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Some Small Magic: One boy’s search for his father and the home he’s always longer for
She whispers, “I’m supposed to take you home.”
“Not yet,” Abel says. “Please, just not yet.”
All Abel wants is a little bit of magic in his life. Enough money so his mom doesn’t cry at night. Healing for his broken body. And maybe a few answers about his past.
When Abel discovers letters to him from the dad he believed dead, he wonders if magic has come to the hills of Mattingly, Virginia, after all. But not everything is as it seems.
With a lot of questions and a little bit of hope, Abel decides to run away to find the truth. But danger follows him from the moment he jumps his first boxcar, forcing Abel to rely upon his simpleminded friend Willie—a man wanted for murder who knows more about truth than most—and a beautiful young woman who was already on the train.
From Appalachia to the Tennessee wilds and through the Carolina mountains, the name of a single small town beckons: Fairhope. That is where Abel believes his magic lays. But will it be the sort that will bring a broken boy healing? And is that the magic that will one day lead him home?
“Not yet,” Abel says. “Please, just not yet.”
All Abel wants is a little bit of magic in his life. Enough money so his mom doesn’t cry at night. Healing for his broken body. And maybe a few answers about his past.
When Abel discovers letters to him from the dad he believed dead, he wonders if magic has come to the hills of Mattingly, Virginia, after all. But not everything is as it seems.
With a lot of questions and a little bit of hope, Abel decides to run away to find the truth. But danger follows him from the moment he jumps his first boxcar, forcing Abel to rely upon his simpleminded friend Willie—a man wanted for murder who knows more about truth than most—and a beautiful young woman who was already on the train.
From Appalachia to the Tennessee wilds and through the Carolina mountains, the name of a single small town beckons: Fairhope. That is where Abel believes his magic lays. But will it be the sort that will bring a broken boy healing? And is that the magic that will one day lead him home?
416 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2017
50 people are currently reading
1443 people want to read
About the author
Billy Coffey
12 books265 followersBilly and his wife, Joanne, live with their two children in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. A product of his small-town locale, Billy counts as assets his rural authenticity, unwavering sense of purpose, and insatiable curiosity--all of which tend to make his front porch a comfortably crowded place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 15, 2017
Some Small Magic is a book about death. While this may sound depressing, it was a sweet story about two friends. Abel is a young boy with physical ailments and his best friend Willie who is mentally slow. They both have a heart of gold.
The story includes supernatural elements which is not a favorite for me. Perhaps for this reason, I found the first half of the story a little difficult. The second half however was beautifully done.
The characters are wonderful and there were several life messages in the pages.
Billy Coffey's covers are always phenomenal. This is the first novel of his that I've finished. Because I am not a fan of supernatural novels in general (there are a few exceptions such as This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti and The Five Times I Met Myself by James Rubart), I do not know if I will read other novels by this author.
My gratitude to the publisher Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
The story includes supernatural elements which is not a favorite for me. Perhaps for this reason, I found the first half of the story a little difficult. The second half however was beautifully done.
The characters are wonderful and there were several life messages in the pages.
Billy Coffey's covers are always phenomenal. This is the first novel of his that I've finished. Because I am not a fan of supernatural novels in general (there are a few exceptions such as This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti and The Five Times I Met Myself by James Rubart), I do not know if I will read other novels by this author.
My gratitude to the publisher Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
February 28, 2017
Wouldn’t we all love to find a little magic in our lives? Abel is a young boy who has had far too many hardships in his short life. His body is broken and he longs for healing. He and his mom are so poor and he wishes for just a bit more to make his mom’s life easier. His mom has always told him that his father was a railroad man who died, but now Abel has to question his entire life as he’s found letters that his father has been writing to him his whole life. So Abel sets out on a journey for some answers and maybe even some healing. With him is his best friend, Dumb Willie, who is a murderer with a heart of gold. Things take a turn when they meet a beautiful young woman, who Abel names Dorothy, on the train.
I’ve long wanted to read a Billy Coffey book and now that I have, it won’t be the last. Mr. Coffey knows how to spin a story. There’s a strong Christian message in this book and the author makes his points without being preachy. While I found many references to the Bible throughout the book, I also found similarities to Steinbach’s “Of Mice and Men”. You don’t need to know the Bible to appreciate this book nor do you even have to have the same beliefs. The message is a beautiful one and I’m sure there aren’t many humans out there that wouldn’t long for it to be a true one.
I fell mightily in love with these characters and their story. My heart had broken into little pieces by the end of the book. Abel is such a sweet, loving boy and there’s such a strong bond between him and Willie. I felt great empathy for Abel’s mom, Lisa, who dealt as best as she could with all of her trials and tribulations. The book is a testament to the power and strength of hope. Don’t miss this magical, uplifting book.
A quote from the book that says it all (although I read an ARC and this quote may be changed in the final edition): “Doesn’t everything and all hold its own small magic, waiting to be revealed to one who merely bends close enough to behold it?”
Recommended.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I’ve long wanted to read a Billy Coffey book and now that I have, it won’t be the last. Mr. Coffey knows how to spin a story. There’s a strong Christian message in this book and the author makes his points without being preachy. While I found many references to the Bible throughout the book, I also found similarities to Steinbach’s “Of Mice and Men”. You don’t need to know the Bible to appreciate this book nor do you even have to have the same beliefs. The message is a beautiful one and I’m sure there aren’t many humans out there that wouldn’t long for it to be a true one.
I fell mightily in love with these characters and their story. My heart had broken into little pieces by the end of the book. Abel is such a sweet, loving boy and there’s such a strong bond between him and Willie. I felt great empathy for Abel’s mom, Lisa, who dealt as best as she could with all of her trials and tribulations. The book is a testament to the power and strength of hope. Don’t miss this magical, uplifting book.
A quote from the book that says it all (although I read an ARC and this quote may be changed in the final edition): “Doesn’t everything and all hold its own small magic, waiting to be revealed to one who merely bends close enough to behold it?”
Recommended.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
February 7, 2017
"Keep your eye on things that matter and don't, and learn to know the difference. Most people die every day in some way or another. It's the good ones who only die once."
If you have never read a novel from Billy Coffey, you might just be missing out on one of the most articulate southern gentlemen's artistry with words. You might even call him a true wordsmith, but that down-home humility of Mr. Coffey's is likely to make you think he doesn't recognize his own God-given gift to weave such belivability into these stories, you might forget your reading a fictional novel.
In Some Small Magic by Billy Coffey, he takes readers back to the small-town charm of Mattingly, Virginia and into the heart of a broken young boy named Abel Shifflett, who has found himself at the hands of the school principal once again on the final day of school for getting even with Chris Jones, his nemesis and school bully by feeding him what looked to be a chocolate bar, but was in fact a large dose of laxative. This would put Chris Jones as the butt of jokes to come from here on out, but one that requires that his busy momma Lisa to leave work at the diner to come fetch Abel.
Abel is considered broken by many due to a medical condition that renders his bones to be soft and subject to breakage at the slightest fall or bump. He's gotten used to it, the way people want to ignore him instead of befriending him, and that is why his only friend is a young man called Dumb Willie. He wasn't born dumb, more like his parents beat him senseless and now they are stuck dealing with him. Yet Abel and Willie share something that transcends what most don't see and that is their genuine friendship for one another, the kind that would have either of them laying down their life for the other. But now, threat comes to Abel this summer, as Chris vows to get even with him, and that is a threat that Abel has to take serious. If he were to get into a fight with Chris, who knows how badly he might be in the hospital or even worse.
