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Maybe a Miracle: A Novel Audiobook
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(3.03) - 560 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In this disarming debut, Brian Strause has written a vastly entertaining novel about an American family transfixed by a series of mysterious events. From a comfortable suburb of Columbus, Ohio, emerges a story of rebellion, faith and hope, bridging the cultural gap between those who believe in miracles and those who wish they could.Monroe Anderson–as quiet on the outside as he is sardonic and alive on the inside–has spent most of his eighteen years trying to fly beneath the radar. If he can remain invisible, he believes, his sadistic older brother, a rising golf star, might not torment him, his workaholic father, a renowned litigator, might not notice him long enough to be disappointed, and his mother might not have to struggle so hard to find a hopeful word. The only people who glimpse the real Monroe are his girlfriend, Emily, and his eleven-year-old sister, Annika. On the night of his senior prom, Monroe finds Annika floating facedown in the family pool. He dives in and rescues her, but not quickly enough to prevent her from slipping into a coma. As the family copes with this crisis, Monroe’s mother turns to religion, his father turns to liquor, and Monroe himself must decide what’s worth believing in, what’s worth fighting for, and, finally, who he wants to be.By turns humorous and heartbreaking, personal and sweeping, familiar and extraordinary, Brian Strause’s mesmerizing novel takes readers on an unforgettable emotional journey into America’s heartland.
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"Hilarious! Monroe's little sister, Anika, drowns and ends up in a coma. Suddenly, there are miracles all around her: the smell of roses, stigmata, people being healed. She becomes a religious attraction, which Monroe details in the book in a well-executed voice. He's the best part - a sarcastic little piss-ant. I appreciated the conclusion, with Anika coming back to conciousness to bad mouth all the ridiculous 'religious' beliefs, but that's not surprising, since I have little patience for such things myself. The way people, her parents included, used and objectified Anika while she was in the coma was disgusting, but not much of a stretch given what goes on in the real world these days."
— Rachael (4 out of 5 stars)
Maybe a Miracle Listener Reviews
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" The story seemed ok, although I just couldn't get into it. What really turned me off of this book though was the amount of times "retarded" and "fag" were used as derogatory terms. The non-chalant use of these words in the form of insults is just not ok with me. "
— Crystal, 11/23/2013 -
" This book is a must read for fans of other novels like Lovely Bones...a somewhat slow start but be patient the family and it's complexities will draw you in... "
— Tiffany, 10/15/2013 -
" I enjoyed this book, The characters are likeable and the story line keeps you involved. But I was disappointed with the ending of this book. "
— Anissa, 10/14/2013 -
" I started reading this for a book club. Stopped going to the club meetings, but finished the book. It kept me interested throughout the entire thing. However, I wouldn't say it was excellent. Got a little unbelievable at some points, with the stigmata & all. I liked Monroe's character though. "
— Jodie, 10/13/2013 -
" Unusual story. Kinda hokey but made me think. "
— Cybersandee, 6/20/2013 -
" Ugh. Has some good moments but sister-in-a-coma is basically a movie-of-the-week with the most insulting ending ever imagined. "
— Amy, 5/7/2013 -
" I borrowed this book from the library, because the author was an emerging author. The story seemed a bit "out there" for my taste. "
— Janet, 4/27/2013 -
" Good, exciting read. "
— Nancy, 2/15/2013 -
" A somewhat weird book, but I liked it! "
— Jennifer, 1/22/2013 -
" I liked this book, but didn't love it. The story was entertaining and the author made good use of sarcasm, but the plot wasn't relatable. The main character was well developed, but the other character lacked depth. "
— Elizabeth, 1/13/2013 -
" Lovely story about a teen boy who cares for his comatose sister with love and integrity. Full of humor and thoughtful themes (family, religion, human life, etc.) that will appeal to both teens and adults. Good example of adult fiction with teen appeal. "
— Carriek, 10/31/2012 -
" I loved this book. I loved the style and the humor. "
— Susan, 5/29/2011 -
" Very good and funny in places. "
— Desiree, 4/25/2011 -
" An amazing book. I loved it. My mother loved it. My teenage daughter really liked it. And it was written by a man, and the main character is a young man! This one defies description. Just when you think you know what is going to happen - it doesn't. A truly exhilarating book. "
— Ann, 3/29/2011 -
" OK, call me a sap, but I love how much love there was in this book. "
— Becky, 7/27/2010 -
" Sometimes you just have to think? "
— Miriam, 8/5/2009 -
" This is a powerful read on God's love. Celestial beings come to us in many forms. Prayer changes things. "
— Wendy, 2/9/2009 -
" This book was amazing, once I started it I had a very hard time putting it down. Takes place in Columbus, OH and I had a hard time saying goodbye to these characters once it was over. Great book! "
— Nicole, 1/5/2009 -
" Truly affected me -- very poignant "
— Lala44, 3/20/2008 -
" Read this one on the beach in Clearwater, Florida. Good story - interesting - the characters are dealing with a child in a coma. The complex family dynamics make it worthwhile. "
— Kelli, 12/21/2005