If You'd Like to Continue the Journey…
One of the greatest joys of writing Held Between Breath & Death has been hearing from readers who want to keep exploring the questions raised throughout the book.
Some are fascinated by the remarkable capabilities of modern medicine and ask whether scientific discovery ultimately points beyond itself.
Others are wrestling with suffering, wondering how a loving God could allow such profound pain while still remaining sovereign and good.
Still others are asking life's deepest question: Who is Jesus Christ, and what does it really mean to trust Him?
No single book can answer every question. Mine certainly doesn't pretend to.
Instead, I hope Held Between Breath & Death serves as an invitation—a doorway into a much larger conversation that thoughtful Christians, scientists, physicians, philosophers, and pastors have been engaged in for generations.
If you'd like to continue that journey, these are the books I recommend most highly.
When Science Leads to Wonder
If one of the strongest impressions you took from my story was the breathtaking complexity of the human body—and the growing conviction that science and Christian faith belong together rather than in opposition—these books are an excellent place to continue exploring.
1. Francis S. Collins — The Language of God
Former atheist. Physician. Geneticist. Director of the Human Genome Project.
Few people are better qualified to address the relationship between science and faith than Francis Collins. His own journey from skepticism to Christian belief mirrors the intellectual curiosity I encourage throughout Held Between Breath &Death. Rather than asking readers to choose between evidence and faith, Collins argues that the deepest discoveries of modern genetics actually inspire greater awe toward the Creator.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Language+of+God+Francis+Collins
2. Stephen C. Meyer — Signature in the Cell
If the information encoded inside DNA fascinated you while reading my descriptions of the astonishing design of the human body, this book explores those questions in much greater depth. Meyer argues that information itself points toward intelligence rather than chance.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Signature+in+the+Cell
3. Stephen C. Meyer — Return of the God Hypothesis
Building on cosmology, physics, biology, and consciousness, Meyer examines whether modern scientific discoveries increasingly support the existence of God rather than undermine it. Readers who appreciated the themes of design and coherence in my final poem will likely enjoy this work.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Return+of+the+God+Hypothesis
4. John Lennox — God's Undertaker
Oxford mathematician John Lennox has spent decades engaging scientists and skeptics around the world. With remarkable clarity, he explains why scientific investigation and belief in God have always been natural companions.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=God%27s+Undertaker+John+Lennox
5. Alister McGrath — The Big Question
McGrath is both a theologian and a former molecular biophysicist. He explores why human beings continue asking questions about God despite extraordinary scientific progress. It complements many of the questions raised throughout my memoir.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Big+Question+Alister+McGrath
Finding Hope in Suffering and Mortality
My medical journey forced me to confront suffering, mortality, and the goodness of God in ways I never anticipated. These books approach those same questions from different perspectives and have encouraged countless readers facing hardship.
1. C. S. Lewis — The Problem of Pain
If there is one modern Christian classic that most influenced my thinking about suffering, this is it. Lewis carefully examines why a loving God allows pain and how suffering can become one of God's greatest instruments for shaping His children.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Problem+of+Pain+C.S.+Lewis
2. Timothy Keller — Walking with God through Pain and Suffering
Keller combines biblical wisdom, pastoral compassion, and intellectual depth into one of the finest modern books on suffering. Readers who resonated with the spiritual reflections woven throughout Held Between Breath & Death will find this especially helpful.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Walking+with+God+through+Pain+and+Suffering
3. Paul Kalanithi — When Breath Becomes Air
Written by a gifted neurosurgeon facing terminal cancer, this memoir wrestles honestly with medicine, mortality, vocation, and meaning. While our conclusions differ in some respects, both books invite readers to consider what gives life lasting significance when death draws near.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=When+Breath+Becomes+Air
4. Joni Eareckson Tada — Joni
Few modern Christians have spoken more compellingly about suffering than Joni Eareckson Tada. Her lifelong testimony demonstrates that physical limitations need never diminish spiritual joy.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Joni+Joni+Eareckson+Tada
5. Os Guinness — Long Journey Home
Guinness explores humanity's deepest longing for meaning, identity, and God. Readers who found themselves asking larger questions after my story may appreciate this thoughtful companion.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Long+Journey+Home+Os+Guinness
From Skepticism to Faith
Many readers have told me they appreciate that Held Between Breath & Death respects scientific inquiry while inviting honest consideration of faith. These books tell the stories of people who traveled that same road.
1. Lee Strobel — The Case for Christ
Former investigative journalist Lee Strobel approached Christianity as a skeptic determined to disprove it. His investigation unexpectedly led him to become a follower of Christ. It remains one of the most widely read introductions to the historical evidence for Jesus.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Case+for+Christ
2. Francis Collins — The Language of God
Collins appears again because his personal conversion story is every bit as compelling as his scientific arguments. His intellectual honesty is one reason his work continues to influence both believers and skeptics.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Language+of+God
3. C. S. Lewis — Surprised by Joy
Lewis recounts his own remarkable journey from atheism to Christianity with wit, humility, and profound insight. Readers who enjoy thoughtful memoirs will find much to appreciate here.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Surprised+by+Joy
4. Alister McGrath — Surprised by Meaning
A former atheist and molecular scientist, McGrath describes how reason itself eventually pointed him toward Christian faith.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Surprised+by+Meaning
Meeting Jesus
Ultimately, Held Between Breath & Death is not primarily about surviving catastrophic medical events. It is about the One who sustained me through them.
If reading my story has left you wanting to know more about Jesus Christ, I would begin here.
1. Billy Graham — Peace with God
Simple, clear, biblical, and timeless. Few books have introduced more people to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Peace+with+God+Billy+Graham
2. Timothy Keller — The Reason for God
Written especially for thoughtful skeptics, Keller addresses many of Christianity's most common objections with humility and intellectual rigor.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Reason+for+God+Timothy+Keller
3. J. I. Packer — Knowing God
One of the finest books ever written about developing a deeper relationship with God after coming to faith.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Knowing+God+J.I.+Packer
4. John Stott — Basic Christianity
A concise and enduring explanation of who Jesus is, why He came, and what it means to become His follower.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Basic+Christianity+John+Stott
5. Adrian Rogers — Discover Jesus
Adrian Rogers had a remarkable gift for presenting profound theological truths with warmth, clarity, and grace. If you are asking, "Who is Jesus?" this is an excellent place to begin.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Discover+Jesus+Adrian+Rogers
Three Books I Would Read First
If I could recommend only three books to someone who has just finished Held Between Breath & Death, they would be:
- C. S. Lewis — The Problem of Pain — to better understand suffering under the sovereignty of God.
- Francis Collins — The Language of God — to explore why many accomplished scientists see harmony rather than conflict between science and Christian faith.
- Billy Graham — Peace with God — because every question about suffering, science, and mortality ultimately leads to the most important question of all: our relationship with Jesus Christ.
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