whatsarahread's review against another edition
5.0
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What did I love about this book? Well, let me think for a second. Oh yeah! I loved EVERYTHING about this book. Seriously, this is one of the best books I read this year, and for so many reasons. What really stole my heart though, was how Ockler’s writing brought me to the heart of the emotion for all of the characters involved. I was allowed to know each one so intimately, and because of the gorgeous writing I truly felt the emotions they each went through. We meet Elyse and Christian, and they are both dealing with some serious wounds, trying to find a way to move past the pain in their lives. I appreciated that what they were going through was tough, raw and painful, yet they still found a way to be there for each other. Rather than shutting down, they opened up for one another and allowed friendship and love to heal. As a matter of fact, almost all of the characters in this book were so uplifting and supportive (notice I said MOST), and it was especially refreshing to see teenage girls portrayed as loving and thoughtful friends to Elyse, who is different and an outsider.
At the end of the day, what I loved most about this book was Ockler’s writing. Evocative, dreamy, fresh, inspiring…all words I would use to describer her style in this book. I was there on the beaches with Elyse as she struggled to make sense of what happened to her. I felt the pain that little Sebastian felt as he tried to make his mark in the world. I knew Christian’s frustration and fear in trying to break free of his past. It was all there for me to experience by way of amazing writing.
I also have to commend Ockler for the obvious research that went into this book. Her description of the Trinidad and Tobago culture was so descriptive and detailed, I learned so many things about these people and their customs, and it truly added a whole other dimension to Elyse’s character. I wish more authors would challenge themselves to write books with more diverse characters, because I believe it only serves to further educate readers on something we otherwise may have never known about.
As I’ve been mentioning throughout this entire review, the whole book is one big feels fest. There wasn’t one page that went by where I didn’t have some sort of emotional reaction. The range of emotions were there as well. I appreciate when a book can take you to dark places just as well as it can take you to most lovely, and this book does just that. It was an emotional journey that left me so fulfilled. So my book feels moment for ‘The Summer of Chasing Mermaids’ was…ALL OF IT!
‘THE SUMMER OF CHASING MERMAIDS' IS A BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND EMOTIONAL STORY ABOUT HOW THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE CAN HEAL EVEN THE DEEPEST OF WOUNDS.
What did I love about this book? Well, let me think for a second. Oh yeah! I loved EVERYTHING about this book. Seriously, this is one of the best books I read this year, and for so many reasons. What really stole my heart though, was how Ockler’s writing brought me to the heart of the emotion for all of the characters involved. I was allowed to know each one so intimately, and because of the gorgeous writing I truly felt the emotions they each went through. We meet Elyse and Christian, and they are both dealing with some serious wounds, trying to find a way to move past the pain in their lives. I appreciated that what they were going through was tough, raw and painful, yet they still found a way to be there for each other. Rather than shutting down, they opened up for one another and allowed friendship and love to heal. As a matter of fact, almost all of the characters in this book were so uplifting and supportive (notice I said MOST), and it was especially refreshing to see teenage girls portrayed as loving and thoughtful friends to Elyse, who is different and an outsider.
At the end of the day, what I loved most about this book was Ockler’s writing. Evocative, dreamy, fresh, inspiring…all words I would use to describer her style in this book. I was there on the beaches with Elyse as she struggled to make sense of what happened to her. I felt the pain that little Sebastian felt as he tried to make his mark in the world. I knew Christian’s frustration and fear in trying to break free of his past. It was all there for me to experience by way of amazing writing.
I also have to commend Ockler for the obvious research that went into this book. Her description of the Trinidad and Tobago culture was so descriptive and detailed, I learned so many things about these people and their customs, and it truly added a whole other dimension to Elyse’s character. I wish more authors would challenge themselves to write books with more diverse characters, because I believe it only serves to further educate readers on something we otherwise may have never known about.
As I’ve been mentioning throughout this entire review, the whole book is one big feels fest. There wasn’t one page that went by where I didn’t have some sort of emotional reaction. The range of emotions were there as well. I appreciate when a book can take you to dark places just as well as it can take you to most lovely, and this book does just that. It was an emotional journey that left me so fulfilled. So my book feels moment for ‘The Summer of Chasing Mermaids’ was…ALL OF IT!
‘THE SUMMER OF CHASING MERMAIDS' IS A BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND EMOTIONAL STORY ABOUT HOW THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE CAN HEAL EVEN THE DEEPEST OF WOUNDS.
hazelstaybookish's review
5.0
Post-reading
Perfectly gorgeous prose, wonderful characters, a touching story. This one is a YA must-read!
Pre-reading
WAIT WHAT?
A NEW SARAH OCKLER BOOK?! AND IT'S A LITTLE MERMAID RETELLING?!
OMFG SO HAPPY!!!!!!
I NEED IT GIVE IT TO ME *GRABBY HANDS*
WHY IS IT NOT JUNE 2015 YET??
Perfectly gorgeous prose, wonderful characters, a touching story. This one is a YA must-read!
Pre-reading
WAIT WHAT?
A NEW SARAH OCKLER BOOK?! AND IT'S A LITTLE MERMAID RETELLING?!
