Book Review: Statistically Speaking

Once again, I sought a British novel on Hoopla so I could listen to the British accent. The title, Statistically Speaking, clued me in that it might be similar to a favorite of mine, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. Yes, a character in the novel uses statistics, historical facts, and numbers as a coping mechanism. Yes, there's romance. And, yes, there's also deep pain and scars to face with or without numbers.

Gemma Jones is a history teacher in her thirties. Raised by an addict and then in foster care, she latches onto tangible things to battle the intangibles thrown her way. One such intangible is the existence, somewhere out there, of the daughter she gave up for adoption when she was 16. Now that daughter is about to turn 18. When Gemma's new student resembles her, it sets Gemma's mind whirling. The statistical probability is small, but... what if she is her long-lost daughter?

I enjoyed this emotional story of mother love, female friendship, and found family. Gemma is a likable, conflicted character. I loved the friendship that develops between Gemma, her housemate, the young student, and the student's mum. Such bonds are rare and precious. If you are in need of a feel good story, this Debbie Johnson novel is a perfect pick.

Mid-month Mention #2: Addiction Talks

For whatever reason (algorithms probably), my Facebook feed has been full of suggested pages about addicts and overdoses. I find this somewhat traumatic, to have to revisit the past or contemplate what easily could come in the future. I get the outrage! The fentanyl crisis continues to escalate. Indeed, I would probably be posting my son's image on those pages too, if he hadn't survived. This country has a problem and I doubt we're going to address it sufficiently any time soon.

When Johann Hari's Ted Talk popped up on my feed, I took the time to watch the short excerpt. Then, I went and found the full 15-minute talk. It is one of the best things I've listened to, when it comes to addiction. I will summarize, but I consider the full thing worth watching:

It is titled "Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong." Tired of watching loved ones fight addiction, Johann sought experts in order to better understand the dilemma. He explains that initial studies put rats in a cage and provided either clean water or drugged water. The rats continually drank the drugged water and overdosed. This is where much of our idea about the chemical hooks of addiction developed. 

But, another scientist came along and questioned the study. This man created what he called "Rat Parks," full of all kinds of stimuli, instead of a sterile cage. When the rats had access to food, entertainment, other rats, and other sources of satisfying contact, they no longer chose the drugged water. His premise suggested it wasn't about the chemical hook, but rather about the cage. This emphasized the truth that we all have a natural need for bonding. Addicts seek their drug of choice because they cannot bear being present in their sterile, unfulfilling lives.

Johann looked at Portugal's approach to their overwhelming drug abuse problems. They had been following the American way: throwing addicts in jail, shaming them, and isolating them further. Portugal realized this wasn't working. They redirected all the money that would have gone to that and pushed it to programs to replug addicts into society. Portugal funds jobs and social programs for addicts. They work to eliminate addiction by fighting isolation and discontented loneliness. I loved the final line in the Ted Talk. Johann says:

"The opposite of addiction is not sobriety! 

The opposite of addiction is CONNECTION!"

This is what my son needs! I still fully believe that he needs the Lord, first and foremost! (Relationship with our heavenly Father is the most important connection in fighting addiction.) However, this need for community is real! He needs to find a place where he belongs, where he feels integrated and fulfilled. He needs to establish real friendships and connections. What a difference it could make if we could steer him into a job that meant something to him, instead of minimum wage fast food positions (often the only ones willing to take a chance on addicts). I will keep praying, but we're not there yet.

While looking for the full Ted Talk, I happened upon an episode of the Andrew Huberman show. He interviews Dr. Anna Lembke in an episode called "Essentials: Understanding & Treating Addiction." I watched this one, too. One of the key things I heard in this interview was the idea that truth-telling is at the core of recovery. She pointed out that "honesty creates intimate connections." Connections, again! Honesty! Connections! Both of these get the addict to the point where the drug use isn't as much of an interest for them. They are forming bonds that meet those innate needs. Toward the end, they move the discussion to social media addictions. Real connection (IRL) is the key to disrupt cycles of social media dependence. I recommend viewing both of these to learn more about addiction and how to fight it.

Mid-month Mention: Poetry Pharmacy

I'm in LOVE 💖💖💖with this idea and blown away with how cool this is! All photos and information come from a Facebook post I happened upon. Every time I want to abandon ship from Facebook, something like this shows up on my feed. Oh, how I wish I lived in England and could visit this new shop.

