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Miracle's Song
Darkness has a way of bringing things to life. Things forgotten. Things from our past. This becomes all too apparent for Miracle Jenkins. All she wants is a normal life filled with friends, family, and the occasional red Slurpee. But a life-changing event involving the police turns her world upside-down. Miracle’s only retreat is music , which takes her soul on adventures of the past while she still has to confront the truths of today. But even music cannot hide her from the racism of her small California city. Nor can it shield her from the evils of this world. Still, she turns to the darkness .
174 pages, Paperback
Published April 6, 2022
24 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Rodney LaMarr
6 books15 followersRodney LaMarr grew up in Lancaster, California. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served for over 20 years. His military service allowed him to see the world and do things he never thought imaginable. But from his military service, two amazing things happened.
The first was that he met and married the love of his life and had three wonderful kids. The second thing was being re-introduced to reading during long deployments. This newfound love transformed into a love of writing.
When not behind the laptop writing novellas or trying (and failing) at graphic design, he can be found in the gym doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (again, trying and failing).
Rodney LaMarr is the creator of the California Dreaming Series, which include Miracle’s Song, Miracle’s Journey, and Andre’s Story.
The first was that he met and married the love of his life and had three wonderful kids. The second thing was being re-introduced to reading during long deployments. This newfound love transformed into a love of writing.
When not behind the laptop writing novellas or trying (and failing) at graphic design, he can be found in the gym doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (again, trying and failing).
Rodney LaMarr is the creator of the California Dreaming Series, which include Miracle’s Song, Miracle’s Journey, and Andre’s Story.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 14, 2022
A powerful read from start to finish. Miracle’s life is forever changed after a brief encounter results in the devastating death of her older brother, Andre. To find peace during this difficult time, Miracle turns to music, this escape from the present allows her soul to be transported back in time.
I was drawn to this book from the description alone, relating to Miracle in the way she chooses music to step back from the reality she is faced with everyday. What I found was a story of a family and how a tragic loss affects each member. A mother, overwhelmed by the pain. A father, trying to be strong for his daughter. A sister, fighting for the truth to be told. And a community, outraged over the loss of one of their own.
I hope that this is just the start of Miracle’s story, and that down the line we will get answers to some of the questions left unanswered.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was drawn to this book from the description alone, relating to Miracle in the way she chooses music to step back from the reality she is faced with everyday. What I found was a story of a family and how a tragic loss affects each member. A mother, overwhelmed by the pain. A father, trying to be strong for his daughter. A sister, fighting for the truth to be told. And a community, outraged over the loss of one of their own.
I hope that this is just the start of Miracle’s story, and that down the line we will get answers to some of the questions left unanswered.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 10, 2022
Powerful. Hard-hitting. Heartbreaking. Current.
Trigger warnings: Racism. Gun Violence. Death.
Miracle’s story is so relevant it could almost be a documentary. And that is heartbreaking. A story that reads as if it is from today's headlines.
After Miracle witnesses the senseless killing of her brother, Andre (known as Dre), at the hands of the police, her life is torn apart.
The best way for me to describe this story is bittersweet.
The bitterness of racism, grief, and the breakdown of not only Miracle’s family and friendship group but of the community as they search for and demand justice.
Yet, sweetness is shown in the actions and words of her family and friends. A beautiful sign of strength, love, and support.
And when the pain becomes too much, she retreats to music. Music is her escape, taking her soul through the past allowing Miracle to connect to her family on a deeper level.
A thought-provoking story. A story that will stay with you. a real story set in fiction.
The ending is clever but a little infuriating. Unanswered questions leave you wanting more, but then you ask yourself, could the book not have been a little longer?
I look forward to reading more by Rodney LaMarr.
Thank you, BookSirens, for the gift of the arc ebook. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Trigger warnings: Racism. Gun Violence. Death.
Miracle’s story is so relevant it could almost be a documentary. And that is heartbreaking. A story that reads as if it is from today's headlines.
After Miracle witnesses the senseless killing of her brother, Andre (known as Dre), at the hands of the police, her life is torn apart.
The best way for me to describe this story is bittersweet.
The bitterness of racism, grief, and the breakdown of not only Miracle’s family and friendship group but of the community as they search for and demand justice.
