The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder
Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles.
A debut novel from an immensely talented new writer, The Probability of Miracles crackles with wit, romance and humor and will leave readers laughing and crying with each turn of the page
Publishes in US: December 8th 2011 by Razorbill
Genre: YA Contemp
Source: library
Series? No.
Buy it: Amazon Barnes & Noble IndieBound Book Depository
Author stalk away: ~site
I've wanted to read Probability of Miracles for quite some time now, and am pleased to finally get that chance. Ever since falling in love with Lurlene McDaniel's books when I was younger, I have been attracted to any stories with cancer or illnesses, so of course the synopsis caught my attention.
This is more than a story about cancer though, it is a journey of family, accepting that sometimes life deals crappy hands and deciding how to live the life that you have. It is also a different kind of protag. Cam is a Samoan, which is a culture that I don't know much about, and glad to read about. She grew up at Disney, the Polynesian resort, and as a Disney lover myself and member of vacation club, I loved the backdrop of the setting before they head off to Maine looking for their miracle. Cam is also fiery and sarcastic, and I love her brand of humor. She is pessimistic but then learns to hope and wants to help her family who believes in miracles while she doesn't.
Her mom is a non-traditional but she is involved in Cam's life, and supports and loves her and Perry, Cam's little sister. I loved Cam and Perry's banter, light hearted for the most part but they have some real conversations.
As for Asher and the romance. I very much enjoyed it, and that it didn't revolve around her illness. He saw her whole person and they helped each other to live more than they thought they would or fuller than thought possible. There are some hot and also fade to black scenes.
The ending was fitting but sad. I wasn't completely satisfied right as I put it down, but looking back I think that the real miracle was the closeness she got with her family, the time that she wasn't thinking about dying and being sick and finding love with Asher.
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you believe in miracles?
Ooh, this has been on my wishlist on TBD for quite some time, I think I'm going to get it now in my next order. I'm so glad you enjoyed the main character and found her to be awesome. Yay for a great romance too :) and yes! I do believe in miracles ;)
ReplyDeleteIt was a sweet romance, loved it.
DeleteI didn't realize the MC was ill in this book. Sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteKate @ Ex Libris
She is- its a last grasp at a miracle
DeleteI've been wanting to check out this book as well, but haven't yet. I'm glad you enjoyed it! It's been on my tbr forever. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteJanina @ Synchronized Reading
It def earned a place there, and hope you enjoy when you get there
DeleteI am a bit scared of the end now
ReplyDeleteShe does die, but esp looking back with some time perspective it really fit the story
DeleteI remember hearing good things about this one and I bought a copy as a gift for someone but never read it. I'll have to be sure to pick up a copy for myself!
ReplyDeleteIts worth it!
DeleteThis book does sound like it would play with your heartstrings. Definitely will have to look into this one! Great review!
ReplyDeleteI am all about emotional reads.
DeleteLove this book! Cam's sarcasm and the magical quality to the story really made this one fantastic. I agree about the ending, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
yes, her sarcasm was amazing.
DeleteThis is a bit of an older one, but yes, def deals with girl thats sick
ReplyDeleteSounds like a poignant tale although I run away from cancer stories just because it's too close to home. I fall into pieces over stories like that.
ReplyDeleteAw, sorry they don't work for you, but I understand that it could just be too close
DeleteI have had this one for awhile. It's very pink! I haven't made time to read it, but I've read similar reviews and really, after reading TFIOS, I don't think any cancer book will ever scare me away. So, it's just a matter of finding or making the time. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI believe some people believe in miracles and that's what matters.
I hear ya, I am the same way, illness books (esp from big 6) almost automatically go on my tbr and I have to find time
DeleteI was glad to see your review, Brandi. I've been curious about this book. I'm glad that you had the Disney connection - I'm sure the increased your enjoyment. I also like that the story has a lesson in dealing with life...not matter what hand you're dealt. Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteI am such a Disney Diva-- wish I could go more often
DeleteI think I saw this one on other blog but I don't remeber the reviews. It sounds really nice though and it's nice to see that we can have different aspect here. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteIt had been on my wishlist for some time, and I finally had a hole and it was available at the library. Fate had me read it and I loved it
DeleteIs it me or are they a lot of books about being ill? I tend to stay away from book like this, they are just too emotional for me. I'm glad that you enjoyed this one though.
ReplyDeleteThis one is an older one, but there have been a few in clusters recently. I love them, so I eat them up but know they are too emotional for some, like you
Deletejust reading the review made me choke up a bit :( sounds so beautiful but very emotional.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of this one and wondered about it, sounds like it's a good one!
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to read this one for a long time, too. Oooh, and I didn't know she grew up at Disney! That sounds cool. Now I want to read this book even more, and I want to read a book all about a person who lives or works at a Disney park or resort! I wonder if there's one like that out there? And yay for more books with strong family units! Great review, Brandi!
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