The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder
Release Date: December 8, 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 357
Source: Purchased
Rating: 
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository
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. – Goodreads
Review:
I knew there was a big chance I would tear up when reading The Probability of Miracles — and I did — but I had no idea that I would laugh so much as well. The book centers around Cam, a girl who has been in and out of hospitals for several years, dealing with all sorts of treatments for her cancer. Her most recent prognosis requires a miracle and it’s why she, her mother, and her younger sister pack up and move to Promise, Maine, a town where miracles are said to happen.
Wendy Wunder created a very layered character with Cam. I wouldn’t say that she was angry about her situation; she was mostly resigned to running out of time — but not in a sad way, either. She was cynical and sarcastic, sure, but that’s just who she was, cancer or no cancer. I didn’t feel that she was trying to hide behind some tough front, but I did feel her frustration and unwillingness to spend her remaining time doing all sorts of hokey stuff to “heal” her. However, she did come to realize how much her family depended on that thread of hope and she was willing to go along with whatever small things brought them comfort; I really admired that growth and selflessness in her.
What I loved most about the book was how energetic it was. From Disney to hula dancing to flamingos and unicorns to the main cast of characters… The Probability of Miracles was full of unique characteristics that truly allowed the characters to shine. It was very easy to feel close to them as they went through these experiences with Cam. As the story came to a close, I laughed and cried from the blend of humor and emotion that Wunder presented in the book, but I was mostly left feeling that this was a very magical read.
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About Stephanie
I usually don’t read books about characters with cancer or other terminal illnesses because I like reading happy stories, but I am going to start branching outside of my comfort zone soon. I just bought “The Fault in Our Stars” last week because I’ve been hearing so much good praise about it, and I read an NPR article that compared John Green’s book to this one, so I am really interested in reading both of them now.
It sounds like the characters in this story are wonderful, so your review has sold me on it because characters are the most important element of any book for me. I’ll be sure to put this on my to-read list to turn to when I’m in the mood for an emotional, but fulfilling, story.
Okay, I officially need to buy a copy of this. Even though I know I’ll likely cry, Cam sounds like an incredible protagonist and I love that there’s so much energy and humour. Disney? Hula dancing? Flamingos? UNICORNS?! Why did I not know yhis earlier?? I am sold! Amazing review <3
I’ve heard too many wonderful things about this book to ignore it for long. I’m hoping to get my hands on it really soon, especially after finding out more about it’s magical properties ;)
— Asher
I haven’t heard that much about this book but it actually sounds really good! I love the sound of Cam and how sarcastic she is. Great review, I’m definitely going to be checking this one out!
The Cait Files
Oh WOW.
OK, I’ve heard about this one, and I’ve had a friend tell me about it, but now I’m S O L D. This sounds beautiful/amazing/heartbreaking, and I’m DESPERATE to read it now! WONDERFUL review!
I absolutely cannot wait to read this one! I finally have a copy so it will definitely be soon. I’m so glad to know I won’t be crying the whole time – I’m always up for a book that will make me laugh as well.