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Maggie R. (Canoga Park, CA)
A Pleasant Surprise
I wasn't sure what kind of book to expect. A novel of faith? A true story of the fallout of a claimed miracle? No pigeon hole for this one! The main characters seem unpleasant but steadily gain depth and meaning. Well told back stories move the reader out of the suffocating small town setting and set up what is ultimately an affecting love story. Jonathan Miles convinces that it is all true.
Ashleigh S. (Council Bluffs, IA)
Anatomy of a Miracle
Anatomy of a Miracle by Jonathan Miles took me by surprise! An inexplicable medical event and its impact on all involved, including Cameron Harris, the main character, really demonstrated our human need for faith, understanding, and just how fickle the world can be! I could relate to each character and their experiences. Their interpretations of a "miracle" was a mixture of our different facets as people: hope, need, disbelief, and a strong desire to know our place in the world. Anatomy of a Miracle is a surprising novel, one that rattled around in my heart for days after putting it down. Cameron Harris and his
…more miracle isn't the only miracle found in this novel. I highly recommend this novel; read it and feel your heart grow ten times in size. (less)Jonathan Miles' new novel, Anatomy of a Miracle is referenced by the author as both a true story and a novel. Fiction or non-fiction? Like most novels it is a blending of both what could have happened and what did actually happen. Miles' writing is dense and none of it is to be skipped or skimmed. He packs a powerful right hook at religion, science, the medical field, and humanity sparing none of them from his gentle humor and alternatingly scathing attacks. All the characters are expertly and roundly drawn so as to make them come-along-side acquaintances of the reader. At the end of the novel one is left with
…more the question, what is a miracle? This book is a must read. Particularly compelling for me were the descriptions of life in a war zone. But then, the whole book is - metaphorically speaking - about a war zone. (less)As the title suggests, Anatomy of a Miracle centers on a modern-day miracle. The story is told from the viewpoint of the recipient of the miracle, Cameron, as well as his sister, doctor, neighbors and various people investigating the validity of the incident. While reading, I vacillated between belief and doubt. Although the miracle takes center stage, the author also examines family relationships and the way each of us defines love. That, I think, is the strength of the novel. The author's balance of humor and drama also contributes to the book's success. Whether you believe in miracles, want to believe in
…more miracles or cheer for the miracle debunkers, this book is sure to please. (less)I couldn't wait to get back to this book every time I had to put it down! The character development was so rich, the story line so unique, the way the author wrote with foreshadowing of the next events that kept you hanging on to every word.. the subject matter constantly making me question my own beliefs on so many topics.. religion in general, miracles, the hidden stories of ourselves that we carry. The relationship between siblings and the secrets they share. The hunger that lies inside of us to see a miracle... to believe that God really exists. The petty attraction to "reality tv"... wanting to watch
…more someone's life played out, but also the novelty to be watched.. just a great novel that's billed as a "true story"... and very easily for me to believe as one! Just hated to see this one end... I will carry the characters with me for a long time! Would be a great book club discussion book. (less)I was sure I would hate this book. "A paralyzed veteran"? I'm not interested in war novels. "A vatican investigation"? Please, no DaVinci Code. I haven't been this wrong since I thought I would hate The Art of Fielding.
All of the characters were fascinating. I had no idea where the story was headed, which I love, and even after cottoning on, I didn't want it to stop.
One of the characters says that riddles don't want to be solved, but you can't help yourself trying. Miles strikes the perfect balance of giving us a glorious web of stories without spelling out what we should make of them. I really hope this gets
…more made into a TV series! I'm still missing The Leftovers. (less)Well written, eventful book that one can't possibly put down! I so admired Tanya for all she did for her brother Cameron. She took on a lot of responsibility through all the tragedies they endured. I truly believe miracles do come from God, for He loves all of His children, those who believe and those who do not. His loving hand is open for all who wish to touch Him, no matter what your differences. Be proud of who you are and what you have done. I think I can understand where Dr. Lorimar- Cuevas comes from, science and religion don't always mix well. Doctors think they can cure all, heal all, know all, but
…more sometimes Doctors don't always have all the answers when such miracles do occur. So, I was quite shocked when Dr Lorimar-Cuevas came up with her own theory for Cameron's being able to suddenly walk. This book has many twists and turns, I highly recommend anyone to read it to get all the details. (less)Initially I was reluctant to begin reading this book since none of what I thought it might be about appealed to me. It was the only book I took on vacation thinking I will be forced to read it. Was I ever wrong! Excusing myself early each evening and lingering in our room in the morning to read, I quickly became engrossed in the story. Jonathan Miles does an excellent job of unweaving the story so that the reader cares about the characters and wants to know more about them. Was it a miracle? The reader is left to decide that. Miles is a master at describing the mystery of life.
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