Customer Reviews

Silent Storm: Finding Spiritual Shelter During Hepatitis C

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Silent Storm is the perfect title for a book about Hepatitis C. Not only is Hepatitis C quickly spreading throughout the world, it is a disease we do not talk about openly. Two men who are not swayed by societal stigma are Mark Prater and Chris Carden. These authors openly tell the story of one family's journey through this devastating illness and describe the emotional side effects that are caused by its treatment. While this subject matter could have been too painful to read, the authors' focus on the blessings of family and friends, as well as, the family's ultimate faith in God make Silent Storm an informative and truly inspiring tale.

There is something about sharing a common experience with another person that somehow brings comfort, peace and the feeling that you are not alone. I read Silent Storm a month after my husband finished his treatment for Hepatitis C. Reading about the experiences of Mark and Carol Prater helped me begin my own healing process. Right now, my 13-year-old daughter is reading the book. My 15-year-old son will read it next. I thought that reading about how another family dealt with the situation would be helpful, especially the explanations about the changes in personality that occur during treatment. It was difficult for our teenagers to understand and accept the drastic differences in their father. Their heads understood that the changes in his personality were due to the medication, but their tender hearts could not help but to be hurt. Silent Storm may allow them to separate the side effects of the treatment from the man that continues to be their father.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has a family member, friend or co-worker with Hepatitis C. The story told will help readers understand that the negative side effects they see are not a reflection of the person they know and love. They are a reflection of a person struggling to be what they once were. Silent Storm shows us all that the struggle is worth fighting and that it is only through patience, love, and faith does one reach that goal.

This is an important book for anyone battling Hepatitis. Mark's story is fascinating. You truly feel the emotional and psychological turmoil that Mark, his wife, his children, family and friends felt. Mark's insights into the world of television news and the interplay between battling a chronic disease and remaining in the public eye are inspiring. His faith and devout spirituality along with his sheer willpower to overcome send an important message to anyone battling Hepatitis or any other chronic disease.

Silent Storm takes you on a journey into the world of a Christian, who through no fault of his own, contracted and literally "fought" Hepatitis C. It expels myths about the disease and provides much needed facts. The language used makes it an easy read while it's fast pace and descriptive language holds your undivided attention. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. It helped me understand how widespread Hepatitis C is, as well as, how it can be prevented and treated. Since drug usage and sexual activity may begin at an early age, this book can be used at the elementary school level yet it is not so simple as to "turn off" the highly educated. It could be used in an English class, a health class, a Sunday School class or with a youth group. It has the makeup of a good film and would be very helpful in educating incarcerated offenders. As Mark Prater undergoes diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, as the reader I felt as if I was experiencing what he and his family were going through. As he experienced depression and struck out at his family, I knew in my heart that they were able to remain accepting and loving because they loved him with the agape love of God. It was heart wrenching when Mark was ready to give up only one month short of completing his treatment. This demonstrates the ghastly effects of this disease and the treatment. I found myself on an emotional roller coaster as I traveled through this journey with Mark Prater and his family. The end of the book contains questions and answers involving Mark's doctors, which are very "down to earth" and enlightening. This was a real eye opener for me. Because of the treatment involved it also helped me better understand the health issues of individuals undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. I will never think of a Hepatitis C or cancer patient the same again. Finally, once again through this book, I came to realize how blessed I am. I can't stop talking about this book and cannot give it enough accolades. In fact, I have bought several copies for gifts. This is a must read!!!

Being able to watch and listen to Mark Prater on a daily basis thru TV and radio and getting to listen to a update from day one of the announcement of his disease to current, the book gives so much more detail of what his family, friends and co-workers went thru with him to aid in the healing of his body. This book will open your eyes and take you behind the man who we see with a bright smile and laugh to struggle with the treatments to overcome Hepatitis C. May God continue to Bless you Mark, Carol and family.

I truly enjoyed this book. I read it just as the beginning of treatment. He only did 24 weeks and I am just completing my 48th. My sides did not seem quite as severe as his were so please know that this is truly a personal journey and some may feel bad sides where others fly through this...just keep your mind open and don't be afraid to face this. It IS doable...and thanks to combo treatment I am not undetectable!