History and Faith Brought to Life

The Living Wood by Louis de Wohl

What an incredible book.  It is a novel of Saint Helena and her son Emperor Constantine.  I didn't know of St. Helena before I read this.  I knew how Constantine had his army draw crosses on their shields and then they won the day, but that was about it.  I learned a lot taking into consideration that the story is fiction based on fact.  I was very interested in the story because I didn't know the story of St. Helena, who found the actual cross Jesus was crucified on (the Living Wood), and because I've become very interested in ancient history from teaching the subject to my kids. 

Louis de Wohl is an amazing writer.  He was able to describe the scenery so that I could picture it, but I never felt like the story was being bogged down with detail.  It just naturally fit into the story.  I loved his writing style.  There were times when two people would be conversing, but rather than write the entire conversation, we get just the words or thoughts of one person which is enough to understand the conversation that took place.  It gives the reader an understanding without the details that can slow down the story.  I have never read a book that uses that technique, and I found I really enjoyed that.

My personal philosophy was affirmed a little by the book.  It brings together thoughts of other great thinkers of other religions and ties them to the truth of Jesus.  I don't think ancient Christians were the only ones touched by God and though I do believe Jesus is the Way, other religious views fit into the teachings of Christ or contain God's message.  Helena's Celtic father talked often of the Living Wood, which now seems a message from God to Helena through her father.  Constantine understand Virgil's poem based on his acquired knowledge of Christianity.

This book tells the story of incredibly faithful and flawed people who just come to life with de Wohl's writing.  I'd like to continue gushing about this book, but I think enough has been said.  I really loved this book and I'm excited to read more by Louis de Wohl!

Left With a Lasting Impression

THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS by Rebecca Skloot

Booker...
I don't know how I missed this book when it first came out.  It was even awarded a Discover award from Barnes and Noble, and I missed it.  I'm glad is was promoted again when it came out in paperback.

What an interesting book.  It tells the tale of the cells taken from Henrietta Lacks without her knowledge or permission and how they changed the course of medicine, making possible so many of the medications and advancements we know today.  It also tells the story of the hardship faced my Henrietta Lacks and her children.  As Henrietta's cells multiplied and flourished, her orphaned children faced poverty and abuse.

I was shocked when I realized, the cells discussed in this book started the cell line that I had used when I worked in a lab in college.  And like so many others, I had no idea the history behind them.  I didn't realize they came from cervical cancer cells removed from an African American woman in the 1950s.  I didn't realize that though the lab I worked in paid hundreds, probably thousands of dollars for these cells, while her children couldn't even afford medical insurance. Henrietta's cells led to the creation of medications her children needed, but couldn't get.

The story is not all sad though.  There is courage, determination, and hope.  This book would be an excellent choice for a book group because there are so many things to discuss--the civil rights movement, poverty and access to medical care, the ethics of taking tissue samples and using them for profit, and privacy issues.

I predict this leave quite an impression on you.  It may not leave an immortal impression, but it will last a very long time.