“I can handle this”, “This too shall pass”, “It is just a matter of time!” are beautiful phrases that will cause the light within oneself to shine brighter…!

Book Review | Joni Eareckson Tada

Reviewed in Class by: Jean Elizabeth Mathew

Transcribed by: Sruthi Jacob

Jean Elizabeth started her book review by asking the class to reflect upon a question, “Have you ever felt stuck in life?”

She narrated a personal experience when she felt stuck with her music. She couldn’t sing. She stated that there are different situations in life when one feels stuck.

The book that Jean had chosen was Joni Eareckson Tada.

She then narrated the story behind her possession of the book which was a precious and happy memory for her.

Jean used to get prizes in Sunday School events as coupons to redeem. Her Mom got her this book for such a coupon and told it would be a great investment in herself if she enjoys reading it.

The book revolves around spirituality and optimism. The title of the book refers to the name of the protagonist. Joni is a girl who is a jovial spirit and loves swimming. She focused on God and majority of her prayers were self -centered. She had great hopes and she often dreamt about America.

At one particular point in time, she felt that she was wrong in being so self-centered and asks for a sign from God.

Soon she encounters a tragic accident while swimming and fractures her neck. Despite the surgeries and treatments, she got paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.

She became frustrated and depressed by this incident and lost all her hopes in life and God. Her friends used to visit her.

She gave her a Bible verse that states the plan of God. It was a verse of hope. In her frustration she didn’t read the verse completely. She began questioning God as she confronts many more problems.

Her life changed as a result of her friend asking her why can’t she use her mouth. That friend Ken Tada ensures he will be by her side forever.

That love and concern changes her. She began painting and became popular. She started doing testimonies and influenced a lot of lives.

At that point of time only she realised the second part of that Bible verse that stated the hope God had for her future.

Jean feels that the work is a journey through faith. The struggle of the narrator and the powerful narration brought her to tears and influenced her greatly. It gave her a spirit to believe in herself and move on in any situation.

She returned to her question and beautifully gave the answer to that question. The solution to the problem of getting stuck is the real discovery of the Self. Everyone should be able to encourage and inspire oneself in such a situation.

“I can handle this”,

“This too shall pass”,

“It is just a matter of time”

are beautiful phrases that will cause the light within oneself to shine brighter.

Teacher’s Remarks: Awesome, Jean! You did a fabulous review of the book! The way you combined strands of the book with an effective personal connect, and the way you presented the review with such felicity of expression is amazing! We were all glued to your review from start to finish. This book is a real revelation of sorts! Added, it was a very rewarding Book Review Session for all of us. Kudos to you!

Photos: Thank you Manimaran for the lovely snaps. 

Paintings: Joni’s! [from Jean]