The book skips around time periods, starting off in Genuine's mid 30's, then skipping back to her birth, her childhood and the first emergence of her uncanny ability, and her youth and involvement in the local Catholic church. It then moves on to Genuine's healing of Kevin Saunders, a young man some 15 years older than Genuine and someone who would become an important figure in her life and future, then later on to stories about those who become involved in Genuine's life, but not because they needed healing. Each story is told from a different perspective, typically the person(s) upon whom the story focuses, and often, but not always, from Genuine's perspective. This offers a nice fluctuation as the stories unfold, as the scenery also moves about from Genuine's birthplace in the Midwest, to North Carolina and California, and places in between.
While Genuine's healing ability isn't centered around religion, the church does come into play, although not too favorably, as Gen's local priest believes her abilities to be his ticket to Rome. However, I enjoyed Gen's use of her gift as something that morphed over the years as she ages, and something that isn't completely predictable. Sometimes it just doesn't work on some people and the minor element of suspense definitely worked for the book.
The Genuine Stories made me laugh and cry. It touched my heart and I burned through it in a matter of a few sittings. It's not a very long book at right under 200 pages, but it is a compelling one with really interesting characters, who have flaws and are completely human, even if they have a startling ability. Susan Smith Daniels has crafted a masterful tale of an extraordinary young woman and those whose lives she touches. It's a great read and I highly recommend it.
