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Song of the Shaman
What if your ten-year-old child knew more about your past than anyone in the world - even you?
Orphaned when her mother died in childbirth, Sheri Lambert is a lonely New York ad woman who decides to become a single mother. From the start, her son Zig displays strange behavior: He recalls people and places he couldn't possibly know and leads Sheri to a startling discovery of a hidden ancestry she never knew existed.
From the urban grind of present day Brooklyn to the shamans and rituals in the rain forests of 19th century Panama and Costa Rica, two interwoven collide. Sheri learns she must find the courage to trust Zig and his mystical guidance to uncover the secrets of her past...or remain lost from herself and the truth about her origins.
Orphaned when her mother died in childbirth, Sheri Lambert is a lonely New York ad woman who decides to become a single mother. From the start, her son Zig displays strange behavior: He recalls people and places he couldn't possibly know and leads Sheri to a startling discovery of a hidden ancestry she never knew existed.
From the urban grind of present day Brooklyn to the shamans and rituals in the rain forests of 19th century Panama and Costa Rica, two interwoven collide. Sheri learns she must find the courage to trust Zig and his mystical guidance to uncover the secrets of her past...or remain lost from herself and the truth about her origins.
- GenresFiction
258 pages, Paperback
First published August 14, 2013
About the author
Annette Vendryes Leach
1 book5 followersAnnette Vendryes Leach is a Brooklyn author, publisher and entrepreneur who started her career as a copywriter for a Madison Avenue ad agency. For years she wrote magazine, radio and TV ads for everything from soda to the CIA. After winning industry awards and moving on to Creative Director, Annette decided it was time to follow her real passion – Creative Writing.
She founded the Black Literary Club (BLC), the foremost direct mail book club devoted to African-American, African and Caribbean literature. BLC's success garnered attention in major media and trade publications. Annette became a consultant for a leading publishing company to help develop a new niche book club.
Her membership in several writers' workshops in Brooklyn and Manhattan led Annette to publish a short story, “Tima And The Quetzalcoatl”, in Voices of Brooklyn: Writings from the Women of Color Writers' Workshop. Song Of The Shaman (MindPress Media, 2013) is her first novel. Annette is a graduate of The New School where she majored in Creative Writing and Comparative Religion. She is currently working on a second novel. Annette lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and two sons. For more information, please visit www.annetteleach.com.
She founded the Black Literary Club (BLC), the foremost direct mail book club devoted to African-American, African and Caribbean literature. BLC's success garnered attention in major media and trade publications. Annette became a consultant for a leading publishing company to help develop a new niche book club.
Her membership in several writers' workshops in Brooklyn and Manhattan led Annette to publish a short story, “Tima And The Quetzalcoatl”, in Voices of Brooklyn: Writings from the Women of Color Writers' Workshop. Song Of The Shaman (MindPress Media, 2013) is her first novel. Annette is a graduate of The New School where she majored in Creative Writing and Comparative Religion. She is currently working on a second novel. Annette lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and two sons. For more information, please visit www.annetteleach.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 28, 2013
From my book review blog at:
http://kickinbooks.wordpress.com/2013...
Via NetGalley, MindPress Media was kind enough to provide me with a copy of this book for the purpose of reading and reviewing it. While it was provided to me at no cost, I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
Sheri Lambert is a New York ad executive who was adopted as an infant following the death of her mother during childbirth. Being a strong single woman who just hasn’t found the right man yet, Sheri decides to become a single mother. Her son Zig soon becomes the center of her world, as you would expect.
But as Zig grows, more and more bizarre things happen. He seems to have an innate knowledge of Indian traditions of all sorts, his fascination coming through at home and at school, often at the most inopportune times. Even though Zig is an outstanding student, he is perceived by his private school administrators as being disruptive and likely ADHD.