When a traveling miracle man heads to Mattingly, the principal recommends that Lisa and Abel might want to see him. Miracles are promised to those the man touches and it might just be what they both need to rise above all the slights from people based on their current status in town, barely making ends meet and of course Abel being born to an unwed mother in a small town is just the kind for rumors to circulate. One thing is certain, that night will forever change the lives of every single person in town, might be for the better or might be for the worse. Just depends on whose side you might be on!
I received Some Small Magic by Billy Coffey compliments of Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Publishers. The best thing about any of Billy's novels is that you don't know what you are getting yourself into, only that is will be a remarkable and amazing ride. For me, this one was a bit of blend between Meet Joe Black and What Dreams May Come. You might not know how it plays out in the end, but you know you are forever changed somehow by this journey into the unknown. There are so many exceptional quotes from this book, I don't wonder if I have most of the book highlighted over what isn't. Well worth every single 5 out of 5 stars. "Doesn't everything and all hold its own small magic, waiting to be revealed to one who merely bends close enough to behold it?"
If you have never read a novel from Billy Coffey, you might just be missing out on one of the most articulate southern gentlemen's artistry with words. You might even call him a true wordsmith, but that down-home humility of Mr. Coffey's is likely to make you think he doesn't recognize his own God-given gift to weave such belivability into these stories, you might forget your reading a fictional novel.
In Some Small Magic by Billy Coffey, he takes readers back to the small-town charm of Mattingly, Virginia and into the heart of a broken young boy named Abel Shifflett, who has found himself at the hands of the school principal once again on the final day of school for getting even with Chris Jones, his nemesis and school bully by feeding him what looked to be a chocolate bar, but was in fact a large dose of laxative. This would put Chris Jones as the butt of jokes to come from here on out, but one that requires that his busy momma Lisa to leave work at the diner to come fetch Abel.
Abel is considered broken by many due to a medical condition that renders his bones to be soft and subject to breakage at the slightest fall or bump. He's gotten used to it, the way people want to ignore him instead of befriending him, and that is why his only friend is a young man called Dumb Willie. He wasn't born dumb, more like his parents beat him senseless and now they are stuck dealing with him. Yet Abel and Willie share something that transcends what most don't see and that is their genuine friendship for one another, the kind that would have either of them laying down their life for the other. But now, threat comes to Abel this summer, as Chris vows to get even with him, and that is a threat that Abel has to take serious. If he were to get into a fight with Chris, who knows how badly he might be in the hospital or even worse.
When a traveling miracle man heads to Mattingly, the principal recommends that Lisa and Abel might want to see him. Miracles are promised to those the man touches and it might just be what they both need to rise above all the slights from people based on their current status in town, barely making ends meet and of course Abel being born to an unwed mother in a small town is just the kind for rumors to circulate. One thing is certain, that night will forever change the lives of every single person in town, might be for the better or might be for the worse. Just depends on whose side you might be on!
I received Some Small Magic by Billy Coffey compliments of Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Publishers. The best thing about any of Billy's novels is that you don't know what you are getting yourself into, only that is will be a remarkable and amazing ride. For me, this one was a bit of blend between Meet Joe Black and What Dreams May Come. You might not know how it plays out in the end, but you know you are forever changed somehow by this journey into the unknown. There are so many exceptional quotes from this book, I don't wonder if I have most of the book highlighted over what isn't. Well worth every single 5 out of 5 stars. "Doesn't everything and all hold its own small magic, waiting to be revealed to one who merely bends close enough to behold it?"
Read
April 8, 2017This is the first book I’ve read by Billy Coffey, and while neither the title, the cover or the description especially appealed to me, I requested it for review because of the good things I’ve heard about his previous books. I read a lot of ‘Top Ten’ lists at the end of 2016, and several of them mentioned Coffey’s previous book, The Devil Walks in Mattingly.
The result is I started reading Some Small Magic without knowing much about it, but with the expectation of something worth reading, and something a little different.
And yes, different is what I got. The story is told in a weird kind of third person. Most of it is from the viewpoint of Abel, an eleven year old boy who is described as special (a word he and his mother both hate, and one that doesn’t really describe him). Other scenes are written from the viewpoint of his mother, his father, his best friend, and even his worst enemy.
Unfortunately, there a lot of not-so-good stuff which had me wanting to put the novel down several times.The theology in Some Small Magic is up there with the theology in The Da Vinci Code in terms of its consistency with the Bible. In this fictional world, pretty much everyone goes to heaven, especially children. Even if they’re nasty bullies who show every indication of turning into serial killers. There's no mention of Jesus, of salvation.
Then there are the main characters. One is Death, who appears in the form of a young woman. Another is a ghost. I have nothing against ghosts in general market fiction (e.g. JK Rowling). I wouldn’t even mind a ghost in Christian fiction if it turned out to be the product of some kind of mental illness. But this is a proper ghost. A spirit-still-on-earth-because-it-hasn’t-been-shown-The-Path ghost. And I don’t think that has any place in Christian fiction.
Despite this, there was something compelling about Some Small Magic, perhaps in the same way as Twilight was compelling. But the end was all a bit of a let-down. It was pretty much what I’d been expecting since the halfway point (despite some red herrings suggesting the contrary). While there was some great writing, it didn’t make up for dodgy theology or the lack of character development (although, in fairness, am I being unreasonable to expect character development from Death, a ghost, and an idiot?).
Overall, this is a novel I don’t mind suggesting that writers read for the writing, but not one I’d recommend as a good example of Christian fiction.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review. And no, I won't be reading any more Coffey books.
The result is I started reading Some Small Magic without knowing much about it, but with the expectation of something worth reading, and something a little different.
And yes, different is what I got. The story is told in a weird kind of third person. Most of it is from the viewpoint of Abel, an eleven year old boy who is described as special (a word he and his mother both hate, and one that doesn’t really describe him). Other scenes are written from the viewpoint of his mother, his father, his best friend, and even his worst enemy.
Unfortunately, there a lot of not-so-good stuff which had me wanting to put the novel down several times.The theology in Some Small Magic is up there with the theology in The Da Vinci Code in terms of its consistency with the Bible. In this fictional world, pretty much everyone goes to heaven, especially children. Even if they’re nasty bullies who show every indication of turning into serial killers. There's no mention of Jesus, of salvation.
Then there are the main characters. One is Death, who appears in the form of a young woman. Another is a ghost. I have nothing against ghosts in general market fiction (e.g. JK Rowling). I wouldn’t even mind a ghost in Christian fiction if it turned out to be the product of some kind of mental illness. But this is a proper ghost. A spirit-still-on-earth-because-it-hasn’t-been-shown-The-Path ghost. And I don’t think that has any place in Christian fiction.
Despite this, there was something compelling about Some Small Magic, perhaps in the same way as Twilight was compelling. But the end was all a bit of a let-down. It was pretty much what I’d been expecting since the halfway point (despite some red herrings suggesting the contrary). While there was some great writing, it didn’t make up for dodgy theology or the lack of character development (although, in fairness, am I being unreasonable to expect character development from Death, a ghost, and an idiot?).
Overall, this is a novel I don’t mind suggesting that writers read for the writing, but not one I’d recommend as a good example of Christian fiction.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review. And no, I won't be reading any more Coffey books.
Read
October 12, 2017Well, this has the distinction of being one of the strangest ( not always in a bad sense) books I've ever read. It's an allegory in a sense, but not all of it is.
It lacks a really good message of hope, and it lacks true Christianity, a comforter, and a Redeemer. The theology of the book is very odd; that alone complicated it for me. It is supernatural in nature, but not Christian.
