"Rumors"

“Rumors”
Shelby Campana
The Miracle Stealer by Neil Connelly

You probably think that when people admit that they can heal people through their mind: they’re crazy. Although it may be impossible, the fictional story about Daniel makes it seem so real it’s breathtaking. The Miracle Stealer is a story by Neil Connelly that creates more and more suspense along the way while we discover if Daniels gift is a rumor or not. This book is in the point of view of Andi---Daniels sister who struggles to believe the gift her brother has; saving people through praying and his mind. After multiple cases where Daniel helps and saves people in his town, it is hard to believe it isn't true.

This “rumor” all started when Andi, Daniel, and their parents got into a freak accident that ended up killing both their parents. Ever since the accident, Daniel has been known as, “miracle boy”. All Dani wants to do is protect her brother from the people in his town who want to turn him into a science experiment. Andi just wants her brother to live a normal childhood; without all the interviews. Daniel is unable to stand up for himself or even understand what's going on because he's only six years old. As the book continues, Andi starts to believe that her brother is a “miracle boy”. After one “miracle” Andi realizes she smelt vanilla. This isn't a coincidence, she smelt this after another “miracle” made by Daniel. “Vanilla. It was the same thing I would smell when Miracle was born”(40). These signs start to make it hard for Andi not to believe in her brother. Throughout all the newscasts, Andi loses friends she was close to, college scholarships, and her life is starting to revolve around Daniel. This isn’t only affecting Andi and her social life, it’s affecting Daniel and his self esteem. As Daniel keeps performing “miracles”, some fail. When this happens he blames it on himself, saying, “I didn’t pray good?”. After this happens Andi realizes Daniels gift will greatly affect his future. Andis immediate reaction is to say this: “Just remember, you ain’t special”(22). Their only option is to hope that his gift will do something good in the future.

This book has constant plot twists that make you not want to put the book down. Although I don't read a lot, I found this book really interesting and it never got boring. You instantly connect with both the main characters: Andi and Daniel. I think that the book being in the perspective of Andi rather than Daniel makes this book different from others. We Get to read about the feelings that Andi has while her life starts to revolve around Daniel. She loses friend---her family gains attention and money.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy light, mysterious books. This book has continuous themes like family conflict, deception and love. Any age group could read this book.