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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Brian Strause's MAYBE A MIRACLE.
Beth from Sioux Falls, SD
What other authors do you read?
I am a voracious reader. Prior to MAYBE A MIRACLE, I read Gish Jen's THE LOVE WIFE and just before that, Jodi Picoult's MY SISTER'S KEEPER. Before the end of the month, I intend to reread THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE for a reading retreat I'm attending and also THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB for a group I belong to. Some of my favorite writers are Amy Tan, Barbara Kingsolver, Lorna Landvik and Anita Diamant. I also loved THE KITE RUNNER and will always be a fan of Tolkien.
What did you think of MAYBE A MIRACLE?
I enjoyed MAYBE A MIRACLE very much. The voice of Monroe was very real --- he seemed to have the true attitudes for a brother, son and friend in the situations in which he was involved. While a "coming of age" story in part, the book also had a good handle on the feelings of family members as parts of their world swirl out of control. I thought for a while that the book would just get sappy, but Strause managed to pull it out and held my attention throughout.
Would you ever read a future book by Brian Strause?
I would certainly consider it. This novel is a fine example of new talent and if his new subject matter was as gripping, I would certainly be glad to read it.
Karen from El Macero, CA
What other authors do you read?
My favorite reading is mysteries and some of my favorite authors are P.D. James, Elizabeth George, Steve Martini, Karen Kijewski, Ludlum and the Kellermans. I also enjoy sagas --- Clavell, Michener, Bradford and Archer. Recently though, my reading has been mostly just good stories --- THE READING GROUP by Elizabeth Noble, THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB by Karen Fowler and THE MERMAID CHAIR by Sue Monk Kidd.
What did you think of MAYBE A MIRACLE?
I was never sure whether I wanted to laugh or cry. Monroe tries not to be cynical about all that goes on with his sister and is looking for some way to come to terms with his life after the accident because everyone else is centered on Annika. You have a sense of Monroe's searching for meaning and testing the reality of his version of other people and their actions. It has a few implausible moments but is a very different coming of age book --- irreverent, funny and heartbreaking all with a startling twist.
Would you ever read a future book by Brian Strause?
I would. This one is creative with interesting characters and just enough of a twist to make it truly memorable.
Roberta from Forsyth, MO
What other authors do you read?
J. K. Rowling, James Patterson and Han Nolan.
What did you think of MAYBE A MIRACLE?
I loved MAYBE A MIRACLE. It's one of the best books of all time. It takes you on twists and turns and just when you think you know the ending it takes another turn. In this book there is creativity that I haven't seen before. I especially liked the way it is written in a type of diary.
Would you ever read a future book by Brian Strause?
I am looking forward to going to the library to look for more books written by Brian Strause.
Nancy from Bangor, ME
What other authors do you read?
Way too many to mention here! Lee Child, Elizabeth Berg, Joseph Finder, Alex Kava, Harlan Coben, Jonathan Kellerman, Stephen White and Richard North Patterson, to name a few.
What did you think of MAYBE A MIRACLE?
I loved the idea of the story and I absolutely loved the writing. Brian Strause's dialogue is effortless and realistic, and often I would find myself rereading a paragraph to make sure I hadn't missed anything. That rarely happens with books I read. The craftsmanship of the dialogue was the best thing about this book. The story started out absolutely compelling, and the character development was very good. But...then I got to the end and I was so disappointed. While I was glad the book ended the way it did (and I wish I could say more but I don't want to give too much away), knowing those facts are impossible put a damper on the story for me. Overall, though, I thought the book was excellent.
Would you ever read a future book by Brian Strause?
Yes, I loved his style of writing.
Deborah from Lancaster, NY
What other authors do you read?
I read James Frey, Janet Evanovich, Anna Quindlen, Robert Parker, Lisa Scottoline, Nora Roberts and Danielle Steel, to name a few.
What did you think of MAYBE A MIRACLE?
I liked it. It wasn't the best book I've ever read. It was interesting to see how each of the family members dealt with the crisis. It made me wonder how my family would deal with this crisis and particularly how I would handle it. I particularly enjoyed Monroe and felt like I could really relate to him. The different religious beliefs of the family made things interesting. Explanations for the different miracles made me really think and question some of my spiritual beliefs.
Would you ever read a future book by Brian Strause?
Yes, I would definitely read a future book by this author.
Michelle from Nashville, TN
What other authors do you read?
I read a variety of authors. My favorite thing to do is to go to bookstores and used book sales. My personal library contains over 500 books! I have to say my favorite authors are Anne Rice and Stephen King.
What did you think of MAYBE A MIRACLE?
I thought the book was wonderful. I think Brian touched on a subject that many of us have a hard time thinking about or knowing the truth about. Actually, more than one subject such as religion and coma patients. He wrote a book that really demonstrates how such things can bring families together or tear them apart or sometimes both. I really enjoyed it!
Would you ever read a future book by Brian Strause?
I would certainly read a future book by Brian Strause. I hope he keeps writing!
Timi from Tow, TX
What other authors do you read? John Grisham
Taylor Caldwell
Sandra Brown
Janet Evanovich
and the list goes on.......
What did you think of MAYBE A MIRACLE?
I am still trying to finish this book. It is a good book but it moves slowly. It has not been one that is so compelling that I am willing to miss sleep, activities, or computer time to get to the end. It is pleasant reading and I am enjoying it in smaller doses. It is good to explore the psychological motivations and discoveries of Monroe.
Would you ever read a future book by Brian Strause?
I love his insight into the male psyche and find his style one that I would like to have as one of those books that I keep going as an "extra read." I often keep one than one book going at all times and his would be one that I like as a comfort read --- not so compelling that I can't put it down when life gets in the way of reading, but one that keeps my interest enough to continue to pick it up day after day.
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