Tuesday, May 3, 2011

A book review: "40 Weeks"



Recently I had a chance to read an astounding new novel. "40 Weeks" was written by Paige Beselt, who happens to be a friend of mine. But I'm not writing this review simply because of that fact; I really want to tell you about this book.

"40 Weeks" tells the story of Anna, a young wife who has recently lost her first baby in a miscarriage. As she copes with this loss, she turns to her journal. Through this process, her thoughts disentangle themselves onto the page, and the heart of this childless mother is revealed.

Written out of her own experiences of loss (this author has seven children in her home, and two in heaven), the words ring with honesty. I found myself relating to so much in this slim volume.

Woven throughout this story is a theme: life has value. We see how fragile and fleeting it can be, yet how unspeakably precious. This book also challenges the reader to consider other aspects of this issue - age, health, mental ability. What is important? Who is valuable? Written in a wry, loving tone, this is an honest look at a subject that is vitally important - one which needs to be examined again and again.

"40 Weeks" explores life in its fullness, though Anna's tiny, precious baby is gone too soon. It teaches the truth of 1 Corinthians 1:27 ; that God can and does use those who are tiny, or weak, those with no voice of their own. He does this through his work in our hearts, and through writers like Paige Beselt, who passionately and tirelessly speaks on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.

This story moved me to tears - and laughter - over and over again. It is a beautiful and heartrending look at the things that really matter.

If you'd like to order yourself a copy of this important book, click HERE. Or check it out through Amazon. It's very affordable, and I feel confident in saying that you won't regret it.

2 comments:

Molly @ Me and Madeline said...

Now I'm even more excited to read it!!

Jen said...

Awesome review! I feel like mine is so inadequate :S