The characters start off somewhat normal( as a Chris Fabry story, perhaps, I thought at the beginning it might be a good read) , but this book is definitely not normal. If you like strange allegorical fiction like William Sirls then perhaps this is your kind of read. It's not mine at all. It's a strange and sad ending...especially for the mother. It is for her I grieved the most in the book, yet we don't see her soul healed like I thought and hoped the ending would be.
Truthfully, parts of this book I didn't understand at all...so I'm not giving a star rating to this one.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
It lacks a really good message of hope, and it lacks true Christianity, a comforter, and a Redeemer. The theology of the book is very odd; that alone complicated it for me. It is supernatural in nature, but not Christian.
The characters start off somewhat normal( as a Chris Fabry story, perhaps, I thought at the beginning it might be a good read) , but this book is definitely not normal. If you like strange allegorical fiction like William Sirls then perhaps this is your kind of read. It's not mine at all. It's a strange and sad ending...especially for the mother. It is for her I grieved the most in the book, yet we don't see her soul healed like I thought and hoped the ending would be.
Truthfully, parts of this book I didn't understand at all...so I'm not giving a star rating to this one.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 31, 2023
Well, I can definitely say one thing for this book: It was unique.
It was also NOT what I expected based on the blurb, and I don't mean that in a bad way. The unexpected parts were what kept me reading the book, honestly, because I never really enjoyed the wandering writing style or the way the characters tended to start philosophizing. The whole time, I felt that it was very creative writing, just not suited to my tastes.
But it was neat to see a novel that touched on spiritual topics in a very outside-the-box way!
It was also NOT what I expected based on the blurb, and I don't mean that in a bad way. The unexpected parts were what kept me reading the book, honestly, because I never really enjoyed the wandering writing style or the way the characters tended to start philosophizing. The whole time, I felt that it was very creative writing, just not suited to my tastes.
But it was neat to see a novel that touched on spiritual topics in a very outside-the-box way!
March 30, 2018
Words fail me when it comes to reviewing this novel. I can't remember how long it's been since I was so thoroughly transported by a story. The basic plot concerns little Abel, a boy born with a disability, who embarks on a search for healing.
Beyond that, the story is magical. To say more would spoil the many events that fill the pages of Some Small Magic.
I loved the book, and will read it again--maybe more than once!
Beyond that, the story is magical. To say more would spoil the many events that fill the pages of Some Small Magic.
I loved the book, and will read it again--maybe more than once!
September 24, 2024
I liked this book. Felt like Of Mice and Men meets Demon Copperhead mixed with a dash of mysticism and Christianity.
April 18, 2017
"Find your treasure. Your treasure will be your healing. . . . . . The treasure is yours should you seek it, though go in haste and do not turn away. Your time has come."
Words spoken by a mountain healer, to a young boy whose body, mind and spirit is irreparably broken. Disfigured by brittle bones and constantly harassed by his peers, Abel Shifflet's friendship with a handicapped neighbor proves to be his saving grace, for when a bully vows revenge of the very worst kind, Abel and Dumb Willie seek the adventure of a lifetime; hopping on a train to find Abel's father whom he has only recently met through letters. For some reason Abel's mother kept those letters hidden away, telling Abel that his father was dead. Now, more than ever, Abel is determined to meet his father and reunite his family.
An arduous journey awaits them, for Abel will be travelling between life and death, getting nearer to one, while leaving the other behind. With the help of a young woman they meet on the train, Abel's pilgrimage turns mystical, if not magical, as his soul is eventually unleashed to fly.
"Some Small Magic" is long, perhaps longer than the story itself; and while the author's storytelling talents are quite impressive, the book may leave its readers wondering just what they have actually read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
Words spoken by a mountain healer, to a young boy whose body, mind and spirit is irreparably broken. Disfigured by brittle bones and constantly harassed by his peers, Abel Shifflet's friendship with a handicapped neighbor proves to be his saving grace, for when a bully vows revenge of the very worst kind, Abel and Dumb Willie seek the adventure of a lifetime; hopping on a train to find Abel's father whom he has only recently met through letters. For some reason Abel's mother kept those letters hidden away, telling Abel that his father was dead. Now, more than ever, Abel is determined to meet his father and reunite his family.
An arduous journey awaits them, for Abel will be travelling between life and death, getting nearer to one, while leaving the other behind. With the help of a young woman they meet on the train, Abel's pilgrimage turns mystical, if not magical, as his soul is eventually unleashed to fly.
"Some Small Magic" is long, perhaps longer than the story itself; and while the author's storytelling talents are quite impressive, the book may leave its readers wondering just what they have actually read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
June 12, 2017
I have read all of Billy Coffey's books, and Some Small Magic was a hard read, emotionally. I haven't cried much, if at all, with his other books. His story-telling was, again, superb. Some people critique his books as slow, but they are missing the unraveling of, not a novel, but a story. Do you understand the difference?
I wish I had taken notes as I read this book. I have so many thoughts and feelings I'd like to share, and I'm not even sure how. I did share one quote on Facebook, so here is a glimpse of the heartache: "She loved her son more than love can mean, more than she could ever say, and so always found herself unable to express its depths. In a life defined by its failures, chief among them now is the worry that (she) somehow failed in showing Abel how precious he was, how needed, and how she would fight until her dying breath to keep him safe and well." #noregrets
Coffey again blew my stereotypes away. I don't do spoilers, so I can't explain that any further, but I love the characters in Some Small Magic. You get to cheer for the underdogs, have heartbreak and hope, along with a few amazing twists. Coffey was able to wrap it up much more neatly than I thought was possible, as my heart was still so tender. I ended with a contented sigh.
I wish I had taken notes as I read this book. I have so many thoughts and feelings I'd like to share, and I'm not even sure how. I did share one quote on Facebook, so here is a glimpse of the heartache: "She loved her son more than love can mean, more than she could ever say, and so always found herself unable to express its depths. In a life defined by its failures, chief among them now is the worry that (she) somehow failed in showing Abel how precious he was, how needed, and how she would fight until her dying breath to keep him safe and well." #noregrets
Coffey again blew my stereotypes away. I don't do spoilers, so I can't explain that any further, but I love the characters in Some Small Magic. You get to cheer for the underdogs, have heartbreak and hope, along with a few amazing twists. Coffey was able to wrap it up much more neatly than I thought was possible, as my heart was still so tender. I ended with a contented sigh.
March 19, 2017
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Billy Coffey is a new author to me, and I was delighted to find this book. Misfits Abel Shifflett and Dumb Willie ride the train in the hope of finding the town of Fairhope, where a little magic may be found. I found the written almost lyrical, and very good characterization.
Billy Coffey is a new author to me, and I was delighted to find this book. Misfits Abel Shifflett and Dumb Willie ride the train in the hope of finding the town of Fairhope, where a little magic may be found. I found the written almost lyrical, and very good characterization.
March 18, 2017
Some Small Magic by Billy Coffey is a heart breaking read. I wanted to cry and hug the characters. I felt the need to help, sympathize, and care. The entire read was an emotionally deep story. One that takes readers into its core and never lets go. Captivating, well-written, and stunning. Each character had an issue that pulled at my heart. I would love to see this book on the big screens everywhere.
Billy Coffey has a talent for providing a fictional world that drags readers instantly inside and change everything they feel. A mother who is single and ones what she cans for her and her son. A son who has a condition that makes readers like myself connect immediately with him. Then there's others with other conditions that are just as sad. Some Some Magic is about a boy looking for the magic he believes exists. It's up to readers to find out if he finds it or not. Once I picked up this book and read it, there was no returning from the tragic tale. Brilliantly woven for readers' entertainment...Some Small Magic is a must read for all. I highly recommend it.
