The Vagabond Healer (Book) - 9/18/2007 9:40:44 AM
The Vagabond Healer, James Olson’s fictional commentary on goodness and the angels among us leads the reader to consider how we might receive Christ and His healing miracles today. Would the scientific and medical community question his authenticity or just his motives? Would they recognize and embrace His unique gifts or would they ostracize him?
Eddy Foster walks into the life of Sam and Mary Johnson. Grieving for a long dead son and coming to grips with Mary’s approaching mortality due to cancer, Sam goes through his daily routine preparing for his loneliness. Eddy and his dog Mica are wanderers who by chance arrive at the Johnson’s garage. Eddy asks to give Sam a few hours hard work in exchange for enough money to buy supper for himself and the dog. A unique relationship is forged and a bond is firmly formed between Sam and the young man. Eddy has healing powers in his hands but possibly his most powerful gift is the message he carries to those who will listen, “Don’t be afraid to let people see your true self.” Eddy’s ability to heal and to see inside a person is both a gift and a curse. His healing powers bring great relief to the ill. Eddy’s ability to “see” a person’s inner soul; however, can reveal dreaded dark secrets. Those sick in character fear Eddy and wish to run him out of town or completely eliminate him. The timeless battle between good and bad continues as Eddy and the Johnson’s struggle to take on the faceless and the nameless sources of evil that come only in the darkest hours of night.
Olson’s ability to weave a good story keeps the reader moving quickly through the pages of this book. Authentic dialogue and warm, rich characters make the book a surprisingly comfortable and inviting to read. While the characters are not unique or particularly memorable, they are comfortable and feel like people you have known for years. The reader will instantly recognize the characters as everyday people you meet on the street the characters have a real world context.
While the book tells much about human relationships and Eddy’s ability to heal, what is not clear is how Eddy deals with the knowledge. How do each person’s secrets get catalogued in Eddy’s mind? How does he muddle through the negative to remain so positive and upbeat? If he can cure physical illness by touch, why can’t he heal spiritual illness? Is Eddy alone in this ability? Are there others? What is the source of his power? He does not appear to be a religious person rather he seems to be a reluctant philosopher who has the ability to heal others. Why?
Distinctive, well written, and moving, this book leaves the reader deeply moved by its simple message of love, honesty, and service to others. This serene story’s makes the reader want to shall all they love their true self. Sweetly told, this earnest story is masterfully presented and leaves a positive lasting impression on the reader.
A Small Miracle (Short Story) - 7/16/2007 8:14:58 AM
Oh, this is beautiful! Very well done; enjoyed~! Thanks for sharing, Jim!
(((HUGS))) and love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
My Gift (Poetry) - 7/19/2007 8:33:37 PM
Excellent write! Enjoyed.
Patricia
My Gift (Poetry) - 7/18/2007 3:15:37 PM
James, such a beautiful poem! When we do our best in this life...we know...that we know, we gave it our best and that's all we can do. God doesn't ask us to do anything more...HE gave each of HIS children gifts to use and to share so that others may enjoy and learn.
My Gift (Poetry) - 7/17/2007 8:16:54 AM
Beautiful write, James; very well penned!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
My Gift (Poetry) - 7/16/2007 5:52:49 PM
This was an exceptional piece of poetry!!!!