Yet, sweetness is shown in the actions and words of her family and friends. A beautiful sign of strength, love, and support.
And when the pain becomes too much, she retreats to music. Music is her escape, taking her soul through the past allowing Miracle to connect to her family on a deeper level.
A thought-provoking story. A story that will stay with you. a real story set in fiction.
The ending is clever but a little infuriating. Unanswered questions leave you wanting more, but then you ask yourself, could the book not have been a little longer?
I look forward to reading more by Rodney LaMarr.
Thank you, BookSirens, for the gift of the arc ebook. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 5, 2022
Miracle and her family live in Lancaster, California where they both attend high school. She and her brother are not only siblings, but great friends too. All in all, life is pretty good until the day her brother is shot by cops, right in front of her. Black kids, white cops. A story that is way too common anymore and it should never happen. But the story has a couple of really good twists and is thought provoking, insightful and is a must read. Fans of The Hate U Give will enjoy.
I will nitpick here: there is a few times when Miracle and her friends are speaking and it's confusing as to which character is talking. I would have liked a clearer ending re: the trial, and finally, Miracle seems a bit too standoffish with what her Mom is going through.
The writing is beautiful as the author paints a descriptive story. I lost myself in it often. Well done.
I received an advance review copy for free through Booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I will nitpick here: there is a few times when Miracle and her friends are speaking and it's confusing as to which character is talking. I would have liked a clearer ending re: the trial, and finally, Miracle seems a bit too standoffish with what her Mom is going through.
The writing is beautiful as the author paints a descriptive story. I lost myself in it often. Well done.
I received an advance review copy for free through Booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2023
I came across this series when the 3rd installment came up on NetGalley and the cover art (which was different from the one on here for some reason) was so strikingly beautiful that my attention was immediately piqued.
I expected the tone to be a little grittier given the cover and premise but it's often very matter of fact and I felt like parts of the book were needed another round of edits. The passage of time was also sometimes rendered rather clumsily. There are scenes where the imagery is powerful and LaMarr really finds his stride as a writer which gives me high hopes for the next installment in the series.
I expected the tone to be a little grittier given the cover and premise but it's often very matter of fact and I felt like parts of the book were needed another round of edits. The passage of time was also sometimes rendered rather clumsily. There are scenes where the imagery is powerful and LaMarr really finds his stride as a writer which gives me high hopes for the next installment in the series.
March 13, 2022
Miracle's Song, by Rodney Lamarr, is about a teenage girl who faces a tragedy in her life and how she copes with it, among other things. There were a lot of different emotions while reading this book… Anger, sadness, confusion, etc.
The very first paragraph of the book immediately drew me in. I had no other choice but to keep on reading because the imagery was so detailed that I NEEDED to know what was going on. There were some instances where I felt that I was right there with the characters and was able to relate to them on a personal level.
Other times, I was given a glimpse into how those who have dealt head-on with racism must feel and it both saddened and angered me.
For the most part, the book flowed smoothly. There several times (2 to be exact) where I felt that transitioning into the next chapter was jarring and left me seeking deliberate closure on the previous chapter. Personally, I felt the introduction to the parents and their interactions with each other were a bit cheesy but maybe I'm just disillusioned with love at the moment.
All in all, I thought this was a pretty decent book. It made me feel a range of emotions and made me feel like I could relate on some level with the main character. I wasn't ready for it to end and felt it could have been a little longer because I really wanted to find out more about several of the events that were taking place during the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The very first paragraph of the book immediately drew me in. I had no other choice but to keep on reading because the imagery was so detailed that I NEEDED to know what was going on. There were some instances where I felt that I was right there with the characters and was able to relate to them on a personal level.
Other times, I was given a glimpse into how those who have dealt head-on with racism must feel and it both saddened and angered me.
For the most part, the book flowed smoothly. There several times (2 to be exact) where I felt that transitioning into the next chapter was jarring and left me seeking deliberate closure on the previous chapter. Personally, I felt the introduction to the parents and their interactions with each other were a bit cheesy but maybe I'm just disillusioned with love at the moment.
All in all, I thought this was a pretty decent book. It made me feel a range of emotions and made me feel like I could relate on some level with the main character. I wasn't ready for it to end and felt it could have been a little longer because I really wanted to find out more about several of the events that were taking place during the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 30, 2022
After the murder of a loved one, Miracle’s life is forever changed. To find peace, she turns to music. But how can she find resolution and justice without reliving the pain?
