I fell in love with Anne Tyler’s writing when I read The Accidental Tourist in high school. I remember the experience of reading it- where I was and how I felt. I am super excited for her new book, Clock Dance, to be released in July. In celebration, I devoured this substantial story in a short 24 pages.
My thoughts:
Half-Truths and Semi-Miracles by Anne Tyler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars to Half-Truths and Semi-Miracles, a short story by Anne Tyler! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Huge Anne Tyler fan checking in. We like to claim her as a North Carolina author because she grew up in Raleigh. I read everything she writes, though she is another author where I hoard some books unread because that’s how I roll. Delayed gratification.
I did not delay reading this short story because I received an advanced review copy, and it was my pleasure to read about Susanna.
Susanna is a healer…but only sometimes. Her gift works occasionally, but not when she wants it to work most of all. In that way, the gift becomes mysterious and even a painful burden.
Anne Tyler’s touch is present throughout this short story. If you are a fan, this is a must-read. If you aren’t a fan, I think you’ll become one.
Thank you to Anne Tyler, Knopf/Doubleday, and Netgalley for the ARC. Half-Truths and Semi-Miracles will be available on May 29, 2018.
View all my reviews
Synopsis:
“The first thing I tell people is, I’m just an ordinary woman. I’m just like you.”
Susanna has an incredible gift: she can heal ailments with just the touch of her hand. People travel from far and wide based on their faith in her abilities. But Susanna’s power only works in certain cases—it’s a semi-miracle. And as she grows into a woman, and tries to build a life of her own, her calling to fix and cure becomes more of a burden than she could ever have imagined. Why is she able to take people’s pain away sometimes, and not others, not when she needs to most of all? With the balm of time, and the wisdom of experience, Susanna must learn to live with the mysterious nature of her miracle. Available to readers for the first time since its initial publication, this is a wry and moving story by an American master.
“Not merely good . . . she is wickedly good.” —John Updike
Ugghhh you are killing me! Another author I haven’t read yet! Where do I start??😀💖
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😂 Did you see the movie The Accidental Tourist? That book is great and also Breathing Lessons. 😍
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Ok no pressure right?💖😀
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Definitely no pressure! ♥️
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Cool! Uh, I already started Breathing Lessons! My library has them all digitally!😀💖
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Yay! I can’t wait to hear what you think, Susan! 💗
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😀😀 I also got The Accidental Tourist and A Spool of Blue Thread!😀😀
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I really hope you love them!
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Jennifer this looks lovely and wonderful review as always!😍
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Thank you, Berit! 💗
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Beautiful review – thank you. I haven’t read her yet but you’ve given me reason to try. Cheers. Brian
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Thank you, Brian! I look forward to your thoughts if you end up reading one.
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Awesome review! Sounds like another when I need to look at! Great post 💜⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💜
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Thanks, Dee! I hope you enjoy it if you are able to read it! 💗
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Delayed gratification….hahah that is how I roll too 🙂 Great review and thanks for introducing me to another author.
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I love it, Diana! We know there are so many great books out there, we can delay the ones we know we’ll love most! 💕 Thank you, and I hope you enjoy this author if you are able to read something from her.
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Hi Jennifer! Great post 👍🏻 I’ve only read A Spool Of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler but own about five more of her books on my Kindle which I haven’t got round to yet. Oops! Which one would you recommend I head to next?
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Thanks, Beth! I do the same with books – plenty from the same author hoarded on my Kindle! I would recommend The Accidental Tourist or Breathing Lessons if you have either of those. Another really popular one that I have not yet read is Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. I hope you enjoy and look forward to your thoughts, Beth! Thanks for commenting!
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It’s been a long time since I’ve read Anne Tyler. This sounds great! She’s so talented –must add this to my reading list!
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Lisa, she really is talented! I’m so excited for Clock Dance- come on July! I hope you enjoy this one!
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Hi, Jennifer! I can totally relate to what you wrote about “delayed gratification.” I do the same thing when I get my hands on a new Anne Tyler book. You mentioned you can remember the exact moment you first read AT. I’d love to read about your experience. “How I discovered Anne Tyler” stories really interest me.
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Thanks, Pauline! I am so happy you feel the same way! I had heard of The Accidental Tourist, but I hadn’t seen it- still haven’t – need to! I saw the book on the shelf in the B. Dalton bookstore in the mall and knew I had to buy it. Having a brand new book was such a special experience then (high school). I remember sitting in my teenage room with posters on the wall reading that book and falling in love with the characters. Not much happens- quiet writing, wonderful characters, and I was smitten!
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Yes, that’s how I feel when I read her books, too! Sometimes I compare it to enjoying a comfortable silence with a loved one. Thanks for sharing your AT story, Jennifer! I really appreciate it!
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