Book Review: Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

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BOOK review

Started on: 19 November 2024
Finished on: 24 December 2024

 

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

 

Title: Counting Miracles

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Publisher: Random House

Pages: 368 pages / 352 pages (e-book)
Year of Publication: 2024
Price: Rp 492,000 (https://opentrolley.co.id/)

Rating: 3/5

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"How long ago did she forget, she wondered, that life was as much about living as it was about responsibility? Or, as Casey had sort of put it, how long ago had she forgotten how to be happy?"

Tanner Hughes devoted his life to the military and spent most of his time abroad. He's constantly moving on to his next adventure and has no desire to settle down. When his grandmother passed away, her last words were: find where you belong. She also told him the name of the father he never knew—and where he might be found. Tanner immediately went to Asheboro to find out more about his father. While in town, he met Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and a single mom who had an immediate connection with him. Meanwhile, an eighty-year-old man named Jasper lived nearby in a cabin bordering a national forest. With a dog as his only company, he lived his life haunted by the tragedy that happened to his family decades ago. As these characters' lives intertwine, a miracle might change their lives forever.

"A whirlwind fling was one thing, but falling for him was another.

Saying goodbye was going to be hard enough already."

"Like his father and grandfather, after all, Jasper had always wanted to witness a miracle."

It's been about two years since I last read a book by Nicholas Sparks. Even though his last book wasn't my favorite, I miss his writing and always find myself reading his newly released book. Unfortunately, I wasn't satisfied with the plot and characters in this one. I could also predict the story's ending, so the conclusion wasn't mindblowing. Despite my disappointments, I enjoyed reading Nicholas Sparks' beautiful writing from start to finish. I love how he describes things and allows readers to see from the characters' perspectives.

"He'd long since given up trying to understand why a loving God would allow such suffering in the world, and it reminded him of the suffering that he himself had endured."

"Because love is more than just an emotion. It's about sharing a life, and it wasn't until after we were married that I truly realized how much we had in common."

The story introduces our main character, Tanner Hughes, whose grandmother recently died. Before she passed away, she told him the name of the father he never knew and where he might be found. Tanner immediately went on a quest to learn more about his family where she met Kaitlyn Cooper—a single mom with two kids, along the way. From their first meeting, the two immediately felt a connection and desire to spend more time with each other. However, Tanner had trouble settling down, and Kaitlyn didn't need a short fling that would only complicate her life. Amid their story, we are also introduced to Jasper, an eighty-year-old man who lives nearby and loves to teach Kaitlyn's son how to whittle. We slowly learn what caused his disfiguration and how his story intertwines with Tanner and Kaitlyn.

 

As I was reading this book, I was more intrigued by Jasper's story than the romance between Tanner and Kaitlyn. Compared to Nicholas Sparks' other books, Tanner and Kaitlyn's relationship seems bland—it doesn't make me root for them to be together. On the other hand, Jasper's character instantly made me want to know more about him as he was introduced. The story slowly revealed what happened to Jasper and his family in the past—a tragic event comparable to Job's story in the Bible. Jasper's life story is heartbreaking. I'm amazed he survived through all the grief he endured for decades. Although I'm not interested in the white deer thing, following Jasper's attempt to stop the poachers from hunting the deer was more thrilling than Tanner and Kaitlyn's story. Like I said earlier, the ending of this book was predictable, but I'm glad everyone got their happiness.

"All that happened in the world, the good and the bad, offers believers the chance to praise God.

But now, broken and helpless in the Uwharrie, Jasper knew that he'd stopped believing in such things long ago."

In conclusion, I could appreciate the story even though the plot didn't satisfy me. There are heartwarming and heartbreaking moments that moved me emotionally. On top of that, Nicholas Sparks' writing style is what carries the whole story well. If this book was written by someone else, I'm not sure I would enjoy it as much. Hopefully, his next book will be more compelling than this one because I'd love to read his writing again.

"And God, he suddenly understood then, had never abandoned him."

 

by.stefaniesugia♥ .