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97th out of 675 books
—
2,008 voters
Small As A Mustard Seed
by
Shelli Johnson (Goodreads Author)
As a child in 1960′s rural Ohio, Ann Marie Adler finds herself caught between her father, Frank, a veteran who survived the war in Korea but with devastating post-traumatic stress, and her mother, Adele, who is blindsided by the mental illness that accompanied him home. In a series of escalating dangerous episodes, Frank confuses reality with soul-searing memories, believi...more
Kindle Edition
Published
(first published December 31st 2003)
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BEC'S REVIEW
This book deals with the issue of growing up in a family where mental illness is prevalent. Beginning in the 60s around the time of the Vietnam war it chronicles the story of Ann Marie, growing up with a father who would not only not recognise his daughters at time, but would mistake them for the enemy he once fought in Korea, or for fellow soldiers who needed punishing. While Ann Marie escapes much of the brunt of this, her sister Jolene is often forced to suffer as a result of thei...more
This book deals with the issue of growing up in a family where mental illness is prevalent. Beginning in the 60s around the time of the Vietnam war it chronicles the story of Ann Marie, growing up with a father who would not only not recognise his daughters at time, but would mistake them for the enemy he once fought in Korea, or for fellow soldiers who needed punishing. While Ann Marie escapes much of the brunt of this, her sister Jolene is often forced to suffer as a result of thei...more
Small as a Mustard Seed was like stepping into someone's life. The characters are gut-wrenchingly honest and so well written, you feel their pain, their struggle and their relief as they grow. As you watch the story unfold through the eyes of the older sister, you wonder what the others in the family are experiencing at first. However, as the story goes on, you realize that one perspective is enough because she is so observant and raw about what she sees and hears in her world.
While the book is...more
While the book is...more
I first heard of Small as a Mustard Seed on Twitter while trying to expand my social networking presence. I saw a tweet by the author, Shelli Johnson, and decided to click on the link which took me to a sample of the book. Her opening lines got right into the story. Much more importantly, though, she hooked *me* into the story. I wasn't just reading connected words that would reveal what happened next if I kept going - I was experiencing what was happening in the scene on multiple sensory levels...more
"Do you think faith will save us? I don't know."
Jolene Adler to her sister Ann Marie
Set in rural Ohio of the 1960's and 1970's, Shelli Johnson's Small As A Mustard Seed is a gripping story about forgiveness, pain, fear, war, and tragic loss. Johnson introduces us to the Adler family: Frank who survives, and just survives the Korean conflict but is brutally afflicted with mental issue and a serious battlefield wound, Adele the wife and mom whose main choice causes the family she wants to keep tog...more
Jolene Adler to her sister Ann Marie
Set in rural Ohio of the 1960's and 1970's, Shelli Johnson's Small As A Mustard Seed is a gripping story about forgiveness, pain, fear, war, and tragic loss. Johnson introduces us to the Adler family: Frank who survives, and just survives the Korean conflict but is brutally afflicted with mental issue and a serious battlefield wound, Adele the wife and mom whose main choice causes the family she wants to keep tog...more
Shelly Johnson has created a masterpiece in Small As A Mustard Seed. From page one, I was pulled into this grippingly emoional story of the Adler family. Johnson is a word artist, crafting beautifully written scenes that come to life through vivid description and masterful character development.
This is a story of complex relationships and fractured lives. Johnson makes you feel every ounce of the, anger, confusion, fear and desperation sisters Anne Marie and Jolene experience toward their paren...more
This is a story of complex relationships and fractured lives. Johnson makes you feel every ounce of the, anger, confusion, fear and desperation sisters Anne Marie and Jolene experience toward their paren...more
This is a poignant story about finding compassion and understanding in an existence that, at first glance, appears to be devoid of both. The two girls in the book, Ann Marie and Jolene—in fact, the entire Adler family—are painted in such tangible, vivid colours, I connected with them instantly. Even when I wasn’t reading the book, I found the characters frequently tangled in my thoughts—wondering what they should do; saddened by their plights, and thinking about their futures. Even the story’s a...more
Dec 14, 2011
Tom
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
All adult readers looking for a real story
Recommended to Tom by:
Shelli Johnson
Shelves:
top-shelf
This is a story that will run you through an emotional marathon at a sprinters pace. Rarely do you find a novel or a writer than can reach inside the reader to evoke such strong feelings but Shelli Johnson’s ‘Small as a Mustard Seed’ is that one in a million story.
The story’s central quandary is the question we must all answer at points in our lives; can we find the capacity to genuinely forgive and let go of resentment. The challenge in this story is that after Jolie and Ann Marie suffer so mu...more
I didn't read the summary before I started this book, so I wasn't sure what I was getting into. This book turned out to be incredible. Its not something that I wouldn't usually read, but from the minute I started I just couldn't put it down. The first chapter just captured me completely. It is emotionally gripping with characters so real. Ann Marie was the character I connected with most. Always holding emotions inside. She had to carry so much grief, and eventually had to learn to let it go. Go...more
Charting a journey through adolescence in Stanhope, Ohio, from 1965 to 1973 and beyond, this is a moving tale about the brutality and disintegration of the human condition and having the courage and faith to survive it.
