An Emotional Story

This is such a difficult book for me to review. I liked it but I also didn't like it, which is an odd experience. Mostly didn't like it because I'm not a fan of contemporary fiction at the best of times and I enjoy YA contemporaries even less. Which isn't really the story's fault.

What made me pick up this book was the mention of a search for a shipwreck, but really it was less about finding a shipwreck and more about fixing the wreck that is the  Larkin family. Which is fine. It was the only thing I liked about this story - the multitude of issues it addresses. Mental illness runs rampant in this fictional family and the main character, a teenage girl named Violet, struggles to specifically cope with her little brother's suicide attempt. This book freaked me the heck out because I had no idea it was going to be so relatable to my current life. A case of right book at the right time. I related to Violet <i>so much</i> as my brother attempted suicide too and it touched a raw nerve. It made me... uncomfortable. Shocked me into thinking about it rather than burying it amongst the shit show that was 2020. I appreciate this book for that at least.

On a more objective level, it's angsty. Full of teenagers doing teenage stuff. And a sort-of love triangle. Didn't appreciate that thread of the story. But it is well written and packs an emotional punch. Another reviewer said <i>"my heart grew bigger after reading this"</i> and I certainly agree with that sentiment!

Rating it 3.75, rounding up to 4.

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Discovery is the treasure itself

”The last true poets of the sea, he calls them. People for whom discovery—like, the concept of the journey—is the treasure itself.”

This was a heavy one, and for the most part it kept my attention. Not much happened in general. This book is about our MC’s journey to coming to terms with herself - in my opinion, though, there wasn’t enough character development, or at times it felt like the complete opposite: there was too much character development for the few things that happen.

The idea behind the book was unique, though, as far as I know. So I appreciated that. The writing was good despite the strange ocean metaphors that didn’t always make sense but didn’t hinder my reading experience either. The ending wasn’t the best; it felt like there was still more story to be told.

With all that said, it was an enjoyable read overall. I’m glad I finally got around to it.

PS. I highly recommend the audiobook. The narrator is excellent!

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this book made me feel like alive

I loved the entirety of this book. it's in-dept look on sibling love is not something I thought I needed, but struck me to my core and I wish, more than ever in my life, that I could visit my younger teen brothers and hold them until the dawn of time. The queer content of a young woman juggling her life in a familiar town, her brother's suicide attempt and feeling shunned by her family for "turning on the romance channel" while at the hospital for her brother, and falling for a girl she didn't think she would in a time she had sworn she wouldn't, sat deep with me.
Overall, the family love, unconditional love between siblings, new romantic sapphic love, love for adventure and shipwreck-hunting - is everything I've ever wanted in a book and I feel so privileged to have read it. Thank you.

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1 person found this helpful

Amazing!

One of the best YA books I've listened too. One of the best books I've listened too full stop. As a disabled person not able to hold a book for long, I've listened to A LOT, so that's not faint praise. Beautifully written, complex, moving and deals deftly and poetically with many deep human experiences. impeccably and empatheticslly acted as well. Can't wait for the next one. Though if this is the only book the author ever writes she's done herself proud.

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alright

there's not much I can say other than it's an alright YA novel. I love a good LGBTQ+ story line so that's always a plus. yeah, it's just OK

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Very much enjoyed

I enjoyed this book immensely. I really related to the main character and it was very well read. A good YA book about love and loss. Highly recommend

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A little slow but sweet

The story was a bit slow and predictable but it was enjoyable overall. Would be good for a younger adult or teen.

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I gave up!

The predominant tones of the narrator made it impossible to get beyond halfway, and I tried !

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