Seeing Things

Seeing Things skillfully weaves together the hard reality of afflictions with the whimsical side of life. While captivated by entertaining episodes, profound insights seep into your soul-setbacks don't have to defeat us, troubles don't need to bring gloom, and physical afflictions can usher adventures rather than limitations. - Janet Perez Eckles, international Christian speaker and author.

"At times ticklish and charming (oh, that Huck Finn!), at other times deeply moving, Patti Hill's Seeing Things kept the pages turning despite the hour. This grandmother's quest to put her family on the mat and lower them through the ceiling of pain and past mistakes, right to Jesus's feet, is a tale I could read again and again." - Tamara Leigh, author of Faking Grace and Leaving Carolina

"Patti Hill has created a quirky bunch of characters and dropped them into a fascinating story world where nothing is too far-fetched, in her delightful novel Seeing Things. Thoroughly engaging from start to finish." - Sharon K. Souza, author of Lying on Sunday

When you open this book, you will meet a completely lovable, huggable, I-wish-she-lived-next door woman! Birdie Wainwright suffers from macular degeneration but she 'sees' better than most people. She lets her heart choose her direction and listens intently to that still, small voice of God. Because of all this, her life explodes like Fourth of July fireworks, with bursts of love, laughter, tears and joy.

At 72, Birdie was very independent, climbing mountains with her dog, Miss Bee Haven, and flirting with the local pharmacist. But when she breaks her ankle, her son insists she come to live with him and his family. During her convalescence, Birdie's bone not only heals, but a few other 'broken' things as well. Birdie is a character that will live on in readers' memories long after the last page in this book is turned. She is a delightful combination of innocent faith and savvy strength. She relies on God to get the job done, but isn't afraid to step up to the plate to move things along.

When her vision problem develops an unusual side effect, (she sees and talks to Huck Finn), her family huddles together for a solution. But Birdie calmly continues walking with God, along paths of His choosing. Although a car accident and a kitchen fire might make it seem Birdie made a wrong turn, when the dust and the smoke settles, life is even better than before. You will absolutely love the places this woman takes you to!

Seeing Things is all about closing your eyes and listening to your heart. And with Birdie as your 'seeing-eye gal', life gets more colorful indeed. - http://www.inthelibraryreviews.net

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Seeing Things by Patti Hill is a tasty treat for any afternoon. You'll "need" to set some time apart...you'll find you also "never" want this to end. Wow- I wish there was a sequel! Birdie Wainwrights prides herself on her independence and zest for life, even at the age of 72 and suffering from macular degeneration. When she starts seeing hallucinations of flowers in the middle of her living room, she starts to doubt her sanity, and when she ends up breaking her ankle because of them, her perfect life is turned upside-down. Birdie is forced to recover while living with her son Andy and wife Suzanne whose busy lives keep them on the run and away from son Fletcher, who has memorized baseball stats as a form of prayer in his lonely life. Things get even crazier when Huckleberry Finn shows up and starts talking to Birdie, and the faith of the whole family is tested. I absolutely adored the character of Birdie, and I hate that the book had to end! Hill precisely renders the conflict between aging parent and busy child when it comes to assisted living centers and independent living. Birdie wants only to heal and please her family, but she is forced over and over again to turn their care over to God. Her interpretation of putting them through the roof on a mat is one I will remember and use myself. The characters feel real, full of passion and life, like people you know personally, and the story has just the perfect amount of humor, faith, and love.... "I can only hope to read more great books like this one!" -Thank you Patti Hill-

Seeing Things is an entertaining story. The author's voice is strong and I loved how it sounded very "senior citizen." I adored the main character, Birdie, and enjoyed getting to know her through her inner dialog. This entire story was incredibly creative and unique. I learned a few things about people with AMD as well. What I enjoyed most about this novel were the relationship dynamics and how realistic the author made the tension in Fletcher's family. Also, the whole issue about trying to help Birdie be safe was interesting because it's so common and most families will struggle with this issue regarding aging parents. The only thing that threw me off a bit was how things transitioned at the end. It seemed like more of a leap than a gentle progression toward resolution. It was too sudden. But I enjoyed the romantic tension between the old folks, so that more than made up for it. That theme was very well done. Overall, this was a good story and I'm glad I took the time to read it.

