Heather Choate

This is a difficult review to write as I had mixed feelings about the book. The story itself is based on a blog/journal written by the author whilst she was pregnant and receiving cancer treatment. It is readable and interesting, especially the first half of the book. The author went against medical advice, which was to abort her baby, and chose life instead knowing that she might lose her own life in the process. This decision is incredibly brave and selfless. I liked the humanity/honesty that the author shows in her journal. She holds nothing back and reveals the depths of her struggles and emotions throughout the traumatic experience. Her experiences almost seem impossible in human terms as she struggled to manage financial difficulty and raise and home school five other children whilst pregnant and seriously ill! Her husband is by her side throughout the story.

The reason for my mixed feelings comes in the area of faith which is a large part of this book. It is a shame that the author didn't make her decision not to abort on the grounds of her faith but instead due to an inner conviction. The author and her family are Mormons (LDS.) I do not share the faith views of the author and was confused by the way she describes her faith in this book. It seems that one minute she is totally dependent on a god and speaking of spiritual experiences but the next turning to various self-help methodologies and other strange practices to obtain "positive energy." She speaks at times almost as if she is thinking about karma!? I notice also that at the top of her blog she speaks of health, wealth, success and happiness as being vital in life almost like an entitlement for every person. It is clear that the author is relying on her faith at times during her ordeal but I don't think she is referring to the God of the Bible.

I would be hesitant to recommend this book to less spiritually mature Christians as I think they may find it confusing. I am giving it 3 stars due to the clear Gospel presentation in the acknowledgements area. For those Christians who want to pick out the truth and are interested in the story or who are going through a similar experience I would suggest you read this book carefully ...and when in difficulty make sure you are praying to the only true God!

… (lisätietoja)