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The Ocean
Gianna and Alex have just buried their mother. Now they have to move back to St. Petersburg, Florida to live with their recovering alcoholic father. All the new changes, however, may be more than Gia can bear. While Alex turns to football and flirting with girls, she holds her emotions inside. Together they make sense of their new lives as Gianna finds herself falling for Travis. Travis is not without his own issues. Between his insecurities and other people meddling in his life, he finds strength in Gianna. He vows to be there for her doing everything he can to make it happen. The Ocean is a story of loss, redemption, and finding happiness in the middle of it all.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
1331 people want to read
About the author
Mia Castile
13 books136 followersThis is a story about a girl, named Mia. She grew up in suburb of medium sized city. There were cold winters, and hot sticky summers. Mia’s favorite seasons were spring and fall. She enjoyed the mild seasons, but also loved the vibrant colors each possessed.
Mia loved music. She didn’t just love it, she sat on the floor in front of her Casio stereo for hours at a time, recording songs off the radio. Then she would cue them up and make sure she only got the music as she recorded them on a second tape, without the DJ’s voices on them, just the music. Then she would listen to those songs absorbing the words as she sat in her room and wrote her poetry.
She wrote her first Poem when she was thirteen. It was called Sands of Time. When she was sixteen and again when she was eighteen she won two state competitions for her poetry. Her Poetry was stories of roses, starry nights, love, loss, and the scars left behind. She found recourse in those private moments filling notebooks of her writings. As she grew so did her inspirations, and when ever it hit her the rest of the world melted away until her verses were written, alive in the world.
Even today as Mia writes mostly YA fiction, poetry still holds a special place in her heart. Her love for all things words propels her forward in her pursuit of the next great story. Her Debut Novel The Ocean will be released this spring.
Mia loved music. She didn’t just love it, she sat on the floor in front of her Casio stereo for hours at a time, recording songs off the radio. Then she would cue them up and make sure she only got the music as she recorded them on a second tape, without the DJ’s voices on them, just the music. Then she would listen to those songs absorbing the words as she sat in her room and wrote her poetry.
She wrote her first Poem when she was thirteen. It was called Sands of Time. When she was sixteen and again when she was eighteen she won two state competitions for her poetry. Her Poetry was stories of roses, starry nights, love, loss, and the scars left behind. She found recourse in those private moments filling notebooks of her writings. As she grew so did her inspirations, and when ever it hit her the rest of the world melted away until her verses were written, alive in the world.
Even today as Mia writes mostly YA fiction, poetry still holds a special place in her heart. Her love for all things words propels her forward in her pursuit of the next great story. Her Debut Novel The Ocean will be released this spring.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 19, 2011
OMG!
Since the first time I read the first chapter over at Mia's blog I was completely done...!WOW!
I was so lost in the reading that when I finished the last sentence I went like'WHAT?' I was definitely begging for more of Gia's and Travis's story.
If you could put a whole book into a single song this would be my book choice, even though I felt that every chapter had it's own voice and rythm.
The Ocean is a book you really don't want or should miss.
Gia and Travis come and make a whole new point of there not been rules as to when/how or where someone will fall in love, how someone can be hurt in so many different levels and still never giving up on what you believe and feel is right---yeap---you guessed it...that's Travis I'm talking about.
Gia and Alex have just suffered the death of her mother and are returning to the one place that doesn't feel like home. To Oliver their biological father who used to hit their mother. Recounting all the points that the book took on I thank Mia for boarding not only innocent LOVE but also BULLING and LOSS.
After the story centers on Mia & Travis coming together and heal each other's wounds.
I loved this book for sooo many reasons that I can't put them all up here.
Ressuming...
The hope of feeling normal, the fear to trust someone new, the hardship of letting go, the strength to always rise your head high, the power of love-words-action and will. But above all these things THE TRUTH OF SECOND CHANCES.
Mia you're an amazing writer and I'm so glad I got to meet you before your book's release. You did an amzing job taking us into the life, feelings and memories of your characters, I loved each an every one of them.
You guys better watch out for this author!
I'm really looking forward to your next piece of art!
5/5!
