Book in Review: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

22840182Title: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids
Author: Sarah Ockler
Publishing Date: June 2nd 2015
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: ARC
Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary:

The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.

Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.

Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life. 

When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them . . .
Now where do I even begin with how absolutely gorgeous this book is?

I guess I could begin with the writing style. Good god, there's this amazing prose in this story that borders around perfection. I'm usually nitpicky about the writing of anything I read, but there isn't anything I found wrong in this at all. The language and the storytelling blew me away, that I felt so enchanted and intrigued of a story I would've normally considered a cliche. There is goddamn poetry in this novel and it's actually good and it will hit you hard in that tiny spot in your chest and make you cry fat ugly tears because you will realize how much it hits so close to home.

That's how I felt, and I connected with this book in a whole different level than I expected. I wanted to like this book because, like the MC I have a special connection with the ocean and would consider myself a mermaid chaser, however you may interpret that. But instead of liking it, I loved it. This book exceeded my expectations and oh my god, I can't stop rambling about how amazing this book is!

All the DNF and Below 2-Star Reviews Part 2

Since we weren't able to finish all those books we DNFed and books we gave a below 2-star rating 3 months ago, here is part 2!

Perfectly Good White Boy by Carrie Mesrobian
Reviewed by: Kimi

I don't think this is the right book for me. Is this how a 17-year old boy thinks? Because if so, then I am honestly scared for myself, and for my future daughters (if I have any).
18588767
The writing is beautiful, the narrative honest and the story emotional and personal. However, I felt like the story lacks development, as well as the characters, as I'm still trying to rack my brain with what happened. 

I'm not sure what this book is trying to say. There is no development or even coming-of-age going on, or at least I did not feel it. And this is usually what I feel after reading realistic fiction, more so because there is an extreme lack of, how do i put it, plot. 'What is the point of this book?'is a question I have asked myself endlessly after reading it. Until now, I can't seem to answer this question.

Sean's sex addiction and his lack of purpose and drive are unexplained, as well as his other actions. A lot of plot points remain unresolved and, I was left confused in the end.



#LoveWins: LGBTQAI Releases of 2015


"Today's ruling from the Supreme Court affirms what millions across this country already know to be true in their hearts: Our Love is Equal. That the four words etched onto the front of the Supreme Court - equal justice under law - apply to us, too." 
-Jim Obergefell

Guess what?

Same-sex marriage is now legal in ALL 50 states of America!!!!

We're not American but we think this is a HUGE step for the whole world and we really hope that this level of acceptance will transcend towards Asia, and of course here in the Philippines. <3 

Since we're so happy about this news, we're rounding up all the LGBTQAI YA releases for 2015 - some we've already read and others we're looking forward to as well! Just click the cover of each book and it will redirect you to its Goodreads page.


1954785622896551

Popular Posts

Like us on Facebook

Stalk Us

2015 Reading Challenge

2015 Reading Challenge
Kimi has read 3 books toward her goal of 100 books.
hide