Zig regularly demonstrates his knowledge of Indian culture, including music, art and even the language, speaking Spanish and a a native tongue fluently at age ten, even though he has been immersed in neither language. A mishap with a fellow student further focuses the attention on Zig and pressure on Sheri to set him right increases.
This story flips back and forth between modern New York, primarily 2006, and Panama and Costa Rica of 1899. The nineteenth century story tells of Benjamin grandson of an awa, a native shaman, who falls in love with Louise while caring for her ailing sister Maud. The relationship develops and continues in secret, finally coming to light and causing the friction one would expect with a mixed race relationship at that time.
As the story develops, we learn more about Sheri, who she is, and where she came from. We also learn how the two stories eventually meet up at the end of the novel.
Ultimately, this is a past-lives story full of romantic love as well as unconditional love, namely that of a mother for her son. While the reader is privy to most of the details of the story and can see where it’s going, leading to some predictability, it’s not all tied up in a semi-neat bow until the very end, which is very nice. There are a couple questions left unanswered, but they aren’t gaping holes by any means.
I really enjoyed this story, as it was well-paced and well-written. I certainly hope this novel brings success for Leach and she produces other books in the future. I would definitely like to check them out.
Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)
http://kickinbooks.wordpress.com/2013...
Via NetGalley, MindPress Media was kind enough to provide me with a copy of this book for the purpose of reading and reviewing it. While it was provided to me at no cost, I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
Sheri Lambert is a New York ad executive who was adopted as an infant following the death of her mother during childbirth. Being a strong single woman who just hasn’t found the right man yet, Sheri decides to become a single mother. Her son Zig soon becomes the center of her world, as you would expect.
But as Zig grows, more and more bizarre things happen. He seems to have an innate knowledge of Indian traditions of all sorts, his fascination coming through at home and at school, often at the most inopportune times. Even though Zig is an outstanding student, he is perceived by his private school administrators as being disruptive and likely ADHD.
Zig regularly demonstrates his knowledge of Indian culture, including music, art and even the language, speaking Spanish and a a native tongue fluently at age ten, even though he has been immersed in neither language. A mishap with a fellow student further focuses the attention on Zig and pressure on Sheri to set him right increases.
This story flips back and forth between modern New York, primarily 2006, and Panama and Costa Rica of 1899. The nineteenth century story tells of Benjamin grandson of an awa, a native shaman, who falls in love with Louise while caring for her ailing sister Maud. The relationship develops and continues in secret, finally coming to light and causing the friction one would expect with a mixed race relationship at that time.
As the story develops, we learn more about Sheri, who she is, and where she came from. We also learn how the two stories eventually meet up at the end of the novel.
Ultimately, this is a past-lives story full of romantic love as well as unconditional love, namely that of a mother for her son. While the reader is privy to most of the details of the story and can see where it’s going, leading to some predictability, it’s not all tied up in a semi-neat bow until the very end, which is very nice. There are a couple questions left unanswered, but they aren’t gaping holes by any means.
I really enjoyed this story, as it was well-paced and well-written. I certainly hope this novel brings success for Leach and she produces other books in the future. I would definitely like to check them out.
Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)
September 6, 2013
Sheri Lambert, orphaned when her mother died in childbirth, is adopted and taken from her native Costa Rica to New York, where she becomes a successful advertising agency executive and a single mother, with a son who not only appears to know more about his mother than she does herself, but also constantly surprises her with knowledge that the average 10-year-old could not possibly have.
Meanwhile, at the turn of the 20th century, a father in Panama travels with his family to neighbouring Costa Rica to seek the help of a shaman in the hope that he can succeed where doctors have failed, to cure his youngest daughter.
These two threads alternate throughout this book, finally coming together at then end, culminating in Sheri's own spiritual awakening.
