If you or someone you love has ever experienced a season of sadness and desolation, if you (or they) have ever felt hopeless and overwhelmed by life, you simply must read a new book published by Revell in 2016. It is appropriately entitled “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression”, and was written by Dr. Michelle Bengtson. This book is NOT a textbook-like volume filled with the latest scientific studies and newly discovered “cures”, nor is it a memoir filled with all the details of one person’s struggles. Instead, this book is a combination of many things, and each one points toward the truth of God’s word on the subject.

First, “Hope Prevails” is interactive in ways that most non-fiction books are not. Three especially interactive features include:
– Each chapter contains a “doctor’s prescription” (“Your Rx”) which is simply a series of questions to ask yourself or steps for you to take to help in the healing process. Often this section contains suggested Bible verses to write on index cards and memorize.
– Each chapter also features a prayer, or blessing, that Dr. Bengtson prayed for her readers as she was writing. These prayers are beautiful, insightful, and reveal a deep understanding.
– Finally, my favorite portion of each chapter is the Recommended Playlist, which offers a handful of accordingly selected worship songs from popular artists of the past several years. Most of the songs can easily be found as videos online, and so you don’t need to purchase dozens of songs or albums to fully enjoy the benefits of this music.

Without question, I feel this book truly holds the power to help people heal. Or perhaps it is more correct to say that it points in the direction of the One who holds the power to heal. Dr. Bengtson writes with the compassion and understanding of a good friend, yet she also shares from the perspectives of a doctor and a person who has experienced depression herself. Therefore, she is in a unique and very special place to help. If you are feeling hopeless, don’t miss “Hope Prevails”.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Revell Reads, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.