Letters for Lizzie: A Story of Love, Friendship and a Battle for Life [Paperback]

James O'Donnell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2004

Having just made a cross-country move, Jim expected that his new assignment from God was to teach in a small college in Indiana. He wasn't prepared for the task of dealing with the onset of his wife's battle for her life. A far-flung prayer network began - with personal reflections on a painful, years-long ordeal of cancer and heart disease. This book is the compilation of those insights...on faith, illness, and healing. A special section gives advice on 'how to think' and 'what to do' when faced with life-threatening illness. A remarkable true story of a husband's love for his sick wife.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 1994, O’Donnell left his Boston life as a high-profile investment executive and took his family to Indiana, where he accepted a position teaching business at a small Christian college. He thought that the family’s greatest challenge would be learning to live on a fifth of their former income. But within months of their move, his wife, Lizzie, was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer and given only a few months to live. This book—a collection of letters written to friends back East from 1994 to 1996 to galvanize a prayer network on Lizzie’s behalf—chronicles dark days of illness, fear and spiritual doubt. There are times when O’Donnell rages against God and other times when he manifests a deep acceptance of the situation. He also eloquently berates the superficial Christianity that is quick to spout platitudes about God’s will. O’Donnell closes with an afterword, noting the miracle that Lizzie is still alive after battling surgeries, heart attacks, blood disorders, pneumonia and kidney failure. This is a mature and gritty account of wrestling with God and what it means to be a "new creation."
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Review

If you are weary of pie-in-the-sky platitudes or superficial solutions this book will be a breath of fresh air. -- Dr. Gary Oliver, Board of Directors, Promise Keepers

This is a mature and gritty account of wrestling with God and what it means to be a "new creation." -- Publishers Weekly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Northfield Publishing (May 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1881273016
• ISBN-13: 978-1881273011
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,170,410 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story of trials and perseverance., May 14, 2004

By 

Jeff Scott (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Letters for Lizzie: A Story of Love, Friendship and a Battle for Life (Paperback)

This true life story gripped me as I read about Lizzie's horrific battle to overcome amazing obstacles in miraculous ways. I became part of the story, cheering for Lizzie and fearing the worst with James. Once again, I'm reminded of the truly important things in life--love and family. This is true life heroism. A truly remarkable story with remarkable outcomes.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-read for those feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, May 10, 2004

By 

A. Fletcher (Des Moines, IA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Letters for Lizzie: A Story of Love, Friendship and a Battle for Life (Paperback)

Lizzie O'Donnell is an inspiration to all who read about her many trials in "Letters for Lizzie". Her indomitable spirit and courage in the face of incredible odds are the stuff of legend. A very honest look at an incredible family.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Letters for Lizzie, May 10, 2004

By 

cheryl larson (Huntington, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Letters for Lizzie: A Story of Love, Friendship and a Battle for Life (Paperback)

"Life is dangerous"...so begins the amazing journey of Jim and Lizzie O'Donnell as they battle for life and find an even deeper commitment to their faith in God. It is a heart-wrenching journey as you travel with them through the peaks and valleys of this illness that strikes many. Both men and women can relate, learn, grow, and understand how distance our ever present God can sometimes feel. Yet through the storm, Jim and Lizzie keep their faith, their love. You will laugh, cry, and be amazed at the strength of faith and family the O'Donnells share. Kudos kudos...a book well worth the read...