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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-MiraclesHalf-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

Are you an Anne Tyler fan? Do you have a favorite book from her? Happy Reading! Jennifer THR