A Drop of Rain Review

Title of the Book: A Drop of Rain
Author: Heather Callahan
Number of Pages: 278
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Review:

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Heather Callahan, a Colorado native, was brutally attacked and stabbed 5 times in a row in April of 1993. “A Drop of Rain”, tells her story of overcoming the 15 minute attack that changed her life forever. Callahan describes her journey of overcoming the most gruesome and horrific obstacles both physically and mentally and how she has grown and overcome. We see a deep and personal look into the life of not a victim but a survivor. 

Throughout her life, Heather was seen as a bright, independent woman who always seemed to have her head screwed on right. Although that may be true on paper, what lied behind the surface of someone deemed perfect was this scared little girl who had lost her identity. Before her attack, she had no idea of who she wanted to be and what she wanted to do. Her career as a swimmer was slowly falling apart due to her rigorous years of training, and her family was hanging on by a thread. Financially speaking, Heather was in some predicaments; unsettled debts and medical bills were piling up and she felt as though she was drowning. An opportunity for some extra cash came along when she decided to sell her car on the new and upcoming website, Craigslist. On a warm April night, she awaited the arrival of the stranger who was going to buy her car. As any aware woman would, she went to her neighbor’s house to prevent the risk of any potential danger that comes with meeting a stranger online. A tall dark shadow introduced himself at the door and both Heather and he walked to the car right out front. In a mere blink of an eye, she is brutally hit in the back of the neck and stabbed 5 times before her screams are heard from her neighbor patiently waiting inside. She was deemed a medical miracle by doctors and surgeons, losing about 70% of her blood volume. 

This story being as traumatic and sad as it is is also unique in the way that Heather never once lets her struggle become more of her reality. Callahan, not only captures the extreme battles she faces physically but also the battles that come mentally. Her whole world had completely shifted and altered forcing her to adjust to new normals. Heather’s tone throughout the novel would be described as not only brave but resilient. In every aspect of her life, there were many opportunities to throw in the hatchet and give up, but instead, she came out more confident and courageous than she had ever been before. Her choice of language is knowledgeable, concise and intriguing, while her writing style is narrative yet personal. 

In spite of the intimidating nature that comes along with her story, I feel as though this book was a beautiful collection of Heather’s own tragedies and victories that should be shared. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something to keep them riveted as well as an insight into a survivor’s mentality. This book made me feel a rollercoaster of emotions and frankly, I couldn’t put it down.