I had so much fun doing my Love and Loss reviews back in May that I've decided to do a new June theme: Before and After. This series will look at three books that focus on a character whose life irrevocably changes after an accident.
The two books I reviewed so far this week were:
The two books I reviewed so far this week were:
If you missed my review of One Moment, click here to read it.
If you want to read my thoughts on My Life in Black and White, click here.
Today's Feature:
Miracle
by Elizabeth Scott
Published by Simon Pulse
on June 5, 2012
Source: borrowed from the library
Today's Feature:
Miracle
by Elizabeth Scott
Published by Simon Pulse
on June 5, 2012
Source: borrowed from the library
My summary: Megan is on a small plane headed home from soccer camp. The next thing she knows, she's lying in the hospital with no memory of what happened. Her parents fill her in: they were told that everyone on board died when Megan's plane went down. The fact that she came walking out of the woods from the crash site, seemingly unharmed, means that she's a miracle. But Megan doesn't feel like a miracle. She's numb, jumpy, and distracted. No one seems to understand. Can she come to terms with what happened to her?
My take: I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Scott. She's written in every YA genre, from gritty contemporary (Living Dead Girl) to lighter contemporary (Something, Maybe) to issue books (Between Here and Forever) to paranormal (As I Wake). I'll read whatever she writes.
As Miracle opens, Megan doesn't remember much about the accident. All she knows is that she used to be a fearless soccer star, and now everyone treats her like she's made of glass.
Megan seems to be suffering from a combination of survivor's guilt and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). She's jumpy, sleepless, hallucinating, unable to concentrate. She wanders off the soccer field. Her grades hit rock bottom.
I was perplexed that so much of the plot centers around the fact that Megan doesn't get any kind of counseling or treatment for her trauma. I can sort of understand that Megan's parents might not realize that she needs help. After all, they're in shock too, after believing their daughter was dead. But I found it surprising that no one else featured in the book -- not Megan's teachers, her family doctor, her soccer coach, her school counselor, her friends -- urges her to seek help after what she went through. Finally, a member of Megan's parents' church intervenes. The scenes in which Megan finally remembers the horrific events of the accident are deeply moving and beautifully written.
Miracle had some intriguing elements outside the PSTD plot. Megan's younger brother is repeatedly described as "accident prone," making me wonder if there was some kind of story behind that. Megan's mother hasn't spoken to her own parents in years, but we never really understand why. Megan gets to know the attractive boy next door, who had a younger sister who died tragically. But for me, these elements weren't integrated enough into the main storyline.
If you're not familiar with Elizabeth Scott's work, you should definitely try one of her books. She's a fantastically talented and versatile author.
I hope you've enjoyed my Before and After series. Of all these books, I think My Life in Black in White was my favorite. But you may disagree. If you love books that explore life after tragedy, definitely check these three out. Here are some other suggestions. Click on the covers to get to Goodreads.
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Great series, all three books look intriguing in their own way. I haven't read any Elizabeth Scott books yet, but seeeing how much you enjoy them makes me want to pick up one soon:)
ReplyDeleteYou definitely should. I agree with Caitlin's comment below that Between Now and Forever was one of my favorites!
DeleteI was a little surprised by how long it took Megan to receive treatment too; even if someone wants to act like everything if fine, just fine, doesn't mean that there shouldn't have someone to talk to in the aftermath.
ReplyDeleteI really liked these themed posts too-hopefully this is an idea you'll continue doing!
I love the themed posts too so I'll definitely do more!!
DeleteThis book sounds really great. I like these types of books. Awesome review!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree that Elizabeth Scott is a fantastic writer. Between Here and Forever was a beautiful story so I should definitely read Miracle. It is amazing that no one noticed Megan's behavior and that she was crying out for help. I understand her parents thought she was dead but they got her back in one piece and still they didn't pay attention. I have only read about PTSD from books whose characters are soldiers trying to live their lives after war so this will be an interesting change.
ReplyDeleteIf you have read all her books, definitely read Miracle!
DeleteWhat was the PTSD book you read -- that sounds interesting...
Definitely going on my list. Its called Waiting for You by Abigail Strom. The characters are a little older but the story is powerful. Very well written.
DeleteGreat series! This book sounds like something I will really like, so I will definitely have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy how you make these posts because it helps me find other books like the ones I already love :)
I'm so glad everyone is enjoying them! I love writing them!
DeleteI read As I Wake by this author and did not like it. It was so weird and confusing and I usually like weird but it was BEYOND weird. Curious how she walked out of the woods after a plane crash that killed everyone?!? Whoa!
ReplyDeleteI liked As I Wake. Yes, it was one of those books that you aren't sure what's happening, but I enjoyed it.
DeleteAnd, yes, not sure how/why she survived the plane crash. I didn't sense any paranormal aspect to the book-- I guess she was just really lucky ;)
Speak!!! I ADORED this book! It was my favourite book for years when I was like ~13-ish. It's so moving and heart wrenching!
ReplyDeleteI love Laurie Halse Anderson - she is another author in the "I Will Read Anything You Write" category.
DeleteIt just seems to me that MIRACLE has a lot of unanswered questions. I hope I'm wrong, because that would just frustrate me. I have not read any books by Elizabeth Scott yet.
ReplyDeleteIt did, and maybe that was deliberate. I'm like you -- I want everything wrapped up at the end!
DeleteI'm having Deja Vu. When you mentioned Living Dead girl I thought, Gosh I am pretty sure I read that. Huh. Anyway, This book sounds interesting but I would find it frustrating too if the supporting characters weren't very...supporting. I might check out her other books, especially to figure out if I read Living Dead Girl :)
ReplyDeleteI guess I'll have to check this one out, too! And I definitely want to read Speak and I have If I Stay and Where She Went just sitting on my shelf, waiting to be read. I hope to get to them someday! Loved this feature, Jen!
ReplyDeleteI think my life in black and white is the one I want to read the most. And Speak is seriously one of my all time favorite books, although I've been meaning to read If I Stay for a while.
ReplyDeleteUgh!!! *bangs head against desk* I said the exact samee thing in my review last month. I disliked this book for ONE reason, NO ONE, not frinds, family, teachres or counselors ever told Megan, hey! You have PTSD. It drove me batty!!!
ReplyDelete