Lay Down Your Guns: One Doctor’s Battle for Hope and Healing in the Honduran Wild West

Taylor (High Places), an Oklahoma pastor and writer who reviews books for PW, chronicles the life, faith, and adventures of Dr. Amanda Madrid, an indigenous Honduran missionary doctor. Following the fierce female philanthropist as she faces gender inequality, drug-related violence, and questions about her calling, the narrative moves between the past, with scenes from Madrid’s childhood, and her recent history. All the while, the account offers insights into her robust faith and divine calling to serve addicts, confront drug cartels, and work with Hondurans in need who live in areas reminiscent of America’s Wild West. The book unfolds slowly and gets mired in the mundane at times, but picks up with riveting tales of the doctor’s bold heroism in the face of adversity. While the slower parts fail to engage, they still provide context and insight into Honduran family life and culture and are bookended by stories of justice and bravery on the part of Madrid and her compatriots. Those interested in medical missions, Central American culture, justice issues, or a narrative biography of a courageous Christian woman will find the book worth reading. (Sept.)