Billy Coffey has a talent for providing a fictional world that drags readers instantly inside and change everything they feel. A mother who is single and ones what she cans for her and her son. A son who has a condition that makes readers like myself connect immediately with him. Then there's others with other conditions that are just as sad. Some Some Magic is about a boy looking for the magic he believes exists. It's up to readers to find out if he finds it or not. Once I picked up this book and read it, there was no returning from the tragic tale. Brilliantly woven for readers' entertainment...Some Small Magic is a must read for all. I highly recommend it.
July 20, 2017
Two important notes about this story, in case you judge a book by its title:
1. There is nothing "small" about it.
2. Don't let the world "magic" scare you away.
I can't properly describe how I feel about this story, or any of Coffey's stories. Reading them often lets loose some feeling in me that I didn't know need to be freed. It is the kind of story that leaves you feeling happy-sad because it is true. There is nothing false about this fiction.
From the naming of characters--Abel, who is not able-bodied--to the turns of phrase and the pace that make you feel like you're smack in the middle of the mountains of Virginia, Coffey's writing is nothing short of stunning. (I try not to exaggerate when I review books. I wish I could give this book more than five stars because it is not in the same category as other books I've rated five stars.)
Coffey peels away layers of the story in such a way that I was never sure where we were headed. At one point (you'll know it when you get to it) I gasped because I had not seen it coming. Looking back, maybe I should have, but I was so drawn in by the journey of Abel, Dumb Willie and the beautiful girl on the train that I did not know. Even in the final chapters, I could not predict how it all would end.
It is a rare book that can produce so many feelings that ought to be contradictory but instead are complementary.
1. There is nothing "small" about it.
2. Don't let the world "magic" scare you away.
I can't properly describe how I feel about this story, or any of Coffey's stories. Reading them often lets loose some feeling in me that I didn't know need to be freed. It is the kind of story that leaves you feeling happy-sad because it is true. There is nothing false about this fiction.
From the naming of characters--Abel, who is not able-bodied--to the turns of phrase and the pace that make you feel like you're smack in the middle of the mountains of Virginia, Coffey's writing is nothing short of stunning. (I try not to exaggerate when I review books. I wish I could give this book more than five stars because it is not in the same category as other books I've rated five stars.)
Coffey peels away layers of the story in such a way that I was never sure where we were headed. At one point (you'll know it when you get to it) I gasped because I had not seen it coming. Looking back, maybe I should have, but I was so drawn in by the journey of Abel, Dumb Willie and the beautiful girl on the train that I did not know. Even in the final chapters, I could not predict how it all would end.
It is a rare book that can produce so many feelings that ought to be contradictory but instead are complementary.
November 4, 2017
3.5 Stars
Our protagonist, young Abel (I believe he's possibly in his teens at the story's opening?) was born with a medical condition that causes his bones to remain very brittle and his spine crooked. This also leads him to have disfigured limbs that make movement difficult. Abel hates that his health problems cause his mother so much stress and financial strain. Both he and his mother try to live good, honest lives, Lisa (the mother) putting in long hours a local diner in their little town of Mattingly, Virginia, often working double shifts to just to barely make ends meet. Abel suffers through bullying at school but tries to make the best of it until one day he just reaches the end of his fuse and fights back in a rather unique way. Though it's well known who the main school bully is, Abel still seems to get the short end of the stick when the bulk of the disciplinary action falls on him.
One night, while he remains home alone while Lisa works through another late shift, Abel comes across a box of letters addressed to him that he's never seen before. He doesn't recognize the North Carolina address but when he opens one letter he finds the writer signs off as "Dad". Lisa had always told Abel that his father passed away when Abel was just a baby, but these letters seem rather recent.
Abel decides on a plan to jump the first train boxcar out of town, taking along his best friend, Willie Farmer. Willie, known to most of Mattingly as "Dumb Willie" (for being mentally challenged), is in his early 20s but has the mental development of a small child... and the physical strength of a superhero. Due to an unplanned scuffle with a local meanie, Willie is now possibly wanted for murder, so it's important Abel keep his friend by his side. Meanwhile, Abel is also hoping that the trip will lead him to meeting his father face to face and give him the answers to a better, more comfortable life for him and his mom.
Once on the train, Abel & Willie meet an enigmatic young girl who doesn't readily give up her name, so Abel, inspired by his love of The Wizard of Oz, names her Dorothy. Dorothy has something mysterious & special about her, and her utterances here and there -- such as "It was a mistake, bringing them here." -- clue the reader in on the idea that her presence isn't entirely by chance. *If you've read Billy Coffey's work before, you likely remember that he likes to play with light themes of supernatural and even touches of magical realism, so you can likely make a good guess of where the story heads from this point.
The perspective of the story shifts ever so slightly between our three key players -- Abel, Willie and "Dorothy". Coffey does an especially nice job of subtly bringing in Willie's voice. Without changing the rhythm of the writing in a jarring fashion, Coffey changes his writing just a touch -- making it more simple in style or writing words in a more phonetic way -- to quietly let readers know they've shifted from the thoughts of Abel to Willie (and back again, later). Coffey's way of laying all this out brought to mind John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.
Willie is one of the most endearing characters here, drawing readers in with his boundless love and faith in good people, even when Abel lets you in on his friend's story. Willie's mental slowness? His parents claim it was caused by him falling off a wagon as a child, but Abel suspects the source is more along the lines of Willie's father beating and abusing him for years, Willie's parents treating him more like a burden / source of free labor than a beloved son. Abel's suspicions seem confirmed one day when Abel goes to Willie's house to find him chained up with just a small jug of water at his side, parents nowhere to be found. It breaks your heart and at the same time makes you think of Willie as the kind of soul too good for this world.
This turned out to be my favorite of Coffey's books to date. The novel warmly touches upon the theme of family and friendship, the lengths we go to to creating (or at least contributing to) a fulfilling life for the ones we love. Some Small Magic also ends up being a nice illustration of just how far a little hope, a dash of that "faith of a mustard seed", can take a person in life. Key characters are living out hollow, painful, sad existences, punishing themselves for things largely beyond their control. Depressing as that sounds, Coffey turns it around, showing that no matter how far gone one's situation seems, there's always time to learn how to let go and live for joy again.
For those interested in using this as a possible book club pick, a page of discussion questions are included at the back of the book.
FTC Disclaimer: TNZ Fiction Guild kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
Our protagonist, young Abel (I believe he's possibly in his teens at the story's opening?) was born with a medical condition that causes his bones to remain very brittle and his spine crooked. This also leads him to have disfigured limbs that make movement difficult. Abel hates that his health problems cause his mother so much stress and financial strain. Both he and his mother try to live good, honest lives, Lisa (the mother) putting in long hours a local diner in their little town of Mattingly, Virginia, often working double shifts to just to barely make ends meet. Abel suffers through bullying at school but tries to make the best of it until one day he just reaches the end of his fuse and fights back in a rather unique way. Though it's well known who the main school bully is, Abel still seems to get the short end of the stick when the bulk of the disciplinary action falls on him.
One night, while he remains home alone while Lisa works through another late shift, Abel comes across a box of letters addressed to him that he's never seen before. He doesn't recognize the North Carolina address but when he opens one letter he finds the writer signs off as "Dad". Lisa had always told Abel that his father passed away when Abel was just a baby, but these letters seem rather recent.