Sheri and her son are well-drawn characters, and the description of the trials of motherhood, work and redundancy in modern-day Brooklyn is well-written and highly readable. I found myself empathising with her, rooting for her when she was faced with pressure from the school to medicate her son, and sympathising when she lost her job. The historical sections, however, feel less well-written. I felt the story was full of cliche, and I did not feel engaged significantly with the characters. While author Leach may know about shamanism, I felt there was a lack of significant research into life in turn-of-the-century South America, resulting in a lightweight half to the book.
I also felt a little disappointed by the ending. After a strong build-up to Sheri's story, the conclusion felt a little rushed and sudden. I think I would have liked to know a little bit more about Sheri's learning and experience when she travels to Costa Rica. I actually felt like I was missing the last few chapters of the book, and so ultimately felt a little disappointed.
Meanwhile, at the turn of the 20th century, a father in Panama travels with his family to neighbouring Costa Rica to seek the help of a shaman in the hope that he can succeed where doctors have failed, to cure his youngest daughter.
These two threads alternate throughout this book, finally coming together at then end, culminating in Sheri's own spiritual awakening.
Sheri and her son are well-drawn characters, and the description of the trials of motherhood, work and redundancy in modern-day Brooklyn is well-written and highly readable. I found myself empathising with her, rooting for her when she was faced with pressure from the school to medicate her son, and sympathising when she lost her job. The historical sections, however, feel less well-written. I felt the story was full of cliche, and I did not feel engaged significantly with the characters. While author Leach may know about shamanism, I felt there was a lack of significant research into life in turn-of-the-century South America, resulting in a lightweight half to the book.
I also felt a little disappointed by the ending. After a strong build-up to Sheri's story, the conclusion felt a little rushed and sudden. I think I would have liked to know a little bit more about Sheri's learning and experience when she travels to Costa Rica. I actually felt like I was missing the last few chapters of the book, and so ultimately felt a little disappointed.
October 11, 2013
This was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review
Great story! Although I must admit I wasn't sure in the begining!
Two stories that intertwine a century apart and come together in the end!
This is a story about a mother and sons love. Thier adventures and secrets. A story where the son helps the mother find out who she really is!
Zig seems to know more about Sheri's past than she does and tries to help her reclaim her past.
Exciting from begining till end!I had so many questions and as they begain to be answered more kept poping up!I could not put it down!
A story that tugs at your heart with a mother trying to raise her son who was different than other children, all alone, and to not be raised as she was, all alone.
Love, intrigue, excitement and a ending(or maybe a beginning)that I didn't see coming!
Great story! Although I must admit I wasn't sure in the begining!
Two stories that intertwine a century apart and come together in the end!
This is a story about a mother and sons love. Thier adventures and secrets. A story where the son helps the mother find out who she really is!
Zig seems to know more about Sheri's past than she does and tries to help her reclaim her past.
Exciting from begining till end!I had so many questions and as they begain to be answered more kept poping up!I could not put it down!
A story that tugs at your heart with a mother trying to raise her son who was different than other children, all alone, and to not be raised as she was, all alone.
Love, intrigue, excitement and a ending(or maybe a beginning)that I didn't see coming!
February 9, 2014
The Song of the Shaman by Annette Vend Ryes Leah
October 2013
This book drew me in immediately and I could hardly stop reading. There are many stories within the pages but it was the opening where I wanted to know more about the characters and their lives. Zing and his mother are living in New York in modern times and yet the characters in 19th century Panama and Costa Rica are interwoven. This is a story of spirit and mysticism. When a mother finds the courage to trust her son to uncover the secrets of their past. A beautiful and compelling novel full of atmosphere. I give this book 4 stars.
October 2013
This book drew me in immediately and I could hardly stop reading. There are many stories within the pages but it was the opening where I wanted to know more about the characters and their lives. Zing and his mother are living in New York in modern times and yet the characters in 19th century Panama and Costa Rica are interwoven. This is a story of spirit and mysticism. When a mother finds the courage to trust her son to uncover the secrets of their past. A beautiful and compelling novel full of atmosphere. I give this book 4 stars.