OMFG SO HAPPY!!!!!!
I NEED IT GIVE IT TO ME *GRABBY HANDS*
WHY IS IT NOT JUNE 2015 YET??
bookish_terror's review against another edition
5.0
In one word: wow.
I picked this up because of the representation in this book. The main character is a black, mute girl. Add the fact that this is a retelling of one of my least favorite Disney movies, The Little Mermaid, was a plus for me because I love mermaids but I don't like The Little Mermaid.
There's so much about this book I love that I hope I can articulate all my thoughts on it.
First of all, I love the writing. It's so atmospheric. I really felt like I was there in a coastal Oregon town. It felt dream-like almost.
Elyse is very melancholic, she's very vulnerable, she's very scared. And she is never shamed or made to feel guilty for any of it. That is so rare for a black female character. And she also has her moments of bravery and independence. She's actually a complex and nuanced human being. Again, so rare for a black female character!
I liked Christian right away, and I was very scared of that because I wasn't sure I could trust him to not break Elyse's heart eventually. He's painted as this playboy, and the boy does get around, but he is nothing but honest and respectful with the girls he chooses to spend his time with. And with Elyse being mute, there is a strong emphasis on consent, and Christian makes sure Elyse is completely comfortable when things start to get intimate. I also liked his friendship with Noah. They totally had their dudebro moments but they were never douchebros.
Vanessa, who is casually dating Christian, is very supportive of Elyse just in general, but also of any potential relationship between Elyse and Christian. She knows Elyse likes him and it's ok! Internally, Elyse expresses some worry that Vanessa might get jealous but there's never any of that on either of their parts. And Christian and Vanessa's casual romance ends before Christian really starts to get serious about Elyse.
I love Lemon, Elyse's aunt, and Kirby, Elyse's cousin, as well. There's so many positive female relationships. There's no girl-hate to be found - it was amazing. And even though the bond between Elyse and her twin sister Natalie is strained, it's because of Elyse's own internal struggles, not because of anything either of them has said or done.
Then there's Sebastian, Christian's younger brother. The absolute cutest character I've ever read about. He's obsessed with mermaids, and he thinks Elyse is a mermaid, and at the young age of six is smashing gender stereotypes and doesn't even know it. He's just the best.
The ending definitely might not please everyone, but I found it to be hopeful.
This is not an ownvoices book and the author acknowledges this in a note at the end of the book, citing the people she consulted in her research. I am also neither black nor mute, but I did my very best to read the material closely, and if there was anything offensive I did not catch it. I think Sarah Ockler really did a good job in her research for this book.
I feel like I'm missing so much more because this book was so great. I mean, I think this is only the 4th book I've given a 5 star rating to this year. I definitely recommend it.
I picked this up because of the representation in this book. The main character is a black, mute girl. Add the fact that this is a retelling of one of my least favorite Disney movies, The Little Mermaid, was a plus for me because I love mermaids but I don't like The Little Mermaid.
There's so much about this book I love that I hope I can articulate all my thoughts on it.
First of all, I love the writing. It's so atmospheric. I really felt like I was there in a coastal Oregon town. It felt dream-like almost.
Elyse is very melancholic, she's very vulnerable, she's very scared. And she is never shamed or made to feel guilty for any of it. That is so rare for a black female character. And she also has her moments of bravery and independence. She's actually a complex and nuanced human being. Again, so rare for a black female character!
I liked Christian right away, and I was very scared of that because I wasn't sure I could trust him to not break Elyse's heart eventually. He's painted as this playboy, and the boy does get around, but he is nothing but honest and respectful with the girls he chooses to spend his time with. And with Elyse being mute, there is a strong emphasis on consent, and Christian makes sure Elyse is completely comfortable when things start to get intimate. I also liked his friendship with Noah. They totally had their dudebro moments but they were never douchebros.
Vanessa, who is casually dating Christian, is very supportive of Elyse just in general, but also of any potential relationship between Elyse and Christian. She knows Elyse likes him and it's ok! Internally, Elyse expresses some worry that Vanessa might get jealous but there's never any of that on either of their parts. And Christian and Vanessa's casual romance ends before Christian really starts to get serious about Elyse.
I love Lemon, Elyse's aunt, and Kirby, Elyse's cousin, as well. There's so many positive female relationships. There's no girl-hate to be found - it was amazing. And even though the bond between Elyse and her twin sister Natalie is strained, it's because of Elyse's own internal struggles, not because of anything either of them has said or done.
Then there's Sebastian, Christian's younger brother. The absolute cutest character I've ever read about. He's obsessed with mermaids, and he thinks Elyse is a mermaid, and at the young age of six is smashing gender stereotypes and doesn't even know it. He's just the best.
The ending definitely might not please everyone, but I found it to be hopeful.
This is not an ownvoices book and the author acknowledges this in a note at the end of the book, citing the people she consulted in her research. I am also neither black nor mute, but I did my very best to read the material closely, and if there was anything offensive I did not catch it. I think Sarah Ockler really did a good job in her research for this book.
I feel like I'm missing so much more because this book was so great. I mean, I think this is only the 4th book I've given a 5 star rating to this year. I definitely recommend it.
sandeevalley's review
5.0
I loved everything about this book but I am only disappointed in the lack of closure for the Kane family. Will Mrs. Kane ever stand up for herself to her husband? Will Mr. Kane fully realize everything that he has done to his family? Who knows??
anz16's review against another edition
3.0
I like the story... took a while to get into but a nice summer read
bookmarklit's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars, probably. Yet again my insane expectations and excitement get the best of me. I'm not sure what I expected from this book but it was slightly...different? than what I got. I wasn't completely connected to the characters but I liked them and rooted for them. I LOVED the setting, the tiny bit of magic, and Sebastian. Lots of amazing commentary on breaking down gender roles. I struggle with prose because I usually can't separate the metaphors/imagery from what's really happening. I raced through the middle of this book but was confused and kind of MEH at the beginning and the end. Overall mixed feelings but glad I read it.
stenaros's review against another edition
3.0
There were some glaring errors in this set-in-Oregon novel, the worst being the mention of sales tax. Oregon does not have a sales tax. While these regular errors detracted from a full enjoyment of the story, it was otherwise a goodly tale of the loss of voice (an actual, not metaphorical loss due to damage to vocal chords) and of finding a new way. Plus, you know, some romance. I also appreciate there was a tastefully-written female masturbation scene, as those are incredibly rare. The bad characters were not super complex, but the family dynamics were. Overall, a so-so experience, but one that kept me reading.
carleneinspired's review against another edition
4.0
“It was one thing to have your own kind of hope, an ember you could nurture inside, something to inspire you when things got dark. If it died, it was on you; no one else even had to know about it, and you were free to reignite it, or to give up and walk away. But when you were carrying it with another person, for another person, it was a dangerous dream. Treacherous as the sea, yet fragile as a bubble.”
Elyse, our beautiful heroine from Tobago has runaway from her past and stowed herself away at Atargatis Cove, Oregon with distant family. Her past can't escape her though, because a tragic accident took away her voice, along with all her hopes, dreams, and plans A through Z. On top of that, there's a guy, Christian, who shouldn't be able to bring out all of her secrets, but he does. Together they help each other, Christian with his family and Elyse with her past.
I won't give away the story, but there's mermaids, boats, racing, an adorable child, and a family torn apart learning to grow together. I would definitely label this New Adult, not young adult. The main characters are out of high school, there are sex scenes, a strong LGBTQ support, and a lot of female empowerment. I loved that about The Summer of Chasing Mermaids, but I recognize it may not be fit for a teen who hasn't reached the maturity level for it yet.
The characters are fantastic, I really identified with each in different ways and felt that they reflected a true summer beach town of locals, summer people, and tourists. They helped Elyse grow in her time there and they were thought provoking. There was also some incredible imagery. Sarah Ockler provides us with a mermaids tale, a haunting ocean, and Caribbean myths. She was poetic and descriptive, and her writing of Elyse's poetry was absolutely my favorite.
I didn't give this book 5 stars for a reason, though. I seriously had to force myself to keep reading after 25%, fortunately around 30-40% I found the hook and was sucked in. There's a lot of details provided to you right away, it gets overwhelming and confusing. However, if you stick to it, it'll be worth it. I just have a different personal preference for my books.
I loved this book in the end, I really did. I loved how Sarah Ockler didn't stick with controversial moment, she had them all in there, and did it very well. It read as regular life would and for that I thank her. If you're looking for a New Adult read, especially a summer read, this is it.
Elyse, our beautiful heroine from Tobago has runaway from her past and stowed herself away at Atargatis Cove, Oregon with distant family. Her past can't escape her though, because a tragic accident took away her voice, along with all her hopes, dreams, and plans A through Z. On top of that, there's a guy, Christian, who shouldn't be able to bring out all of her secrets, but he does. Together they help each other, Christian with his family and Elyse with her past.
I won't give away the story, but there's mermaids, boats, racing, an adorable child, and a family torn apart learning to grow together. I would definitely label this New Adult, not young adult. The main characters are out of high school, there are sex scenes, a strong LGBTQ support, and a lot of female empowerment. I loved that about The Summer of Chasing Mermaids, but I recognize it may not be fit for a teen who hasn't reached the maturity level for it yet.
The characters are fantastic, I really identified with each in different ways and felt that they reflected a true summer beach town of locals, summer people, and tourists. They helped Elyse grow in her time there and they were thought provoking. There was also some incredible imagery. Sarah Ockler provides us with a mermaids tale, a haunting ocean, and Caribbean myths. She was poetic and descriptive, and her writing of Elyse's poetry was absolutely my favorite.
I didn't give this book 5 stars for a reason, though. I seriously had to force myself to keep reading after 25%, fortunately around 30-40% I found the hook and was sucked in. There's a lot of details provided to you right away, it gets overwhelming and confusing. However, if you stick to it, it'll be worth it. I just have a different personal preference for my books.
I loved this book in the end, I really did. I loved how Sarah Ockler didn't stick with controversial moment, she had them all in there, and did it very well. It read as regular life would and for that I thank her. If you're looking for a New Adult read, especially a summer read, this is it.