Title: The Healing Bowl: A Harley & Friends Adventure
Author: Anita Fisk
Publisher: Readers Magnet LLC
ISBN: 987-1-950947-55-3
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 176
Reviewed by: Suzanne Gattis
Hollywood Book Reviews
The Healing Bowl: A Harley & Friends Adventure by author Anita Fisk is the perfect read for young adults and adults alike, who have a sense of wonder and imagination. The story follows two 7th graders, Harley and TJ, through a mythical adventure in hopes to save a dear friend. They meet a rich cast of characters on their adventure and learn a lot about themselves and friendship along the way.
Much of this book deals with middle school life and the power of friendship. A group of friends, who have grown up in the same cul-de-sac, learn to work together and trust one another throughout this spell binding book. The main quest of the tale also deals with friendship and the saving of a friend. This friend is one who is a little different and I think teaches a powerful lesson about embracing those who are not like us. While I love what it taught, I did find it to be a little bit of an idealistic representation of real middle school life.
Scattered throughout the book are tales and characters from ancient Mythology, which I found to be an interesting theme interleaved in the story. Even their teacher at school has connections. I remember at that age being captivated by those stories and it gives a unique setting to the second half of the book. The descriptions of these times, places, and gods really takes the reader along on the adventure. The addition of these characters and the fact that so many were introduced that I, even as an adult, had a hard time keeping them all straight.
As far as endings go, I really enjoyed the twist at the end concerning the tears. I thought that was a well thought out, creative way to end on a note that rang of the themes throughout the book. The author either vividly remembers her childhood or is surrounded by people who have a sense of wonder and adventure. I would gladly read more of the Harley and Friends Adventures books.