The Miracle of Small Things by Guilie Castillo-Oriard
Al is romping with the other dogs, tearing up gusts of sand in the far end of the cove. Chases, gets chased, chases again. (From The Miracle of Small Things, by Guilie Castillo-Oriard)
I won this small gem, The Miracle of Small Things by Guilie Castillo-Oriard, during the A to Z Blog Challenge 2016.
The story weaves puzzles pieces together concerning issues that touch our comprehension and our hearts. The complicity of tax evasion, the ill treatment of dogs, and a surface relationship that goes sour when a man confronts a woman who quietly demands by her actions that he take a good look within himself.
I loved Al. In my opinion, he was the protagonist. He was the glue that held the story together. That four-legged Canine drooled his way into my heart.
Things never go back to the way they were. And perhaps it’s for the best. We’ve no business, none of us trying to return to the places where we were happy once. All we find is blighted hope. Perhaps all we can do is build anew. (From The Miracle of Small Things by Guilie Castillo-Oriard)
Castillo-Oriard does a fantastic job connecting and displaying human misery and human deceit in relationships between humans and dogs. I like the way she points out the different between a casual romp in bed versus a subtle romance built upon dignity and deep desire.
Along with the small bits of history, at the beginning of each chapter, you find yourself floating into the multicultural mystique of Curaçao.
The Miracle of Small Things, by Guilie Castillo-Oriard, well written, well crafted, and well-worth reading.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
Book Reviews by Pat Garcia 
Nice review, Pat. Thanks. I enjoy reading your book reviews; they’re always informative and lend insight, intriguing me to read more.
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Thank you so much, Samantha. You and I have something in common because we are both reading lovers. I can just about read anything as long as it doesn’t give me nightmares. This book has a great subplot story but the main actor is Al and he is simply loveable. It reminds of your Moriarty and his dog that chases your paper balls. In this small book, you’ll lose yourself.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
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🙂
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Thank you so much, Pat! I’m delighted you enjoyed it… I agree, it really is Al’s story—and you’re the first reader that says so, so kudos to you 😉
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter
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Thank you, Guilie. Yes, I enjoyed it very much and I loved Al. He was my hero. I could picture his eyes when Luis first encountered him. Your characterization of his is outstanding.
Keep up the good work.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
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I loved Guilie’s book also and agree. Al stole the show! Not to mention, that lovely portrait of Curaçao had me wanting to hop the next flight!
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Thank you, Debbie. I have met some wonderful people through your blog during the A tonZ Blog Challenge and the circle keeps getting bigger. So nice getting to know you.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
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That’s exactly what the A to Z Challenge as meant for! I’m so glad we met, Pat. 🙂
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This seems to be a great book. Thanks for this review Patti. I hope you’re fine!! 🙂
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Thank you A.J. My basement was flooded during all the rain in Germany and damaged my office badly. I’m busy cleaning up the mess and filing insurance claims.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
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I’m sorry to hear that Patti. I hope you are fine!! Thinking of you!! HUGS
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A.J.
Aside from having to clear out my entire office so that the people came come in and put in new floors, doors and fix my walls, I am fine. Just under extreme pressure, because I need my office back.
Sending you love and hugs out of good old Germany.
Shalom aleichem
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