This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Wizard of Odd by Patti Sherry-Crews revolves around Miles, an emotionally unstable voice actor with pseudobulbar affect (PBA), who arrives on Todd Island to house-sit at the Todd estate. Miles is tasked with looking after a dog named Tyrone, but the dog's size and energy lead to a series of mishaps, and Miles himself must adjust to the island’s isolated, rural setting. Throughout, Miles becomes entangled in the lives of the locals, including Nora, a single mother with a chaotic family life, and Sylvie's issues with her marriage. While trying to manage his grief and unresolved pain over his past relationship with his partner, Mary, Miles' interactions with the islanders lead to the community becoming increasingly curious about him, forcing Miles to reconcile his desire for privacy with his need for support and reconciliation.
The Wizard of Odd by Patti Sherry-Crews is a thoughtful read that gives us a unique and unusually realistic portrayal of relationships and connection, which is not something I thought I'd take away from the story initially. The writing is tight, full of subtle humor and sharp observations, particularly as it pertains to a full cast of well-developed characters, all with distinct personalities that feel authentic. The pacing vacillates between deliberate and punchy, which allows the story to unfold naturally. The scenes are often chaotic, but in a testament to the author's skill, they never feel forced. I did not know anything about PBA and the progression in Miles that reveals something more is handled with care. The ending is satisfying in its bittersweetness, and overall, this is an excellent piece of literary fiction with a huge amount of heart. Very highly recommended.
