Scarred (book review)

Title: Scarred
Author: Dave Roever, with Kathy Koch, Ph.D.
Publisher: Roever Communications
Date: 2015 (original in 1995
Pages: 224

Scarred (book review)

This story is a true story about Dave Roever, when newly married, was a soldier in the Navy during the Vietnam War and what occurred afterwards. While in Vietnam, he had helped lead men into areas to scout out where the enemy were. On one of the missions, he had a hand grenade in his hand that was shot by an enemy soldier. Upon the shot hitting the hand grenade, it blew up in his hand and he had the full impact of it. It blew a large portion of his face and one hand off.

At first everyone thought he was dead, but then realized he was not. Dave was quickly removed from the area to a military hospital. Upon surviving, he was moved to the USA for more hospital care. After many months of care in the hospital, he survived and was able to leave and go home with his wife. Later he was able to have and raise several children with his wife, against what the doctors had predicted.

Much of this story focuses on the struggles he had with how he looked, his anger about what happened and how God changed his heart and used what he went through for His glory. Today he goes around speaking primarily to children, but also to adults, about how to accept what they look like, and how to get through troubles in life. He talks about how God worked on his heart and strengthened him to be the man he is today. He has gone back to Vietnam several times and was in Iraq ministering to both civilians and those in the military.

This book is a simple read, but is packed with a lot of emotion. One can often identify with him in knowing the pain of physical and emotional suffering on different levels. He encourages the reader to trust and follow God. There are several pages of pictures of him before and after the injury.

I have personally had the honor of meeting Dave Roever a few times in the past. His story has always remained consistent and encouraging. I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you have some physical or emotional challenge in your life. Dave will also challenge your faith and trust in God.