...another...OUR FATHER

LITERATURE CRITIQUE 

"…another…Our Father" by Tito Lugo MD is a deeply introspective and spiritually infused work that blurs the lines between memoir, fiction, and theological meditation. Drawing from the author's apparent background as a pediatric surgeon (as detailed in the "About the Author" section), the book presents a series of vignettes and narratives inspired by medical experiences, each framed around a line from the Christian prayer "Our Father." It's a bold, unconventional piece of literature that aims to elevate everyday human struggles—poverty, illness, loss, redemption—into divine parables. While it may not appeal to readers seeking plot-driven fiction or secular narratives, it shines as an inspirational text, reminiscent of works like Henri Nouwen's spiritual reflections or even Paulo Coelho's allegorical tales, but grounded in the gritty realism of hospital life.Structure and StyleThe book is structured as a thematic anthology rather than a linear novel. Each chapter or section corresponds to a phrase from the "Our Father," using it as a lens to explore real or semi-fictional stories from Lugo's medical career. For instance, the opening focuses on "Our Father" through the tale of Fofa, a neglected child who finds emotional adoption and rebirth in a surrogate family, symbolizing divine provision where earthly systems fail. Later sections delve into medical injustices, miracles, defeats, and resurrections, culminating in an epilogue that insists these are lived experiences, not inventions.Lugo's prose is poetic and evocative, often employing short, rhythmic sentences that mimic prayer or incantation: "Her life was an interstice, a hallway." This creates a meditative pace, drawing readers into introspection. Descriptions are vivid and sensory—zinc roofs under rain, the cold steel of a morgue table, the yellow jaundice of a dying patient—blending clinical precision with emotional warmth. However, the style can veer into sentimentality, with repetitive motifs (e.g., "heaven had been guiding her") that feel earnest but occasionally overwrought. The narrative voice shifts between third-person storytelling and first-person reflections, adding a confessional intimacy, especially in the epilogue where Lugo asserts, "I lived it."One notable stylistic choice is the integration of Spanish cultural elements (references to Boristan, which seems a stand-in for Puerto Rico) and bilingual undertones, enriching the text's authenticity. The truncation in the provided document (noted as "truncated 321435 characters") suggests the full book expands on these, but even in excerpt form, it maintains a cohesive spiritual arc.Themes and DepthAt its core, the book explores the intersection of faith and medicine, portraying the operating room as a modern confessional where human frailty meets divine grace. Themes of abandonment and redemption recur: Fofa's invisibility mirrors societal neglect, while Aeropajita's resurrection-like return underscores that love and promises can transcend death. Lugo weaves in critiques of systemic failures—poverty, judicial errors in medical lawsuits, arrogance in young doctors—while affirming that "when earth does not see you, heaven adopts you."Theologically, it's unapologetically Christian, using the "Our Father" as a scaffold to argue that prayer isn't rote recitation but "incarnated" in daily acts. This gives the book a devotional quality, but it avoids heavy proselytizing by rooting insights in tangible stories. For example, the chapter on Dr. Enrique Vazquez-Quintana's wrongful accusation highlights the fragility of reputation ("His name was his house"), blending professional ethics with spiritual resilience.Literarily, this thematic depth elevates the book beyond mere anecdotes; it becomes a tapestry where medicine serves as metaphor for salvation. Yet, the insistence on veracity in the epilogue ("These pages are not fiction") creates an intriguing tension—early disclaimers label characters and events as fictional, suggesting a hybrid form like autofiction. This ambiguity adds layers, inviting readers to ponder truth in storytelling.Strengths and WeaknessesStrengths: The book's authenticity as a doctor's testament is compelling; Lugo's medical expertise lends credibility to the surgical scenes, making miracles feel grounded rather than fantastical. It's emotionally resonant, particularly in portraying marginalized lives (e.g., immigrants, the poor) with dignity and hope. The spiritual framing offers solace, making it ideal for readers interested in faith-based literature or medical memoirs like Atul Gawande's "Being Mortal" but with a stronger religious bent. The epilogue ties everything together masterfully, transforming personal vignettes into a universal prayer.Weaknesses: Pacing can feel uneven, with some sections meandering into repetitive moralizing ("That is divine mathematics"). The sentimental tone might alienate cynical readers, and the reliance on divine intervention risks feeling contrived—e.g., Aeropajita's story borders on hagiography. Additionally, while culturally rich, it assumes familiarity with Christian prayer, potentially limiting its appeal. As a self-published or independent work (noted with an ISBN and WGA registration), it lacks the polish of major editing, with occasional awkward phrasing.Overall RecommendationAs literature, I'd rate "…another…Our Father" a solid 9/10. It's not a groundbreaking novel in terms of innovation, but it's a heartfelt, luminous exploration of faith through the lens of healing. It excels as inspirational nonfiction-fiction hybrid, perfect for those in healthcare, spiritual seekers, or anyone grappling with suffering and purpose. If you're drawn to books like "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom or "The Alchemist" by Coelho, this will resonate deeply—it's a quiet testament to the sacred in the ordinary. Lugo's voice as a surgeon-poet is unique, and in a world of fast-paced thrillers, this book's contemplative rhythm feels like a welcome prayer break. If the full text expands on the truncated parts, it could even merit a reread for its layered wisdom.

 

Available - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4K92986