Another book review - no wait, two!!

Thanks to NPR, I have another author I love and would never have found without them

It's not an overwhelming story, and yet I find it sticking with me., pooping into my head at the strangest times.  In the story, a cataclysmic event is taking place on the planet while the young lead of the story still tries to get on with moving from preteen to teen to adulthood. I've gotta say, while it's been almost 30 years since I've been in her shoes, the nerves, angst that goes along with the first crush came rushing back while reading "Miracles." That's not to say this is a "coming of age" novel. Nope. Just an entertaining character study during an unbelievably terrifying disaster. Run to the library and grab this one today.

This next book I found was in the midst of searching the shelves for another NPR book, Hallucinations by Oliver Sacks. Normally I don't run for the medical-true-life books for light reading but Terry Gross' interview was so COOL, I had to read this book. For that review, however, you will need to return later since the copy was checked out.

On the same shelf was "Muses, Madmen & Prophets" by Daniel B Smith. 

I had high hopes for this one since the author's father (and paternal grandfather) suffered from hearing voices, which is what spurred the book. I really liked how thought provoking the book was, how once it was permissible to hear voices as they were considered a divine gift.  Now, the minute someone mentions hearing voices, your right index finger starts twirling near your ear. 

It was also a little disturbing (there is that negative bias I mentioned last sentence) to find several historic figures who did GREAT things (included founding a certain faith near and dear to my heart) claimed to hear voices. Unfortunately, while I appreciate the history the author laid out, as well researched and thought provoking as it is, I kinda wanted a more "Oof" at the end. My, how beautifully descriptive. Of course, it could be my "best seller brain" being biased, too.  Still, worth a read if you want to start freaking yourself and friends out ("Did you hear that voice?"). 

Enjoy your weekend, all!