Latest Read: The Probability of Miracles

Here are the basics ...
Book: The Probability of Miracles
Author: Wendy Wunder
Site: http://www.wendywunderbooks.com/
Category: Young Adult

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. (Adapted from goodreads.com) 

My thoughts…

The good:  I love when books surprise me.  Reading through the synopsis, my initial reaction was - oh goodness, this is going to be a depressing one. But then I looked at the hot pink cover (I judge books that way, ok?) and the blurb on the top  ("hilarious, wry, heartbreaking") and thought..  maybe it'll be more than just a sad book. And it was. The story and characters aren't perfect and I didn't necessarily fall head over heels in love with them but there were these moments.  Just random moments that made me unexpectedly laugh or tear up or think about how honest some of the dialogue was. Amid all the quirky characters and silly situations, I found something real in it.  I mean, Campbell is one sarcastic, funny girl that I didn't get most of the time and I definitely didn't relate to her.  But then she'd give advice to her sister, talk about how her best friend was the only person who got her or admire a cute boy (specifically Asher) and I'd root for her to find happiness. To find a miracle or at least believe in the possibility of one.

Other random things I liked: all the Disney World stuff, her love of hula dancing and the little puppy + baby flamingo she saves.  (See what I mean about the randomness?)

The bad: I didn't connect to the story right away. I was kind of just reading and enjoying it for the first half.. but I wasn't in it.  Then at some point (when Campbell starts actually get involved in her town and opening up), I finally got more engrossed in the whole story and their lives.  The last third of the book was by far the best part.  Also the romance between Campbell and Asher - it was sweet, funny but a lil' bit on the insta-love side.  I still enjoyed it though; I just wasn't swooning.

Do I recommend?: I do.  Despite my misgivings, I still enjoyed the book a lot and the little moments I mentioned earlier made it a worthwhile read to me.

Happy reading!