Reviewer: Annie
Summary:
Natalie DeAngelo lost everything the day her two young sons were killed in a school shooting. Desperate to find relief from her unspeakable loss, she volunteers as a veterinarian on an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, but soon realizes she may be in over her head. Battling the memories that torment her day and night, Natalie must find a way to heal an angry, injured elephant named Sophie. Through love, acceptance, and gentle care, Natalie and Sophie heal together, finding new ways to enjoy life again.
Review:
I feel utterly blessed for having read “The Mourning Parade”. It is an extremely beautifully written story. Not often do I read a story and feel better for having read it, and when it does happen I want to tell everyone I know to read it.
Dawn Reno Langley introduces us to a grieving single mother named Natalie, who had just lost both of her sons to a school shooting. To try and find some peace and healing Natalie goes to Thailand to volunteer at an Elephant Sanctuary. She meets an elephant named Sophie in need of some peace and healing, as well.
I promise you will be happier for knowing Natalie and Sophie! I know I was deeply in love with them. I was rooting for them as if I was alongside them! I truly felt transported. It was amazing! They now live within me! Every character was written into the story with such finesse; they will truly touch you.
While I know this book is about grief and mourning; it is mostly about the resilience and the light that can shine as we go through these times. It’s about that human condition. It’s also about the natural instincts that elephants have; and all they can teach us. It’s about who is teaching who along the way!
Above all this is a story about love and it’s power!
What a powerful ending! I literally got chills! The hair on my arms stood up! I sat up while reading…and, gave it every ounce of my heart as I finished. It commanded my full attention!
You will finish the book and your heart will be made bigger for having read Langley’s powerful lyrical story. I know it was one of the most heartfelt stories I’ve read in quite some time.
Place it on your bookshelf. You’ll read this one again! And, Go tell your friends about it! Tell all of them!
5 Stars.
The Write Review 
Great review, Annie!
Thank you so much.