Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Paralyzed by Alana Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Paralyzed absorbed me like Unplanned, Alana Terry’s first book in her Kennedy series, did. The main character, Kennedy, now a Harvard sophomore continues on after last year’s traumatic experiences. Anxiety has become a constant companion and post traumatic stress syndrome overwhelms her becoming an obstacle in her classes and relationships. A perpetrator leftover from Unplanned wants her dead. Everyone she loves remain in danger; her roommate, her pastor and his wife, the youth pastor, and anyone near her are not safe. The suspense fills the novel. Kennedy, also struggles with her faith in God questioning why he allows violence and pain to harm innocent people. The author includes different viewpoints to answer her inquiry. No preaching here! I immediately moved on to the third book in this series, Policed to discover what Kennedy confronts next.

I received a copy from The Book Club Network and the author. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

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Love Letters from the Edge by Wanda Sanchez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a big fan of Shelly Jean Beach so this book caught my eye while she and Wanda Sanchez were launching it. The writing is comforting, understanding, and healing. What help for the post traumatic stress sufferers, those with depression and anxiety, and others with painful pasts! Each short passage contains a portion with a person talking to God about their situation, a part where He responds, questions, and then a prayer. Each chapter contains five of these passages concluding with a weekend feature that asks the reader for their responses, conclusions, and an action to do. Scripture is funneled throughout the book giving soothing thoughts from God. Clearly this can be used as a devotion or an open door to discussion. The authors have lived the pain written on most of the pages and many will easily identify with their words. My own copy is underlined in numerous places even though my path is different. I found times when I felt such sympathy and other times, the empathy. I would suggest buying one for a friend and one for yourself so you can come along side them in their journey. Both Shelly and Wanda cull from their vast experiences in meeting and counseling those with PTSD from their training, research, and listening to broken hearts in their travels all over the country.

In the back of the book, a section is dedicated to understanding PTSD and its symptoms, where to find clinical help, online support and other resources. I found this to be an exceptional assistance for those who will be reading this book. For any unsure of the definition of PTSD, here is what the book has to say: “A mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the events, and triggers related to the event that cause flashbacks and memories.” If someone you know experiences any of these put this book into their hands.

I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review which I have given.

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