Reviews

The Healing by Jonathan Odell

ctiner7's review

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5.0

Let me start off by saying that it is near impossible to compare this book with "The Help". The stories are so completely different, and really, the only thing in common in the setting. This book quickly became a favorite, and I have already got a list of people to lend it to. The author, Jonathan Odell, wrote the story more beautiful than any one else could have. I got so wrapped up in the story that I found myself sitting right there with Polly Shine and Granada. The characters were beautifully woven together, and the story was sad, but managed to leave you with a smile. Again, beautifully written, and honestly can't wait to read this one again!

I won this book on Goodreads First Reads.

hoit's review

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5.0

I listened to the audio version of the book, narrated by Adenrele Ojo. This is one of those books which captivates the reader in the first page and holds it steadily all the way through the epilogue and author's notes. The story is filled with characters that weave into our memories and demand "remembrance", and the narrator Adenrele Ojo portrays their spirit, dilemma, anguish, struggles and joy fantastically!

sneakyawe's review

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3.0

I'm hovering between a 3 and 4 star rating on this one, mostly because I loved all the talk about actually healing people.

Otherwise, it seemed too long and the speech was a little odd (the random "They" thrown in when there was no other noticeable speech difference). I did enjoy the setting and the easy flow of things, but the riddles got a little annoying and Granada was frustrating to listen to at times.

The final scene with Granada as a child, when she helped at her first birth, was emotional and sweet and perfect, but otherwise she drove me a little bit nuts.

loliver100's review

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5.0

Vivid characters and a fascinating, well-researched story about plantation life. Fans of THE HELP may like this one. Watch the book trailer: http://youtu.be/Rr6M3SSQOqU

judithcassell's review

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slow-paced

2.0

freeformlady's review

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I highly recommend the audiobook. There is an author interview with a 91-year-old midwife who served as a bit of inspiration for the book. 

latoyabereading's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I loved this book and I’d read it again.  

gloriabandy's review

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Powerful characters.

lynnski's review

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5.0

Another book to add to my favorites!!! Not only did I enjoy the story, I loved the way it was written. It was beautifully insightful and deep; heartwarming and yet at times upsetting. I think this story will stay with me for a long time.

I hadn't paid attention to the authors name going into it so was extremely surprised to find it was written by a man and doubly surprised to see it was a white man. He did, at least, grow up in the south :)

marialouise16's review

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5.0

I loved this book -- read it nonstop. I liked it from the beginning, but it definitely gained momentum as the story progressed. By the end, I was anxious to finish and gasped with delight when it all came together. Goosebumps :) This is definitely a book I would like to read again -- the mysterious elements left me guessing on many occasions! This is a book with many layers.