Since the first time I read the first chapter over at Mia's blog I was completely done...!WOW!
I was so lost in the reading that when I finished the last sentence I went like'WHAT?' I was definitely begging for more of Gia's and Travis's story.
If you could put a whole book into a single song this would be my book choice, even though I felt that every chapter had it's own voice and rythm.
The Ocean is a book you really don't want or should miss.
Gia and Travis come and make a whole new point of there not been rules as to when/how or where someone will fall in love, how someone can be hurt in so many different levels and still never giving up on what you believe and feel is right---yeap---you guessed it...that's Travis I'm talking about.
Gia and Alex have just suffered the death of her mother and are returning to the one place that doesn't feel like home. To Oliver their biological father who used to hit their mother. Recounting all the points that the book took on I thank Mia for boarding not only innocent LOVE but also BULLING and LOSS.
After the story centers on Mia & Travis coming together and heal each other's wounds.
I loved this book for sooo many reasons that I can't put them all up here.
Ressuming...
The hope of feeling normal, the fear to trust someone new, the hardship of letting go, the strength to always rise your head high, the power of love-words-action and will. But above all these things THE TRUTH OF SECOND CHANCES.
Mia you're an amazing writer and I'm so glad I got to meet you before your book's release. You did an amzing job taking us into the life, feelings and memories of your characters, I loved each an every one of them.
You guys better watch out for this author!
I'm really looking forward to your next piece of art!
5/5!
April 26, 2011
The Ocean is a totally perfect YA read. It took my breath away with each page I read and I got lost in the pages within this wonderful story it was liking nothing excisted expect me and the book.
The story begins 8 weeks after Gia's mum died and she is being made to go and live with her dad who she hasn't seen in years because he was an alaholic and beat her mum up. Gia would much rather stay with her step-dad Micthell than go to her dad's the only good thing is that she gets to see her brother Alex after he went a head of her.Then Gia meets Travis and thats where the really magic starts.
My Favourite parts=
-The relonship between Gia & Alex is amazing.
-The letters Gia & Travis write to each other.
My Least Favourite parts=
-I can say hand on heart that there wasn't a part that was me least favourite. I loved it all.
Shocked me the most=
-What Micthell said.
Favourite Quote=
"It's funny how one moment can change and define your life-send you down a path that you didn't even see-like you were in the woods and suddenly you see a path,but it's over grown and your scared and nervous-because there could be bears,scary snakes,or montain lions,but you have not a choice, beacause the path you on is now a circle.You have no choice but to take that path,the scary one"
If your looking for a YA read to WOW you "The Ocean" is the book for you. Even writing this review makes me want to re-read it again and I only read it 12 days ago.I would also like to say thank-you to Mia Castile for letting me have a review copy and I can't wait to read what Mia writes next.
The story begins 8 weeks after Gia's mum died and she is being made to go and live with her dad who she hasn't seen in years because he was an alaholic and beat her mum up. Gia would much rather stay with her step-dad Micthell than go to her dad's the only good thing is that she gets to see her brother Alex after he went a head of her.Then Gia meets Travis and thats where the really magic starts.
My Favourite parts=
-The relonship between Gia & Alex is amazing.
-The letters Gia & Travis write to each other.
My Least Favourite parts=
-I can say hand on heart that there wasn't a part that was me least favourite. I loved it all.
Shocked me the most=
-What Micthell said.
Favourite Quote=
"It's funny how one moment can change and define your life-send you down a path that you didn't even see-like you were in the woods and suddenly you see a path,but it's over grown and your scared and nervous-because there could be bears,scary snakes,or montain lions,but you have not a choice, beacause the path you on is now a circle.You have no choice but to take that path,the scary one"
If your looking for a YA read to WOW you "The Ocean" is the book for you. Even writing this review makes me want to re-read it again and I only read it 12 days ago.I would also like to say thank-you to Mia Castile for letting me have a review copy and I can't wait to read what Mia writes next.
April 16, 2011
Warning: This book is so ADDICTING! I could not put it down.
My Rating: 5 out 5 Best book for the summer!
