I am a HEALER too

I was so amazed by this book and now relistening to this book makes me want to get back to my roots if you understand how to work with your senses/vibes and realize that some people are true HEALERS. The characters in this story are truly unforgettable. The narrator was just perfect and made me feel as if I was truly a part of this story. Overall I think this is one of the best southern old history classics that I needed to hear in order for me to understand myself and where my people come from. I have always been told by people since i was a young child that I just know things and when I start telling people whats gonna happen and it finally happens and they see it but they had already heard the story before it happens people are so amazed and they just cling to you. I would have never expected that this author is white but truth be told color doesn't matter when someone is trying to tell a compelling story. I would recommend this book during Black History month. I never realized that back in slave days OPIUM was just like the crack epidemic today. Once you read this book I think it will open doors to how to not ignore feelings with in yourself and help you re examine who you really are and what powers you hold and how to make those powers work for you. It may not be supernatural but simply a way to expand your mind.

23 people found this helpful

In the remembering this book brought me to tears

Would you consider the audio edition of The Healing to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but the narrator is AWESOME!!

What other book might you compare The Healing to and why?

Billy. It's a very different, very short book, but it had such insight into another child that had no idea what was happening that the stories have that in common, but Grenada grows to understand.

Which scene was your favorite?

I think the explanation of how missing names can affect a person and their line. Also, the author's note is very personal and so inspiring that it affected me in a personal way. It was the silence that kept people where they were. That's a powerful idea

Who was the most memorable character of The Healing and why?

Grenada. She grows a lot throughout the story and it makes me wonder about my grandmother's story. She was nearly 100 when she passed and like the author, she was born and raised in Mississippi during a time when it was wrong to be black. Furthermore, once again the author's note was personal to me because my grandmother who was a straight A student and had some college (even as a black woman in the mid 1900's) she dropped out when a teacher told her "You're the best student I've ever had, but why do you try so hard? You're black, you can't be anything but maid" *True Story* Her silence caused her to drop out and do domestic work for the remainder of her time in the South. Can't be a nurse, be a midwife.

Any additional comments?

This book was recommended to me by a friend and I figured (well, the Author has my Dad's name and my favorite Uncle's name, so it might be a sign) :-) I'm so happy I read this book! I also find it interesting that while I've listened to this book, I've found new family members, was told more stories from my family and it dawned on me that I'm only four - five generations outside of slavery....what other stories and people have I forgotten? Not only that, but as a woman, this story is resonates with me even more! Kudos to Jonathan Odell for weaving a masterful story of HUMAN nature and emotions. If more people took a moment to accept and acknowledge their own faults and why they may be wrong, we would have more stories like these.

11 people found this helpful

Good Book.

Wow! Jonathan Odell, I would have never guessed he was white after hearin this book. And if you want to know what I'm talkin about then you'll just have to read the book, to see. I truly enjoyed this book. Granada and Aunt Sylvie had me laughin out loud, but mostly it was Granada; Polly Shine gave me a few chuckles as well. Everytime I think of Daniel Webster I can't help but to giggle, yes giggle. I want everyone I know to read or listen to this book. I want people to enjoy it as much as I did, and I want to hear their opinions about it. I also liked the interview that J. Odell added to the end of the book. It was indeed a good read.

10 people found this helpful

Just beautiful

This book transports the reader back to an era that we all need to remember and keep in our hearts. only by remembering these times, can man avoid making those same hideous mistakes that he's made in the past. The idea that one race or skin color could be superior to another is product of a diseased mind and society. what an amazing story, and beautifully told. A young black slave of the South, accepting her circumstances, even embracing them, until she's awakened by events that will change her life and lives of so many others. Although a work of fiction, a true work of art.

7 people found this helpful

WONDERFUL!!!!

This was by far one of he best books I have ever readn. If you don't read it you will have missed. Gem!!!!

3 people found this helpful

The healing

This book was interesting and hard to put down but so incredibly difficult to wrap my head around how any person could enslave another human being and think it was right to do so. There was no humanity no concern no love. Just greed and hate and indifference. I’m so ashamed for that period of time back then and the racism of today. We can’t change what happened but we must move forward to unity and acceptance of all people. One race. Mankind

2 people found this helpful

I loved this book!

I loved the way the author went back and forth from past to present day to tell Granda’s story and how it came full circle with Gran, Gran realizing who the little girl was. I also enjoyed the author’s comments as well as the interview with the midwife. I was engaged the entire time and hated to see the story end. Wonderful!

1 person found this helpful

Magnificent

This was a book that allow me to walk though a unknown history. This book gave me hope made me proud and also left me with wisdom beyond my Imagination.

1 person found this helpful

Story about nidwives in slavery

Wonderful story. Great narrator. Written by a whire man who did research about midwives in antebellum south.

Make A Movie

Wow where can I start . I really enjoyed this book .So much wisdom and parables it gave me goose bumps . I would love to see a movie based on this book. I would like to read more books by this Author..
Thank YOU
LB