Anne-Marie and her sister, Jolene, are constantly terrified of their father, Frank, a war veteran with schizophrenia who suffers from flashbacks and paranoia induced by his time serving in Korea. The two girls escape into their imagination as they deal with parental abuse when mis...more
Anne-Marie and her sister, Jolene, are constantly terrified of their father, Frank, a war veteran with schizophrenia who suffers from flashbacks and paranoia induced by his time serving in Korea. The two girls escape into their imagination as they deal with parental abuse when mis...more
See my review on Amazon.com
I think I need to start this review by highlighting that there is nothing I can possibly say that will even come close to doing this justice. Only by experiencing this novel first hand can one even begin to understand.
In essence, Small as a Mustard Seed is a 1st person narrative about a small girl growing up in a complicated middle American household in the 60s and 70s. The story is told through the eyes of young Ann-Marie Adler, older sister of artistically talented Jolene and daughter of Frank...more
In essence, Small as a Mustard Seed is a 1st person narrative about a small girl growing up in a complicated middle American household in the 60s and 70s. The story is told through the eyes of young Ann-Marie Adler, older sister of artistically talented Jolene and daughter of Frank...more
Shelli Johnson's wonderful novel, "Small As A Mustard Seed", is one of those stories that will stay with readers for a long-time. The story of a family torn apart by a father's post-traumatic illness after his return from a foreign war is both heartbreaking and tragic. Johnson delves into the deep complexities of the relationships between a father and his daughters, between a mother and her daughters, and between the two sisters, Anne Marie and Jolene, and forces readers to confront an all-telli...more
I’m a Vietnam War veteran. That is what attracted me to Shelli Johnson’s book initially. Having subscribed to Shelli’s blog, I was already familiar with her writing and enjoyed the information she provided.
Small as a Mustard Seed focuses on the effects of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by a Korean War veteran. This is an unfortunate side effect of war. The book takes you on a journey as seen through the eyes of Ann Marie Adler, a daughter of Frank whose life has been shattered by PTSD. Th...more
Small as a Mustard Seed focuses on the effects of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by a Korean War veteran. This is an unfortunate side effect of war. The book takes you on a journey as seen through the eyes of Ann Marie Adler, a daughter of Frank whose life has been shattered by PTSD. Th...more
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I loved this story. Although very raw and emotional the story leaves one breathless. The story is tragic from beginning to end with very few bright spots. The pains of this family bring to light the hardness of life, destruction of war and the impact on every member of a family. I can't begin to enlighten people of the thoughts left behind by this story, but it is well worth the read.
I sailed through this book, and my only complaint at the end was that I wanted a subplot. The story was beautifully told and held my interest throughout, but it needed a side story to give me a chance to breathe. Some parts were very tense - which I do love! I have recommended this book to my friends and will continue to.
A gripping story told through the eyes of a child. The tension is palpable and builds to breaking point, keeping the reader hooked to the last page. Shilli is an accomplished writer from whom we can expect many more cracking reads.
Small as a Mustard Seed by Shelli Johnson is a tapestry of words and emotions. This flowing and descriptive story will take you on a journey into the depths of a family broken by painful memories and secrets. In characters richly designed with weaknesses which propel the narrative to an amazing level of realism, Shelli Johnson has made the connection between reader and story. Filled with heartache, anger, and desperation, Ms. Johnson manages to deliver her message without leaving the reader in a...more
Well, I'm the author so I'm a bit biased, sure. But I'd still think it was a good book even if I didn't write it. :)
A powerful and beautifully personal book. It touched me deeply. A story of people and their struggles and hopes. Simply beautiful.
This is a beautiful, well written and emotional novel dealing with family relationships and coping with mental illness. The story is about the Adler Family, told through eldest daughter Ann Marie. Through her eyes, we learn about her father who has never been the same since the war, her mother who refuses to acknowledge the abuse her daughters endure, and her sister Jolene who wrestles with her own demons. A very poignant and well told story. I look forward to reading more of Author Shelli Johns...more
Jul 09, 2010
Suellen
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Suellen by:
Book Club
The author came and spoke.
Excellent, excellent, excellent!
A powerful book regarding deep, deep pain and the process/ability for forgiveness. Characters developed so believably one finds oneself wearing their clothes and feeling their pain/trauma/quandary. Life isn't fair, and the ramifications of an unfair life leaves scars too thick to ever fully disappear, yet, with time and permission, can fade enough to allow movement forward to forgiveness. A book worth sharing and gifting.
Shelli Johnson has done a really good job of bringing the painful emotions of her characters into sharp focus. Her skill as a writer is top-notch. I wasn't sure if the reactions of the girls to their situation was age-appropriate in the chapters where they were younger, they seemed a little too self-aware for kids, but the emotional intensity of the story was absolutely there!
I wasn't expecting this to be such a depressing book. I kept hoping something good would happen, but given the subject matter, which was very vividly and realistically portrayed, there is no other way it could have been written. It tugged deeply at my soul.
Wow... heavy stuff, but a fascinating & moving read.
May 16, 2013
Vicka Liu
marked it as to-read
May 13, 2013
Griscelda79
marked it as to-read
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After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Kent State University, Shelli Johnson went to work at a major metropolitan newspaper for several years, the majority of which was spent in the sports department. While there, she won a Hearst National Journalism Award and two departmental Associated Press awards for her reporting. She earned a Master of Fine Arts in Fiction Writing at Columbia...more
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23 de Ene 09:01