My Cover Thoughts: Okay so summer time is coming up real soon and after looking at this cover and reading the book I decided I am going to the beach for a weeklong vacation. I loved this cover because it reminded me of when I was younger and I would go to North Carolina to stay with my grandparents we would go the beach every day. The cover is of a picture of the waves rolling in to the beach and it is great! You will see why she has chosen this picture for the cover as you read the book.
My Thoughts/Review: I really loved this book. I read it in 8 hours while I was at work because I could not put it down. First the book starts off with the loss of Alex and Gia’s mother. They are then sent to live with their father who is a recovering alcoholic and has not seen them in 10 years. Alex decides to go down to Florida early to start football boot camp while Gia stays behind to be with her friends.
When Gia goes to get on the plane she has second thoughts and begs her step-father to keep her but he says he cannot. She gets on the plane and tries to get comfortable but all she keeps thinking about is how is she ever going to live with her father because she has not seen him in ten years. After she lands in Florida she calls alex but he can’t get her because the truck they drive is broken down. She has to take a cab to the house. She flags one down and the driver helps her with her luggage and asks her to see the money first because it is a long trip and he does not want to take it if she does not have the money. She laughs but shows him the money and in turn she looks at the cab driver and says give me your driver license. She takes a picture of it and sends it to her brother via the phone and says just in case I don’t make it this is the cab driver.
As she is driving along she decides to have the taxi driver pull over to the beach she would go to when her father would get drunk and start hitting her mother. While she is there spacing out on her memories of the past she is almost hit by a football. When the guy comes up to her he says sorry we almost hit you but my friend has a horrible throw hand. They instantly look at each other sizing each other up. She instantly falls for him so she gets up and leaves the beach to go home and face Oliver (who is her father but she calls him by his first name) and Alex. As she’s walking away she can feel the guy’s eyes on her and she tells herself not to turn around. When she finally does turn around she finds him still looking at her. She smiles to herself and goes to the cab. She leaves to go to the house and is greeted by an empty house because Alex is getting a part for the truck. He soon comes home and they start to unpack.
I could on forever about this book because that is how good it is. Gia and the mystery boy meet because he is on the same team as Alex. They get together and have their ups and downs but they weather the storm together and things start to get bad but then they get better. This story is about broken hearts, first loves and betrayal. This story will have you on the edge of your seat. You will cry and you will laugh but in the end you will learn what it is to love and be loved.
Memorable Quotes: Page 106 Travis writes Gia a letter after something happens between them.
Gia,
I'm not going anywhere. Sometimes things look one way when they are completely different. That's what happened Saturday night. Maybe I should have done this first. You would have read this and seen that I don't want to be with anyone but you. I will be here, right where you left me when you are ready to come back to me. There is a reason for everything, and sometimes out of tragedy, you can find something really good. I think I was brought into your life to show you that you deserve the good. I know you were brought in my life to show me what true love felt like. I wrote it. Love. I can't believe I just wrote that, but I did, and I do. I love you. I've never loved anyone like I love you. I don't know if I can ever love anyone else like I love you right now. And my heart feels broken. But I'm not going anywhere.
Love,
Travis
I felt better after I wrote the letter, but also nervous, because what if it was too late. What if it didn't matter anymore and it was over. I refused to think about that. All I knew was tomorrow I would give her my letter, and I would leave it up to her.
Advice: This is a must read! I will re-read this book again and again!
My Rating: 5 out 5 Best book for the summer!
My Cover Thoughts: Okay so summer time is coming up real soon and after looking at this cover and reading the book I decided I am going to the beach for a weeklong vacation. I loved this cover because it reminded me of when I was younger and I would go to North Carolina to stay with my grandparents we would go the beach every day. The cover is of a picture of the waves rolling in to the beach and it is great! You will see why she has chosen this picture for the cover as you read the book.
My Thoughts/Review: I really loved this book. I read it in 8 hours while I was at work because I could not put it down. First the book starts off with the loss of Alex and Gia’s mother. They are then sent to live with their father who is a recovering alcoholic and has not seen them in 10 years. Alex decides to go down to Florida early to start football boot camp while Gia stays behind to be with her friends.
