Miracle Victory Over the Flesh-Eating Bacteria

In 1994, the Cowleses, both professors at Brigham Young University, packed up their five children and drove from their home in Provo, Utah, to Delys's parents' home in Los Angeles for a Christmas vacation. Within days, David was hospitalized with a mysterious and deadly illness. Diagnosed as suffering from ""necrotizing fasciitis, which is popularly known as `the flesh-eating bacteria,' "" David was given a 5% to 10% chance of survival. With friends, relatives, colleagues and church groups praying for him, he did survive, only to begin months of excruciating treatments and therapies to repair his ravaged body. Written alternately in David's and Delys's voices, this is a fascinating record of a rare illness (""You have a better chance of getting struck by lightning"") caused by a common bacterium (streptococcus A), and of a family's trip through the labyrinth of surgeries, medicines, treatments, medical bills and a sensational media frenzy. It is also, as Delys writes, a story ""of faith and community."" The Cowles were prayed for and helped by friends and strangers alike. Faxes, letters and phone calls came to the hospital daily to remind David that he was loved and missed. Their younger children were cared for and a fund established to help pay for their medical bills and for Delys's travels between Provo and Los Angeles after she and the children returned to school. Told with honesty, humility and even touches of humor, this is a compelling story of not just one but several miracles. 30,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/promo. (Apr.)