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theblushbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this character study of introspective Stephen over three summers. The son of Ghanaian immigrants to the UK, Stephen is sweet and musical. Azumah-Nelson’s writing style is musical as well, carrying a nice rhythm. Phrases are repeatedly used like the verses in a song. I particularly liked the phrase “two Black crowns”. I think that imagery is so beautiful. The second summer was my favorite, and the first summer was a bit dense for my preferences. But “Open Water” is an undeniably good book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Police brutality, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism and Violence
Minor: Colonisation
elizaob's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Violence, Police brutality, and Death of parent
mattypallett's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This wonderful book managed to explore so much in just chronicling a few years on Stephen’s life; never once feeling unnatural or overstuffed. From the thrumming excitement of Stephen’s coming of age summertime, to the deep despair caused by systemic racism, and the conflict and complexities of parental relationships. Nelson hit every beat with precision.
At times, the way Nelson tried to draw similarities between Stephen and his father felt too heavy handed for my tastes. Using music (or food) as connective tissue makes sense since it’s such a universal language but using specific dialogue choices that their respective partners said to them, unknowingly, seemed slightly forced. On the other hand, I did like the way that it added some depth to the tension between them; with the father so mad at the son out of fear he may repeat his missteps/face the same difficulties he faced.
Nelson’s melodic and repetitive writing style worked brilliantly to reflect the constant music influences in the character’s lives, and I found it endlessly readable. And the final 10-15 blew me away.
At times, the way Nelson tried to draw similarities between Stephen and his father felt too heavy handed for my tastes. Using music (or food) as connective tissue makes sense since it’s such a universal language but using specific dialogue choices that their respective partners said to them, unknowingly, seemed slightly forced. On the other hand, I did like the way that it added some depth to the tension between them; with the father so mad at the son out of fear he may repeat his missteps/face the same difficulties he faced.
Nelson’s melodic and repetitive writing style worked brilliantly to reflect the constant music influences in the character’s lives, and I found it endlessly readable. And the final 10-15 blew me away.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Police brutality, and Death of parent
alannashelfhelp's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Death of parent
hi97's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Alcohol
Moderate: Slavery, Police brutality, and Death of parent
alexdayhey's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Death of parent, Murder, and Deportation
alyxinthestars's review against another edition
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Death of parent
sydapel's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If there's someone else writing like Caleb Azumah Nelson, point me to them immediately. The sheer lyricism and musicality of his descriptions, how each emotion his characters experience flies off the page and directly into my chest is absolutely astounding to me. This is a gorgeous coming of age story about where we feel at home, with whom home is and how the small worlds of safety and understanding we create with loved ones are deeply personal, but also universal. I don't this this would be for everyone, especially as the pace meanders a bit in the middle, but I found the payoff in the final few chapters to be so worth it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Racism, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
laurareads87's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Open Waters follows Stephen, a young Ghanian-British man, in the years after high school; it is especially focused on his relationship with his father and his changing connection to his long-time friend. Stephen is a musician, and I loved Nelson's inclusion of so many musical references; I would love a playlist of all the songs mentioned in this book. I found it more interesting as it went along, and didn't love the repetitive writing in places.
Content warnings: racism, discrimination, police brutality, grief, death of a parent, drug & alcohol use
Content warnings: racism, discrimination, police brutality, grief, death of a parent, drug & alcohol use
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Police brutality, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Alcohol
sandwiiche's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
wow. nelson is a masterful writer. his prose is absolutely gorgeous and reads like poetry.
this story is about the struggles of immigrant families, and how they strive to build a new place they can call home. it's a story about loss, the grievance of loved ones, but also the loss of purpose and connection. the story truly heroes the idea that when all else fails, when words cannot express one's thoughts and feelings, it is through the language of song and dance that allows one to voice their heart's truest emotions. it is the space created by music, by letting yourself get lost in the rhythm that gives an individual the opportunity to feel, to open their heart up to the wounds of the past, the joys of the present, and the hopes for the future. ultimately, it is a narrative about the journey to discovering one's identity whilst navigating the rollercoaster of life.
this story is about the struggles of immigrant families, and how they strive to build a new place they can call home. it's a story about loss, the grievance of loved ones, but also the loss of purpose and connection. the story truly heroes the idea that when all else fails, when words cannot express one's thoughts and feelings, it is through the language of song and dance that allows one to voice their heart's truest emotions. it is the space created by music, by letting yourself get lost in the rhythm that gives an individual the opportunity to feel, to open their heart up to the wounds of the past, the joys of the present, and the hopes for the future. ultimately, it is a narrative about the journey to discovering one's identity whilst navigating the rollercoaster of life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Racism, Police brutality, and Alcohol