August 4, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut book. Ms. Leach is a gifted storyteller who weaves an interesting tale. Sheri's struggle to accept something beyond her understanding and the search for her own identity captivates the reader from start to finish. As an avid reader, I am always looking for something different, something I've not seen before. This novel was it. A very enjoyable read!
October 29, 2018
Almost 5 stars...
I would have given this book 5 stars, it is so good! But. The way the author ended the book just absolutely pissed me off. I definitely recommend this, it's a wonderful read! But that ending, free lol.
I would have given this book 5 stars, it is so good! But. The way the author ended the book just absolutely pissed me off. I definitely recommend this, it's a wonderful read! But that ending, free lol.
October 26, 2013
*May contain spoilers*
First of all, I'd like to start out by simply saying, I love this book; it is superb.
Now, for a small bit of background information. There are three other members of my family who have goodreads accounts aside from myself. So! When one of us wins a book from the First Reads Giveaways, we usually pass the book around amongst ourselves until each of us has read it. Well! My grandmother won this book, but she is getting older and is having trouble seeing well enough to read as much as she'd like.
Since I knew I'd be reading this book anyway, I decided to spend some time with her and simply read it aloud to her so we could read it together. That being said, I had the most difficult time actually putting this book down when it came time to do other things, like drive home, or do laundry, or well... EAT! Ha. There were certain times that I simply COULD NOT put it down. I had to take it home and read it, and then return to my grandmother's and re-read it to her later.
It was beautifully written. It seamlessly blends two separate stories. One of the stories focuses on Louise, the daughter of a wealthy, but distant, widower and the sister of a sickly, younger sister, who lived in 1899 Panama. The other story concerns a mother and her young son living in post 9/11 New York. Zig, the ten year old son, is different, special. He is fascinated with what he insists was his past life as an Indian shaman. At first his mother believes he is simply 'playing pretend' as children do. However, as time goes by and Zig gets in more and more trouble and as more and more strange occurrences happen, his mother, Sheri, wonders if there is more to his stories.
In 1899, Louise and her family travel to a rural village to visit a shaman in hopes of healing her sickly sister. When the shaman's -- or awa, as he is called -- handsome grandson returns home with the family, however, passions begin to stir inside Louise.
The story is fantastic; the writing style is beautiful. I highly recommend this book to... well, to anyone, honestly. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end.
First of all, I'd like to start out by simply saying, I love this book; it is superb.
Now, for a small bit of background information. There are three other members of my family who have goodreads accounts aside from myself. So! When one of us wins a book from the First Reads Giveaways, we usually pass the book around amongst ourselves until each of us has read it. Well! My grandmother won this book, but she is getting older and is having trouble seeing well enough to read as much as she'd like.
Since I knew I'd be reading this book anyway, I decided to spend some time with her and simply read it aloud to her so we could read it together. That being said, I had the most difficult time actually putting this book down when it came time to do other things, like drive home, or do laundry, or well... EAT! Ha. There were certain times that I simply COULD NOT put it down. I had to take it home and read it, and then return to my grandmother's and re-read it to her later.
It was beautifully written. It seamlessly blends two separate stories. One of the stories focuses on Louise, the daughter of a wealthy, but distant, widower and the sister of a sickly, younger sister, who lived in 1899 Panama. The other story concerns a mother and her young son living in post 9/11 New York. Zig, the ten year old son, is different, special. He is fascinated with what he insists was his past life as an Indian shaman. At first his mother believes he is simply 'playing pretend' as children do. However, as time goes by and Zig gets in more and more trouble and as more and more strange occurrences happen, his mother, Sheri, wonders if there is more to his stories.
In 1899, Louise and her family travel to a rural village to visit a shaman in hopes of healing her sickly sister. When the shaman's -- or awa, as he is called -- handsome grandson returns home with the family, however, passions begin to stir inside Louise.
The story is fantastic; the writing style is beautiful. I highly recommend this book to... well, to anyone, honestly. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end.