Abel decides on a plan to jump the first train boxcar out of town, taking along his best friend, Willie Farmer. Willie, known to most of Mattingly as "Dumb Willie" (for being mentally challenged), is in his early 20s but has the mental development of a small child... and the physical strength of a superhero. Due to an unplanned scuffle with a local meanie, Willie is now possibly wanted for murder, so it's important Abel keep his friend by his side. Meanwhile, Abel is also hoping that the trip will lead him to meeting his father face to face and give him the answers to a better, more comfortable life for him and his mom.
Once on the train, Abel & Willie meet an enigmatic young girl who doesn't readily give up her name, so Abel, inspired by his love of The Wizard of Oz, names her Dorothy. Dorothy has something mysterious & special about her, and her utterances here and there -- such as "It was a mistake, bringing them here." -- clue the reader in on the idea that her presence isn't entirely by chance. *If you've read Billy Coffey's work before, you likely remember that he likes to play with light themes of supernatural and even touches of magical realism, so you can likely make a good guess of where the story heads from this point.
The perspective of the story shifts ever so slightly between our three key players -- Abel, Willie and "Dorothy". Coffey does an especially nice job of subtly bringing in Willie's voice. Without changing the rhythm of the writing in a jarring fashion, Coffey changes his writing just a touch -- making it more simple in style or writing words in a more phonetic way -- to quietly let readers know they've shifted from the thoughts of Abel to Willie (and back again, later). Coffey's way of laying all this out brought to mind John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.
Willie is one of the most endearing characters here, drawing readers in with his boundless love and faith in good people, even when Abel lets you in on his friend's story. Willie's mental slowness? His parents claim it was caused by him falling off a wagon as a child, but Abel suspects the source is more along the lines of Willie's father beating and abusing him for years, Willie's parents treating him more like a burden / source of free labor than a beloved son. Abel's suspicions seem confirmed one day when Abel goes to Willie's house to find him chained up with just a small jug of water at his side, parents nowhere to be found. It breaks your heart and at the same time makes you think of Willie as the kind of soul too good for this world.
"Then you got ones like Dumb Willie. They're the special ones, Abel, and you know why? Because they ain't meant for this life at all. They're so tuned to the next world that it leaks into this one here, turning it all to a wonder they can't bear up against. You tell me Dumb Willie's pa is the one broke Dumb Willie's mind. I don't know about that. I think maybe it's more Dumb Willie's always been so full of heaven that he ain't got much use for earth. That's how it is for those few blessed enough that their souls point to other lands, but cursed such that they got to live in this one. Folk call them dumb. Call them crazy. But they ain't neither. All they are's closer to heaven than anybody else." ~Dorothy
This turned out to be my favorite of Coffey's books to date. The novel warmly touches upon the theme of family and friendship, the lengths we go to to creating (or at least contributing to) a fulfilling life for the ones we love. Some Small Magic also ends up being a nice illustration of just how far a little hope, a dash of that "faith of a mustard seed", can take a person in life. Key characters are living out hollow, painful, sad existences, punishing themselves for things largely beyond their control. Depressing as that sounds, Coffey turns it around, showing that no matter how far gone one's situation seems, there's always time to learn how to let go and live for joy again.
For those interested in using this as a possible book club pick, a page of discussion questions are included at the back of the book.
FTC Disclaimer: TNZ Fiction Guild kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
July 28, 2017
Billy's writing has both an innocence and a depth that shines through in this novel. It absolutely drips with quietness and the South and gave me a tangible feeling of clinging to hope. A great read.
November 18, 2016
2.5/3 stars. It was just meh.
April 4, 2017
Some Small Magic is a good read. I enjoyed the characters, plot, and set in the hills of Virginia, which is my favorite setting in a story. Recommended.
4 stars
4 stars
August 18, 2020
SO good!
May 8, 2017
** “(Spring’s) always been my favorite time. Everything looks so dead and gone and then it all starts growing back like the world’s been holding its breath and this is the exhale. I’ve always thought spring meant hope. Like it’s God’s way of saying I know you’ll all screw this up again, but let’s try one more time anyway. One time I heard that the definition of a miracle is something coming from nothing. If that’s true, then I guess spring is the biggest miracle of all.” **
Billy Coffey offers another Mattingly, Va., tale with “Some Small Magic,” a deeply emotional novel full of shocking twists and a story of overcoming life’s travails and bullies with a magical sense of hope.
Young Abel Shifflett is a boy crippled with a brittle bone disease, wise beyond his years. He has a love for magic and trains, and a deep friendship with Dumb Willie, a young man who is “special” like Abel after having been “dropped” on his head as a baby.
When Abel learns his father, whom he’s always believed was dead, is actually alive, Abel and Willie embark on a journey to Fairhope, N.C., to find a bit of healing and belonging. After jumping a boxcar after a deadly situation occurs, Abel and Willie meet a beautiful and secretive young women, whom they call Dorothy. She helps them along their journey, as they each help one another grow and learn important life lessons.
“Some Small Magic” is a story full of plot twists you’ll never see coming. Coffey deeply builds the relationship between Abel, Willie and Dorothy — into an almost family-like bond. Readers will fall in love with the sweetly innocent Abel and Willie, encouraged by their blind faith and loyalty.
Besides being an interesting Appalachian adventure story, “Some Small Magic” offers so many gems and lessons. Major themes that trickle throughout the novel are faith, healing, finding the magic in life, and the sense of “meant” — that things are just meant to be and can’t be changed.
Coffey also reminds us that no matter how perfect or imperfect people’s lives may seem, we all face storms in our lives. His story deals with the journey of keeping promises; seeing the light in the shadow; things aren’t always as they seem; healing brought about by finding one’s treasures; be careful what you put your stock in; and overcoming the sense that we are too broken to be healed.
But it is also a great love story, one that seeks the ultimate source of love — God. As Dorothy tells Abel: “There is a love far greater, ever bright and never fading, calling all things back to itself. Calling all things home. And I wonder at that love, because it carries a depth measureless and beyond my reaching.”
This book takes place in a modern day setting, but almost reads as a hill country novel from the 1940s or ’50s, which gives it a certain amount of charm. It’s full of small town, slow living life. It does feature some mild cursing and a few occasions of smoking and drinking.
“Some Small Magic” is a delightful tale that will leave you evaluating your life, and encouraging you to find the magic in each of your days.
Five stars out of five.
Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
Billy Coffey offers another Mattingly, Va., tale with “Some Small Magic,” a deeply emotional novel full of shocking twists and a story of overcoming life’s travails and bullies with a magical sense of hope.
Young Abel Shifflett is a boy crippled with a brittle bone disease, wise beyond his years. He has a love for magic and trains, and a deep friendship with Dumb Willie, a young man who is “special” like Abel after having been “dropped” on his head as a baby.
When Abel learns his father, whom he’s always believed was dead, is actually alive, Abel and Willie embark on a journey to Fairhope, N.C., to find a bit of healing and belonging. After jumping a boxcar after a deadly situation occurs, Abel and Willie meet a beautiful and secretive young women, whom they call Dorothy. She helps them along their journey, as they each help one another grow and learn important life lessons.
“Some Small Magic” is a story full of plot twists you’ll never see coming. Coffey deeply builds the relationship between Abel, Willie and Dorothy — into an almost family-like bond. Readers will fall in love with the sweetly innocent Abel and Willie, encouraged by their blind faith and loyalty.
Besides being an interesting Appalachian adventure story, “Some Small Magic” offers so many gems and lessons. Major themes that trickle throughout the novel are faith, healing, finding the magic in life, and the sense of “meant” — that things are just meant to be and can’t be changed.