A Poetry Pharmacy! What a fabulous idea! If only I could get my prodigal parenting book onto their shelves.

Here's the description from the Facebook post:

At a time when independent bookshops are often framed as vulnerable in the shadow of big chains, the Poetry Pharmacy is attempting to rewrite the script. Opening directly opposite Waterstones on Coney Street in York is a bold move, a statement of confidence in being something entirely different. With its apothecary-style setting, prescriptions of poetry, pill bottles and cabinets of verse, we offer a sense of theatre and ritual that transforms browsing into an experience. Its clear specialism in poetry, words and wellbeing invites readers to engage emotionally as well as intellectually. We hope that, when rooted in care, craft and imagination, this experiment is not a risk but a compelling alternative. We hope you think so too!

Opens March 6th

Here are their accompanying photos:

If you live in England, please visit one of these (the above one is opening in York, but the website indicates there are also shops on Oxford Street in London and in Bishops Castle) and do tell me how wonderful it is. I'd love to hear from someone who experiences this unique shop! Gosh, I'd love to work there... one can dream!

Book Review: Jonathan Edwards

After editing the previous pamphlet reviews, I realized I had failed to write up a book review for another book I own and added to my morning devotional time. Stephen J. Nichols presents a thorough consideration of a great man of God in this book Jonathan Edwards: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought. I know I greatly enjoyed this book because I tabbed many pages. Sadly, I've read several other books since then and my memory for writing this review will be taxed.

This biography summarizes Jonathan Edwards' major themes against the background of his life. Some call him America's greatest theologian. He was a minister in New England known for the famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." His careful consideration of a spider dangling from its web led to the thoughts in that sermon. 

The forward to this book asserts, "We read Edwards because Edwards interprets Scripture so powerfully that he helps us to see God better." Edwards emphasizes the glory, the majesty, and the sovereignty of God. I was blown away by Edwards' productivity. He was always studying, always learning, and always considering new angles of insight. His longsuffering wife cared for the household, allowing him to focus on his studies and his sermon preparation. He was instrumental in propeling the time of revival we call "The Great Awakening."

Even though he's well known for his consideration of God's wrath, Edwards writes extensively about God's grace. At one point, he argues, "All our good is of God, through God, and in God. God is the source, cause, and author of our good. God is the means and mediator of our good. God is the end, object, and essence of our good." In Nichol's explanation, "God's power converts, preserves, and will someday perfect his redeemed."

He was also interested in clarifying that there is a difference between professing Christ and possessing Christ. There are distinguishing signs in the lives of those who possess Christ. He is willing to admit, though, that believers do not always live saintly lives. Edwards writes, "True saints may be guilty of some kinds and degrees of backsliding, may be foiled by particular temptations, and fall into sin, yea, great sins; but they can never fall away so as to grow weary of religion and the service of God, and to habitually dislike and neglect it, either on its own account or on account of the difficulties that attend it." With true believers, the Holy Spirit is evident.

One other tid-bit I recall from the book is that Edwards died from a fatal reaction to a smallpox vaccination. Shortly after this, his daughter died in the same way. How horrific! It makes me sad to think all the world lost with the death of this great man. It was a joy to learn more about him and made me want to spend time reading more of Edwards' writings. 

Pamphlet Review: The Hound of Heaven

This was another small pamphlet I re-discovered on my bookshelves. What a gem! What a treasure! With no publication date listed, I searched for information online. Francis Thompson first published this poem, "The Hound of Heaven," in Merry England magazine in 1890. The first edition printed by Burns and Oates came out in 1909. Two new editions were printed in 1910 and 1928. I believe this was a 1910 edition (it says "New Edition" and is dedicated to someone with a date that looks like "Feb. '13"). 

I was struck by this dedication because I had a dear friend in London called David Mitchell. This is obviously not the same and my purchase notation indicates he did not give it to me. Amazing that I spent a total of 50 pence in Edinburgh for this treasure!

If you've never encountered this poem, seek it out now! In telling my husband about this, I learned that he is unfamiliar with this famous poem of God's relentless pursuit. Of course, since I was an English major it is understandable I would know of it, but he would not. I have often prayed that God would pursue my loved ones like the "hound of heaven" He is!