October 1, 2014
Sheri Lambert, a no-nonsense, hustle and bustle, career-driven New Yorker with a hidden past and big goals for the future finds herself lonely in the present. When she gets pregnant, she decides to keep the baby and raise him on her own. When her son Zig is born, there's an instant connection, and they become each other's everything. But there's something odd about Zig. He seems wise beyond his years, privy to knowledge no one else possesses, and knows a thing or two about Sheri's past that no one else could tell her. What Zig is saying doesn't necessarily feel wrong, but Sheri knows he's not supposed to say or know or do the things he does. Under pressure from his school, Sheri tries to tame and medicate her unique son. Will Sheri continue to suppress Zig's inexplicable talents, or will she open her mind, heart, and soul to his teachings and follow them into her past?
This was a very interesting read. Based on the summary, I wasn't sure that I would like it, but as soon as I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It's not the best story I've every read (I would give it 3.5 out of 5) but what impressed me most was Leach's ability to make extremely unique characters completely relatable. I also liked the creativity of telling Sheri's origin story right along side the main story; she learns about herself as we learn about her as well. I enjoyed the prose, though it turned rambling in some sections, but that was more than made up for by the suspense and the history and the sweet relationships in this book.
Recommended to readers who would enjoy a story about a mother and son, with a hint of the supernatural and a leap of faith.
This was a very interesting read. Based on the summary, I wasn't sure that I would like it, but as soon as I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It's not the best story I've every read (I would give it 3.5 out of 5) but what impressed me most was Leach's ability to make extremely unique characters completely relatable. I also liked the creativity of telling Sheri's origin story right along side the main story; she learns about herself as we learn about her as well. I enjoyed the prose, though it turned rambling in some sections, but that was more than made up for by the suspense and the history and the sweet relationships in this book.
Recommended to readers who would enjoy a story about a mother and son, with a hint of the supernatural and a leap of faith.
August 8, 2013
I received a temporary electronic copy of this book through Netgalley. Song of the Shaman, by Annette Leach, is a worthy first novel. Single parent Sheri is always surprised by her son Zig, whose memory appears to go back to before he was born. Caught up in making a living, Sheri is able not to think about Zig's little quirks too much until he gets older and his strangeness, combined with adolescent surliness, gets him in major trouble at school. When Sheri loses her job and is around Zig much more, she can no longer suppress the strange memories that fill her mind when Zig confronts her surface reality. And then...you have to read the book! The present-day story is told alternating with a historical story. I'd like to have seen a tighter edit--there's some awkward phrasing, I would have cut some scenes in length, and you are right if you cynically sense a big New Age/Past Life cliche--but the author's passion and imagery transcend this. The parts that are indeed the shaman's song are well-told and true. Recommended if you have an interest in shamanism or past lives.
August 20, 2013
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any form of compensation.
This was the first book that this author has had published. She has also had a short story published.
The timeline in this book goes back and forth between present day and the past. I loved being able to compare and contrast the modern world of today with the shamanic world of the past.
As my family's resident genealogist, I do have to say that you can learn alot about yourself and your parents by learning more about your ancestors. And it is through finding out about her ancestors that Sheri is truly able to discover herself.
I love how she found out about her ancestry though. I guess being a pagan and a Unitarian Universalist, I have a much more open mind when it comes to past lives and shamanism. The fact that these were featured prominently in this story was a huge bonus for me.
I feel that Annette really did a wonderful job on creating believable characters and a story line that truly engrossed me.
This was the first book that this author has had published. She has also had a short story published.
The timeline in this book goes back and forth between present day and the past. I loved being able to compare and contrast the modern world of today with the shamanic world of the past.
As my family's resident genealogist, I do have to say that you can learn alot about yourself and your parents by learning more about your ancestors. And it is through finding out about her ancestors that Sheri is truly able to discover herself.
