On January 19, our book club met to discuss The Double Bind, a complex and thought-provoking novel by Chris Bohjalian. The author skillfully weaves the story of a young woman who survives an attempted rape, a homeless man who was once a gifted photographer, and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Bohjalian’s the master of trick endings, and once again, he doesn’t disappoint. We had a long and lively discussion about the book, and though we didn’t come up with many answers, our brains had a good work out that night.
What interested me most about the story was the part post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) played in the story. Was it a coincidence that our first book club pick after Allen’s treatment for PTSD dealt with the subject? I didn’t think so, especially since I don’t believe in coincidence.
This past weekend I finished listening to the audiobook version of Nineteen Minutes. The main character in Jodi Picoult’s novel is a boy who endured bullying throughout his school career and goes on a Columbine-style shooting spree when he’s a junior. Again, the author devoted significant time to explaining how PTSD effected the main character’s life.
Though works of fiction, these two books caused me to reflect on Allen’s recent treatment for PTSD. I am so grateful for the gifted therapists who helped him recover, for his determination to stick with it, for the support of family and friends throughout the adventure. Most of all I am humbled by the protection, healing, and resolution God provided for our son. Not every family receives those gifts. Some stories end in heartbreaking tragedy and loss. Why not us? I wonder. How will God use this experience in the future?
I can’t answer that question. But, if the next book I read or listen to provides the answer, I’m buying a bookstore.
