Miracle by Elizabeth Scott

Book: Miracle by Elizabeth Scott, Simon Pulse, On Sale June 5, 2012

Book Info: Young Adult Contemporary, Received from the publisher, Available in HC 224 pages

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

More Info: Goodreads | IndieBound | Amazon | Author’s book page

Megan is the only survivor in a small plane crash, and now seen as a miracle in her parent’s eyes.  Megan is shell-shocked from the experience, but continues to go through the motions as if everything is fine. Megan withdraws from soccer, her friends, and her classes, retreating because of the ghosts that haunt her. She finds comfort from some unlikely sources, including Joe the troubled boy next door, and Margaret, a war veteran church acquaintance, who can see through her miracle façade.

Miracle is Elizabeth Scott’s 11th book (I’ve read 4 of them so far) and is as intense and personal as I’ve come to expect. Miracle has a raw honesty as it delivers an authentic look at PTSD. I felt all the emptiness and isolation in Megan as she worked through the aftermath of the plane disaster.  The book also takes a look at the individuals closest to Megan, who just don’t get what she’s going through, mainly because she won’t let them in.

The story is told through Megan’s POV and takes place right after the plane crash. She doesn’t remember the crash, but fakes that she does just so she can get out of the hospital already. Bits and pieces begin coming to her and make it impossible for her to resume her normal activities. All of the symptoms of PTSD were there, and it was interesting that those closest to Megan refused to see her obvious need for help. Where previously Megan’s sickly little brother was the focus of attention, the plane crash created a shift in the family dynamic, as the parents became all about Megan.

Two people recognize that not all is right in Megan’s head and become a support system in her healing journey. Joe, her gorgeous next-door neighbor, is one who is no stranger to survivor’s guilt.  And though the book is not all about the romance, the two bond over their experiences. Margaret is another character who stood out for me, and her experience as a Vietnam vet makes her uniquely suited to recognize some of what Megan is going through. Both characters are societal outcasts in their own way and I really enjoyed getting to know them.  Margaret especially stole the book, and I loved all the details about her character, such as her pushing milk on Megan, the homemade bears that littered her home, and her matter of fact personality.

Scott’s stripped-down prose is well suited to the story and subject matter and makes it an intense quick read. Megan’s experience is one that many who have experienced a loss may relate to. The journey is not easy and the characters don’t always behave the way you want them to. This portrait of a PTSD survivor is a gratifying reading experience.

Other Reviews of Miracle:

This Blonde Reads

Proud Book Nerd

Midnight Book Girl

So Many Books, So Little Time

Ornament

14 thoughts on “Miracle by Elizabeth Scott

  1. fishgirl182 says:

    this sounds like a super intense book. not my usual read but i might check it out sometime. thanks for sharing!

  2. I do love Elizabeth’s books so I’ll definitely be checking them out even though this isn’t one that necessarily sticks out to me with the description.

  3. I love Elizabeth Scott books and this one looks fantastic. Thanks for the review.

    1. Lucy says:

      She’s become one of my favorite contemporary authors too. Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  4. BermudaOnion says:

    Wow, can you imagine being the lone survivor of a plane crash? You’d have to wonder why. This book sounds great!

    1. Lucy says:

      That’s true – it’s a heavy burden. Can’t imagine..

  5. sarabara081 says:

    I can’t wait to read this! I actually featured it on my Waiting on Wednesday this week! It sounds like such a heartbreaking and intense read. Great review!! 🙂

    1. Lucy says:

      It really is intense. Hope you enjoy Miracle when you get the chance to read it 🙂

  6. Nicola says:

    Excellent review. Thanks for putting this book on my radar- it so seems like my kind of thing!

  7. I am usually on the fence when it comes to Elizabeth Scott’s books. I really liked Living Dead Girl because it made me SO sad, OMG, but I was not at all a fan of Between Here And Forever and Low Red Moon. SOOO okay, Miracle looks like it will be up my alley. I will have to give it shot, cuz the way you describe the side character Margaret really appeals to me, ha ha.

  8. […] by Elizabeth Scott – Already enjoyed and reviewed this one here. Devoured it quickly like I read all of Scott’s […]

  9. reutreads says:

    I loooove Elizabeth Scott. Her books are just fantastic. I cannot wait for this one.

  10. […] book has received a lot of positive buzz from bloggers and I had to take notice. I recently read Miracle by Elizabeth Scott, a book that addresses PTSD, and In Honor by Jessi Kirby, another book about the […]

  11. […] Miracle by Elizabeth Scott – Miracle takes on the aftermath of a plane crash and PTSD. Living Dead Girl by […]

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