Rodney LaMarr’s bittersweet and thought-provoking first book tackles important issues such as racism, grief and family. But the end is infuriating. I don’t know if this will be a series, but Miracle’s Song could have been a stellar stand-alone.
The premise is good, although the reference to music, including in the title, led me to have unfulfilled expectations. The mystery related to the memories that Miracle has, but doesn't know how or why, is only solved in the last chapter and doesn't relate in any way to the main plot.
This is a story of a family and how a tragic loss affects each member, and how all of us cope differently with grieving. So, of course, there are many moments when I felt sad and enraged and just wanted to hug Miracle, yell at the officers and smack the bad guys. But there are also too many questions left unanswered.
Besides the imagery and the writing style, both of which I really liked, I feel that the potential of the story has not been fully tapped. If there’s book 2, I will certainly read it though.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rodney LaMarr’s bittersweet and thought-provoking first book tackles important issues such as racism, grief and family. But the end is infuriating. I don’t know if this will be a series, but Miracle’s Song could have been a stellar stand-alone.
The premise is good, although the reference to music, including in the title, led me to have unfulfilled expectations. The mystery related to the memories that Miracle has, but doesn't know how or why, is only solved in the last chapter and doesn't relate in any way to the main plot.
This is a story of a family and how a tragic loss affects each member, and how all of us cope differently with grieving. So, of course, there are many moments when I felt sad and enraged and just wanted to hug Miracle, yell at the officers and smack the bad guys. But there are also too many questions left unanswered.
Besides the imagery and the writing style, both of which I really liked, I feel that the potential of the story has not been fully tapped. If there’s book 2, I will certainly read it though.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 28, 2022
Don't let the book title and the gorgeous cover fool you, inside is a gripping, heart-wrenching tale about the struggles black people face every day. Miracle and her brother deal with racism and (micro)aggression on an almost daily basis fearing for their lives. Until her life is turned upside down during an incident that involves the police.
I think I about felt every emotion when reading this book. For the most part I felt an overwhelming sense of injustice, annoyance and anger about the way Miracle and her brother are treated. The racism and aggression they have to deal with, that black people have to deal with on a daily basis. Rodney touches on the current events and situations in the USA with the mistreatment of black people at the hands of the police and the justice system. Rodney has a way of keeping you aware that while the book may be a work of fiction many of the events are not.
Despite all the emotions it's a beautifully written story that will break your heart. But reading it is more than worth it.
I recommend everyone to read this book. I would even specifically like to invite white people to read this book as I believe this book will create awareness about the importance of the BLM movement.
I think I about felt every emotion when reading this book. For the most part I felt an overwhelming sense of injustice, annoyance and anger about the way Miracle and her brother are treated. The racism and aggression they have to deal with, that black people have to deal with on a daily basis. Rodney touches on the current events and situations in the USA with the mistreatment of black people at the hands of the police and the justice system. Rodney has a way of keeping you aware that while the book may be a work of fiction many of the events are not.
Despite all the emotions it's a beautifully written story that will break your heart. But reading it is more than worth it.
I recommend everyone to read this book. I would even specifically like to invite white people to read this book as I believe this book will create awareness about the importance of the BLM movement.
March 14, 2022
[I received an ARC for an honest review]
Miracle's Song is a powerful and compelling book. It deals with the evils of racism, as felt by Black and People of Color daily. It doesn't stop there though, reminding us that Dr. King taught us that racial and economic oppression are tied together.
At the same time, the book tells the story of Miracle--a teenage girl who loves her brother, her friends, and red slurpees. It's mundane and meandering, serving as a stark contrast to the horrors inflicted on Miracle because she's Black.
The prosaic prose treads the line between evocative and purple, and sometimes lands on the wrong side. But it does *work.* The book never tells--it always shows. Miracle informs us she loved her brother, when she cries, and when she's happy--and from there she lets us infer our own conclusions about her inner life.
The moments where Miracle experiences the past are equally powerful, showing us that America's racism didn't magically start with Tr*mp while granting Miracle the strength to face her own trauma.
I recommend this book to everyone.
