One of the reasons I like this book so much is that much of the geographical setting is in Vancouver Island, Canada. That being said, I was very impressed that this is a debut novel by this author. She seems to know human nature very well, and certain idiosyncracies that define many of us. The family members in this book are well-meaning, but alas, totally dysfunctional (kind of mirrors many segments of the world's population:) Some of the characters have a very hard time trying to really figure out who they are; i.e. what their own likes and dislikes are. They seem to be able only to define themselves in relation to another human being. Women, I think, have though the ages, been taught that this is the proper way to exhibit the quality of femininity. My own personal thoughts on that subject are that every single one of us needs to spend time alone (not a state of loneliness) to discover who we are, what we like, what is important to us, etc., instead of parroting someone else's opinion. This particular phenomenon goes back to the time when women and children were deemed as "property" of (for want of a better term)an alpha male. I admired the author's wry, caustic and rather subtle sense of humor which she showed to great advantage throughout the book. This was a GOOD one. It is a compelling story and definitely a page turner. I so wanted to find out what was going on where so much seemed hidden and just on the next page that it was hard for me to put down. I would recommend this book as being one of the better ones out there. It is a definite read.What I liked most about this book was its location - Vancouver Island which I have been to and grew to love as a very peaceful, fresh-smelling, and out of the way place to be. Add to this horses and I was in heaven. I really enjoyed the characters and seeing into their hearts, their sadness and how they wanted to connect with Nash, who died in the opening pages of the book (I'm not telling any secrets there as it is spelled out on the back of the book).I liked all the characters in this book, except for one (Magda - she really alienated everyone). The ones I liked, I liked like old friends. It was that easy to fall for these people and their pain, their trying to connect with Nash, and their helplessness at it being so difficult. They really didn't communicate very well between them - Macy, Jack, and Magda. They kept their pain and sadness to themselves and tried to heal that way. The story made you think a lot. I feel it was much like life is for many people in this world. Kind of sad. All you need is a Miracle Beach....
What do You think about Miracle Beach (2011)?
Brilliantly moving story - I couldn't put it down until I had read it in its entirety.
—silverknight7
I liked this book. It was well written. Enjoyable read.
—mirandaR
Great book--a compelling story and stunning prose.
—Amy
