A review by caracalico
Carry the Ocean by Heidi Cullinan

5.0

While the story was more slice of life than any big dramatic tale, I think that was a strength and YA could use more of it. It didnt really follow an ordinary story arc which was fine for me. I have some asperger tendencies so I could relate to parts of emmet (mostly the style of his thoughts) but I related to Jeremey much more personally. My anxiety depression was never quite as bad, though it easily could have been if my parents had been like his. I still relate enough to understand how it would feel to have it at his level. And while a lot of YA has depressed characters, this felt by far the most earnest and realistic depiction of how it actually feels. I guess because a lot of YA depressed characters usually dont also have anxiety though they are found together so often. This story actually helped me feel more accepting of myself for not being able to do everything like everyone else and to not feel like I have to apologize for it. I also thought Jeremey was a really sweet boy of a type I rarely see in fiction as an 18 year old or older.

I also liked that the bulk of the story had them already together, as most books I've read have been about the process of coming together, and then leave no actual space for depicting a sweet romance.