The Messenger of Magnolia Street

I found THE MESSENGER OF MAGNOLIA STREET to be both intriguing and eerie, and a very magical story. I plan to read it again soon because there are so many nuances in the story and I want to make sure that I didn't miss anything. It's the tale of hard times that come to a cozy little town in Alabama called Shibboleth. The changes to the town take place over a twelve-year period and seemed to have started after Nehemiah Trust left the town to work for a senator in Washington, D. C. Nehemiah was bright, kind and admired by everyone. The changes to the town were slow but a feeling of darkness, and in many people, forgetfulness, was sliding into their minds and thoughts. The town and citizens were becoming parched and dry just like the land around them. Not everyone was completely aware of the changes, but Nehemiah's brother Billy knew some odd things were taking place. When his best friend, Trice told him they needed to get Nehemiah to come home he agreed. Trice had always had some kind of psychic insight and Billy also longed for his brother's presence. Nehemiah reluctantly returns to his hometown and the childhood friends reunite in a bond to save Shibboleth. The characters in "Messenger" are wonderful. The story is told by an angel who calls himself the Recorder and he sometimes tells us what God has to say. For instance, Aunt Kate is a bigger than life and kind-hearted woman who owns the local diner. She offers food and good will to all that need it. At one point we are told that everyone loves Kate, and the Recorder tells us that God loves her too! I can't wait to see what River Jordan writes next!

I loved this book!! River Jordan writes with the descriptive qualities of Truman Capote. She makes you feel you are envolved as all of the events as they unfold. This is a "can't put down" read, so make sure you have a quiet nook and time to read about all the good people in Shibboleth! Rivers style is very easy to read and you find yourself engrossed in the characters. I was left hanging on the edge of my seat in total anticipation of events swirling around in this wonderful story. It is a story of good and evil and how each character had a part in bringing a positive outcome. Please please read this book!! It is the feel-good book of the year. It made me feel there was hope in this world.

River Jordan's Messenger of Magnolia Street is a beautifully developed metaphor for the subtle and mysterious forces that shape communities and draw people into fellowship with one another across time and distance. People of all faiths (or lack thereof) will be able to relate to Jordan's exquisite rendering of the perennial struggle for goodness and hope over darkness and fear. It is one of those rare books that can be enjoyed for its highly entertaining story as well as mined for layers of meaning. Her unforgettable characters will accompany you long after you've closed the book. Don't be surprised if the fictional town of Shibboleth feels hauntingly familiar, especially if you've ever been blessed to live in a small town.

I picked up this book because of the title. I read it because of it's message. How often do we find our own lives, our own values, our own beings slipping away into oblivion? Moving away to a new life only then to discover and embrace who we really are? I could not put the book down. It captivated me from beginning to end. The truth, the heart of Nehemiah's story rang loud and clear.

This is an utterly original southern novel that swept me up in its gripping character-driven story from start to end, and I believe that once the word gets out, it will be read by many, many people. It is a deep and powerful parable for our times, and not just for Southerners, as most of us do yearn for the interdependence of true community, the unbreakable bonds of friendship and more reverence for life's mysteries in a world that seems bent on destroying itself. This is River Jordan's second published novel, and I also recommend her first, The Gin Girl.