I love how she found out about her ancestry though. I guess being a pagan and a Unitarian Universalist, I have a much more open mind when it comes to past lives and shamanism. The fact that these were featured prominently in this story was a huge bonus for me.
I feel that Annette really did a wonderful job on creating believable characters and a story line that truly engrossed me.
December 4, 2013
This is a curious book, jumping between a single mother and son with unusual insights in modern times, and a family in the late nineteenth century seeking medical help. The jumps were all very well marked at the start of the chapter so I had no trouble in keeping up with where I was as can be the case in some similar format books.
I found the story fascinating from the beginning, and despite having finished it several days ago it s still on my mind. The characters were vivid, constantly changing between the two time periods, leaving me to piece together the little clues each chapter left as to how the storylines intertwined. The mystery was at just the right confusion I felt, enough that I didn't fully work it out too long before it was revealed, but coherent enough that I understood where everything stood by the time I turned the last page.
Overall a very good book, the only fault I had was sometimes the child, Zig, came of as underdeveloped, as if the author was relying on his mystic aura instead of fleshing him out fully.
I found the story fascinating from the beginning, and despite having finished it several days ago it s still on my mind. The characters were vivid, constantly changing between the two time periods, leaving me to piece together the little clues each chapter left as to how the storylines intertwined. The mystery was at just the right confusion I felt, enough that I didn't fully work it out too long before it was revealed, but coherent enough that I understood where everything stood by the time I turned the last page.
Overall a very good book, the only fault I had was sometimes the child, Zig, came of as underdeveloped, as if the author was relying on his mystic aura instead of fleshing him out fully.
January 19, 2014
Synopsis: What if your ten-year-old child knew more about your past than anyone in the world – even you?
Orphaned when her mother died in childbirth, Sheri Lambert is a lonely New York ad woman who decides to become a single mother. From the start, her son Zig displays strange behavior: He recalls people and places he couldn’t possibly know and leads Sheri to a startling discovery of a hidden ancestry she never knew existed.
From the urban grind of present-day Brooklyn to the shamans and rituals in the rain forests of 19th century Panama and Costa Rica, two interwoven stories collide. Sheri learns she must find the courage to trust Zig and his mystical guidance to uncover the secrets of her past...or remain lost from herself and the truth about her origins.
The pacing was flawless; the characters grabbed me from the start. There was nothing about this book I didn’t love. It was an amazing journey of self-discovery. Wonderful twist at the end.
I hope this isn’t the last we see of Ms. Leach.
Orphaned when her mother died in childbirth, Sheri Lambert is a lonely New York ad woman who decides to become a single mother. From the start, her son Zig displays strange behavior: He recalls people and places he couldn’t possibly know and leads Sheri to a startling discovery of a hidden ancestry she never knew existed.
From the urban grind of present-day Brooklyn to the shamans and rituals in the rain forests of 19th century Panama and Costa Rica, two interwoven stories collide. Sheri learns she must find the courage to trust Zig and his mystical guidance to uncover the secrets of her past...or remain lost from herself and the truth about her origins.
The pacing was flawless; the characters grabbed me from the start. There was nothing about this book I didn’t love. It was an amazing journey of self-discovery. Wonderful twist at the end.
I hope this isn’t the last we see of Ms. Leach.
August 10, 2013
Song of the Shaman by Annette Leach
A soulful embrace when the past involves multiple lifetimes!
This story was hypnotic and alluring as a mother struggles to find her past to know who she is. Her son appears to be and to know much more than he lets on. In this story of love and sacrifice and unknown familial history, the soul brings healing in unexpected ways.
Across the exploration, the reader will root for single mother Sheri and her son Zig in the present day and be captivated by a family meeting an indigenous Shaman in 1899. It all comes full circle when the past is reborn into today.
Romance, intrigue, the struggle of single motherhood and discovering roots all culminate into a fantastic tale.