When Gia goes to get on the plane she has second thoughts and begs her step-father to keep her but he says he cannot. She gets on the plane and tries to get comfortable but all she keeps thinking about is how is she ever going to live with her father because she has not seen him in ten years. After she lands in Florida she calls alex but he can’t get her because the truck they drive is broken down. She has to take a cab to the house. She flags one down and the driver helps her with her luggage and asks her to see the money first because it is a long trip and he does not want to take it if she does not have the money. She laughs but shows him the money and in turn she looks at the cab driver and says give me your driver license. She takes a picture of it and sends it to her brother via the phone and says just in case I don’t make it this is the cab driver.
As she is driving along she decides to have the taxi driver pull over to the beach she would go to when her father would get drunk and start hitting her mother. While she is there spacing out on her memories of the past she is almost hit by a football. When the guy comes up to her he says sorry we almost hit you but my friend has a horrible throw hand. They instantly look at each other sizing each other up. She instantly falls for him so she gets up and leaves the beach to go home and face Oliver (who is her father but she calls him by his first name) and Alex. As she’s walking away she can feel the guy’s eyes on her and she tells herself not to turn around. When she finally does turn around she finds him still looking at her. She smiles to herself and goes to the cab. She leaves to go to the house and is greeted by an empty house because Alex is getting a part for the truck. He soon comes home and they start to unpack.
I could on forever about this book because that is how good it is. Gia and the mystery boy meet because he is on the same team as Alex. They get together and have their ups and downs but they weather the storm together and things start to get bad but then they get better. This story is about broken hearts, first loves and betrayal. This story will have you on the edge of your seat. You will cry and you will laugh but in the end you will learn what it is to love and be loved.
Memorable Quotes: Page 106 Travis writes Gia a letter after something happens between them.
Gia,
I'm not going anywhere. Sometimes things look one way when they are completely different. That's what happened Saturday night. Maybe I should have done this first. You would have read this and seen that I don't want to be with anyone but you. I will be here, right where you left me when you are ready to come back to me. There is a reason for everything, and sometimes out of tragedy, you can find something really good. I think I was brought into your life to show you that you deserve the good. I know you were brought in my life to show me what true love felt like. I wrote it. Love. I can't believe I just wrote that, but I did, and I do. I love you. I've never loved anyone like I love you. I don't know if I can ever love anyone else like I love you right now. And my heart feels broken. But I'm not going anywhere.
Love,
Travis
I felt better after I wrote the letter, but also nervous, because what if it was too late. What if it didn't matter anymore and it was over. I refused to think about that. All I knew was tomorrow I would give her my letter, and I would leave it up to her.
Advice: This is a must read! I will re-read this book again and again!
November 14, 2011
The Ocean by Mia Castile is a novel that deals with a lot of aspects: loss, mourning, obstacles, chances, and love.
The story goes about a girl named Gianna, who has recently lost her mother over cervical cancer, and was now dealing on moving to her father's place together with her brother Alex. It has been a very hard decision for Gia since she hasn't seen and dealt with her father for a very long time because of his horrible past. And now, as she was now living with him, she sees that he was now changed to be a better person in order to be close to his children. But she's still on the mourning stage over the loss with her mother and that's where she meets Travis. Travis also has something he's been dealing with with regards to his past and he gains he's strength as he gets close to Gia. They both established that they have feelings for one another and was together, bind by romance. But something, or someone, has been "doing" stuffs just to ruin not only their relationship but also their lives. And now, all they had to do was to trust one another and to just face what lies ahead them and be strong.
This actually is a very good and cute book. Is it me or this book has a lot of grammatical errors and misspelled words? Any why is chapter 22 missing?(I didn't get to read chap.22, since it's M.I.A) But that thing aside, I enjoyed this one so much. It's not really that too cheesy and the characters are somewhat relatable and seems real with the way you get to read their voices. BTW, this book has 2 POV's so that what makes it cool! :)
Mia Castile did a good job of THE OCEAN. It was emotionally-driven and full of self-appreciation and actualization. So I have no doubt on giving this a 4 out of 5 stars.
