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The Wolf - Testimonials

The Wolf blends truth with fiction, drama with suspense; and, the spiritual with the supernatural. Even though Sarissa s first encounter with the wolf takes place in a dream, she is forewarned of impending dangers, reintroduced to her paranormal powers, strengthened by transforming into a powerful wolf and released from a victimization that took place 24 years earlier in her life. Sarissa is resistant to the idea of people becoming wolves so her ancestor, Anaghia, uses her supernatural powers and takes Sarissa on a mystical journey back through time and slowly unfolds the events that led to the wolf s power and presence in her life. She helps Sarissa interpret her dreams and embrace her animal instincts. Sarissa is then able to deal with her past and present enemies, break free of an unhappy marriage and move into her destiny.

A mystical thriller where the spirits of a woman's dead ancestors come to her aid in the form of a wolf

Kathryn Weinert (karen@minister.com), an avid reader, July 22, 2003,
Simply outstanding
This has got to be one of the most interesting storylines I've read. The detail of how Sarissa transformed into a wolf was both amazing and believable. At first I thought that this was going to be a violent and vicious story about revenge but it was a wonderful love story about learning to love yourself. Amanda Grihm is a tremendous talent that needs to be recognized and rewarded for bringing such truth to fiction.

Also recommended: Silver Wolf by Alice Borchardt

Lacistra Pharon, a lover of Amanda Grihm's writings, September 19, 2002,
Cultural mix blends perfectly in Amanda Grihm's, The Wolf
I am an American Indian and I enjoyed reading Amanda Grihm's story about The Wolf. Amanda seems to have the inside story on the power that the wolf holds for native American Indians. I was surprised to find that she was an African American writer. Not because her writing was any different or because it was so exceptional (and it is truly outstanding), but because she touched the spirit of my ancestors in a way that I thought only my people and I are able to do. The Wolf has piqued my interest and has caused me to look more into the relationship between African Americans and Native Americans. The wolf is thoughtful, strong and sensitive. When reading the story, I become one with Sarissa. Her struggles became my struggles and her victory was my victory. The spirituality conveyed by this powerful story is something that I know on a very deep and personal level. Amanda Grihm is one of the best writers I have read. I look forward to reading more about The Wolf and Amanda Grihm. Let's hope she comes out with a series!

Arless Moesher (missmeander@yahoo.com), someone to loves a great story, September 10, 2002,
Wonderful journey through time with new writer, Amanda Grihm
Amanda Grihm is brilliant. Her writing is strong and vivid, her ability to take you with her on her journey as a wolf is one that you'll never forget. You can feel the strength and courage of this strong animal surge throughout your body. You transform right along with Amanda beginning with the claws on the tips of your toes to the very edge of the long, sharp teeth that drip with saliva. Amanda Grihm is the first African American writer that I've ever read. She takes you through the deep, dark forest of life and brings you out safely. She builds your momentum and courage with each turn of the page. The Wolf is an amazing story about a middle-aged woman that was trapped by her own fear of conflict. This woman was abused by her husband and her fear. The wolf took her back through the years and showed her how strong she had become over the years. The wolf made her realize that she no longer needed to be fearful of men and confrontation. The Wolf is a great story about realizing your strengths, embracing your animal instincts - surviving and engaging life - and moving on to become the person you were meant to be. I would recommend that any woman who has ever suffered from a victimization read The Wolf. I would also recommend that high schools everywhere have every student read this book. I loved The Wolf. I want to see a whole lot more coming from Amanda Grihm.

Arless Moesher (missmeander@yahoo.com), someone to loves a great story, September 10, 2002,
Wonderful journey through time with new writer, Amanda Grihm
Amanda Grihm is brilliant. Her writing is strong and vivid, her ability to take you with her on her journey as a wolf is one that you'll never forget. You can feel the strength and courage of this strong animal surge throughout your body. You transform right along with Amanda beginning with the claws on the tips of your toes to the very edge of the long, sharp teeth that drip with saliva. Amanda Grihm is the first African American writer that I've ever read. She takes you through the deep, dark forest of life and brings you out safely. She builds your momentum and courage with each turn of the page. The Wolf is an amazing story about a middle aged woman that was trapped by her own fear of conflict. This woman was abused by her husband and her fear. The wolf took her back through the years and showed her how strong she had become over the years. The wolf made her realize that she no longer needed to be fearful of men and confrontation. The Wolf is a great story about realizing your strengths, embracing your animal instincts - surviving and engaging life - and moving on to become the person you were meant to be. I would recommend that any woman who has ever suffered from a victimization read The Wolf. I would also recommend that high schools everywhere have every student read this book. I loved The Wolf. I want to see a whole lot more coming from Amanda Grihm.

Charlita Hiligrove (chili@poetic.com), a lover of great stories, July 29, 2002,
Groundbreaking subject for African American Writer
Amanda Grihm broke grounds by writing this mystical thriller. She writes The Wolf as though she has really be on the inside of him. Amanda takes you to the edge of spirituality and intrigue at every turn of the page. The Wolf is a wonderful story about a woman who finds strength and courage and overcomes all of the obstacles that faces her. A great story about learning to love yourself and moving on!

I couldn't stop reading until I was done, and I wanted more. October 6, 2003

Reviewer: Candris Tollar from Honolulu, Hawaii

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 nobody 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.

One of the best books I've EVER read, November 11, 2002

Reviewer: Kathryn from Cleveland, Ohio

I was intrigued with the writing of Amanda Grihm. The Wolf is one of the best storylines I have ever read, and I do mean EVER! I am from Cleveland and I loved the fact that I recognized the places that were mentioned in the book. My heart broke with sadness and filled with joy as I traveled through time with Sarissa. I have never felt so much emotional attachment to a character as I did with Sarissa. I hated Jerry and I wanted something horrible to happen to him. I wanted to see Blascey wiped out of the picture all together and I wanted to fire Thomas myself. I felt so much sympathy for Lillian and Andrew that it broke my heart that these two mental patients were being used by Lillian's evil, twisted, two-timing cousin, Blascey. I applauded Sophie and the other models for being not just friends but extended family to Sarissa. And I loved every move that Anaghia made. She was strong, confident, in control and she was provided the path for Sarissa to come to terms with her past and live in her present.

Amanda made me feel like I knew each one of these characters. Each character was so well defined and developed that they lived in my mind and heart. The plot was explosive and explicit, and the pace was phenomenal. I felt like I knew Sarissa, like we were friends.

Days after reading the book, I was left thinking about the wonderful triumph that finally occurred for Sarissa and I was left wondering how she was doing in Atlanta? I thought about her as though she was more than just a character in a book. I felt like she was a person that I knew and wanted to do well in life. Amanda really knows how to bring the print off the page and breath life into her characters. I loved this story! I would love to read the sequel. This is one of the most detailed, well-written works of art I've EVER read.

Full Circle, November 6, 2002

Reviewer: The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (see more about me) from RAWSISTAZ Book Club

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

Enthralling story from new writer, October 13, 2002

Reviewer: Kathryn from Cleveland, Ohio

I was enthralled 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 character 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.