To see more from author Annette Leach, visit her website at
http://annetteleach.com/
See original review at http://literarilyillumined.wordpress....
A soulful embrace when the past involves multiple lifetimes!
This story was hypnotic and alluring as a mother struggles to find her past to know who she is. Her son appears to be and to know much more than he lets on. In this story of love and sacrifice and unknown familial history, the soul brings healing in unexpected ways.
Across the exploration, the reader will root for single mother Sheri and her son Zig in the present day and be captivated by a family meeting an indigenous Shaman in 1899. It all comes full circle when the past is reborn into today.
Romance, intrigue, the struggle of single motherhood and discovering roots all culminate into a fantastic tale.
To see more from author Annette Leach, visit her website at
http://annetteleach.com/
See original review at http://literarilyillumined.wordpress....
July 22, 2015
Most writers should stick to writing and leave the narration to the professionals. I very much enjoyed the story. It was well crafted and engaging.
Song of the Shaman is two stories whose paths, though intertwined, do not cross until late in the book. And that is just fine. I prefer it that way You know that they are going to, but the author slowly and skillfully weaves both tales gradually connecting the dots until the climax of the story.
Andrea Vendeys Leech is a fine author, and I will be happy to read more stories from her. However I can't say the same for her narrating skills. This southern boy found her Brooklyn accent distracting and difficult to follow at times especially when she seemed to be mispronouncing words that I felt were fairly common. I am not likely to purchase any more audio books that she narrates, although I would consider buying more if they were professionally narrated.
I received this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review
Song of the Shaman is two stories whose paths, though intertwined, do not cross until late in the book. And that is just fine. I prefer it that way You know that they are going to, but the author slowly and skillfully weaves both tales gradually connecting the dots until the climax of the story.
Andrea Vendeys Leech is a fine author, and I will be happy to read more stories from her. However I can't say the same for her narrating skills. This southern boy found her Brooklyn accent distracting and difficult to follow at times especially when she seemed to be mispronouncing words that I felt were fairly common. I am not likely to purchase any more audio books that she narrates, although I would consider buying more if they were professionally narrated.
I received this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review
December 4, 2013
This is a story mixed with history and culture. Though I'm not very knowledgeable of the Indian tribes and their history, I appreciated how they are simply incorporated into our modern time. The mystery with Sheri's son is fascinating and prompted me to read quickly because of the excitement of what he'll do next and of what the author will reveal for the reader. The alternating stories made the read a more enjoyable one cuz it seems there are 2 stories in this book. With a slow rise to climax, this is a medium-paced read. However I was quote disappointed with the ending. Though it may provide a lot of answers to the questions hanging throughout the story, the conclusion didn't give enough justice or impact.
August 24, 2013
Song of the Shaman is a story of a single mum Sheri and her son Zig, a quirky kid whose memory appears to go back to long before he was born. Zig's odd memories and behaviour go largely unnoticed by Sheri until she loses her job and is around Zig much more, at which point she also begins to notice memories from another time. The story alternates from the present to the past and back again and initially takes a little mental checking. I don't know anything about Shamanism so I cannot account for the accuracy of those aspects of this story. But it peaked my interest and now I want to know more. A great first novel. I look forward to reading more from Annette Leach.
October 26, 2013
****I won this book through the First Reads Giveaway program****
I really liked this book. I'm not great at writing reviews. For a really good review, see my granddaughter, Annie Chanse's review of the book. I can't see as good as I used to, so she read it out loud to me.
I did really like it though. I loved the story. I felt like I was right there with both Louise and Sherri. I don't know how to really categorize this story, which, I think, is what I like about it. There is romance, yes, but there is also a beautiful story of past lives and family...
It was a great book.
I really liked this book. I'm not great at writing reviews. For a really good review, see my granddaughter, Annie Chanse's review of the book. I can't see as good as I used to, so she read it out loud to me.
