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There are currently 39 member reviews
for Anatomy of a Miracle
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Catharine L. (Petoskey, MI)
Anatomy of a Miracle
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.
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Gail K. (Saratoga Springs, NY)
A nice surprise
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.
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Lisa G. (Wheeling, IL)
Anatomy of a Miracle
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.
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Daryl B. (Poolesville, MD)
Fiction or Not?
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.
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Wilhelmina H. (New Port Richey, FL)
What to Believe?
The concept was interesting and the author successfully kept all of the pieces together throughout the story. The characters are well-developed. However, I really wasn't captivated by the story and it was a 'slow read' for me.
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Janet P. (Spokane, WA)
Anatomy of a Miracle
It took me quite a while to figure out whether or not this was a novel (the title includes an asterisk which leaves the reader wondering and "A Note on Methodology" which must have been tongue in cheek but made me question further) or non-fiction. Because of its style, I assumed it was non-fiction and therefore excused some of the early extended introduction of character's families that I still think were a bit unnecessary. The book dragged this way at times but the story was good. It's about a paralyzed Afghanistan veteran who after being in a wheel chair for years stands up and walks. The story begins with Cameron's first walk and is followed by very realistic responses from doctors, pastors, priests, reporters, family all with questions and ideas as to how this all took place. We dig into Cameron's life and little by little learn disturbing stories of what he has survived that placed him in the situation he faced prior to the accident in Afghanistan. I'm glad I read the book but I wouldn't describe it as the best I have reviewed through First Impressions.
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Patti P. (Phoenix, AZ)
Interesting concept
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The author kept my interest, albeit a bit too wordy at times. This book reintroduces interesting concepts of Medical Healing vs a God-Given Miracle, and leaves the reader able to argue for and against both. The only thing that kept me from rating it higher is the sparseness of dialogue. I personally prefer more dialogue to create a story.
