Review: The Probability of Miracles

Author: Wendy Wunder
Release Date: December 8, 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 360
Source: Bought
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Summary: 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.

My Favorite Lines:

“The present moment can be chopped into infinitely smaller present moments. This moment is forever. And it is all that matters.”

“This is what it felt like to have a broken heart. It felt less like a cracking down the middle and more like she had swallowed it whole and it sat bruised and bleeding in the pit of her stomach.” 

Why I Loved It:  In all honesty, this is one of the most incredible contemporary books among YA literature.  That being said, I don't think it's for everyone.  I am one of the driest, most sarcastic person I know so Cam was perfect for me.  I got her humor and seriously enjoyed reading about life through her eyes.  The girl is dying from cancer, and she talks about it a lot.  I can't really blame her for that.  You talk about what you know.  But beyond Cam's sarcasm and dry outlook on her life, she has a great heart.  If you are an animal lover, you will love Buddy.  Just trust me on that.

The characters around Cam are pretty incredible, especially her grandmother.  She CRACKED me up. Her sister is a believer in miracles, and her innocent faith is quite touching.  Asher, the love of the story, is truly a great character.  He has such an incredible heart and tragic story.  The town of Promise carries a heap of truly incredible characters just waiting to be discovered.

There's something magical about a great debut novel.  And there is magic in these pages.  I really truly believe that.  I laughed, I cried, and I yelled in frustration, and I fell in love with Asher.  You may not get as involved in your books as I do, but this is definitely a roller coaster of emotions just waiting to happen.  In the best possible way that is.    

Who Should Read It:  People who made it through The Fault in Our Stars and still loved it can handle this one.  Otherwise, like I said, I recommend to all contemporary fans.