I've Seen the End of You

Starred review from September 23, 2019
Brain surgeon and Iraq War veteran Warren (No Place to Hide) delivers a powerful memoir of his experiences—inside the operating room and out—that test his faith. He shares the stories of several of his patients, including Samuel, a young devout Christian whose life is cut short by brain cancer despite his good moral character, and Joey, a violent criminal whose surviving a brain tumor despite the odds leads Warren to question God’s fairness. Warren describes the calm acceptance and steadfast belief in God’s greater plan of his patient Rupert when he informs him of his terminal cancer. Rupert’s family’s request to pray with Warren (“that you will be blessed in the difficult work you do”) following their son’s death demonstrates a strength of faith that challenges Warren’s ideas about the purpose of prayer. Warren comes to realize, through these and other encounters, that faith may not change outcomes but can lead to better quality of life and relationships. His convictions are heart-wrenchingly put to the test by the sudden death of his 19-year-old son. Warren’s poignant work will provide hope and encouragement to any reader facing trauma or questioning meaning.