Coffey also reminds us that no matter how perfect or imperfect people’s lives may seem, we all face storms in our lives. His story deals with the journey of keeping promises; seeing the light in the shadow; things aren’t always as they seem; healing brought about by finding one’s treasures; be careful what you put your stock in; and overcoming the sense that we are too broken to be healed.
But it is also a great love story, one that seeks the ultimate source of love — God. As Dorothy tells Abel: “There is a love far greater, ever bright and never fading, calling all things back to itself. Calling all things home. And I wonder at that love, because it carries a depth measureless and beyond my reaching.”
This book takes place in a modern day setting, but almost reads as a hill country novel from the 1940s or ’50s, which gives it a certain amount of charm. It’s full of small town, slow living life. It does feature some mild cursing and a few occasions of smoking and drinking.
“Some Small Magic” is a delightful tale that will leave you evaluating your life, and encouraging you to find the magic in each of your days.
Five stars out of five.
Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
March 16, 2017
Every book of Coffey’s dives a little bit deeper and a little bit darker.
Abel Shifflet’s life needs a little bit of magic. He was born with soft bones and messed up insides, which the other kids at school take advantage of. He and his mom are very poor as she can only wait tables and any money they have tends to go to mending Abel’s bones when they break. At a mountain revival in the hills outside Mattingly, Abel watches Reverend Johnny Mills heal others with the touch of a hand. Abel can’t decide if it is real or just tricks, so he decides to seek out Reverend Johnny after the revival is over. After Johnny takes his money for a “word”, he is soon overtaken by a spirit that tells Abel that he will find treasure, healing, and reward.
Soon after this meeting, with his mother upset about the money he lost to Reverend Johnny, Abel begins to clean the house for forgiveness. While cleaning he finds a treasure, several letters from the father he thought was dead. With this new mystery, Abel decides it is part of the sign and decides to run away to find out the truth in the town of Fairhope, North Carolina. With only his slow minded friend Dumb Willie for a companion, they hope the night train that runs by the trailer park. But someone awaits them in the boxcar and the real danger begins. Is there really magic in the world, big or small, that could help Abel?
I love Billy Coffey’s writing. I love that he is not scared to show the evil of the world in his books and through his characters. But this book is really, really deep. It’s really good, but does it ever dive deeper than anything he has written so far. And if you’ve ever read one of his books, you know that you have to pay attention to the details, otherwise you’ll be reading along and realized that you missed the train somewhere and have to go back to find out where.
All of his books have a supernatural element. It is similar in regard to There Will be Stars with death, but not on the Groundhog Day aspect. I’m still trying to figure out if this is more of a story about Abel or about Dorothy. Both learn a lot in the pages of this book, so it could really be about either. I so want to dive into who these characters are, but feel like I would be ruining the story for anyone who hasn’t read the book. However, I will say that reading the chapters narrated by Dumb Willie are very powerful. Coffey wrote these sections just as if the reader were mentally challenged. The language, word order, and thought process is very powerful and makes the reader really consider these individuals throughout the world.
Unfortunately, I don’t think this is Coffey’s best book. It is still really good, but it just didn’t do as much for me as some of the others. This may be because I have become very attached to several of the main characters that appear in many of the novels. Sherriff Barnett still appears briefly. I also loved the reference to “time is a circle” with Dorthea Cash. Be sure to read There Will be Stars to make that connection if you haven’t.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Abel Shifflet’s life needs a little bit of magic. He was born with soft bones and messed up insides, which the other kids at school take advantage of. He and his mom are very poor as she can only wait tables and any money they have tends to go to mending Abel’s bones when they break. At a mountain revival in the hills outside Mattingly, Abel watches Reverend Johnny Mills heal others with the touch of a hand. Abel can’t decide if it is real or just tricks, so he decides to seek out Reverend Johnny after the revival is over. After Johnny takes his money for a “word”, he is soon overtaken by a spirit that tells Abel that he will find treasure, healing, and reward.
Soon after this meeting, with his mother upset about the money he lost to Reverend Johnny, Abel begins to clean the house for forgiveness. While cleaning he finds a treasure, several letters from the father he thought was dead. With this new mystery, Abel decides it is part of the sign and decides to run away to find out the truth in the town of Fairhope, North Carolina. With only his slow minded friend Dumb Willie for a companion, they hope the night train that runs by the trailer park. But someone awaits them in the boxcar and the real danger begins. Is there really magic in the world, big or small, that could help Abel?
I love Billy Coffey’s writing. I love that he is not scared to show the evil of the world in his books and through his characters. But this book is really, really deep. It’s really good, but does it ever dive deeper than anything he has written so far. And if you’ve ever read one of his books, you know that you have to pay attention to the details, otherwise you’ll be reading along and realized that you missed the train somewhere and have to go back to find out where.
All of his books have a supernatural element. It is similar in regard to There Will be Stars with death, but not on the Groundhog Day aspect. I’m still trying to figure out if this is more of a story about Abel or about Dorothy. Both learn a lot in the pages of this book, so it could really be about either. I so want to dive into who these characters are, but feel like I would be ruining the story for anyone who hasn’t read the book. However, I will say that reading the chapters narrated by Dumb Willie are very powerful. Coffey wrote these sections just as if the reader were mentally challenged. The language, word order, and thought process is very powerful and makes the reader really consider these individuals throughout the world.
Unfortunately, I don’t think this is Coffey’s best book. It is still really good, but it just didn’t do as much for me as some of the others. This may be because I have become very attached to several of the main characters that appear in many of the novels. Sherriff Barnett still appears briefly. I also loved the reference to “time is a circle” with Dorthea Cash. Be sure to read There Will be Stars to make that connection if you haven’t.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
May 24, 2017
Some Small Magic is the first book I have read by Billy Coffey. He is a very talented and articulate author, and his imagery puts you right in the middle of the scenes. However, having said that, I had a difficult time reading Some Small Magic.
I fell in love with Abel, the son of Lisa, a poor, hardscrabble woman just trying to make it day to day as a waitress. Abel was born with soft bones and was constantly breaking one; also, his hips were misaligned, and he was smaller than most children his age.
I also loved “Dumb” Willie, so named for his slowness in speech and learning, caused, many believed, by his father crushing his head when he was an infant. He and Abel loved and cared for each other as only true friends can.
My difficulty came from the way the author graphically depicts the town bully’s cruel treatment of Abel and the overwhelming amount of supernatural overtones, and some tough scenes of violence. I wanted to like the story; in fact, I read the entire book for that reason. However, there was just too much of the preternatural for me to feel good about the book. (Perhaps if it hadn’t been from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan, I wouldn’t have felt this way.) The only real reference in the story to anything of a religious or biblical nature is to a preacher that is a shyster.
I guessed early in the story, even before there were some obvious clues, what had happened and what the ultimate ending would be. If you like dark stories, with some redeeming qualities, you may like the book.
**********************Forewarning******************************
There are many instances of one particular curse word, and another one is also used. There can be triggers due to some scenes of graphic violence.
******************************************************
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fiction Guild and was under no obligation to post a review.
I fell in love with Abel, the son of Lisa, a poor, hardscrabble woman just trying to make it day to day as a waitress. Abel was born with soft bones and was constantly breaking one; also, his hips were misaligned, and he was smaller than most children his age.
I also loved “Dumb” Willie, so named for his slowness in speech and learning, caused, many believed, by his father crushing his head when he was an infant. He and Abel loved and cared for each other as only true friends can.
