It took a long time to finish this book. I spent more time lost in wonder and contemplation, than I did reading. Three things make a profound impact - the miracle of the human body as Dr Brand describes it's workings; the lessons to be learnt from the analogies he makes with the Body of Christ; and the deep compassion and humility of a gifted and devoted man. This is a book I want to keep by me always.
This is a wonderful book to open our minds to how great God's creation (our bodies) is. Too often we take life for granted, not appreciating all of the activities happening inside without us even knowing or taking notice (until something goes wrong). It also explains how all Christians are vital to the body of Christ and that our behavior as Jesus representative is important day in and day out.
As the son of a country doctor I can relate to both the medical insights and the "bedside manner" of Dr. Brand in this book. What a serendipity that Yancey chanced upon the laid-aside manuscripts! I learned so much about our wonderfully-made body; it's amazing construction and self-maintenance. But better yet was discovering the heart of Dr. Brand. His compassion for the sick is well conveyed; his faith in Jesus Christ calls the reader to want to know more about following Jesus. A remarkable life, lived to the full, focused on bringing the Good News of God's love to everyone he met.