Review of The Viewfinder

[Ruth Shirk]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Viewfinder" by Michael J. Bowen.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Michael J. Bowen is the author and main character in [<>?The Viewfinder</i>]. This book is a memoir of a very difficult time in his life, including details on how he got through it. After dressing as a transvestite and working as a movie extra, he pulls out in front of another car and has an accident, which leaves him with an incomplete spinal cord injury. The college tennis player spends his first few days in the New Hanover Regional Medical Center. While there he sees events from his childhood as though he was looking through a Viewfinder. Then, the 23-year-old college student is transferred to Pitt County Regional Rehabilitation Center, where most of this book's action occurs. It is there that the author resolves to learn to walk again. There are many victories and setbacks. He decides to do all he can to accomplish this task while leaving the rest up to God.

I loved how the author included quotes from famous people that inspired him during his recovery. The reader is treated to quotes from Zig Ziglar, Henry Ford, and Arnold Schwarneggar.

I also loved the way the author pointed out that it takes the same amount of energy to dwell on negative thoughts as positive ones, but the result is totally different. If you know someone going through a rough patch, then this book may make the perfect gift.

I love how the author opens and closes this book by paying tribute to his mother and father. The author inspired me by saying that he thinks he and his brother are better people because their parents could not buy them lots of things.

This book contains no sexual content, although Michael does have a girlfriend. This book's overall theme is Christian, but it is presented in a way that no one should find offensive. There is at least one use of a non-borderline profane word. I think people who love reading true stories will find this well-edited book a great read. There is nothing about this book that I would change. Therefore, I rate it a 5 out of 5.

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The Viewfinder
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