cover image Journey of the Heart: Spiritual Insights on the Road to a Transplant

Journey of the Heart: Spiritual Insights on the Road to a Transplant

Beth Bartlett, Elizabeth Ann Bartlett. University of Minnesota Press, $12.95 (181pp) ISBN 978-1-57025-128-3

Bartlett was a 40-year-old college professor with a husband and young son when her life was threatened by heart disease. When all other treatments failed, she was finally given a heart transplant, after which she felt physically and spiritually reborn. Her inspiring story examines her feelings of fear and despair in the face of imminent death; her guilt over not being physically able to care for her son; and her frustration with the weakness of her body. Her unique perspective on death led to spiritual insights as she experienced the stages she describes of letting go, humility, mindfulness, hope, patience, receiving generosity, gratitude, joy and celebration. This personal and heartfelt spiritual journey, including journal and letter excerpts, is a valuable addition to inspirational literature. (Oct.)