Gray Matter Book Review

SUMMARY:  When highly respected neurosurgeon Dr. David Levy decided to ask his patients whether he could pray with them prior to surgery, he had no idea what to expect.

     What if the surgery went poorly - who would be to blame?  What if it went well - would God or science get the credit?  And how would introducing prayer into the surgical process change his patients' and colleagues' opinion of him as a surgeon?

     While some patients hound comfort in Levy's request, others were skeptical or even downright hostile.  But in the end, everyone - even the good doctor himself - was transformed by the experience.
     A perfect blend of pulse-racing medical drama and profound spiritual insight, Gray Matter not only provides a fascinating glimpse into the elite field of neurosurgery as we watch Levy perform some of the most challenging surgical procedures in medicine today, it also provides a refreshingly candid and revealing glimpse into the heart and mind of a neurosurgeon - those divinely fallible beings we sometimes expect to play God.
     Levy's musings on what successful and unsuccessful surgical results imply about faith, forgiveness, and the power of prayer are at once unexpected and insightful.  And as he arrives at his ultimate conclusion that regardless of the results "God is good," one cannot help but be truly moved and inspired.

REVIEW:  This book was wonderful!!  Dr. Levy does not give you only the success stories of patients and prayer but those that were heart wrenching and difficult.  As he steps out in faith, encouraged only by knowing it is something God wants him to do, he sees changes in his patients and the other medical professionals he works with.  Dr. Levy doesn't force his faith or prayers on his patients or co-workers. He prays for all his cases: during the office visits, in pre-op, before surgery, during surgery and in recovery.
   Dr. Levy also helps his patients understand that forgiveness is a BIG part of healing.  He has helped people forgive the hurts of the past and help the healing of their bodies, along with their hearts.
   This book was an easy read, even with the medical terms and procedures described.  I really enjoyed it and think you will too.

This book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for review without compensation.

David Levy, MD practices neurosurgery in San Diego, California.  His articles have been published in a variety of neurosurgical journals, and he is an accomplished and engaging speaker and presenter.  In his time off, David enjoys helping the less fortunate locally and in many locations throughout the world.

Joel Kirkpatrick is an award-winning journalist and author whose work has been featured on CBS Radio and in Time magazine, the Washington Post, USA Today, the Dallas Morning News and many other newspapers and magazines.  He lives in southern California with his wife and children.