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Book Review: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

Updated: Apr 24, 2020

Edition: Paperback (416 pages)

Genre: YA Romance



Synopsis:

Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom; that is until a boating accident took it all away. Elyse, who was once one of the best singers in Tobago, now cannot sing…she cannot even speak. She seeks solitude at Atargatis Cove, a seaside town in Oregon, which is very different from her home in the Caribbean. Here Elyse meets Christian Kane, notorious playboy who challenges Elyse to express herself. Elyse realizes solitude may not be what she needs, but that means finding her inner voice and facing her past.


Shannon’s Review:

I found this book at a thrift store and picked it up because the title caught my eye. I wasn’t sure if I would love it, but setting of a beach and the possible romance made me give it a try. After reading this book I give it 4/5 stars. I enjoyed the story line and the characters through out the book. The relationships between Elyse and Kirby and Elyse and Christian while not always perfect, reflected the up and downs of friendship and I really enjoyed this. I gave this book 4/5 stars because I wish I could have seen the very end of the story play out just a little bit more. Overall though I really enjoyed this book.


Sarah's Review:

I read this book upon Shannon's recommendation and ultimately gave it 4/5 stars! I really liked Elyse. I can't fathom the pain she went through and how she comes to adjust to her new normal. I really liked the side characters in the book as well. I think Kirby, Vanessa, and Lemon were so supportive and well developed. Christian Kane was also one of the most perfect "bad boy" characters I have ever read in a young adult.

The diversity in this book was awesome! Not only with race, but also with disabilities, and gender norms. The glimpses of Trinidad and Tobago we got were one of my favorite things about the book. I liked that we still got those glimpses instead of just knowing that's where Elyse was from and forgetting about it. The setting of the small coastal town in Oregon was also unique. A lot of beach reads are on warm sunny beaches, so this was different in a good way!

The one thing that was a little unbelievable for me was how Elyse got her scar (which I won't say because spoiler). I can't go into detail about why it wasn't believable because I think that would be a spoiler as well. It just didn't sit right with me, but I'm also not a medical professional.

Overall I would recommend picking up this book and giving it a try!

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