This book was a little slow to get started, but once it did, it was interesting. Layla\\\'s mother died in childbirth, and Layla was left with her father, who loved her very much, but struggled with being a single parent. Her aunt, her mother\\\'s sister, was very supportive, especially when Layla lost her tongue and became mute at age 5. How she lost her tongue was a bit of a mystery. She attended church with her neighbors who attended a church of \\\'snake handlers\\\', and Layla was convinced a snake visited and stole her tongue. As she grew, she was recognized as a healer, able to heal people with her touch. The town doctor is a skeptic, both about how Layla lost her tongue and about her abilities to heal. Though the story is slow moving, it is a good story with much to think about. It is a book that is improved by discussion, and our book club was lucky enough to be able to discuss it with the author. If you are looking for a good \'discussion\' book be sure to take a look at this one!