My difficulty came from the way the author graphically depicts the town bully’s cruel treatment of Abel and the overwhelming amount of supernatural overtones, and some tough scenes of violence. I wanted to like the story; in fact, I read the entire book for that reason. However, there was just too much of the preternatural for me to feel good about the book. (Perhaps if it hadn’t been from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan, I wouldn’t have felt this way.) The only real reference in the story to anything of a religious or biblical nature is to a preacher that is a shyster.
I guessed early in the story, even before there were some obvious clues, what had happened and what the ultimate ending would be. If you like dark stories, with some redeeming qualities, you may like the book.
**********************Forewarning******************************
There are many instances of one particular curse word, and another one is also used. There can be triggers due to some scenes of graphic violence.
******************************************************
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fiction Guild and was under no obligation to post a review.
August 14, 2021
I find Billy Coffey being amongst the best authors of Christian fiction, as he understands brokenness, pain, the lack and need of hope and love deeply and he writes about them in unique way. But be warned - he certainly is not your everyday author and you better be very open person. He is hard to put in a genre box, but I sometimes think of him as of Christian Stephen King with very lyrical storytelling and with a very special way to bring a deep meaning on the table. But before you get to the said meaning, there is a journey to be had.
Young “special” boy Abel with a condition of having very fragile bones is to enter the journey, looking for the healing, reward and treasure promised to him. But promises might mean something entirely different, something strange, eerie and much bigger than Abel can imagine. Accompanied by Dumb Willie, another “special needs” guy and young hobo Dorothy, they embark on a journey through darkness, their friendship being the bond that will get them through - that and a very deep things that are meant to be all along. And the love.
Honestly, this is not my favourite Billy Coffey novel (that might be Devil walks in Mattingly), but I am always in awe how well Mr Coffey gets the human brokenness, weariness and the need for light, change and rest. For healing. He can see the hardness of the living and he is not shy to show it. But he also sees much deeper, to the heart of that brokenness and to the beauty that moves this world.
To be frank, I would love to have less journeying and more interactions with the people (of Mattingly mostly, because I like them), as I think the author can get carried by his imagination a bit much here in this novel. But otherwise - this is a very fine food for thought and as always the food to nurture my soul.
Young “special” boy Abel with a condition of having very fragile bones is to enter the journey, looking for the healing, reward and treasure promised to him. But promises might mean something entirely different, something strange, eerie and much bigger than Abel can imagine. Accompanied by Dumb Willie, another “special needs” guy and young hobo Dorothy, they embark on a journey through darkness, their friendship being the bond that will get them through - that and a very deep things that are meant to be all along. And the love.
Honestly, this is not my favourite Billy Coffey novel (that might be Devil walks in Mattingly), but I am always in awe how well Mr Coffey gets the human brokenness, weariness and the need for light, change and rest. For healing. He can see the hardness of the living and he is not shy to show it. But he also sees much deeper, to the heart of that brokenness and to the beauty that moves this world.
To be frank, I would love to have less journeying and more interactions with the people (of Mattingly mostly, because I like them), as I think the author can get carried by his imagination a bit much here in this novel. But otherwise - this is a very fine food for thought and as always the food to nurture my soul.
March 21, 2017
All Abel wants is a little bit of magic in his life. Enough money so his mom doesn’t cry at night. Healing for his broken body. And maybe a few answers about his past. When Abel discovers letters to him from the father he believed dead, he wonders if magic has come to the hills of Mattingly, Virginia, after all. But not everything is as it seems. With a lot of questions and a little bit of hope, Abel decides to run away to find the truth. But danger follows him from the moment he jumps his first boxcar, forcing Abel to rely on his simpleminded friend Willie—a man wanted for murder who knows more about truth than most—and a beautiful young woman they met on the train. From Appalachia to the Tennessee wilds and through the Carolina mountains, the name of a single small town beckons: Fairhope. That is where Abel believes his magic lays. But will it be the sort that will bring a broken boy healing? And is it the magic that will one day lead him home?
This reminded me of an old movie, What Dreams May Come, in the magic and mystery behind a troubling story. Grief comes in many forms, several of which are investigated through the lives of the main characters. You'll come out the other side of the story pondering the events and putting them in place with your own belief system. One of the things I didn't like about the book was having to plow through the tedium of some chapters, while racing through others to find out what happens next. The pacing seemed...off. But overall, it was worth it to finish the story - and it's just that, a new coming-of-age story with a boy who comes to terms with what life has dished out, and ends up being better off for it. And so will you, for journeying with him.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This reminded me of an old movie, What Dreams May Come, in the magic and mystery behind a troubling story. Grief comes in many forms, several of which are investigated through the lives of the main characters. You'll come out the other side of the story pondering the events and putting them in place with your own belief system. One of the things I didn't like about the book was having to plow through the tedium of some chapters, while racing through others to find out what happens next. The pacing seemed...off. But overall, it was worth it to finish the story - and it's just that, a new coming-of-age story with a boy who comes to terms with what life has dished out, and ends up being better off for it. And so will you, for journeying with him.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2017
Billy Coffey is a masterful storyteller and has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I know that I'll love his characters and that they'll be endearing. Wow, he certainly exceeded my expectations in Some Small Magic.
From the first page I was caught up in the life of Abel Shifflett a young frail boy that stole my heart. He is much stronger than I had originally expected him to be as he faces a bully, a less than ideal home life and finding out his father is alive. His bravery, coupled with his curios nature lead him and his friend Dumb Willie on a journey to find his father.
Dumb Willie is a wonderful and special character that I really loved. My heart went out to him because of the way he was treated.
I have to say that this book is full of surprises, some of which made me cry. Mr. Coffey takes not only his characters on an unexpected journey, but also his readers in this beautifully written novel. If you want a well written and meaningful read, I suggest this one..
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.
From the first page I was caught up in the life of Abel Shifflett a young frail boy that stole my heart. He is much stronger than I had originally expected him to be as he faces a bully, a less than ideal home life and finding out his father is alive. His bravery, coupled with his curios nature lead him and his friend Dumb Willie on a journey to find his father.
Dumb Willie is a wonderful and special character that I really loved. My heart went out to him because of the way he was treated.
I have to say that this book is full of surprises, some of which made me cry. Mr. Coffey takes not only his characters on an unexpected journey, but also his readers in this beautifully written novel. If you want a well written and meaningful read, I suggest this one..
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.
June 29, 2018
This book surprised me. It had been on TBR for a while and I didn't really remember putting it there, or what interested me about the synopsis in the first place. When it popped up for the Randomizer challenge, I was really unenthused about it. Turns out, it was amazing. I honestly had a hard time reading it because it was so heartbreaking, but it was also just a really good book.
I thought it was going to a generic coming-of-age story with some really predictable tropes. While it seemed to start out that way, I was shocked and honestly quite depressed upon learning what was really going on. I love books that surprise me. The fact that there is really surprised me. Themes such as brokenness, healing, and God abound beautifully. I feel like this book had a lot of God/Christianity in it, but I also think it's written in a way that if you are not a Christian, you can see something different in it.
Just a magical, beautiful book. I will need to check out some of Coffey's other books.
I thought it was going to a generic coming-of-age story with some really predictable tropes. While it seemed to start out that way, I was shocked and honestly quite depressed upon learning what was really going on. I love books that surprise me. The fact that there is really surprised me. Themes such as brokenness, healing, and God abound beautifully. I feel like this book had a lot of God/Christianity in it, but I also think it's written in a way that if you are not a Christian, you can see something different in it.
Just a magical, beautiful book. I will need to check out some of Coffey's other books.
