Songs in My Head September 11, 2015 By Collegeville Institute JoAnn A. Post Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2015 Visit this title on the publisher’s website» JoAnn A. Post participated in two Collegeville Institute writing workshops—Writing and the Pastoral Life (2007) and Apart and Yet A Part (2010). Startled by the unexpected diagnosis of a rare and often-terminal cancer, JoAnn chronicles the course of her treatment in Songs in My Head, a journal written both for her own sake, and for friends, family, and colleagues. Each of her twelve chemotherapy treatments is presented as a verse of the songs that hummed in her heart during and at the close of treatment. Inspiration and encouragement come through simple events like the return of a lost dog (“Chasing Maggie”) and complicated events like allergic reactions to chemotherapy (“A False Summit”). The journal closes with an ancient Jewish ritual of thanksgiving – the Birkat HaGomel – which places the author’s suffering in the context of the suffering and healing of God’s people through the centuries. While writing from the perspective of faith the author neither offers easy solutions, nor glosses over the difficult questions posed by illness and disability. During a difficult time she writes with hope, humor, and honesty. This journal is written for those living with cancer, and for those who love and care for them. Like this post? Subscribe to have new posts sent to you by email the same day they are posted.
