Friday, June 5, 2015

Review: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23309653-the-summer-of-chasing-mermaids
The Summer of Chasing Mermaids
by Sarah Ockler
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Publication Date: June 2nd 2015
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 368
ISBN: 9781481401272
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Edelweiss

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From the bestselling author of Twenty Boy Summer, a talented singer loses her ability to speak after a tragic accident, leading her to a postcard-perfect seaside town to find romance.

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 . . . (Goodreads)
The Summer of Chasing Mermaids is the first book that I’ve read by author Sarah Ockler. I was excited to start the book because I have heard nothing but great things about the author, and I couldn’t wait to finally read one of her books myself. I was not disappointed at all, and I can’t wait to read more of her books in the future!!

Elyse d’Abreau was going to be a star, singing on tour with one of her most favorite singers ever. Then a boating accident changed her world forever, taking away Elyse’s ability to sing, and even talk. Leaving her home in Tobago and everyone she loves behind, she goes to Atargatis Cove in search of solitude. Here she meets Christian Kane, playboy extraordinaire, and everything in her life changes.

Elyse was a really fascinating main character. I can’t say that I’ve read many books before where the main character can’t speak, so reading the book from her point of view was an interesting experience altogether. I found myself getting frustrated right along with her at times when she wanted to get her point across, or even just talk to someone, and they gave her the brush off. And while she has a lot to overcome in the book, she’s still such a very strong character, even when she thinks that she’s not. Even though she can’t actively speak, it was encouraging to watch her find her ‘voice’ as the story went along.

I loved so many of the secondary characters in the novel as well. The friendships and other relationships that grow between the characters throughout the story are so wonderful and inspiring. The storyline for the book was really fascinating as well. I loved the mermaid theme; there are definitely not enough mermaid books in the world at this moment.

Overall; I really enjoyed reading The Summer of Chasing Mermaids. I loved how the characters and the storyline blend together to make such a captivating read. I am really looking forward to reading more by Ockler in the future!!
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2 comments:

  1. Okay so here's my story: I was wandering around Barnes & Noble and I was debating between Powerless and The Summer of Chasing Mermaids. I got Powerless instead ohhh noess. DAMNN I should have gotten this one since I loved Scandal by Sarah Ockler and loved it so much but damn I should have gotten this book. You should read #Scandal by Sarah Ockler. I think you'd enjoy it!

    Alex @ The Book's Buzz

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  2. I really liked this book too. I love the author's writing style. I loved the characters especially Elyse, Christian and Sebastian. If you are looking for more of Ockler's books to read I recommend her debut, Twenty Boy Summer.

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