Miracle Creek
By Angie Kim
Sarah Crichton Books, 9780374156022, April 2019, 368pp.
The Short of It:
I do not know what I thought this book was about before reading it but I certainly didn’t think it was about a hyperbaric oxygen therapy accident.
The Rest of It:
I simplified that blurb a little because Miracle Creek opens with a terrible accident but then quickly turns into a court room drama, a mystery, a story with an immigration thread and even a bit of scandal.
Young, Pak, and their teen daughter Mary, run a hyperbaric oxygen therapy business that they call Miracle Submarine. Adults and children, enter the chamber to partake of its healing properties. On this particular day, the normal group enters but there is a terrible explosion which kills one adult and one, autistic child, Henry. The accident leaves several other injured as well.
It’s believed that Elizabeth set the fire which caused the oxygen tanks to explode. Elizabeth being the mother of Henry. The prosecution believes that she wanted her child dead, due to his burdening care. This triggers all kinds of thoughts about the care for special need kids.
The story bounces between characters. Who did it? Who set the fire? Why? Many of the witnesses are lying but for different reasons. In all honesty, this story was difficult to get through. There is a lot of back and forth and even though it revolves around just a handful of characters, I had to keep reminding myself who they were.
However, the ending… the ending was beautiful and sad and left me with thoughts about how hard it would be to care for a special needs child. How hard it is for people from other countries to make a living here. How hard it is to fit in. So I think in the end, I liked it much more than I thought I would.
I read this for my book club discussion which was cancelled due to social distancing but we may try to meet via Zoom so we can discuss it. Have you read it?
Source: Borrowed
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.
Book Chatter 
I really enjoyed this one; the audio was well done.
It was good but not great for me. I expected more of a page turner. I was distracted by all that is going on now too though, in its defense.
From the title, I would have guessed this was a sweet story. It sounds interesting to me.
Right! From the title is sounds like a quaint little town but nope. Court drama, lies, two innocent people dying.
I read Miracle Creek and liked it, but didn’t love it. I agree that it isn’t about what you think it’s about and it got me thinking about a number of things.
I thought the crime was harsh … and the kids harmed in it … disturbed me so I struggled with the book a lot. Though I’m in the minority on this one as many liked it. Here are my thoughts on it: https://www.thecuecard.com/books/july-reviews/
You and I have similar feelings about the book. The actual accident was horrific and written with great detail. I felt like the crime itself was one error after another. Decisions that the wise probably would not make. As you said in your review, none of these people were very likable. I felt no pity for anyone except for the victims.
This would be a tough read for me. Honestly, with a brother who is special needs and living here with us and my parents. He’s 40 but sadly only in physical age. It’s hard to deal with on a daily basis and while I would not ever do anything like I think this woman did in this book (just from your hints), I can understand the thought behind it…there are days that are just so trying you want it to end.
I just don’t think this is a book for me.
Understandable for sure. I think the author could have spent a little more time on the plight of parents of special need kids. It was explored but not fully.
I’ve never taken care of a special needs child but my sister did and I know how hard it is. I did take care of my quadriplegic husband for almost 30 years and it was very hard at times especially since I was his sole caregiver, 24/7. I’d have to think about reading this one.
Oh, that’s rough. I can understand why you’d hold off on this one.
Ti, I’m just testing to see if I can comment by creating a WordPress account. Thanks! Kay
What I liked about Miracle Creek was that it was a story completely different from anything else I have read. It was an interesting change of pace and kept you thinking. Plus, I always enjoy learning something new!
Stay healthy and hope this virus winds down soon!
You are so right. It was a very unique story, for sure.