Title: Nothing Short of Amazing: The True Story of Terrie Suica-Reed, Merle Thompson, and Phase 4 Learning Center
Author: Linda Morris, Terrie Suica-Reed (narrator), Merle Thompson (narrator)
Publisher: Black Vellum
ASIN: 9798323332526
Pages: 228
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs/Non-Fiction
Reviewer: Alyssa Avina
Hollywood Book Reviews
There are significant times in our lives when it takes something truly tragic and life-altering for us to see there is more for us in this world. And that above all else, through perseverance and love, we can find our hope which was once lost. This is just one of the many important themes explored in this novel, Nothing Short of Amazing: The True Story of Terrie Suica-Reed, Merle Thompson, and Phase 4 Learning Center by Linda Morris.
Terrie Suica-Reed is only 30-years-old and is about to have one of the most frightening experiences of her life when she feels a lump in her breast. The diagnosis that follows will forever change her, her husband Tom’s, and a boy named Merle’s life forever and make them all gain a new perspective which was desperately needed. It is after this initial diagnosis and treatment that Terrie decides to follow her dream of being a teacher which subsequently is where she meets Merle, a middle school-aged boy who is a ray of sunshine but underneath, Terrie can sense a sadness deep below the surface of this bright young man.
Merle is always disheveled with ill-fitting clothes and is constantly getting into trouble at school for being unprepared but Terrie knows there must be an explanation as to why it is likely out of Merle’s hands. With an overcrowded and overworked education system being an ever-growing problem for Merle, Terrie takes it upon herself to be his advocate, and in turn Merle’s invincible spirit in the face of hardships captures Terrie’s heart and gives her a new perspective on life. Above all else, the two develop a connection which shows no matter what one is going through in life, being there for another struggling soul can in turn, give you the hope and love you were always looking for.
While there is certainly the theme of triumph over adversity, I feel this novel explores even deeper realms such as sacrifice, persistence, and finding the meaning of hope through it all. The readers will have an empathetic viewpoint for both Merle and Terrie and the struggles they face together as well as within themselves. It gives an honest and realistic portrayal of the characters’ highs and lows which only makes their victories feel that much sweeter because of it. This is a story you will not want to miss out on. A powerful read, you should pick up your copy of Nothing Short of Amazing: The True Story of Terrie Suica-Reed, Merle Thompson, and Phase 4 Learning Center by Linda Morris today!