THE BEAR'S EMBRACE (Book Review)

While hiking in Canada, Patricia Van Tighem was attacked by a grizzly. Shesurvived but subsequently endured years of reconstructive surgery, infections, arrogant doctors, surly nurses, insensitive strangers, deaths in her family and the travails of parenthood. It's a wonder Van Tighem conquered so much and no surprise that she was in and out of psychiatric hospitals. An Indian legend says that those who survive a bear attack absorb the bear's wisdom. While it's doubtful such wisdom is worth so high a cost, the book is a testimonial to human endurance.