The Magic Bone

Title: The Magic Bone
Author: Jennifer Derreth
Genre: True Story-Non Fiction
Source: Paperback
Rating: 5 out of 5 paws


Right before Jennifer Berreth learned that she was pregnant, she was visited by an angel. When she saw him, Jennifer was filled with the overwhelming feeling that everything was going to be OK. Her mother had seen the same angel before Jennifer's own birth. Her mother knew that it was her uncle Dick, still keeping watch over his family.  When Jennifer's son Ethan was diagnosed with cancer, Jennifer couldn't stop thinking about a visit from uncle Dick and another loved one and what they had promised. The following experiences proved to both Jennifer and Ethan the reality of angels and the lasting effects of the deepest, strongest love.

I haven't read a book that has touch me deeply as this one has.  Jennifer and Ethan's story is beautiful, heartfelt, and painfully real.  When you pick up this book, you will cry, it was hard to suppress the tears while I read their story at lunch at work.  Cancer is scary to hear for anyone, but when that person is a two year old child and you are his mom, it is devastating.  I cannot imagine the emotions Jennifer had to have felt in the years after his diagnosis, but her words express them beautifully, you find yourself praying and crying with her.  I honestly don't fully know what to say about this book other than how moving and inspirational it is.








Their story is one that needs to be told, it needs to be shared with others.  I recommend picking up this book.  It's a short tale, as Jennifer tells it beautifully and effectively.  There are honestly no words that would do this book justice other than to say it needs to be read and once you read it, you yourself will be changed.  You will find hope, and maybe a little bit more belief in guardian angels. 








This is probably my shortest review because I am left speechless. Pick it up today and read their story, share it with others.

Born Again

Title: Born Again
Author: Tom Harpur
Genre: Non-fiction, Spiritual, Memoir
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Tom Harpur is an Anglican priest, Rhodes Scholar, Professor at University of Toronto, writer and editor for Toronto Star and a published prolific author.  His previous book "The Pagan Christ" has received critical acclaim.  In this book, Harpur delves into his spiritual journey away from fundamentalism and into spiritual freedom.  He discusses his struggles and triumphs along the way to spiritual self discovery.  What Harpur brings to his audience is more than a memoir, it is something personal and gives us a glimpse into his life.





When I seen this book on Netgalley I was interested in reading someone else's spiritual quest, but also was unsure of what to expect.  I have read a few memoirs that fell short and didn't seem as interesting as the synopsis made it seem, but this book held my attention from beginning to end.  Harpur basically opens the door to his own life for readers to experience.  He doesn't bore readers with every little detail of  his life, but pinpoints the critical points along his journey.


He writes with a knowledgeable, sage voice and include very candid comments about things he observed throughout life which made reading the book all the more real.  He makes it personal and relatable which is something I love about his memoir as opposed to others.  I haven't been able to feel connected to my author the way I did while I was reading this book.  Harpur address some of the things I have been thinking in my own personal spiritual odyssey.


Throughout this memoir, there is a lot of insight and revelation that leads to his personal renewal, his personal freedom from the fundamentalism of organized religion.  This book really hit home as I admit it is something I struggle with in my own personal walk.  I found it very resourceful and know I will find myself returning back to it time and time again., and I feel each time I return to it, I will find something else that will be helpful.


I recommend this to anyone who longs for spiritual freedom, and someone who enjoys memoirs.  It is definitely one of those reads that will get you thinking about things.