Holy Shift!

Driving Through Grief in a Vintage VW

Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 07/19/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

In Holy Shift! Driving Through Grief in a Vintage VW by Michelle Le Brun, her family is going on a summer vacation. Things go well initially, but tragedy strikes when they arrive in Denver. Her elder sister gets locked in the bathroom while taking a shower, and the water becomes scalding hot instantly. Despite all the efforts to save her, it was already too late by the time the family got Mary to the hospital; she had severe third-degree burns. She succumbed to her injuries days later. Their uncle, who is a priest, is divinely inspired to write Mary Ellen’s New Rosary for Young People. This prayer offers a useful healing path for the family. Grieving is different for everyone, but finding a spiritual compass can greatly help. Mindful prayer is beneficial as one struggles to grieve, mourn, and endure disappointments.

Holy Shift! by Michelle Le Brun is wonderfully written and takes one on a journey of healing, hope, and survival. As a Catholic, I loved how Michelle demonstrated the historical context of the rosary and the spiritual benefits one can get from praying it. The analogies used, like that of the mechanic to demonstrate reliability, also make the work effective in passing on the intended message. Other themes covered, such as religious tolerance and respect for other people's beliefs, will also resonate with many readers. This thought-provoking work also got me thinking about the importance of having a strong support circle when going through various challenges in life. This was an amazing read, and I look forward to more by Michelle Le Brun. I will also look for Mary Ellen’s New Rosary for Young People.