Through the Trials Just Believe

When faced with trials, one must be well-groundedin what drives him or her to continue the fight to live andovercome what may seem as an unsurpassable trial. Theimage of the tree grounded firmly on the rock symbolizesthat solid grounding point and the will to survive when thetrials of life seem overwhelming. 10% of all book sale profits will be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalKIRKUS REVIEWSTITLE INFORMATIONTHROUGH THE TRIALS JUST BELIEVEHollinger, NitzaXlibris (80 pp.)$24.99 hardcover, $15.99 paperback, $3.99 e-bookISBN: 978-1499018202; July 10, 2014BOOK REVIEWHollinger faces cancer with courage and faith in her brief but inspiring memoir.Happily married with two sons, Hollinger was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2010. She grew up in Spanish Harlem—'Mister Rogers would not have wanted to be my neighbor.' After an incident in public school, she went to a private Catholic school, where her behavior was tempered by a positive disciplinary approach. In spite of a childhood of some hard knocks, she was accepted to Dartmouth and, after graduation, worked at the school as an admissions officer.She then attended Northeastern School of Law and accepted Christ as her savior. During treatment for cancer and other afflictions, she found herself repeatedly drawn to Bible verses that offered support and guidance; she also experienced what she believed to be a miracle. As the illness progressed with all its complications, she remained committed to God’s hand in her life: 'He is in control.' Although eventually confined to a wheelchair, she nonetheless remained upbeat and positive and thankful for the kindnesses of friends and family. Hollinger writes of her experiences with intelligence, and her story is marked by clarity, humor, humility and gratitude. Refreshingly, there are no attempts to overd ramatize her situation: 'Shingles or no shingles, my family, sister, and I had a good time.' Photos of the author and her family are included, and the book ends with a list of Bible verses that hold special meaning for the author. Also, 10 percent of profits from sales of the book are earmarked for St. Jude’s Research Hospital.Well-written, uplifting account of a woman buoyed by faith, family and friends in her fight against cancer.Kirkus Indie, Kirkus Media LLC, 6411 Burleson Rd., Austin, TX 78744indie@kirkusreviews.com