This book fits with my passion "Why We Need Girlfriends." A Bible study book I'll be talking about another day. The family relationships in the book are great. Healing between family members. Grandmother and grandson bonding. But the group of women with failing eyesight that band together do more than the doctors or family for Birdie. Girlfriends are friends who stick closer than relatives. Seeing Things made me laugh out loud, which is common in husband's family, but not in mine.I can't recommend this story high enough.

Just finished this in our book club--highly recommend reading it. We all found a common thread woven through the story for a fun and touching discussion time we were all able to relate to. Storyline is very fitting for today's challenging family life, including blended family relationships. You will immediately relate to every character and identify with the struggles of everyday life faced at any age. The author brought special meaning to each character that left you full of love, compassion, and a deep sense of appreciation for them individually. Please don't hesitate to read this book.

Who hasn't had an imaginary friend that used to talk to when they were little? Even now, sometimes the characters you create in your head are better company to keep than the real people you have to interact with on a daily basis. That's what life is like for Birdie as she finds that it's easier to communicate with Huckleberry Finn than with her son and his wife. That is a literary character that would be great to have a conversation with. I love how their conversations mostly consist of Birdie being able to confide and share her thoughts with Huck just sitting there listening. It's the best situation ever! I found the relationship between Birdie and her son and his family to very interesting to the story. I felt that this relationship is the epitome of elderly parents and their children who aren't sure how to take care of them. Their reactions and attitudes towards each other were very realistic and it touches at the heart for those who have been in this situation. What I liked best was how the author portrayed Birdie. She's not shown as a cranky elderly person who thinks that her way is the best way. She loves her grandson very much and wants to make everything right for him. Her relationship with her son is rocky and is even more so with his wife. However she tries to do her best to keep the peace even though it's very difficult for her. My only complaint is that it's very slow for about halfway through the book. It takes a while to really get into the story. It's not boring, there's just a lot of that you have to see through Birdie's eyes first before delving deeper. This book is not a fast read, but it's one to savor. I feel that it will touch many readers and pull some heartstrings. Perfect for a lazy fall's day.

"Seeing Things" is a wonderful, easy to read novel. I am truly amazed at how God works. We are doing a Bible Study at my church and the speaker lost her sight at the age of 15 to macular degeneration. The character of Birdie is so believable. I see myself and others in her especially when she talks about dropping someone through the roof! God is so good, he works on those around us and gives us numerous opportunities to share His love and that is what is neat about the BATS. One thing I remember is when Birdie says "Lord, I can barely hang on this the rope". We've all struggled with holding on. Again, I loved this book and recommend it to all.

Seeing Things by Patti Hill is a tasty treat for a summer's afternoon. Birdie Wainwrights prides herself on her independence and zest for life, even at the age of 72 and suffering from macular degeneration. When she starts seeing hallucinations of flowers in the middle of her living room, she starts to doubt her sanity, and when she ends up breaking her ankle because of them, her perfect life is turned upside-down. Birdie is forced to recover while living with her son Andy and wife Suzanne whose busy lives keep them on the run and away from son Fletcher, who has memorized baseball stats as a form of prayer in his lonely life. Things get even crazier when Huckleberry Finn shows up and starts talking to Birdie, and the faith of the whole family is tested. I absolutely adored the character of Birdie, and I hate that the book had to end! Hill precisely renders the conflict between aging parent and busy child when it comes to assisted living centers and independent living. Birdie wants only to heal and please her family, but she is forced over and over again to turn their care over to God. Her interpretation of putting them through the roof on a mat is one I will remember and use myself. The characters feel real, full of passion and life, like people you know personally, and the story has just the perfect amount of humor, faith, and love.

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