Title: Jesus Was & Is Always With Me: Throughout My Life
Author: Eugene McCann
Publisher: Toplink Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 978-1-947620919
Pages: 104
Genre: Non-Fiction, Autobiographical
Reviewed by: Susan Milam
Pacific Book Review
Jesus Was & Is Always With Me: Throughout My Life chronicles nine months in the life of its author, Eugene McCann. Mr. McCann suffers from severe epilepsy, as well as additional health problems brought on by his condition. Told in a series of journal entries, the book has a threefold purpose: educate others about epilepsy and the challenges epileptics face; support others who face similar trials; and serve as part of the author’s mental and emotional therapy.
Many readers won’t be aware of the impact epilepsy has on a person’s life. There are more than thirty types of epileptic seizures, but most fall into one of three categories: tonic-clonic, absence and complex partial. A person with epilepsy may suffer several seizures within a short time span, or go without having a seizure for a significant period. While there are warning signs of a coming attack, a seizure may come on without notice. People who aren’t familiar with the ways to help during these times may be frightened. The author has lived with epilepsy from his childhood, and it has distanced him not just from society, but also from his friends and even his family. His condition has numerous ancillary effects, including balance problems and high blood pressure. Due to epilepsy, the author couldn’t sit for college entrance exams or join the army. In addition, he can no longer drive a car, and the uncertainty caused by seizures makes it impossible for him to be a deacon in his church. Despite the many obstacles epilepsy places in his way, the author refuses to indulge in self-pity. Instead, he calls on his deep religious faith to help him be happy “even when troubles are around.”
Styled as a journal, Jesus Was & Is Always With Me has a stream of consciousness feel to its writing. In addition, the author underwent brain surgery which affected the area of his brain controlling short term memory. As a result, sometimes the author repeats information he has given previously. However, the repetition isn’t distracting; rather, it gives insight into the challenges with which the author deals on a daily basis. Many of the book’s entries center on the author’s daily study of the Lectio Divina, which consists of reading scripture followed by prayer and contemplation. Mr. McCann uses the Lectio Divina to guide his life and find ways to cope with his trials. The author’s faith in the face of his health issues will be of particular interest to religious readers; however the writer’s continuing struggle to live according to his faith is universal.
Some folks may pick up Jesus Was & Is Always With Me because they themselves suffer from epilepsy and these readers will benefit from finding someone who understands their issues. Yet most readers will be unfamiliar with the way the condition affects every facet of a person’s life. Those without previous knowledge of epilepsy will come away from Jesus Was & Is Always With Me with deep respect for the author’s strength and resilience. This is an excellent book that explains the many varieties of epilepsy, an understandable way for the layperson. This is a book that everyone interested in epilepsy will want to read and every library should own.
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