Sunday, March 13, 2016

The Summer of Chasimg Mermaids by Sarah Ockler Review


Title: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids
Author: Sarah Ockler
Blurb (from Goodreads): 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 . . .
 




                                                                    Pro's  
  
      The thing that drawn me to this book was the cover. Okay, okay one of my rules DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER!!!! But look  it's so pretty *whiny voice*. You could see a boy looking lovingly at a girl and it's so cute. The cover also reveals that there will be some connection to the sea. There are starfish and stringed sea shells. Elyse has a deep connection to the sea,but it's also her biggest fear. 
       

         I also loved the characters. Their different in so many ways yet they just seem to click (two in particular). Like little Sebastian Kane. He's so different and like a cute little innocent child. He loves mermaids. Some people (like the mayor) don't wish to acknowledge it. It's like the town is afraid of diversity. I also like Kirby and Vanessa. When Kirby was first mentioned, I thought she was like the stuck-up cousin. She was far from that. She was the sister for Elsye. 

          Christian Kane was another character that I liked. He has a rich,but troubled family. His dad bet the houses  and it's up to him to fix that mistake. He has a lot of pressure on him. Elyse takes that away.
          I also liked (I'm using the words like and love a lot) that Elyse is a mute. It adds more diversity and distinctiveness to the story. It's not your average love story it's different. And that's special. 
   

     The plot also set itself apart from other contemporary novels. As mentioned earlier, there was a bet made between the Mayor and Mr.Kane. They have a boat race. If the mayor wins he could sell Lemon's (Elyse aunt) home and as well as other homes to some industries who could "put this town on the map". More money for him, but no home for Elyse or summer home for the Kanes. Elyse and Christian bond over fixing the boat. And it's so sweet. Yet the bet, causes a tension through out the whole town. It leaves us readers with a thrill of anticipation. Will they win and save their home's? Or will they lose and lose everything at stake?



                                                                          Con's 


    I really did not like Elyse for at least half of the story. She's great and sweet. But she can be sometimes so selfish, and ungrateful. I feel so bad for saying that. But, she keeps on pushing everyone away. The one's who try to help her. Like Kirby for instance. Kirby tries to give her space. Then comes back trying to be her friend. Elyse rejects her. But, Kirby comes back and tries again. Elyse should learn a thing or two from that girl. 
   


Rating/Recommendation

I give this a 5 stars. The con's were not major setbacks and I only had one problem with this book,and that's not important. I of course will recommend this to everyone. 


 



                         

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