Miracle's Song is a powerful and compelling book. It deals with the evils of racism, as felt by Black and People of Color daily. It doesn't stop there though, reminding us that Dr. King taught us that racial and economic oppression are tied together.
At the same time, the book tells the story of Miracle--a teenage girl who loves her brother, her friends, and red slurpees. It's mundane and meandering, serving as a stark contrast to the horrors inflicted on Miracle because she's Black.
The prosaic prose treads the line between evocative and purple, and sometimes lands on the wrong side. But it does *work.* The book never tells--it always shows. Miracle informs us she loved her brother, when she cries, and when she's happy--and from there she lets us infer our own conclusions about her inner life.
The moments where Miracle experiences the past are equally powerful, showing us that America's racism didn't magically start with Tr*mp while granting Miracle the strength to face her own trauma.
I recommend this book to everyone.
March 16, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.5
Ok, so I purposely only read a little of the description as I wanted to go into this not knowing what it was fully about. As the anxiety ridden girl I am I listen to a lot of music to help calm me down, so this seemed right up my alley.
It really picked up in the end with the trial and i teared up more than once. It had an open ending so be warned if thats not your thing. The music trips to the past never failed to make me smile and were beautifully written.
It was a really hard read as this isnt something that happens in stroies, trials like these happen in real life and its heartbreaking.
I would say this falls into the YA magical realism genre.
Sometimes I was confused with who was speaking. The characters could of been more flushed out but considering how short the book is I'm not too upset about it (though I really wish it was longer). There is so much potential here! I look forward to reading more from this author.
3.5
Ok, so I purposely only read a little of the description as I wanted to go into this not knowing what it was fully about. As the anxiety ridden girl I am I listen to a lot of music to help calm me down, so this seemed right up my alley.
It really picked up in the end with the trial and i teared up more than once. It had an open ending so be warned if thats not your thing. The music trips to the past never failed to make me smile and were beautifully written.
It was a really hard read as this isnt something that happens in stroies, trials like these happen in real life and its heartbreaking.
I would say this falls into the YA magical realism genre.
Sometimes I was confused with who was speaking. The characters could of been more flushed out but considering how short the book is I'm not too upset about it (though I really wish it was longer). There is so much potential here! I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 4, 2022
First of all, I have to say how absolutely BEAUTIFUL the covers for this series are. Some of the most jaw-dropping covers I have ever seen.
(^^^^ This is the cover I'm referring to. For some reason it isn't on Goodreads, but it definitely should be!)
I thought this book was well written. I enjoyed the writing style, soft and sweet, and I liked the voice of our MC. She was emotional and believable. I also appreciated the dynamic between the friend group and the point of view being voiced from differing sides. It felt real.
As far as the story goes, the one thing that nagged at me was the apparent "non-reaction" to Dre's actions, prior to being confronted by police. It felt like it was glossed over, with no character reflecting on the grief of the other family or showing any kind of remorse.
I did feel myself wanting a little bit more. This book has so, so much potential, but it is very short. Unfortunately, it didn't really have the chance to go as deep as I would have liked. However, considering its short length, I am also impressed by how much the author was able to pack in, and still have the story flow quite nicely to its end.
I really liked the ending with the testimony.
Overall, a pleasant read. Both thought and emotionally provoking.
*I received an advance review e-copy for free via Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
(^^^^ This is the cover I'm referring to. For some reason it isn't on Goodreads, but it definitely should be!)
I thought this book was well written. I enjoyed the writing style, soft and sweet, and I liked the voice of our MC. She was emotional and believable. I also appreciated the dynamic between the friend group and the point of view being voiced from differing sides. It felt real.
As far as the story goes, the one thing that nagged at me was the apparent "non-reaction" to Dre's actions, prior to being confronted by police. It felt like it was glossed over, with no character reflecting on the grief of the other family or showing any kind of remorse.
I did feel myself wanting a little bit more. This book has so, so much potential, but it is very short. Unfortunately, it didn't really have the chance to go as deep as I would have liked. However, considering its short length, I am also impressed by how much the author was able to pack in, and still have the story flow quite nicely to its end.
I really liked the ending with the testimony.
Overall, a pleasant read. Both thought and emotionally provoking.
