What do readers think of Anatomy of a Miracle by Jonathan Miles? Write your own review.

Jonathan Miles has written a thought provoking novel completely in the style of investigative journalism. He had me questioning if this was actually a true story at one point because of his nonfiction style...he absolutely nailed it. The characters were so real to me, the social issues right off the front page, the research behind the medical , military and religious information so deep.

However, when I came to the end and read the acknowledgements, I was put off by the continuation of the style. It became too clever at that point. I was ready for some words from the author spoken from his heart in his real voice. The book is full of serious issues that beg for serious discussion and every reader is going to look up dazed at the end and wonder what if...

The last two pages made me wonder if I had misinterpreted the entire tone of the book. Serious or parody?

"Anatomy of a Miracle" is in many ways a remarkable book. It is written in a style that mimics a documentary closely enough that I actually found myself Googling Cameron Harris (interesting name, there is a real Cameron Harris who is somewhat notorious in the "fake news" world). That is, I knew it was a novel, but I found myself questioning whether it was, in the same way people in the novel question whether Cameron's healing is a miracle or a hoax.

Another thing I liked is that a lot of careful research went into the writing; for example, description of the Vatican process investigation of miracles when considering someone for sainthood is quite accurate. At first I questioned the author's decision to withhold an essential fact about Cameron until more than halfway through the novel, since the development of that aspect of his character was important to the story, and to how people's reaction to the miracle changed when Cameron's true self was revealed. However, the sensitive development of this aspect of Cameron (no spoilers here) was essential to the plot line, and gave the novel an ending that is hopeful and optimistic.

There is something for almost everyone here, and don't skip the last chapter before the epilogue; that chapter has a lot to say about the nature of imagination and storytelling, put into the mouth of a minor character who doesn't make an appearance until very close to the end of the novel (although he was mentioned in passing earlier). All in all, "Anatomy of a Miracle" is well worth the reader's time, and will leave you with much to think about on several topics.

The author has an engrossing writing style that keeps you feeling like your right in the middle of the storyline every step of the way. The reading experience is often more than the story itself and I appreciated Jonathan Miles ability to captivate my mind as well as my interest as each chapter unfolds to weave a story well told. I would recommend this to anyone looking for your next great read!

I found this a very thought provoking book. Cameron, who has been paralyzed for four years, suddenly rises from his wheel chair and walks. Is is a miracle? Many try to prove or disprove the validity of the occurrence. Others try to profit from it. Cameron seems baffled by the whole thing. Even the Vatican gets involved, trying to tie it to a man they want to make a saint. The characters are well-written and easy to follow. I did find the book a bit long. I do recommend it and would like to add this quote from the book, p. 250, "...he'd stolen reality from them." An interesting concept— exactly what is the reality here? Read the book and find out!

Actually, I rate it 4.5. The book is written in journalistic style, and although the title reads "novel", I kept thinking, "This is nonfiction." Cameron, a former soldier, who has been paralyzed for 4 months, suddenly walks. Is it a miracle or a hoax? The novel describes the repercussions revolving around his recovery. The relationships between Cameron and his sister, Cameron and Staff Sergeant Damarkus Lockwood are beautifully written. The Afghanistan section of the book tied everything together. This novel is so different from what I usually read, and I will definitely recommend it.

When I first approached Anatomy of a Miracle, knowing that the story centered around a Mississippi veteran of the Afghanistan war who returned home paralyzed and later regained the use of his legs, I feared something pseudo-"inspirational," perhaps even maudlin. What a nice surprise to find a multi-layered story with a philosophical bend to it. The characters aren't perfect, and the miracle is up for interpretation, depending on one's point of view. I enjoyed watching Cameron's story unfold and was pleased at an unexpected (at least to me) twist toward the end. I recommend this book to thoughtful, open-minded readers and encourage them to find someone with whom to discuss it. There's plenty to discuss.

I started the book by reading the acknowledgements at the end to make sure I knew it was a novel and was a bit annoyed with the way the author thanked the characters for their time and energy in helping him put this story on paper. But the premise intrigued me and I did read the entire book. I knew how it ended but that didn't matter, the way the author crafted a fiction book to be so believable was extremely well done. I found the topic of miracles interesting and the cast of characters Cameron came in contact with very well developed however I do not think this would be a book that my book group would choose to read.

This was not the typical kind of book I enjoy . Framing it as a true story made it more appealing to me. The characters were very believable. The media, the church and everyone that tried to cash in on the miracle rang very true. My heart went out to Cameron as he seemed like such a victim. Not sure I will be recommending this book to friends. Parts of it were too slow -too much information that didn't need to be included. I liked the ending and hope that Damarkus and Cameron found some peace together.