Promising a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the real story of Terri Schiavo—"the truth which has been withheld from you... that we were not able to introduce as evidence in court"—Gibbs, the lead attorney for Terri's parents, argues that Terri's court-ordered death was a gross miscarriage of justice. She was, he claims, able to respond to people and stimuli. She was not on life support or in a coma and she was not in a "persistent vegetative state." Gibbs portrays Terri Schiavo's husband, Michael, as a villain responsible for perpetrating these ideas in the press and for forbidding cameras in Terri's room so the world could not see that, though disabled, she was not brain-dead. Gibbs raises ethical questions that he says should be of deep concern to all Christians. At times, Gibbs's book reads like the theatrical closing arguments of a courtroom drama, with the obligatory rhetorical flourish. Despite the bias, this is a passionate book about an issue of great importance in our time. (Aug.)
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Gibbs was Bob and Mary Schindler's last lead attorney in their 13-year battle with Michael Schiavo over whether their daughter and Michael's wife, Terri, severely brain-damaged as a result of cardiac arrest, should continue being fed by tube. He and they lost, and Terri died, but not before Congress barged into, and the Supreme Court bowed out of, the fray. Gibbs is also an evangelical Christian broadcaster, as is coauthor DeMoss, and some tics of that trade (e.g., habitually using wake-up-stupid catchphrases--"I hope you're sitting down," etc.--that may be needed to corral listeners' wandering attention but insult those engaged in the much more focused activity of reading) make a vital though unabashedly partisan key-player perspective on a major social contretemps more off-putting than need be. Gibbs reports as fact primarily his and his clients' and colleagues' actions and tells no tales on Michael Schiavo, his counsel, or his supporters. He does question Michael's behavior, wondering as others have why Michael didn't turn Terri's care over to her parents rather than insist on his right to end her feeding; he contends that Michael, his counsel, and experts among his supporters misled the public about the probable pain of starvation; and he argues that Terri's autopsy is unhelpful for determining her physical condition at any time much before death. The last several chapters are inspirational and hortatory padding, tacked on for members of the evangelical choir. Before then, anyone interested in the consummate brou-ha-ha that was the Schiavo affair will be engaged. Ray Olson
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Review
"Fighting for Dear Life is an eye opener. I highly recommend this book." -- Debra Gaynor, readerviews.com
"Perhaps reading this book ... will stir people to grapple with the issues that led to her untimely and unfair death." -- Tim Challies, challies.com
"leads readers to understand the far-reaching significance of this issue, and ... the legal ramifications of this case." -- Joyce Handzo, Christian Book Previews.com
From the Back Cover
"Fighting for Dear Life proclaims the clear message that we long for the world to hear. David fought courageously to save Terris life and loved our family during some of the darkest hours of our lives." Bob and Mary Schindler, Parents of Terri Schiavo
"Every so often an author will write a book with the potential to make an enormous difference in our culture. Fighting for Dear Life is such a book. A compelling narrative that our culture desperately needs to understand. I highly recommend this book." Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family
"As a quadriplegic, I thank God for courageous advocates like my friend David Gibbs who hold fast to life values, no matter how severe the circumstances. In Fighting for Dear Life David presents thoughtful arguments and practical advice that will help the reader forge an honorable path through the legal, medical, and moral complexities of life. I highly recommend this excellent book." Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends International Disability Center
One of the most gut-wrenching stories in recent years was the deliberate, systematic, court-ordered starvation of Terri Schiavo. David Gibbs lll, the Christian attorney who fought so valiantly to save her life, has now written a gripping account of the fight to save Terri. This book, entitled Fighting For Dear Life, is a wake up call to a society that shrugs its collective shoulders as to how we treat the most vulnerable among us. D. James Kennedy, PhD, Senior Minister, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church
"Attorney Gibbs makes the case for people like me to be allowed to live. I am so thankful that my husband didnt let me die because of my quality of life. This could be the most important book you ever read." Kate Adamson, Author of Triumph Over Adversity
"Americans are indebted to David Gibbs for bringing to light a wealth of insider information never reported on the Terri Schaivo case. His expert legal and eye-witness account is unmatched. A must read." Joseph Farah, WorldNetDaily.com
About the Author
DAVID GIBBS calls himself a legal missionary as he defends the rights of churches and Christians nationwide through Gibbs Law Firm and the Christian Law Association. Hes a graduate of Liberty University and received his law degree from Duke University. His radio program, The Legal Alert, is heard on more than 1,000 stations daily, and he is a frequent spokesperson on major news and talk shows including Larry King Live, Fox & Friends, Hannity & Colmes, The Michael Reagan Show, and Face the Nation. David, his wife, and their children make their home near Tampa, Florida.
