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4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 Full Circle Nov 07, 2002
By The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
The Wolf, by Amanda Grihm, opens up a new literary door to an
exceptional storyline that holds your attention from the beginning to
the end. The portrayal of reality and dreams becomes the concept of
this wonderful, unique, and descriptive novel of a woman learning and
coming to terms with her Native American ancestry which leads to
taking charge of her life.Sarissa's coming of age becomes a mixture of helplessness, dreams she
cannot interpret, betrayals, and impending plots to take her life and
dignity. At present, she sees no light at the end of the tunnel. Her
marriage is in name only with a conning husband who tries to take
advantage of her weaknesses at every avenue. At work, one of the
professors she works for spends more time plotting his hatred towards
her instead of his work and classes. Sarissa's modeling troupe called Panache Models becomes the tool
through an audition of models where one model in particular becomes
the interpreter to Sarissa's dreams and reality dilemma. She helps
Sarissa understand her ancestry, and the reasons for her dreams. Throughout the story, Sarissa experiences a spiritual and animalistic
transformation as a wolf to face head on the past and present demons
that she has carried on her shoulders for years. It becomes her
lifesaver in many ways. From this transformation she is able to come
to terms with self through her ancestry, which finally gives her
courage and strength to face her reality. The text is one of the
ultimate in interpretations where you will be totally taken aback. Ms. Grihm's writing style highlights a woman's need to be herself, to
live, and be free. She writes with such depth and intensity it entices
you to read the book again just to pull the strength from her
storyline. The Wolf steps far away from any book with resemblance to a
relationship or romance book. I was totally in awe of the great
storyline. The Wolf is also a book that you don't quite see ending
which becomes a hint from the author and a plus for the reader. It
is definitely a must read. Reviewed by Kalaani
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Could This Be Real? Mar 28, 2005
By Loose Leaves Book Review
Amanda Grihm is a superb storyteller. She drew me into this tale from the first page and kept my attention until the very end. Grihm has entered into a new arena for the literary world as she blends truth with fiction. The characters are revealing such emotional detail, you either fall deeply in love or hate them immensely. The story includes time travel, human to animal transformation, personal emotional devastation, and much more. Let me step back and give you a synopsis of the storyline.
Sarissa first encounters the wolf in a dream. The wolf protects her from an approaching man whom she senses will do her harm. A series of strange events link the past to the present and Sarissa realizes that she is not content with how she is living. Her passion is directing a modeling troupe called, the Panche Models. During one of the weekly auditions, Anaghia her ancestor and spiritual interpreter, physically joins Sarissa in this mystical voyage. After Sarissa's first transformation into the Wolf, her senses are enhanced and creativity sparked. Sarissa realizes that her husband is unfaithful, her co-worker is mentally unstable, and friends are out to end her life. Then Anaghia takes Sarissa back in time to interpret an recurring dream that will uncover the purpose of why things are they way they are.
Grihm writes in a genre of her own. She connects romance to science fiction, touches on various cultures, and adds in the strength and depth of feminism. While reading The Wolf, I kept asking myself is this truth or fiction, because of the vivid pictures the words painted in my head. I guess it is what Grihm meant when she noted, "this is a work of fiction based on truth." If you are looking for a read out of the ordinary, this jewel is for you. Grihm, I'm ready for the sequel.
Reviewed by M. Bruner for Loose Leaves Book Review
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 I couldn't stop reading until I was done, and I wanted more. Oct 07, 2003
By Candris Tollar
I don't know where Amanda Grihm has been all of the years I've been reading novels. She has a fresh approach to storytelling that noboby but John Grisham could compete with. This woman is a literary jewel. She describes her experience with the wolf in such detail that you know it had to be true. I want to read more of her work. the wolf is intelligent, funny, sad, heartbreaking and victorious. Amanda Grihm tied up every loose end I thought there would be. This book should be a classic. Americans should be proud to have her among us. She described one of the ugliest situations I can imagine with grace and style. She made me understand the devastation she felt and I saw everything that she wrote about. I was right there every step of the way. Bravo to you Amanda Grihm. Keep on writing, it is your calling.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Enthralling story from new writer Oct 14, 2002
By Kathryn
I was entralled with THE WOLF by Amanda Grihm. I was held in a tight grip of suspense and drama throughout the entire story. Sarissa is me and I am she. I mouthed her words and lived her experience. The similarities between what I went through as a person and she went through as a charater were the same. I have lived the dread that Sarissa went through and I had become just like her over the years. I held on to hatred and it weakened me. I hope that like Sarissa, the release of that hatred will allow me to move on with my life. I feel that there is actually a chance for me because of the very clear and concise actions Sarissa took. I would recommend that anyone who has ever been hurt, long ago, or even recently, read THE WOLF and free yourself through the act of taking action, becoming strong, embracing your animal instincts and moving on with your life. It is a great story for those who just want to be entertained - well written and creative with the use of language.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
A wonderful read and great story for book lovers Oct 12, 2002
The Wolf is a wonderful story written with strong prose and exceptional insights. This story is written so well that it feels like a movie. I thoroughly enjoyed reading THE WOLF and I'd recommend it for everyone! Amanda Grihm is a writer's writer. She expresses feelings so real and deep that her readers hurt and rejoice right along with Sarissa. There are no color lines in this story, Amanda Grihm did an exceptional job of writing this story and I hope that she does not get pigeonholed into a black box because she is an African American. Everyone, and I do mean everyone would enjoy this story.
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