The author has a powerful command of language, especially in her descriptive narrative which eloquently and sometimes brutally describes the scenes and the situations in this woman's life. At times, the memoir is vibrantly raw in its harsh revelations of a tragic life. Frequently being hit by unexpected and unhappy events, the author proved her strength and resilience to carry on. This is a powerful story that will encourage others to carry on, despite the odds stacked up against them. Beautiful writing.
Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Overall, this is a well-told memoir that I have no doubt will be cherished as a family record by Felix's descendants for generations to come.
Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Michelle Felix's story is an emotional journey from childhood to adulthood, from hopelessness to hope. Her faith and strength, and her way of using her painful experiences to help others, are inspiring. She writes simply and her words are powerful. Their message of hope will resonate with everyone. Readers will be moved to tears by Michelle's struggles, but also uplifted by her spirit and determination. Her story is ultimately one of forgiveness and love and faith in God that will inspire readers of all ages and from all walks of life.
Heather Stockard for Readers' Favorite
Michelle Felix's grief is palpable through the memoir but what is inspiring is the way she learned to find joy amid the darkness with the help of her faith in God. Her story of survival will motivate many readers to let go of what happened in their past and focus on the future. She also shares her dream of moving to the US. The book will inspire readers to dream so that they can face hurdles in life. The memoir is honest and straightforward and the author shares every aspect of her journey with readers, drawing them into her life and journey. Whole Heart: One Woman's Incredible and Heartbreaking Journey from Africa to America will definitely inspire, encourage, and give hope to many readers out there to create their own roads and walk along them.
Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
This is a powerful read that will capture the reader's imagination and hearts, as the author carries you along in a life that although fraught with angst was never dark or maudlinthere was always hope just over the horizon. One of the things that stood out for me was that Michelle of Indian extraction in a country where skin color had been so vitally important felt that she really didn't fit in anywhere. She wasn't dark enough to be considered "black", nor white enough to be considered "white". Indians were caught somewhere in the middle of the South African race war and this no doubt contributed to Michelle's inability to find her place in a world where she felt alien. This is an excellent read and one I can highly recommend, especially given its up-to-date relevance, with mentions of the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on Michelle's and her loved ones' lives.
Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
The pain is not ignored or sidelined but instead is treated as a catalyst to the journey that the author is chronicling in Whole Heart. The end result is a triumphant tale that should inspire those readers who are experiencing hardships of their own. By sharing not just the pain but the joy that was found through fighting on and overcoming the pain, Michelle Felix's story stands ready to inspire hope in readers around the world.
K.C.Finn for Readers' Favorite
Fair warning for readers, Whole Heart contains quite a bit of sensitive and triggering content. However, it's not so much about trauma as it is about discovering the possibility of joy after it. A reminder to forgive yourself as much as you forgive others, Whole Heart is a memoir that I'll be thinking about for a long, long time.
Samantha Hui, Independent Book Review
Whole Heart is peppered with bursts of profound wisdom, resulting in an inspiring and uplifting tale of triumph over what many would deem impossible odds.
Self-Publishing Review By Editor of SPR