"This is not fiction. This is real." So reads the cover of The Wounded Spirit, the first nonfiction title from bestselling novelist Frank Peretti. In a departure from his usual spiritual thrillers, he's penned his personal journey through pain, disfigurement, and abuse, offering hope for those struggling with emotional wounds.

Peretti vividly chronicles how he became the object of negative attention in a gym class, after a horrific medical condition that he grappled with as a child caused his growth to slow. Winding throughout his personal story is a thoughtful look at how culture shapes our perception of the worth of individuals--and how events from Columbine to the movies reflect this.

Although Peretti has experienced healing, the depth of his wounds are still apparent, poignantly saturating each page. Yet he writes, "A wounded spirit need not be permanent. Throw off those chains of bitterness and resentment that have been constraining you for so long, and get on with your life." He also admits the damage he himself has inflicted, and apologizes, noting "it amazes me how a victim, who knows how it feels, can still be insensitive to the feelings of others."

Despite our wounds, Peretti reminds us, "We all have our difficult seasons--they do have a way of finding their place in the overall scheme of our lives, welcome or not." Adults and older children wrestling with painful emotional wounds will find solace and healing here, through the eyes of one who understands suffering. --Cindy Crosby


From Publishers Weekly
The man who has thrilled Christian readers with novels such as This Present Darkness and The Visitation here describes the childhood trauma that first introduced him to the dark side. Peretti was born with cystic hygroma, which at birth manifested itself as a small lump on his neck. In two months, the lump was baseball-size, and Peretti was enduring the first of seven early surgeries. During childhood, his tongue was so swollen that it lolled out of his mouth, preventing normal speech development. Classmates were repulsed by his tongue and by the bloody trickle constantly dribbling from his mouth. They tormented him about his grotesque appearance, small size and inability to form words normally. Peretti's response was to retreat to his room, where he wrote stories and played with monsters like toy Frankensteins and hunchbacks, who he felt were also misunderstood and abused. Peretti writes here that he survived this difficult period because of the unwavering love and acceptance of his family, and because he had deep faith in the equality of all people in Christ. He expresses grave concern about other "wounded spirits," particularly young people who may eventually snap after withstanding years of bullying by their peers. The book is full of painful stories, but also memorable moments of hope, as Peretti recounts instances when a peer or a teacher stood up for him. This remarkable memoir will inspire readers to undertake similar acts of courageous compassion. (Nov.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
IFrom the speaker's circuit and into a bookstore near you, the inspirational one's first nonfiction book. Bonnie Smothers
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description

It happens every day. People are deeply wounded by the words and actions of those around them. And it affects them for the rest of their lives. We've all been there - we've all been wounded and we've all wounded others. But it's time to become "wounded healers," loving and protecting the people around us. The Wounded Spirit has become more than a book. The message has connected with thousands and has become a national movement. To assist youth and community leaders in communicating this powerful message, the W Publishing Group (TM) has developed a 4-session group curriculum program designed especially for youth ages 10-18. Also available is the 64-page call to action, entitled No More Victims, designed as a giveaway to students for them to join in the fight against bullying. No More Victims is sold in pack of 25 only.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

It happens every day. People are deeply wounded by the words and actions of those around them. And it affects them for the rest of their lives. We've all been there - we've all been wounded and we've all wounded others. But it's time to become "wounded healers," loving and protecting the people around us. The Wounded Spirit has become more than a book. The message has connected with thousands and has become a national movement. To assist youth and community leaders in communicating this powerful message, the W Publishing Group (TM) has developed a 4-session group curriculum program designed especially for youth ages 10-18. Also available is the 64-page call to action, entitled No More Victims, designed as a giveaway to students for them to join in the fight against bullying. No More Victims is sold in pack of 25 only.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly