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ruby_roo's review against another edition
2.0
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I think this book was interesting, and I appreciate the motivation behind it, but it just wasn't for me. The subject matter was a little heavier than I tend to enjoy.
I definitely recommend this book for people who enjoy reading about difficult topics and who like their endings a bit open ended.
I think this book was interesting, and I appreciate the motivation behind it, but it just wasn't for me. The subject matter was a little heavier than I tend to enjoy.
I definitely recommend this book for people who enjoy reading about difficult topics and who like their endings a bit open ended.
samantha_89's review against another edition
3.0
I loved Sea. I've been wanting to read it since I started following Heidi R. Kling on Twitter. After quote a bit of time I was finally able to get my hands on a copy, and even with school being busier than ever I managed to finish this fast book in just a few days.
I loved how different this book was from everything else I've read recently. I loved learning about the culture and how everyone was affected by the tsunami. Everything tied together very neatly in the end.
Sienna was very fifteen. I don't really like reading about characters so much younger than me but the fact that Sienna was obviously fifteen made it a little easier. I do feel that considering her parents had gone to third-world countries previously the extent of her culture shock might have been a bit much. I mean, did she really expect there to be indoor plumbing? However, being fifteen meant her selfish actions were more true, had it been the same book with a seventeen-year-old... oy vey! I think the people saying that she was selfish and ungrateful seem to forget how fifteen-year-olds don't always see the whole picture, or a big part of the picture... or any of the picture. I think that Sienna was a very well formed character but she had very little connection to those around her. More on that later though.
Deni... I wasn't feeling it for him. In romance books there's supposed to be this certain about charisma for the love interest and I wasn't feeling it. Maybe because Sienna was fifteen, maybe because it was just infatuation and rebellion. I'm not sure, but it wasn't there for me. I would have liked to see more foreshadowing from him about the ending. The excuse that it was too hard to talk about made it seem like Kling just came up with the ending at a split second and went with it. Foreshadowing is a lovely technique and everyone knows a little mystery can go a long way in creating charisma for a character.
Now, Spider, I wanted to know more about Spider!I actually would have liked to know about Spider and Bev and Sienna from before the accident. There seemed to be this very believable friendship there and I really wanted more of that. The thing with Deni almost made it seem like Kling was trying to whole (way too popular) love triangle thing. I wasn't for it.
There were two characters that really could have been something amazing; Ellie and Amelia. To me, it seemed like Kling was trying to create two people that changed Sienna. If that was case, I liked the idea but it didn't seem to play out that well. Had those two characters been stronger and more present I really could have loved the book.
Ultimately not my favorite book and it didn't live up to the hype. But I also didn't hate the book. It would be a fun summer read.
I loved how different this book was from everything else I've read recently. I loved learning about the culture and how everyone was affected by the tsunami. Everything tied together very neatly in the end.
Sienna was very fifteen. I don't really like reading about characters so much younger than me but the fact that Sienna was obviously fifteen made it a little easier. I do feel that considering her parents had gone to third-world countries previously the extent of her culture shock might have been a bit much. I mean, did she really expect there to be indoor plumbing? However, being fifteen meant her selfish actions were more true, had it been the same book with a seventeen-year-old... oy vey! I think the people saying that she was selfish and ungrateful seem to forget how fifteen-year-olds don't always see the whole picture, or a big part of the picture... or any of the picture. I think that Sienna was a very well formed character but she had very little connection to those around her. More on that later though.
Deni... I wasn't feeling it for him. In romance books there's supposed to be this certain about charisma for the love interest and I wasn't feeling it. Maybe because Sienna was fifteen, maybe because it was just infatuation and rebellion. I'm not sure, but it wasn't there for me. I would have liked to see more foreshadowing from him about the ending. The excuse that it was too hard to talk about made it seem like Kling just came up with the ending at a split second and went with it. Foreshadowing is a lovely technique and everyone knows a little mystery can go a long way in creating charisma for a character.
Now, Spider, I wanted to know more about Spider!I actually would have liked to know about Spider and Bev and Sienna from before the accident. There seemed to be this very believable friendship there and I really wanted more of that. The thing with Deni almost made it seem like Kling was trying to whole (way too popular) love triangle thing. I wasn't for it.
There were two characters that really could have been something amazing; Ellie and Amelia. To me, it seemed like Kling was trying to create two people that changed Sienna. If that was case, I liked the idea but it didn't seem to play out that well. Had those two characters been stronger and more present I really could have loved the book.
Ultimately not my favorite book and it didn't live up to the hype. But I also didn't hate the book. It would be a fun summer read.
camihawk's review against another edition
4.0
I have never read anything like Sea before, it was intriguing, enchanting, and made me cry. Sea was so new a fresh, it was great how Heidi mixed, Sienna’s (the main character) past and the tsunami together. The two parts seemed to fit seamlessly together, it seemed that Heidi put a lot of thought into the story and how to weave it together. The romance was steamy, so I kept wanting more while also heartfelt as two broken people learned to heal.
I loved learning about the tsunami in Indonesia, because even though I have heard about, seen pictures, ect, it is still hard to fully comprehend the tragedy. Sea does a fantastic job of showing the emotional, and physical repercussions of the tsunami, while also bringing in Indonesia’s culture. At times I would find myself unexpectedly with sympathy for tsunami survivors as I got a glimpse into their head. From the start of Sea I could feel how Sienna’s mother’s death lingered over her, it felt so accurate to me.
The ending was perfect for the story, the way the story finally came together. The ending was not I expected but I loved it more for it, I didn’t see it coming. In all I think Sea is a book you must pick up, it has well thought out plot, great ending, and it is an original idea.
I loved learning about the tsunami in Indonesia, because even though I have heard about, seen pictures, ect, it is still hard to fully comprehend the tragedy. Sea does a fantastic job of showing the emotional, and physical repercussions of the tsunami, while also bringing in Indonesia’s culture. At times I would find myself unexpectedly with sympathy for tsunami survivors as I got a glimpse into their head. From the start of Sea I could feel how Sienna’s mother’s death lingered over her, it felt so accurate to me.
The ending was perfect for the story, the way the story finally came together. The ending was not I expected but I loved it more for it, I didn’t see it coming. In all I think Sea is a book you must pick up, it has well thought out plot, great ending, and it is an original idea.
jlove731's review against another edition
5.0
I finished this book last night, and all night I had Sea, Deni, and Spider's words running through my head. This isn't a book you easily forget. It's a story about finding yourself, what it means to lose everything, love, heartbreak, and it's written beautifully. I couldn't put this one down, it was just so captivating and I loved it.
Sienna, Sea, Jones is afraid of flying and constantly haunted by dreams of her mother's disappearance. Ever since her mother has died, she has never been the same. So on her 15th birthday when her dad decides to go to Indonesia, he wants Sienna to go along to help. After debating with herself, she goes. While there Sea meets Deni. Deni is hot, troubled, and somehow just like Sienna. I loved these two characters. They helped each other in so many ways that it was just amazing. Heartbreaking (I was upset - I don't know how Sienna did it), but amazing.
Now we can't forget the other characters... one who happened to be probably my favorite, which was Spider. Hot surfer boy sweetheart, Spider. I just loved how he was there for Sienna. He's such a good-hearted kid and believe me, if I could have my own Spider... I would go get one now! Haha. Also I loved Elli. She was adorable and the way Sienna helped her was just meant to be.
Hearing the stories from the tsunami, during this book, just broke my heart. I can't even imagine what it must have been like and how these children kept going. I would have been devastated. Thankfully, this book shows you that, there are people who are willing to help you along the way, you just have to let them.
This story was beautiful, and I can't get it out of my head. Heartbreak, finding youself, love, helping, friendship, and letting go. This book has it all. If you get a chance this book is a must read. :)
Sienna, Sea, Jones is afraid of flying and constantly haunted by dreams of her mother's disappearance. Ever since her mother has died, she has never been the same. So on her 15th birthday when her dad decides to go to Indonesia, he wants Sienna to go along to help. After debating with herself, she goes. While there Sea meets Deni. Deni is hot, troubled, and somehow just like Sienna. I loved these two characters. They helped each other in so many ways that it was just amazing. Heartbreaking (I was upset - I don't know how Sienna did it), but amazing.
Now we can't forget the other characters... one who happened to be probably my favorite, which was Spider. Hot surfer boy sweetheart, Spider. I just loved how he was there for Sienna. He's such a good-hearted kid and believe me, if I could have my own Spider... I would go get one now! Haha. Also I loved Elli. She was adorable and the way Sienna helped her was just meant to be.
Hearing the stories from the tsunami, during this book, just broke my heart. I can't even imagine what it must have been like and how these children kept going. I would have been devastated. Thankfully, this book shows you that, there are people who are willing to help you along the way, you just have to let them.
This story was beautiful, and I can't get it out of my head. Heartbreak, finding youself, love, helping, friendship, and letting go. This book has it all. If you get a chance this book is a must read. :)
kblincoln's review against another edition
5.0
I thought I was going to give this book a 4 because sometimes the characters were just waaaaaaaaay to wise, and the ending is a bit too pat....but I couldn't.
I had to give it 5 starts. Even with those faults, the book really satisfies on so many levels.
Haunted by nightmares mostly surrounding the death of her mother in a plane crash over the Indian Ocean, Sienna agrees to go with her father, a noted PTSD psychiatrist to an orphanage (pesantren) in Indonesia for two weeks to help with tsunami survivor orphans' therapy.
At the pesantren, Sienna meets Deni, a boy who has lost so much and survived so well, that Sienna begins to heal her own hurts while helping him discover what happened to his father.
Okay, so the good things are that we get a great view of Indonesia. Deni isn't afraid to tell Sienna things like only tourists say "thank you" in a certain way, or to explain and share his countries' customs with no sense of apology.
Sienna is a believable and sympathetic character despite her white-American privilege. Watching her deal with primitive conditions at the orphanage with a normal reaction of disgust without making too much of an issue of it in front of the orphans was a deft handling of this particular problem.
While Deni sometimes seemed too wise beyond his years ("We do not choose what happens to us. We can only choose what we do after. What we do now. We can only choose to keep going.") and sometimes his English too skillful, his relationship with Sienna was poignant, honest, and exciting. I mean, how romantic is stealing away at night from a gender-segregated orphanage to ride around the streets of Java on a moped scooter with your arms wrapped around a beautiful boy?
I loved watching Sienna break out of her grieving shell of a persona and begin to understand and appreciate her life and the people in it.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice ) chock full of shrimp, chicken, and luscious vegetables with a hint of fire for the romance.
I had to give it 5 starts. Even with those faults, the book really satisfies on so many levels.
Haunted by nightmares mostly surrounding the death of her mother in a plane crash over the Indian Ocean, Sienna agrees to go with her father, a noted PTSD psychiatrist to an orphanage (pesantren) in Indonesia for two weeks to help with tsunami survivor orphans' therapy.
At the pesantren, Sienna meets Deni, a boy who has lost so much and survived so well, that Sienna begins to heal her own hurts while helping him discover what happened to his father.
Okay, so the good things are that we get a great view of Indonesia. Deni isn't afraid to tell Sienna things like only tourists say "thank you" in a certain way, or to explain and share his countries' customs with no sense of apology.
Sienna is a believable and sympathetic character despite her white-American privilege. Watching her deal with primitive conditions at the orphanage with a normal reaction of disgust without making too much of an issue of it in front of the orphans was a deft handling of this particular problem.
While Deni sometimes seemed too wise beyond his years ("We do not choose what happens to us. We can only choose what we do after. What we do now. We can only choose to keep going.") and sometimes his English too skillful, his relationship with Sienna was poignant, honest, and exciting. I mean, how romantic is stealing away at night from a gender-segregated orphanage to ride around the streets of Java on a moped scooter with your arms wrapped around a beautiful boy?
I loved watching Sienna break out of her grieving shell of a persona and begin to understand and appreciate her life and the people in it.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice ) chock full of shrimp, chicken, and luscious vegetables with a hint of fire for the romance.
kellyjcm's review against another edition
4.0
Heartbreaking to read about the tsunami victims. I liked how realistic Team Hope was, and that they didn't sweep in and fix all the problems in two weeks.
It was easy to get swept up with Sienna & Deni. She was ruled by her heart, but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
It was easy to get swept up with Sienna & Deni. She was ruled by her heart, but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
frootjoos's review against another edition
3.0
Good book! I liked it, and it gave my brain a nice break from the chemistry I'm going to have to cram into it over the next 2 weeks :( guuuh. At least my imagination got to go on a mini-vacation before I go back to work.
gabieowleyess's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my goodness... oh my goodness... oh my goodness...
I'm still in awe. This is the first book EVER that I have finished in a day and it was totally worth it. I loved it soooo very much. I cried and I laughed and I fell in love. It was completely amazing. I don't even know what to say because I loved it so much. I'm left wondering how a person can thing about these kind of stories. It was amazing, amazing, amazing. I have to thank Ms.Kling, because this book was an honor to read.
To Read more, please visit my blog:
http://owleyesreviews.tumblr.com/post/19540819360/sea-by-heidi-r-kling
I'm still in awe. This is the first book EVER that I have finished in a day and it was totally worth it. I loved it soooo very much. I cried and I laughed and I fell in love. It was completely amazing. I don't even know what to say because I loved it so much. I'm left wondering how a person can thing about these kind of stories. It was amazing, amazing, amazing. I have to thank Ms.Kling, because this book was an honor to read.
To Read more, please visit my blog:
http://owleyesreviews.tumblr.com/post/19540819360/sea-by-heidi-r-kling
beecheralyson's review against another edition
5.0
Sienna "Sea" Jones lost her mother to a plane accident three years ago. Her father, a psychiatrist who does relief work in underdeveloped countries, decides that maybe a trip to Indonesia to help with children victims of the Tsunami will help her heal from her own loss.
I have to say I truly loved this book (and that is saying a lot since I really prefer fantasy/paranormal books). I really liked Sienna and all the other characters in the book. I felt like the relationship Sienna had with her dad was well portrayed. And the journey Sienna make personally and emotionally is mirrored through the physical journey of the plane ride to Indonesia and throughout her experiences there and then Sienna's return to California. And for those who like a little romance...that is there too (Ah, Deni! Ah, Spider!)
The shortish chapters, and easy writing style will make this book something that even reluctant readers can quickly get into. It would work for tweens or teens and even students of various cultural backgrounds will find ways to relate to Sienna's story.
What a fantastic debut novel from Heidi R. Kling. I look forward to future books by her.
I have to say I truly loved this book (and that is saying a lot since I really prefer fantasy/paranormal books). I really liked Sienna and all the other characters in the book. I felt like the relationship Sienna had with her dad was well portrayed. And the journey Sienna make personally and emotionally is mirrored through the physical journey of the plane ride to Indonesia and throughout her experiences there and then Sienna's return to California. And for those who like a little romance...that is there too (Ah, Deni! Ah, Spider!)
The shortish chapters, and easy writing style will make this book something that even reluctant readers can quickly get into. It would work for tweens or teens and even students of various cultural backgrounds will find ways to relate to Sienna's story.
What a fantastic debut novel from Heidi R. Kling. I look forward to future books by her.