Review of Miracle

[Chiwelite Obioma Mgbeoji]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Miracle" by Jennifer Lane.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Miracle by Jennifer Lane is a novel about the character after whom the book was named after. A young girl of 14 years old who, born in the midst of an earthquake and bearing an unusual name, goes on to be the light and saviour of her family. Having heard about her connection to the earthquake time and time before, Miracle is fed up with being called names. Soon enough, though, a situation arises, and once again, Miracle must run with it.

Miracle is not part of the popular crowd in school and, as such, ends up being the butt of most jokes. Desperately trying to stop her recently jobless father, Jim, from working in her school, Miracle botches the interview, which leads to him working in a cremation centre. This, in turn, brings Jim and his entire family close to utter devastation. When a young boy, the very same one Jim had called the previous day, ends up badly injured and unconscious at his job site, Jim is remanded in prison. After his favourite hanky turns up at the scene, Jim must do all he can to prove himself innocent. Ostracised by their town and terrified for her family, Miracle must try to step into her big girl's shoes to fill in the void left by an alcoholic mother.

I liked how this book incorporated some diseases, mental and others, into the book. From Henrietta's depression and alcoholism to Julian's brain damage, all while making these themes and ideas as clear as possible. I also liked how the main family had a mix of different personalities and different diagnoses, and yet, all learned to love, live and complement each other. The book also showed the practicalities of living with anybody suffering from any form of mental illness. I also liked the light touch of paranormal activity and Julian's ability to see ghosts. This book was also well-edited, and I did not find any errors in it.

I had an amazing time reading this book, and it was really enlightening. However, one thing I liked the least in the book was how the justice system seemed clueless about finding the murderer until something was mentioned by a child. Perhaps, the author was trying to portray the reluctance of some public officers toward their job. Therefore, I cannot consider it a negative aspect.

I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. I loved every moment of this book, and it was quite informative. I couldn't rate it lower because it is a wonderful book, and I had an amazing time reading it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who seeks to learn more about mental illness and how to live life with them and also to anyone who likes inspirational books.

******
Miracle
View: on Bookshelves

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

Her parents gave a name celebrating her miraculous birth "Miracle"; unfortunately this turned out to have the opposite effect within the society in which they lived. I guess in their community people are half-empty glass kind of people. I feel bad for her father Jim, he is going from a disappointment to another and nothing seems to be working for him and his family...I wonder what Miracle will do to save her family.

[Amy Luman]

The sounds like a very interesting as well as an entertaining novel. I would like to see how Miracle handles her situation. I can also see how she feels guilt for the way her family ends up.

[Vivian Writes]

It is quite something to be born in the midst of an earthquake. i think Miracle is a fitting name for our protagonist. I also think it is important for books to address mental illnesses and health in fiction because it permeates much of our reality. thank you for this insightful and entertaining review.

[NetMassimo]

Mental illness is a complex and delicate subject and this novel offers a portrait of what it can mean and the consequences for someone suffering from mental illness and their family. Thank you for your great review!