Chris Maggs
Purple Plum Books
£6.99, Pb, 310pp
ISBN 978 0 95700 680 5

This is Chris Maggs' cancer journey, written in three parts: 'Jesus has Chemo', 'Jesus has Chemo again', and 'Matters of the Heart' - intriguing headings. The book gives an honest account of his illness and his experiences as an NHS patient attending five different hospitals over the course of his treatment. Chris writes about his thoughts and feelings about hitting rock bottom, and the way it affected him and his faith. There are detailed accounts, some traumatic but some humorous, of his experiences. He reflects on these and the impact his illness made on him, his faith, family, and church. In particular, he shares how intimately he was aware of God's presence, and God's love expressed through his 'body' the church.

Written by a non-medical person, the book reveals what it is really like being a cancer patient in the NHS today; long waits,delays in diagnosis and treatment, but gratitude for the skill and care given. It is a deeply reflective account, with helpful sections on his physical, emotional and spiritual journey. He gives many profound insights and useful nuggets of wisdom.

I recommend this book to you.

David Towers is a retired GP, now living in Cheltenham.

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