The Need to Believe in Something

The need to believe in something or someone is not unique to this book, but has been a desire of the world throughout history. This is quickly evidenced in Faith's story by the number of people who flock to her house. Though many of these are reporters, there are also members of the clergy, sick people who hope for the opportunity to touch Faith and thereby be healed, and those religious zealots who simply want the chance to see Faith. While there is little doubt that the media circus surrounding Faith is part of the issue, there's even less doubt that many of those who gather at the White house are there only to see Faith.

Among those who gather is the mother of a boy named Rafael, who is infected with AIDS. The child is very sick, but his mother has traveled...