  Life Support makes it clear that the way out is to confront it, not hide, not enable it, and not ignore it.  Only when it comes into the open, can it be dealt with within the family and community in which it exists.  The author gently, but clearly demonstrates the need to honestly work with both abusers and their victims.  As on character declares about storms of all kinds, “You’re either in one, fixin’ to go into one, comin’ out the other side of one, or your causin’ one.”  


I found the book worth the time reading.  Much of the book is building up to a dramatic climax that is worth the wait.  My only concern is the non-existent transition from the end of the story (summer) to the Epilogue (December) - what could have been another book showing the work that must be done as part of recovery, the author moved from addressing the abuse to its resolution, with minimal thought or comment about the pain that individuals and families go through as they move toward the healing God offers.    


The book might serve as a gentle reminder to those who find themselves walking alongside abusers or their families - it is not confrontational, but may open the eyes of those who are ignoring the pain they or those around them are experiencing.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.  




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