*I received an advance review e-copy for free via Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2022
BOOK:MIRACLE'S SONG BY RODNEY LAMARR
BOOK REVIEWER:OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE
SYNOPSIS:
It is a legal high school fiction on crime prosecution from arrest to trial. The book discusses wrongful arrest;video coverage of statement to the police;the healing and stress relieving power of music;importance of reading skill for lawyers;racism;equal rights;whether Black's are not responsible for most of the discrimination against them;that whites also face inhumane treatment; Murder;Court house or judicial correspondence and reporting; probono legal services;sharing grieving moments amongst others.There is a little confusion created when the family's lawyer is said to volunteer service and when the lawyer mentions that the legal services being offered and that of the prosecutor is like two for the price of one.Also the use of bailiff instead of court clerk is inappropriate in legal parlance.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE BOOK READ:-
🖲️The dependence of a case on a witness and his response to cross examination.
🖲️Importance of Reading skill for lawyers.
🖲️African elderly parents correct with body language and looks.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT:
The importance of reading skill for lawyers based on the nature of their career choice can not be overemphasized.
BOOK REVIEWER:OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE
SYNOPSIS:
It is a legal high school fiction on crime prosecution from arrest to trial. The book discusses wrongful arrest;video coverage of statement to the police;the healing and stress relieving power of music;importance of reading skill for lawyers;racism;equal rights;whether Black's are not responsible for most of the discrimination against them;that whites also face inhumane treatment; Murder;Court house or judicial correspondence and reporting; probono legal services;sharing grieving moments amongst others.There is a little confusion created when the family's lawyer is said to volunteer service and when the lawyer mentions that the legal services being offered and that of the prosecutor is like two for the price of one.Also the use of bailiff instead of court clerk is inappropriate in legal parlance.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE BOOK READ:-
🖲️The dependence of a case on a witness and his response to cross examination.
🖲️Importance of Reading skill for lawyers.
🖲️African elderly parents correct with body language and looks.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT:
The importance of reading skill for lawyers based on the nature of their career choice can not be overemphasized.
August 11, 2025
Miracle’s Song isn’t just a story, it’s an emotional mixtape, and Rodney LaMarr is the DJ who refuses to skip the hard tracks. From the first page, Miracle Jenkins’ craving for a simple life feels so relatable you can almost taste the red Slurpee she dreams about. But the way Rodney shatters that comfort with the police incident is gutting, and that’s before the quiet, creeping racism in her small California town comes into play.
What makes this novella so powerful is how it blends the intimate and the universal. Miracle’s music isn’t just an escape; it’s a heartbeat, a tether to moments that shaped her, and a soundtrack to the injustice she’s forced to navigate. The prose is vivid without being overbearing, the emotional beats hit hard, and the pacing feels like a song that knows exactly when to swell and when to whisper.
This isn’t a “read it once and move on” book, it lingers. It makes you think about the lives behind headlines, about the weight that young shoulders shouldn’t have to carry, and about the resilience it takes to keep singing when the world is trying to drown you out.
If Book One of the California Dreaming series is this strong, I’m not sure my feelings will survive the rest, but I’m absolutely here for it.
What makes this novella so powerful is how it blends the intimate and the universal. Miracle’s music isn’t just an escape; it’s a heartbeat, a tether to moments that shaped her, and a soundtrack to the injustice she’s forced to navigate. The prose is vivid without being overbearing, the emotional beats hit hard, and the pacing feels like a song that knows exactly when to swell and when to whisper.
This isn’t a “read it once and move on” book, it lingers. It makes you think about the lives behind headlines, about the weight that young shoulders shouldn’t have to carry, and about the resilience it takes to keep singing when the world is trying to drown you out.
If Book One of the California Dreaming series is this strong, I’m not sure my feelings will survive the rest, but I’m absolutely here for it.
July 23, 2023
"It felt like a mysterious being was suddenly inside my chest, tugging on my heart, pulling it down, stretching it until it tore in half."
This is the story of Miracle Jenkins. Her life changes and turns upside down when she loses a loved one. This well-written book by Rodney LaMarr shows how Miracle wades through these dark times in her life with the help and guidance of her music ("Music was always the key to my soul’s treasure chest. It freed my mind and caused whatever hardships I faced to vanish"). We also get to understand how injustice and inequality come in all forms, shapes and sides (“The twin of racial injustice is economic injustice”). The story is also about the effects of pain, grief and aches that come with loss ("When death hits you, you never really know how you’ll react").