I did really like it though. I loved the story. I felt like I was right there with both Louise and Sherri. I don't know how to really categorize this story, which, I think, is what I like about it. There is romance, yes, but there is also a beautiful story of past lives and family...
It was a great book.
January 27, 2014
Captivating and intriguing, this story goes back and forth between Sheri, a present day (2006) single mom in New York to son Zig, who knows all about Indians and is increasingly fascinated with them and a woman named Louise who lived in Panama in 1899. The two stories intertwine as Sheri wonders about her unknown past - she had been adopted as an infant after her mother died in childbirth and as her son Zig becomes more and more intrigued with the Indian culture. I could not put the book down, but was not really thrilled with the ending. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.
September 25, 2014
I just finished reading this novel and I enjoyed it. I have always like to hear and read about past lives.
This story of a boy named Zig is captivating and exciting to say the very least. The mother's love that shows through in this novel shines brightly through every page. I had goose bumps as I was reading this book. I am very happy that I was able to read this. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.
- See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...
This story of a boy named Zig is captivating and exciting to say the very least. The mother's love that shows through in this novel shines brightly through every page. I had goose bumps as I was reading this book. I am very happy that I was able to read this. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.
- See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...
August 1, 2013
Written very well with just the right amount of everything. A story that touches you and evokes deeply set emotions as you embark on a journey you will not forget. Dynamic, resplendent and exquisite. I loved this story from the first page to the last. The pacing was nearly perfect right up to the very last words. Believable well fleshed out characters helped paint the scenes beautifully and weave the silky threads of their tales.
November 6, 2013
This story is not only very unique and interesting but is also very well written. The chapters that are set in the past are spot on and so rich you feel as though you have gone back in time! The characters are well developed and the story flows really beautifully. I'm so glad I read this book and think anyone would find something to fall in love with: whether the characters, the history, or the plot. Great job!
September 4, 2013
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
I loved this book, from the first page through to the last page it kept me wanting to keep reading and not stop. Some books that go from the past to the present are confusing but not in this case it is very easy to follow what is happening.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author well done Annette Leachit is a great debut novel.
I loved this book, from the first page through to the last page it kept me wanting to keep reading and not stop. Some books that go from the past to the present are confusing but not in this case it is very easy to follow what is happening.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author well done Annette Leachit is a great debut novel.
October 23, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book; did not want the story to end. Leach writes with a style that is captivating as it is smart. The reader journeys with Sheri, a single parent, as she learns about herself and how to accept the gift that is her son, Zig.I look forward to reading more work from this talented writer.
September 4, 2014
The pacing was flawless; the characters grabbed me from the start. There was nothing about this book I didn’t love. It was an amazing journey of self-discovery. Wonderful twist at the end.
I hope this isn’t the last we see of Ms. Leach.
November 1, 2013
I felt this book ended abruptly. It felt more like a "book 1" to me. I was left with a lot of questions.
November 12, 2013
I LOVED it! Beautifully written and a beautiful story. I loved the characters and the way the story was written: present, past, present to give you the whole story line.
Simply beautiful.
Simply beautiful.
January 7, 2014
I loved Song of the Shaman and didn't want it to end. I hope that book 2 is underway, as the characters were so rich, true to life and inspiring.
July 8, 2015
Loved this book - I hope there is a book two.
June 10, 2014
Intriguing, thought provoking story about ancient people and religions and beliefs. A little sad, but it ends well.
March 25, 2017
Quick easy read .
I very much enjoyed this book . The story unfolds nicely between two different time zones , modern day and the late 1800' s. I felt that the ending was a little rushed and the book feels as if it's not quite finished The characters are well drawn particularly those of Zig and his mother. Overall this is an interesting and entertaining tale .
I very much enjoyed this book . The story unfolds nicely between two different time zones , modern day and the late 1800' s. I felt that the ending was a little rushed and the book feels as if it's not quite finished The characters are well drawn particularly those of Zig and his mother. Overall this is an interesting and entertaining tale .
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