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Beth C. (Sioux Falls, SD)
(07/28/09)
The Possibility of Everything: A Memoir
Taking a family vacation - two parents and a three-year-old to Belize in order to reconnect seemed like a great idea to Hope Edelman and her husband Uzi. The fact that their daughter, Maya, was exhibiting unusual behavior, including an imaginary friend that encouraged bad behavior, only added small complications to this holiday trip.
This was the start to Edelman's newest memoir - a delightful book that chronicles their trip into both Guatemala and Belize. It is also a testimony to the power of love - particularly the love of mother for daughter, but also the love of wife for husband and husband for his family.
Edelman does a wonderful job describing the people, places, foods and other particulars of the trip. More than that, she lets the reader share in her very real concerns about her daughter's mental health and her own reservations about using alternative healing techniques to alleviate the problem.
I wanted to savor every moment with Hope and her family - even when Maya was behaving incorrigibly. I think readers who like memoirs will love this book as much as I did. It is also an interesting choice for readers of travel books and for those with an interest in alternative medicine and indigenous Central American cultures.
Carole A. (Denver, CO)
(07/28/09)
Attitude does make everything possible
If you believe that all things are possible through attitude and alternative healing this is a good read. It gives hope to many who struggle with traditional methods that seem to do more harm than good. The seeking for one solution always provides a more sweeping effect and this is true in this instance.
Edelman writes in her usual concise and yet intimate way so one is not sure if it is fiction or non-fiction. Her accounting of Belize is an interesting travelogue and true to what other visitors have experienced. The book holds interest and if you haven't believed in the possibility of everything - this may be your learning curve.
Theresa W. (Apollo Beach, Fl)
(07/27/09)
The Possibility of Everything
This is a skillfully written book which I enjoyed. Women readers will identify with the author's struggle to balance her role as a wife and mother without sacrificing her individual identity. The physical and mystical journey the family experiences strengthens their bond and belief in the possibility of everything. At times, the novel references politics and historical background more than necessary which distracts from the main story.
Liz M. (Morristown, NJ)
(07/27/09)
The Possibility of Everything
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a memoir about a young mother and her concerns for her daughter, feeling lonely in her marriage and their travels to Belize that help them to resolve their issues. I think a lot of women will be able to relate to her feelings and fears.
The writing was great, it flowed nicely and was very easy to get immersed in. I could have done with less description of the Mayan culture and history. But, I think I was also anxious to finish and get the review in before I leave for vacation.
I think this is a good book club choice, there is a lot for discussion and is an overall good read.
Sharon S. (Stanley, N.C.)
(07/25/09)
The Possibility of Everything by Hope Edelman
Hope Edelman has written a compelling memoir that takes the reader on a journey to witness a life changing event that takes place in Belize.
Edelman brings you into her thoughts, ideas, fears and finally her heart to see how far a mother will go to protect and heal her precious child.
Faith is the most important attribute one possess, with faith all things are possible just ask Hope Edelman, better yet read "The Possibility of Everything" you will gain a new insight and know there is something greater and larger than all of us. Thank you Hope for reminding me what is important in life!
Keep an open mind you will not be disappointed!
This will be an exceptional read for any book club, in fact my book club is waiting with bated breath for the release of this book!
Kathleen B. (Spokane, WA)
(07/22/09)
The Possibility of Everything
In a memoir which reads like a novel, complete with satisfying character development, rising action, and climax, Hope Edelman tells about the brief period in her life when she went to Belize to seek an unorthodox healing experience for her three year old daughter. The book was engaging, easy to read, at times very humorous. It also provided a plethora of information about alternative healing, the ancient Mayan culture, and shamanic ceremony. I would recommend the book to anyone with an open mind who wants to explore "The Possibility of Everything."
Karen L. (Troy, IL)
(07/18/09)
The Possibility of Everything
The author describes in a bit too much detail (for me) the geography of the area they visited on the trip to help their daughter. Have to admit by the middle of the book I was skipping over these sections of the book. If you love travel and detail this book may be just the read for you. Found the process that was used to "heal" Maya very interesting and that is what kept the book moving for me. Overall a good read. I will be looking for other titles by the author.