Overall, a heartbreaking and thought-provoking read.
“I’d pray for you more than me, I’d cross the oceans and swim the seas, I’d trade all the money and the gold To live out our story never told To touch your cheek, that’s never kissed For you will always be my only wish.”
This is the story of Miracle Jenkins. Her life changes and turns upside down when she loses a loved one. This well-written book by Rodney LaMarr shows how Miracle wades through these dark times in her life with the help and guidance of her music ("Music was always the key to my soul’s treasure chest. It freed my mind and caused whatever hardships I faced to vanish"). We also get to understand how injustice and inequality come in all forms, shapes and sides (“The twin of racial injustice is economic injustice”). The story is also about the effects of pain, grief and aches that come with loss ("When death hits you, you never really know how you’ll react").
Overall, a heartbreaking and thought-provoking read.
“I’d pray for you more than me, I’d cross the oceans and swim the seas, I’d trade all the money and the gold To live out our story never told To touch your cheek, that’s never kissed For you will always be my only wish.”
June 24, 2022
I got this e-ARC for free and leave a review voluntarily.
First things first, this book is not a happy book. It is heartbreaking and bitter, but oh so powerful and provoking.
The story revolves around Miracle Jenkins - a teenager who lives through the process of mourning way too early for her age. Her only rescue is music.
Trigger warnings right away: Racism, Death, Grief, and Gun Violence!
The characters were relatable, but could have used a bit more depth. Since this is the first book in a series I am sure we will see more of the characters and their decisions. There will be probably way more, but for now I wished for more definded characters. So, I am really looking forward to see how this story will continue.
Even with 3 stars I will keep recommending this book. It is a story everyone should read, because it is reality for a lot of people.
First things first, this book is not a happy book. It is heartbreaking and bitter, but oh so powerful and provoking.
The story revolves around Miracle Jenkins - a teenager who lives through the process of mourning way too early for her age. Her only rescue is music.
Trigger warnings right away: Racism, Death, Grief, and Gun Violence!
The characters were relatable, but could have used a bit more depth. Since this is the first book in a series I am sure we will see more of the characters and their decisions. There will be probably way more, but for now I wished for more definded characters. So, I am really looking forward to see how this story will continue.
Even with 3 stars I will keep recommending this book. It is a story everyone should read, because it is reality for a lot of people.
March 17, 2022
Wow. Just wow. What can I say about this book? A powerful read that got me hooked at the bare beginning of it. The main character of this book, Miracle, goes through a lot of hard things, especially the death of a closer one. She used music to heal that pain and as a mechanism to escape her new reality. Miracle's new life isn't just dealing with grief but also watching her parents go through it and react very differently. Miracle's father was one of my favourite characters! One thing that I would like to see more is Miracle's relationship with Gregg. The ending got me thinking and waiting for the second part!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2022
Miracle's Song by Rodney Lamarr is a heart wrenching look at the inner dialogue of a young woman going through the difficulties of losing a loved one to police violence. The main character, Miracle is with her brother Dre when a series of events end in his death and her appearance in court. Her reality is broken up by a series of songs that transport her to different places where her ancestors give insight to her situation through their own experiences. I found Miracle's story inspirational and moving. The characters were interesting but could have benefited from a bit more flushing out and then ending of the book was pretty abrupt. I enjoyed it but I would have liked a better resolution.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2022
I gave this book a 3.5 rating mostly because I loved the main storyline but didn't quite get the "visions", or to better put it, why was it in the form of "visions" as it doesn't seem to have this one or other magical/fantasy elements during the rest of the book. The main storyline though, it was amazing - loved the conflict between rich/poor and Black/white. It really was a touching story, and would've given it a better score if it were just the main storyline.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2022
Miracle’s Song by author Rodney LaMarr is the story of Miracle, who finds her world in chaos following a devastating incident.
This story brings up so many important current issues facing our nation, and our world, today. From racial justice to police brutality, this book provides the reader with a close-up look at the effect these things have on people, on families, and on the population at large.
This is an important, thought-provoking YA read.
Special thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
This story brings up so many important current issues facing our nation, and our world, today. From racial justice to police brutality, this book provides the reader with a close-up look at the effect these things have on people, on families, and on the population at large.
