Many cultures of the world use ‘spiritual healing’ methods (and often successfully) in treating illness. But a couple from New Mexico finds out-the hard way-about difficulties in reconciling these methods with modern American society and its current understanding of medicine and healing. This tale is based on their true story.

Nathan and Elizabeth are a free-spirited couple, with children, living ‘off the grid’ in the mountains of New Mexico. When Elizabeth becomes ill, they choose alternative medicine methods rather than the conventional (Western Medicine) treatment protocol. After having only a poor response to holistic medicine, the couple hears of a ‘trance medium’ healer in Brazil. They visit the man’s healing center-in a small, colorful village in Brazil-where Elizabeth has a remarkable recovery. Though based on a true story, this narrative borders on the paranormal and metaphysical, and it challenges the reader in ways similar to one of the author’s favorite axioms: Don’t Believe Everything You Think.

Later in the novel, Nathan-at wits’ end due to a distressing family situation-rejoins his oldest and best friend, where they explore another way of ‘being in the world’ and finding peace, through the teachings of an Indian spiritual master.