Reviews

The Canopy by Angela Hunt

reynoldsreads's review

adventurous emotional informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This was one of the first Angela Hunt books I ever read, and it’s still one of my favourites!

Neurologist Dr. Alex Pace is desperate to find a cure for the rare inherited brain disease that killed her mother and grandmother, that is already taking its toll on Alex’s mind and will one day do the same to her 10-year-old daughter. Her research takes her to the Peruvian rainforest with a team of scientists, but their canopy explorations take an unexpected turn when a native from a previously unknown tribe shows signs of not only having the disease, but of having been cured of it. And so the team makes the trek into the uncharted depths of the jungle to discover the secrets of the miraculous healing tribe known as the Tree People.

Adventurous and richly beautiful, with explanations of scientific and medical concepts that make me feel smart, and descriptions of jungle flora and fauna that are both fascinating and savage. At the heart of it is the intersection of the natural and spiritual, that true healing doesn’t come from simply treating physical symptoms but from putting your faith in the Healer. 

momreads's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This book tackles so many tough questions;  why do bad things happen? is contact with indigenous tribes a good or bad thing for these people?  is there room for faith and God in science and medicine?  Over all of this, is the love of a mother for her daughter.  This is a story of love, sacrifice, and faith.

evamadera1's review

3.0

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. As I have made my way a second time though Hunt's books I found a mixed bag. Some approached the high level I once considered them on par with while many others fell far short, others that I had once ranked with four and five stars. Thus, I now keep my expectations low when I pick up the remaining books in my stack to re-read.
Although some aspects of the narrative approached the limits of reasonable suspension of disbelief, the narrative as a whole probed the depths of things many only reluctantly approach. Yes, this is a "religious" book. For those who are unfamiliar with God's amazing grace, the solution will appear as "deus ex machina." I often abhor the aforementioned technique. In this case, the abilities of my God are on full display.
This book survives round two of the purge from my personal collection.