This is an important, thought-provoking YA read.
Special thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
September 3, 2022
I purchased this book because the cover and title were alluring. I thought it would be something light, fun high school related drama but the themes turn out to be strong. It was hoked from starting to the end and felt each and every line like it is my life I am reading about.
Highly recommend!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Highly recommend!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 22, 2023
This story is powerful, tragic, and poignant. It left me wanting more of Miracle's story.
Miracle turns to music as an escape, and it takes her to another time and place. These glimpses were beautifully written.
The author did a wonderful job of writing from Miracle's point of view- I was immersed in her emotions and thoughts.
Miracle turns to music as an escape, and it takes her to another time and place. These glimpses were beautifully written.
The author did a wonderful job of writing from Miracle's point of view- I was immersed in her emotions and thoughts.
October 6, 2024
I Want More
A nice, quick read that takes you on a journey of a young girl who witnesses a horrific death and has the gift of learning the past in the oddest of ways. Looking forward to the next book.
A nice, quick read that takes you on a journey of a young girl who witnesses a horrific death and has the gift of learning the past in the oddest of ways. Looking forward to the next book.
September 19, 2024
I loved it! It was amazing. It was so beautiful. I was hooked from the beginning. I was hanging onto every word.
December 10, 2024
It was so good and I am ready for book two and three. Book two here I come.
October 3, 2022
A cop kills a young black kid, but was the murder justified?
This was an interesting story about a boy named Dre, who feels the need to protect himself from bullies by carrying a gun.
Miracle's Song is shown through the eyes of Miracle, Dre's little sister, so there are things the readers can't know about Dre. For example, I never really knew how troublesome the bullies were and how much it affected him until it was too late (because Miracle doesn't know). I wish I had a better grasp on Dre's mindset, and maybe got to see his slow mental decline before everything went bad.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the book, and I look forward to reading book 2.
This was an interesting story about a boy named Dre, who feels the need to protect himself from bullies by carrying a gun.
Miracle's Song is shown through the eyes of Miracle, Dre's little sister, so there are things the readers can't know about Dre. For example, I never really knew how troublesome the bullies were and how much it affected him until it was too late (because Miracle doesn't know). I wish I had a better grasp on Dre's mindset, and maybe got to see his slow mental decline before everything went bad.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the book, and I look forward to reading book 2.
December 30, 2023
In 1992, though I’ve never been particularly fond of organized religion, I was in a church for my niece’s something or other. As the ceremony began and my oldest sister and her children failed to show up, my eyes kept straying to the doors.
They never did show up but strangely enough a black crow did. Flying up on the rafters and swooping down again this anonymous harbinger held my undivided attention.
Later that day my world would be forever changed, and the memories of that bird would be forever entwined with the death of my nephew.
Miracle’s Song by Rodney Llamar, was like that strange bird circling my world, capturing my attention and taking a moment of peace before twisting it up into a visceral pain, both remembered and traversing space and time, and something about his words made me a time traveler. It was 1992 for me while it was so many other decades for a teenage girl named Miracle.
Rodney’s words are poetic prose and really don’t require a shared memory for the words to wrap around you, sweeping you up in darkness and taking you to a distant past, before bringing you back again.
I lost myself and found myself in his words. And though the song in my head is still This Women’s Work by Kate Bush, I now know this other song that can and did cathartically heal a tiny piece of my fractured soul.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8QtTtbV/
They never did show up but strangely enough a black crow did. Flying up on the rafters and swooping down again this anonymous harbinger held my undivided attention.
Later that day my world would be forever changed, and the memories of that bird would be forever entwined with the death of my nephew.
Miracle’s Song by Rodney Llamar, was like that strange bird circling my world, capturing my attention and taking a moment of peace before twisting it up into a visceral pain, both remembered and traversing space and time, and something about his words made me a time traveler. It was 1992 for me while it was so many other decades for a teenage girl named Miracle.
Rodney’s words are poetic prose and really don’t require a shared memory for the words to wrap around you, sweeping you up in darkness and taking you to a distant past, before bringing you back again.
I lost myself and found myself in his words. And though the song in my head is still This Women’s Work by Kate Bush, I now know this other song that can and did cathartically heal a tiny piece of my fractured soul.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8QtTtbV/
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