In Review: A Patchwork of Freedom

Alicia has a small, but impressive library, and often she recommends books for me to read and review.  Last summer, she mentioned one I'd not heard of, nor had I heard of the author.

She had not only read the book, she'd met the author and heard her speak at a Christian women's conference.  (Yes, my sister has out-done me in that.  I have not yet met the author, nor attended a Christian women's conference.)

The writer impressed her so much that Alicia was compelled to buy her book, and also snag a business card during one of the breaks.  After reading it herself, she suggested I do the same, and spent a good half hour in very excited, and animated, conversation about why it was such a great read.

When I arrived here in southern Indiana a few months ago, Alicia and I did a bit of browsing through her library.  I'd decided that during my down time, while recuperating, I could get some reading done.  I'd brought a few books with me, but there were several of her own, that Alicia was excited to have me read as well.  

One of the favorites she pressed toward me was the book she'd chattered on and on about, over the phone, several months ago, so I added it to the little collection I'd brought with me.

And now that I have just finished reading this book, that has so impressed my sister, I have  developed a healthy appreciation of why she was so insistent that I would find it both useful and fascinating.

As it turns out, this isn't just a book.  It's an entire literary banquet of profound experiences, complete with crystal goblets, sterling silver, fine china and elegant, linen napkins.  By that I mean, you may not have a clue how hungry you are for something indescribable  until you begin reading this book.  As each section unfolds, and ultimately satiates your appetite, a new feast is presented, and you start all over again.  All of that happens in the tiny span of a few pages. 

This book is a superb example of the ageless adage that real life has always been far more incredible than fiction ever could be.

Something significant that made my soul smile, during this reading adventure, was the reminder that God always has perfect timing.

Of all the books to find their way into my hands, while I'm in this struggle to recover from the set-backs of a heart ailment, this was the book I needed, for such a time as this.

Before I launch into the gazillion-plus-one reasons you should buy this book, please grant me a moment to mention a person of prominence, who is referenced in this book, because she's important, and it's warranted.

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One of my favorite historical figures is Harriet Tubman.

If you're an American, and don't know who Harriet Tubman was, I have two things to say about that:  

1.  You should be deeply ashamed of your ignorance.  ( I mean that.  Seriously ashamed.)

2.  You should immediately correct it and educate yourself on one of the most courageous people in American history, and maybe even repent for not having done it sooner.

There is a reason Harriet Tubman is features prominently in the United States Library of Congress.  It is because of the many life-threatening missions she voluntarily participated in, making her way over and over, into enemy territory, to conduct others to safety along the Underground Railroad.

She didn't stop there.  She also maneuvered herself behind enemy lines to serve as a spy in Confederate camps, as well as administering care and treatment to wounded soldiers as a field nurse during America's Civil War.

There is a specific link to this great lady, and the content of A Patchwork of Freedom.

Credit: "Portrait of Harriet Tubman." Courtesy of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Howard University. 

Now I'm ready to tell you about this magnificent piece of literary collaboration that landed in my hands a few days ago.

The book is A Patchwork of Freedom, compiled and edited by author, Lori Wagner.

Of the many wonderful things you will find in this book, one is, you may have actually met one or more of the contributing writers. 

The chapters are short; usually no more than two-to-three pages long.  They are also unique in that each one is written in first-person perspective, and by a different writer, presenting a true story, from their own life's experiences.

A Patchwork of Freedom: True Stories. Secret Quilt Code. Hope for Today.

BetterWorldBooks.com

Behind the scenes ...

Author, Lori Wagner is not only a writer and editor.  She frequently moonlights as a wife, a mother, and public speaker, a worker in her church, as well as being active in local politics.

In 2006 she founded Affirming Faith, a resource center for Christian books and products.

Lori's history, where she came from, to where she is now, and how she managed to arrive there, is both intriguing and surprising. 

And, just like the stories in A Patchwork of Freedom, be prepared to be changed on a deeply personal level once you've gotten acquainted with this exceptional individual's background.

Lori Wagner, Author

Before you begin your read of A Patchwork of Freedom, I want to give you a head's up.  This book is geared for both the brave and the faint of heart.  

Whichever you are, prepare to meet the Miraculous.

I'm glad I wasn't sitting in a coffee shop, swizzling my favorite java blend, out in public, in front of God and everyone, when I read this book.  As I'm the sort of person, who is prone to be private when experiencing the profound emotions I experienced throughout the book, I'm glad I read it, and was able to savor it, in private.

However, if I had been reading it out there, in some public arena, book sales could have been largely increased.

I would have had to stop at the end of every chapter, find something to climb on, wave the book around in the air, while I loudly insisted, to everyone around me, that they must hurry to get this book and read it!  

(It really is that provocative, and I really do get that excited when I'm feel pressed to share something of great importance.  And yes, my friends have acclimated to this sort of behavior, and they manage to love me in spite of it.)

After you've read this book, you're going to be thinking of someone.  Probably several someones.  They'll be people you know, and you'll know they need to read this book.  You'll know that every sentence is meant for someone special.  You're going to feel the need to present it as a gift, many times over.

The people you make a gift of it to, are going to do the same thing.  They're going to have the need to share it further.  

It doesn't matter what religion you are.  It doesn't matter which one you aren't, ether.


Whatever your race, your heritage, your culture, your faith, or even your lack thereof, this book may be the one of the very best purchases of your life.  And once read, your life cannot remain unchanged.  But, it will be left up to you as to whether or not you allow it to change.  Hopefully you will. And, hopefully, for the better.

My congratulations, and sincere appreciation extends to Lori Wagner and the rest of the writers involved in bringing about this masterpiece compilation.

Get the book.  Prepare to make some friends.  Prepare to be more than amazed, and best wishes on your journey.  See you on the other side!

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