I sit here writing at a quarter after 3 because moments earlier I just finished a book cover to cover.  Not sure if I’ve ever done that before except for maybe See Spot Run.

Left to Tell is a very painful, powerful, horrifying story of one young woman’s survival during the Rwandan Holocaust.  This courageous lady (Immaculee Ilibagiza) takes you through her life as a happy carefree child, but also determined to study hard and make her parents proud.  However during middle school she learned about racial bias and how being a Tutsi made her a second class citizen.

You’re stomach will roll and you’ll find yourself shaking after reading all the atrocities and horrors noone could ever imagine.  And when you turn to the pages showing the scant few pictures she was able to save, thanks to her lovingly detailed description of her parents and three brothers, you’ll find there’s no need to read the names underneath.

But this isn’t just about genocide and one woman’s story of survival.  While one of the bloodiest massacres is raging right outside a window of a tiny bathroom where 7 (later 9) Tutsi women are hidden; Immaculee Ilibagiza is opening herself up to an extraordinary spiritual journey.

I’m a cynical gal, but I believe in this book.  Don’t let the mention of God run you off or harden your heart.  Having faith doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with religion.  If you don’t have faith, then how can you choose to believe or trust in someone or something?  

Without faith; there can be no hope.