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There are currently 39 member reviews
for Anatomy of a Miracle
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Ellen F. (Polo, IL)
Miles is a Master at Describing the Mystery of Life
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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Maureen S. (Huntington Station, NY)
Anatomy of a Miracle
Anatomy of a Miracle by Jonathan Miles is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The story takes place in Mississippi and from there we are on a journey that has us questioning our faith, our trust in science, the power of the internet and even the meaning of life.
The novel is written in a journalistic style, full of details, which has us asking is this fact or fiction. You will have to decide. The main character, Cameron lives with his sister Tanya, who is his main caregiver. He has returned from the war in Afghanistan with a severed spine and has been told he will never walk again. For four years he has been confined to a wheelchair. On one of those hot, muggy Mississippi days Tanya wheels him down to the convenience store to pick up a few necessities. While Tanya is inside, Cameron suddenly feels overcome by a strange sensation. He isn't sure what he feels. Suddenly he stands up and begins to walk. And that is where the debate begins. What happened, how did it happen, why did it happen? As you continue reading you begin questioning your own beliefs. This, of course would make this a great book for discussion. It certainly left me thinking for a long time after I finished the book.
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Ann L. (Park City, UT)
Different and enjoyable
This book captured my attention and I couldn't wait to find out what happened. I loved the "novel as truth" format. The unbelievable premise of recovery was made quite "believable. " the characters were well developed. They were likable and came across as real.
Only downside is a personal peeve - towards the end the "political" commentary on a social issue came on too strong.
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Leigha W. (SAN FRANCISCO, CA)
Captivating
I was initially put off by, of all things, the back cover of Anatomy of a Miracle, which suggested a sensational, masculine story that I might not enjoy. Fortunately, I was hooked by Tanya in the early pages and quickly fell for this novel as it revealed its sense of humor, its gripping journalistic tone, and its giant heart. I found myself reading it like a mystery, searching for clues, while being carried along by the compelling tale of Cameron and his miracle, and the author's deep exploration into the complexities of faith.
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Deb T. (Belpre, OH)
Can't wait to see what other people think.....
For some reason, I couldn't put this book down. And I'm still trying to decipher the ending. Was he, is he, did he?
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Mary A. (Lake Nebagamon, WI)
Do we define ourselves by what we believe or what we don't believe
This is one of the most informative books I have read in the last 6 months. I could feel what Cameron goes through emotionally and spiritually after he mysteriously walks after 4 years of paralysis. I found it mind provoking between reason and faith. Would this test my faith and what do I really believe.
This happening affected so many people from neighbors, friends , the media, the medical field and the clergy. It was disturbing to me how everyone wanted a piece of the pie and the demands put on Cameron, while he was confused as to why this happened to him.
Much is learned about the making of reality shows and how the Vatican investigates miracles in these modern times.
This book left me with the feeling I knew the characters intimately. It is a very emotional and absorbing story.
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Rebecca G. (Havertown, PA)
Miracle or not?
This is a very unique book. It's written as an account of a true story yet it's a novel and upon googling Cameron Harris, the recipient of the so called miracle it's clear it's not a true story or at least not a story of Mr. Harris. It reads like a TV expose' viewed over several weeks that explores not only Cameron's miracle, his life, and frailties but also explores in depth the same frailties in every character from his sister, to his doctor to the religious figures who investigate the miracle. Religion battles medicine and throughout the novel hints at something sinister ahead. Perhaps Cameron has made the whole thing up. But the reality is much less sinister to this day and age but has dire consequences for Cameron's credibility anyway. It's a fabulous read and leaves the reader to draw their own conclusions about the true anatomy of a miracle