August 12, 2019
Poignant and moving, Some Small Magic is a beautiful tale of hope set against the backdrop of small town Virginia through the mountains, Tennessee, and finally to Carolina where young Abel Shifflett longs to find a way up for him and his mother. Coffey writes with purpose, each word set in just the right place, pulling readers into the novel with rich descriptions and full emotion. Abel is a character that readers are drawn to; young and just naive enough to believe he can do the impossible, while his broken body elicits sympathy and concern. Some Small Magic is a story of determination and love, and it is a story that longs to be told.
SUMMARY: Abel Shifflett knows hardship. Being the child of a single mother in small town Virginia has challenges all on its own, but adding to that physical disability makes things even harder. Despite this, Abel never loses hope and when he happens upon something that could change their life he sets off on an adventure to bring this hope home to his mama. With his simple-minded best friend Willie and a girl they meet on the train, Abel faces unimaginable obstacles on his journey of redemption, love, and courage.
SUMMARY: Abel Shifflett knows hardship. Being the child of a single mother in small town Virginia has challenges all on its own, but adding to that physical disability makes things even harder. Despite this, Abel never loses hope and when he happens upon something that could change their life he sets off on an adventure to bring this hope home to his mama. With his simple-minded best friend Willie and a girl they meet on the train, Abel faces unimaginable obstacles on his journey of redemption, love, and courage.
November 25, 2017
An Achingly Perfect Story
Billy Coffey is one of my favorite authors. He knows how important small things are and how they can evolve into big things. He is a brilliant storyteller, able to describe people and places so well they become real.
Abel Shifflett is a broken young boy who often has casts on his arms or legs. Many people in Mattingly thought his mother, Lisa, had something to do with this. Abel's small body looks like it was made from spare parts that didn't come from the same body. One hip is higher and it gives him an old man's waddle and one shoulder is raised up around his ear; it looks like half his body is in a permanent shrug. Lisa loves her son and often laments his brittle bones that break so easily.
The story centers around Abel but there is so much more going on. About half way thru the story we also discover death plays a big part in Abel's story. I won't say any more other than it's an achingly perfect tale of love, friendship and faith. I strongly recommend this book.
Billy Coffey is one of my favorite authors. He knows how important small things are and how they can evolve into big things. He is a brilliant storyteller, able to describe people and places so well they become real.
Abel Shifflett is a broken young boy who often has casts on his arms or legs. Many people in Mattingly thought his mother, Lisa, had something to do with this. Abel's small body looks like it was made from spare parts that didn't come from the same body. One hip is higher and it gives him an old man's waddle and one shoulder is raised up around his ear; it looks like half his body is in a permanent shrug. Lisa loves her son and often laments his brittle bones that break so easily.
The story centers around Abel but there is so much more going on. About half way thru the story we also discover death plays a big part in Abel's story. I won't say any more other than it's an achingly perfect tale of love, friendship and faith. I strongly recommend this book.
April 16, 2018
This is a beautiful book. I liked ALL the characters. I found myself internally debating over how I wanted the book to go and as I got further along I kept taking breaks from reading to drag out the ending just to keep the story going.
Abel and his best friend, Dumb Willie, are both 'special' in ways that are initially obvious, making 'special' sound like a bad thing, but as the journey progresses we see how really 'special' the two are, and only in the best way possible. The two head out on an adventure to find Abel's dad with the help of a hobo they meet along the way. They all learn about life and death and why we can't change what is 'meant' to be.
There are so many beautiful lines I wanted to underline but I don't think the library would have appreciated that!
'It was in Lisa's mind all day to take the long way home after work. That way she could make sure the tears were cried out and the anger was put away.'
The carpet is an ancient brown that hides most of the dirt but none of the smell.'
'He yanks hard on the shade, drowning the walls in morning.'
Abel and his best friend, Dumb Willie, are both 'special' in ways that are initially obvious, making 'special' sound like a bad thing, but as the journey progresses we see how really 'special' the two are, and only in the best way possible. The two head out on an adventure to find Abel's dad with the help of a hobo they meet along the way. They all learn about life and death and why we can't change what is 'meant' to be.
There are so many beautiful lines I wanted to underline but I don't think the library would have appreciated that!
'It was in Lisa's mind all day to take the long way home after work. That way she could make sure the tears were cried out and the anger was put away.'
The carpet is an ancient brown that hides most of the dirt but none of the smell.'
'He yanks hard on the shade, drowning the walls in morning.'
September 23, 2018
I was drawn into this story from the beginning and had a hard time putting it down. This author has that affect on you.....I can also say his writing can be strange, creepy, very different, but if you stick with it you will see the metaphors and the good vs. evil. It deals with the difficult subject of bullying and even though I hate the repetitive bad word the bully calls Abel, I can understand the why of it. It breaks my heart that Abel has physical difficulties and is bullied because of it. I love that Dumb Willie befriends him and the bond of their friendship carries them through the tough times, but is everything as it seems? Read this one with an open mind and don’t overthink it. If you are looking for something different that is well written, then give this a try. I admit I was skeptical because of the supernatural elements, but by the end was pleasantly surprised.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Guild. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Guild. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
June 14, 2017
In part grand adventure, in part grand allegory with a dash of good old fashioned sentimentality - Some small magic has more than a small amount of magic for what at surface level seems a simple adventure tale. But don’t let appearances fool you - this is one story that you won’t put down and forget in a hurry.
Abel is a young crippled boy who lives with his solo mum who struggles to make ends meet, living in their small trailer park. Abel wishes he could be of more help and hates to see his mother come home and cry herself to sleep. When he stumbles upon some long forgotten letters his mother has hidden away from his ‘supposed’ dead father - he decides he needs to set out on a journey with his friend - “Dumb” Willie to find him.
In typical boyhood adventure - much drama and excitement ensue. But one small event means much more than first thought and one little girl lurking in the shadows of a railway box car will change their futures forever.
I found Billy Coffey’s book both a pleasure and a challenge to read if that’s possible. The writing style, while engaging also has a poetic style which takes more concentration I find, but rewards the reader with a beautifully crafted story which leaves one moved by the experience. I also always remember a book which can magically pull the rug out from under the reader literally at the midway point. Everything I had previously understood to be try - now wasn’t. It was a clever plot device and made the rest of the book a real ‘how will they sort this one out’ scenario.
All and all, I can heartily recommend Some Small Magic to anyone who is looking for a great read which goes beyond surfaces level and reaches in to pull on the heart strings.
Abel is a young crippled boy who lives with his solo mum who struggles to make ends meet, living in their small trailer park. Abel wishes he could be of more help and hates to see his mother come home and cry herself to sleep. When he stumbles upon some long forgotten letters his mother has hidden away from his ‘supposed’ dead father - he decides he needs to set out on a journey with his friend - “Dumb” Willie to find him.
In typical boyhood adventure - much drama and excitement ensue. But one small event means much more than first thought and one little girl lurking in the shadows of a railway box car will change their futures forever.
I found Billy Coffey’s book both a pleasure and a challenge to read if that’s possible. The writing style, while engaging also has a poetic style which takes more concentration I find, but rewards the reader with a beautifully crafted story which leaves one moved by the experience. I also always remember a book which can magically pull the rug out from under the reader literally at the midway point. Everything I had previously understood to be try - now wasn’t. It was a clever plot device and made the rest of the book a real ‘how will they sort this one out’ scenario.
All and all, I can heartily recommend Some Small Magic to anyone who is looking for a great read which goes beyond surfaces level and reaches in to pull on the heart strings.
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