Desperate to heal their children from either autism, cerebral palsy or numerous other diseases, Elizabeth, Teresa, and Kitt partake in a daring new healing technique simply titled H-BOT, which involves transferring 100 percent pure oxygen into the children's bodies in hopes of revitalizing their cells. Along with these mothers and their children, a young doctor who hopes to conceive also joins in the trial on a fateful day in August 2008 when it seems as if everything that could go wrong does go wrong, culminating in a fiery blast that leaves two people dead, and multiple injuries and amputations sustained by others. While the basic facts are undisputed, what becomes disputed a year later in the court of law is the motive - who set fire to the oxygen tank and why? There any number of suspects. . . a mother trying anyting to help her son, someone trying to scam insurnace companies, or even protesters trying to shut down the controversial treatment. With this captivating and taut literary thriller, nothing is what it seems.
Out of all my reads in 2019, MIRACLE CREEK by Angie Kim definitely deserves to go on the very top of the list because its a book I will not forget for a long time. It is rare when an author can skillfully and ably handle the issues of immigration, disease, treatment and court in a sensitive and timely manner, able to handle juggling so many balls without dropping a single one. I also can hardly believe it is her debut novel!
There is so much that I loved about MIRACLE CREEK. Angie Kim proficiently handles court scenes better than most authors and brings a level of humanity to the different characters encounter in a courtroom. Readers will feel as though they are a part of the jury, hearing and judging the case, and will be at the edge of their seats to know what the next revelations withing the case. I loved the exploration of characters and relationships that Kim examines in this book - they will stay with me, beyond the last page. I was amazed by the power dynamics between parents and children in MIRACLE CREEK. I also loved learning new facts about South Korea and most of all, I loved watching the numerous tricks and words lawyers used to twist actions and words to their own needs, whatever they may be.
For readers looking for a story handled skillfully with depth, intelligence, and humanity, pick up MIRACLE CREEK by Angie Kim. Be prepared to lose yourself within this magnificent tale hooking so many disparate elements together.
How far will you go to protect your family? Will you keep their secrets? Ignore their lies?
In a small town in Virginia, a group of people know each other because they’re part of a special treatment center, a hyperbaric chamber that may cure a range of conditions from infertility to autism. But then the chamber explodes, two people die, and it’s clear the explosion wasn’t an accident.
A powerful showdown unfolds as the story moves across characters who are all maybe keeping secrets, hiding betrayals. Chapter by chapter, we shift alliances and gather evidence: Was it the careless mother of a patient? Was it the owners, hoping to cash in on a big insurance payment and send their daughter to college? Could it have been a protester, trying to prove the treatment isn’t safe?
Miracle Creek uncovers the worst prejudice and best intentions, tense rivalries and the challenges of parenting a child with special needs. It carefully pieces together the tense atmosphere of a courtroom drama and the complexities of life as an immigrant family. Drawing on the author’s own experiences as a Korean-American, former trial lawyer, and mother of a “miracle submarine” patient, this is a novel steeped in suspense and igniting discussion. Recommended by Erin Morgenstern, Jean Kwok, Jennifer Weiner, Scott Turow, Laura Lippman, and more-- Miracle Creek is a brave, moving debut from an unforgettable new voice.
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