Book Review: Heavy by Kristin Neva and Todd Neva

When someone hears that they have a terminal illness, they can have heavy hearts. . .and those who know them have heavy hearts. But in Heavy: Finding Meaning After a Terminal Diagnosis by Kristen Neva and Todd Neva, I felt a real sense of hope and encouragement in their situation as they turn to God in facing their challenges.

Todd Neva was diagnosed with ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's Disease. If you aren't familiar with this disease, it is a neuromuscular disorder that results in total paralysis and eventual death in those with the disease. . .often fairly quickly. Todd is a happily married man with two young children dreaming of a long life with his wife, Kristin, when they received this news. This book is their story of how they wrestled through the first year of this illness and how they kept their faith in God throughout their time. . .all while sharing their feelings and struggles quite honestly.

I found this book to be well-written and enlightening as to one family's story of handling a terminal illness diagnosis and their faith. Each chapter is divided with writing from Todd about where he was in the progression of the illness followed by a response from Kristin's journal. A Bible verse and a prayer ends each chapter. I read this book straight through, but it would also make a good devotional book if you are struggling with ALS or another similar situation in your life. I think it would also make a good gift for someone recently diagnosed with a terminal illness or for a family member of someone diagnosed. While I don't have ALS, and neither does anyone in my family, I found a lot of encouragement and hope in this book, which I think anyone could benefit from.

I received this book at no charge from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. Heavy is available on Amazon.com. Also, for more information on their book or to follow their story, you may check out their website at: www.NevaStory.com