The book is a series of letters that Karen wrote to her son, Gabriel Michael, who was born prematurely and died two hours after birth. Karen expresses the bond between mother and child with incredible tenderness and love. Through her lived experience and deep faith, Karen makes a bold and profound statement about the gift of life, family values, the bond between parent and child, the grieving process and the paradox of suffering. What began as a normal pregnancy for Karen ended with serious difficulties just as her husband Rick Santorum (Republican - Pennsylvania) was leading the charge against partial birth abortion in the U.S. Senate.
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116 of 141 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
In Letters to Gabriel, Senator Rick Santorum's Wife tells the heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting story of their son's tragically brief life. A severe prenatal development led to his very early delivery, and although his time on earth lasted a mere two hours, his existence added something to the world. In that short lifetime, he experienced decades of love from devoted parents-grateful for the miracle that he was born alive and that they had two hours to love him.
Anyone who is a parent, godparent, uncle, aunt, or loves a child will be greatly moved by this simultaneously despairing and joyous story. Your heart will break for Karen Santorum and her family, but you'll also feel a strong admiration for her. The Santorums will never fully recover from Gabrial's death but they are obviously better parents-in fact better people-for having known him.
Letters to Gabriel is the legacy of a baby whose abbreviated life impacted more people than many of us will touch in fifty years. Like most roller-coaster rides, it is rather short-less than 175 pages, but your emotions careen through the pages for a very memorable journey.
In addition to Karen's moving letters, the book benefits from Dr. Laura Schlessinger's sapient introduction and a very poignant introduction by Mother Teresa written three months before her death.
76 of 97 people found the following review helpful
By Scott
Format:Hardcover
Karen Garver Santorum knew her child Gabriel, who was formed in her womb, before he was born for others to see. An experiential, very moving description of the tenacious way which the author loved her chilld before he was born. Though I lack the capacity to bear a child (i.e., maleness), the vicarious experience through Ms. Santorum was stunning. Whatever one might feel about the rights of an unborn child, what is undeniable is the real and true human relationship between the author and her son. A thrilling and moving experience to read!
66 of 84 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I thoroughly enjoyed Karen Santorum's book. They way she incorporated her personal tragedy and her strong faith was compelling. I cried through out this book but it made me think about the fragility of life. This book made me appreciate life more. I finished it late one evening and immediately went in and gave my three healthy kids hugs. I applaud Karen for sharing her very heart-breaking story with us.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Just as described
Very touching letters from the wife of Rick Santorum. Came in great condition and on time. Reveals a lot about the author and her husband and their deeply held faith!
Published 4 months ago by Susan S. Brister
5.0 out of 5 stars
HEARTLESS DISGUSTING IDIOTIC INSENSITIVE 1 STAR REVIEWS
I am sick, disgusted and enraged over the one star reviews. They gave this one star only because their blackened evil hearts didn't like the subject matter. Read more
Published 14 months ago by JACK LOBO
1.0 out of 5 stars
Call it what it is.
Clearly this was a termination. Most of us would be honest and call it an abortion. For those who claim that since the baby was born alive it was not an abortion, not true. Read more
Published 15 months ago by soccermom
1.0 out of 5 stars
What is this book made of--GOLD??
I thought I might be interested in purchasing this book because, for the most part, I like Rick Santorum and what he stands for but NO book is worth over $2,000. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Karla Varga
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tears will come
My wife and I have also lost a baby. We know the heartbreak. This little book will make you cry. It will also make you proud to live on the same planet with people like the... Read more
Published on July 4, 2007 by Art King
1.0 out of 5 stars
A bad father and mother
They had many living children, children who needed them. Instead they allowed her life to be risked bringing to term a non-viable child. Read more
Published on November 15, 2006 by The Iron Fisted Homemaker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful journal for a hard journey
This is a beautiful and touching book. I wish I could thank Karen for sharing her personal story. As a mother who has faced similar tragedy I found her book expressed many of my... Read more
Published on August 25, 2006 by T. Smyth
1.0 out of 5 stars
Exploitation for politics
This book is nothing but pro-life propaganda from the Santorums. That a tragedy like this would be used for political gain is disgusting.
Published on August 15, 2005 by Matty
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful!
Letters to Gabriel is the most beautiful and precious book that I have ever read. I will cherish it forever. Read more
Published on November 25, 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars
my healing book
I have had this book for years; my mother gave it to me when I began having children, so I could understand the depth of a mother's love for her child. Read more
Published on September 14, 2003 by T. Kaza
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