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Cindy C. (Withee, WI)
Anatomy of a Miracle
I felt the book read like a report about an incident from a variety of angles. It kept me interested and wanting to know what happened. But for me the most interesting part is the relationships between characters, the protectiveness of Cameron's sister, but also the protectiveness of D's sister and the way that as things happened in Cameron's life it affected the lives and attitudes of others. It was also interesting learning about the process the Vatican uses in declaring something an actual miracle. The book may be a work of fiction, but the way it is written makes you believes that it could have actually happened.
Elizabeth K. (Dallas, TX)
Fiction that reads like non-fiction
I'd have to give this one a 4- or a 3 rating. I had difficulty getting into the story since it reads like a non-fiction book. Lots of characters, lots of digression into their backgrounds, so the start of the book seemed slow. I loved the premise, and I stuck with it, but I'm not sure most people would. There are brilliant paragraphs and insights, with long and rather dull passages in between. It became more alive towards the end, so if you can hang in till then, it is worth reading.
Bink W. (Sopchoppy, FL)
Great recovery book
Kept me entertained during recent bedrest from surgery. Very well written and interesting story and caracters. Would definitely recommend for leisurely reading.
Elizabeth D. (Apple Valley, MN)
Who deserves a miracle?
I liked this book. The characters are memorable and fully drawn, flaws and all. The setting is a region underrepresented in fiction I read (Biloxi, Mississippi). The science vs religion theme covered some familiar points, but nonetheless made me think about about who deserves what rewards in life.
For about the last three years I've read almost exclusively on an ereader. Occasionally I will highlight passages I find to be particularly well written, funny, or thought-provoking. I dog-eared so many pages in this book (blasphemy to some, I know!) that in some cases I had to dog-ear both the top and bottom of the
…more page. There were many beautiful, as well as many beautifully-constructed, passages. There was a Facebook posting and comments section that perfectly captured the absurdity of social media (the vacuous comments that could be in response to either a miracle or a cat video, the politicization of absolutely everything, etc).
As much as I like the book, it was easy for me to put down in favor of something else. I think this is because it read much like an in-depth magazine article and I tend to prefer fiction. Also, there was lots of foreshadowing that, while it delivered, got a bit old.
I would recommend this book. (less)When I started reading this book I had to stop and double check if it was fiction or a true story. That speaks to the authors success in using a unique "mockumentary" style for this book, and to the ability to create characters that real and accessible. The plot itself, the questions asked, the themes explored, may have been a bit too ambitious, but that is the only place where the book falls short.
Windell H. (Rock Hill, SC)
Insightful
This book touches on many social issues and misconceptions. An almost believable story for today's social norms and conceptions. Touches on areas of science and religion and the changing of social mores in the ever changing landscape of the human condition. To summarize, the acceptance of people that are different from "normal" (just like us) need to conform to our beliefs or continue through life on the road of failure and despair. The bright spot in the story is the defiance of trying to fit in and just be yourself!
Reader (Chico, CA)
Anatomy of a Miracle
I enjoyed almost all of this book. It reads very much like non-fiction and that was interesting to me because I am mostly a non-fiction reader. The premise is a challenging one to keep in the air without crashing and the author is very successful with this juggling act. A couple of the digressions slowed it down for me toward the end. The larger issues of the book are very timely and thoughtful. All in all, a good read.
Nancy K. (Perrysburg, OH)
Interesting Characters Galore
This is not the type of book I normally read- usually I like thrillers or books by famous enough authors. So, I took my time getting started on this book by Jonathan Miles. Shame on me because it turns out to be a very interesting read, full of some of the quirkiest characters you will ever meet. I am thinking of Winston Lorinar, the doctor's father especially.
Words such as tender, sad, funny and wise could all be used to describe this book. Anatomy of a Miracle will be one of those books that will spread by word of mouth. I know I have already told a couple of my reading friends about it!
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