Title: The Battle
Author: Gregory Hetzer
Publisher: Authors’ Tranquility Press
ISBN: 978-1968750886
Pages: 150
Genre: Nonfiction / Memoir
Reviewer: Arthur Thares

Read Book Review

Often, people think writing a book is an insurmountable task, but that’s simply not the case when you have a passion for what you’re writing about. It would be disingenuous to say that this book is for everyone. In fact, its ideas may upset some people and challenge their ideological beliefs, but that is what literary art is meant to do. One thing is for certain, author Gregory Hetzer has some strongly held beliefs to share, and he doesn’t hold back his opinions.

The Battle is an interesting piece that combines memoir with political and spiritual ideas to create a unique atmosphere of information and opinion. The major overarching story revolves around Mr. Hetzer’s battle against abortion, his past beliefs about the practice, and how he has and continues to try to prevent the act. Mr. Hetzer’s strategy to save the unborn revolves around specialized ultrasound machines meant to show expecting mothers their baby’s details in high definition to try to sway their thoughts about abortion. Much of the rest of the story revolves around his own and his family’s tribulations while continuing his work. Throughout it all, Mr. Hetzer continues to put his faith in God and recognizes both the good and the bad of life on Earth. He also emphasizes a desire for abortion clinics to eventually become pregnancy crisis clinics which would help women through their pregnancies instead of terminating them.

The greatest part about memoirs like this is when highly organized authors include personal and historical photos. Seeing the people, places, and things which inspired the book and give readers more context enriches the experience. The Battle is full of such photos from: dusty and dirty roads, good friends, to handwritten messages. It draws the reader in and makes one feel closer to the author and the story.

Every believer faces battles that cannot be seen with the naked eye. In The Battle, Gregory Hetzer explores the spiritual warfare that shapes our daily lives, revealing the unseen struggle between faith and fear, and truth. This book is emotionally, spiritually, and politically charged, so readers should know what they are getting into. However, Mr. Hetzer remains respectfully firm in his beliefs, and it doesn’t feel as much like a lecture as a plea to listen. No matter which side of the debate the reader takes, books like this are important to help challenge readers’ ideas and provide them with more information and context than what they had when they started. Mr. Hetzer is passionate about his work, saving the lives of the unborn, and while some may disagree with his ideas, this memoir makes it clear his methods are in good faith. I would implore anyone with an interest in this topic to take the time to read this book before passing judgment. A timely and inspiring read for believers at every stage of their spiritual journey.