Here are a few famous lines:

"I fled Him, down the nights and down the days; I fled Him, down the arches of the years; I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways Of my own mind; and in the mist of tears I hid from Him, and under running laughter. Up vistaed hopes, I sped; And shot, precipitated, Adown Titanic glooms of chasmed fears, From those strong Feet that followed, followed after... with unperturbed pace, Deliberate speed, majestic instancy, They beat... (though I knew His love Who followed, Yet was I sore adread Lest, having Him, I must have naught beside.)... A voice comes yet more fleet--'Lo! naught contents thee, who content'st not Me.'... That Voice is round me like a bursting sea:...'all things fly thee, for thou fliest Me! Strange, piteous, futile thing! Wherefore should any set thee love apart?... Of all man's clotted clay the dingiest clot? Alack, thou knowest not How little worthy of any love thou art! Whom wilt thou find to love ignoble thee, Save Me, save only Me?'"

And the final triumphant lines:

"'Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest, I am He Whom thou seekest! Thou dravest love from thee, who dravest Me.'"

The poem is a masterpiece! Praise God for that relentlessly pursuing God who claims us as His own! Though dingy, piteous, and unworthy of His love, we find our rest in Him when we stop fleeing Him and embrace Him fully.

Onthewing.org offers a pdf of the entire poem with some biographical information here.

Pamphlet Review: Light in the Darkness

As I sorted through books I hadn't picked up in years, I came across this little BBC Talks pamphlet by Roy McKay called Light in the Darkness. The cover provides clear evidence of age by its proclaimed price, "One shilling & threepence." Six micro-essays round out this collection of theological talks originally given in 1958 for a program called "Lift Up Your Hearts." My favorite essay was "The Dark is Light Enough." This title comes from a Christopher Fry play. Fry took that title from a passage about the flight of butterflies. They fly, without hesitation, through darkness. In spite of obstacles, they press on. Inspired by Abraham journeying forth without knowing where he was headed, McKay encourages believers to continue taking one step at a time, in faith, in the dark. This passage resonated with me: 

"I suppose there are some people who are so certain of God and of His continual presence with them, that they go on their way without any doubts or questionings. I confess I'm not one of them. Very often God is hidden and I cannot find the help and light I need. But when that happens, I find comfort in... the psalmist's cry... 'Why are thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my crying? O my God, I cry in the daytime but thou answerest not.' To accept the mystery of life, and act without knowing the result of one's actions, is part of the life of faith. How else can we learn the secret of trust? How else can we learn to love God for His own sake and not for what we can get out of Him?"

I'm glad I didn't discard this old little pamphlet. Despite its brevity, these thoughts from Hebrews invigorate my faith. These days, trials feel so overwhelming, I often despair. McKay reminds me to take one step at a time in the dark. God gives just enough light to see the next step. He encourages me to fix my eyes on Christ and the beauty around me, looking for the hope I may not even see in this lifetime. His talks are, indeed, light in the darkness.

Book Review: The Little Liar

In tallying up my Mitch Albom reads, it appears I've read six of his books. My last Albom book, The Stranger in the Lifeboat, was not my favorite. Indeed, I'd say over time, my opinion of his books has shifted. Am I maturing? Perhaps my taste in books is shifting? Critics have said he is overly sentimental and preachy. I get that. Yet, I've usually found something of value in his books.

The Little Liar is slightly reminiscent of Marcus Zusak's The Book Thief. Both stories take place in World War II and use unique narrators. Zusak's outstanding book uses Death to tell about a girl who saves books. Albom uses Truth to tell about a boy who is tricked into telling a lie that endangers his family. While Zusak's book is far stronger, I did enjoy watching the paths of four different characters intersect in Albom's book. 

Indeed, I marvelled at his writing skills. I felt invested in these characters. They were well drawn and full of humanity. What's more, Albom was able to weave each portion of the story to the point of a powerful merging in the final act (this felt reminiscent of the climax in Anthony Doerr's WWII tale, All the Light We Cannot See). I did enjoy this book. Still, if you're seeking WWII and haven't read The Book Thief or All the Light We Cannot See, start with those first. 

[My earlier links are to reviews of physical reading of these two books, but here are my reviews of re-reads, using audio versions, for The Book Thief and All the Light We Cannot See.]