The Probability of Miracles

Campbell Cooper is a 17-year-old with a terminal cancer diagnosis who has exhausted all treatment options in Orlando, Florida. Her mother relocates their family from Disney World to Promise, Maine - a remote town known for inexplicable phenomena and supposed miracles. The stark transition from tourist-filled Florida to the quiet Maine coast forces Campbell to confront her cynicism about faith and possibility. She creates a list of improbable goals to accomplish during her remaining time, including experiences like witnessing the Northern Lights and finding love. Through her final summer, Campbell navigates complex relationships with her mother, her younger sister, and the locals of Promise while pursuing items on her probability-defying list. The story tracks her evolution from pragmatic skeptic to someone who must decide what she believes about hope and magic. This novel examines the intersection of science and faith, asking questions about what constitutes a miracle and how humans cope with circumstances beyond their control. The narrative balances humor with gravity as it explores mortality through the lens of a teenager determined to live fully.

Readers describe this YA novel as an emotional story that balances humor with serious themes. Many appreciate the complex mother-daughter relationship and the protagonist's sarcastic voice. Liked: - Realistic portrayal of terminal illness without being overly dark - Strong character development - Balance of funny and heartbreaking moments - Maine setting descriptions - Authenticity of teenage dialogue Disliked: - Some found the romance subplot underdeveloped - Pacing issues in the middle section - Several readers mentioned difficulty connecting with supporting characters - A few felt the ending was rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ reviews) "The main character's wit made me laugh even while crying" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much focus on the love interest instead of family dynamics" - Amazon reviewer "Perfect blend of magic and reality" - Barnes & Noble review

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🌟 Author Wendy Wunder worked as a yoga teacher before becoming a writer, which influenced her portrayal of healing and spirituality in the novel. 🦩 Promise, Maine—the fictional setting of the book—was inspired by real "miracle towns" across America where people travel hoping to experience supernatural phenomena. 🎯 The protagonist's bucket list in the story was partially based on actual wishes from teens in cancer treatment programs that the author researched while writing. 🌺 The Hawaiian cultural elements in the book were carefully researched by the author, who spent time in Hawaii consulting with local residents about traditions and customs. 🎬 The film rights to "The Probability of Miracles" were optioned by Paramount Pictures, though the movie has not yet been produced.