The story goes about a girl named Gianna, who has recently lost her mother over cervical cancer, and was now dealing on moving to her father's place together with her brother Alex. It has been a very hard decision for Gia since she hasn't seen and dealt with her father for a very long time because of his horrible past. And now, as she was now living with him, she sees that he was now changed to be a better person in order to be close to his children. But she's still on the mourning stage over the loss with her mother and that's where she meets Travis. Travis also has something he's been dealing with with regards to his past and he gains he's strength as he gets close to Gia. They both established that they have feelings for one another and was together, bind by romance. But something, or someone, has been "doing" stuffs just to ruin not only their relationship but also their lives. And now, all they had to do was to trust one another and to just face what lies ahead them and be strong.
This actually is a very good and cute book. Is it me or this book has a lot of grammatical errors and misspelled words? Any why is chapter 22 missing?(I didn't get to read chap.22, since it's M.I.A) But that thing aside, I enjoyed this one so much. It's not really that too cheesy and the characters are somewhat relatable and seems real with the way you get to read their voices. BTW, this book has 2 POV's so that what makes it cool! :)
Mia Castile did a good job of THE OCEAN. It was emotionally-driven and full of self-appreciation and actualization. So I have no doubt on giving this a 4 out of 5 stars.
July 28, 2011
I had head great things about this book from a friend who read it a couple of months ago and couldn't wait to read it. It is not the type of book I usually read but I genuinely loved every moment of the book. When you are a hopeless romantic like me, then you will enjoy every second of this book because it is one of the best love stories I have read.
Gianna, nicknamed Gia, has to move from the comfort she has grown used to back to a small town with her father whom she wants nothing to do with after her mother died from Cancer. All her and her brother Alex wants to do is grieve their mother get through high school and move away from their father whom neither can stand. But Gia doesn't count on meeting the guy of her dreams in her small childhood town.
Travis discovered not to long ago the ugly side of his girlfriend Jill and broke things off. Then he meets Gia, his friend Alex's sister, and is instantly drawn to her and knows he has to know her. As Travis helps Gia through the loss of her mother, he falls in love with her and she with him, but no one counts on Jill trying to force them apart.
I loved every moment of this book. I fell head over heels for Travis, he is just the perfect guy who every girl wants to date. I instantly hated Jill, whenever she was near Travis and Gia I wanted to scream at my kindle NOOO get away. I was so drawn into the story and it was so heartfelt and emotional, i found myself in tears at many points in the book. It was such a great story of loss and how people deal with it differently. It really touched me and I loved every second of it. It was a short story and when I finished it I found myself just wanting to read it again. Yes, just so I could read all the Travis scenes again.
I really hope there's another book with these characters as I loved them so much I really want to know what happens next. This is definitely a book I would read again and again.
Gianna, nicknamed Gia, has to move from the comfort she has grown used to back to a small town with her father whom she wants nothing to do with after her mother died from Cancer. All her and her brother Alex wants to do is grieve their mother get through high school and move away from their father whom neither can stand. But Gia doesn't count on meeting the guy of her dreams in her small childhood town.
Travis discovered not to long ago the ugly side of his girlfriend Jill and broke things off. Then he meets Gia, his friend Alex's sister, and is instantly drawn to her and knows he has to know her. As Travis helps Gia through the loss of her mother, he falls in love with her and she with him, but no one counts on Jill trying to force them apart.
I loved every moment of this book. I fell head over heels for Travis, he is just the perfect guy who every girl wants to date. I instantly hated Jill, whenever she was near Travis and Gia I wanted to scream at my kindle NOOO get away. I was so drawn into the story and it was so heartfelt and emotional, i found myself in tears at many points in the book. It was such a great story of loss and how people deal with it differently. It really touched me and I loved every second of it. It was a short story and when I finished it I found myself just wanting to read it again. Yes, just so I could read all the Travis scenes again.
I really hope there's another book with these characters as I loved them so much I really want to know what happens next. This is definitely a book I would read again and again.
March 13, 2011
The Ocean takes you a ride of sadness to faith in others and back again. You will not want to put this book down. YA readers will fall in love with Gianna and Travis. Fantastic debut book by Mia Castile.
July 26, 2011
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE YA REVIEWS AT READING, EATING & DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF
The Ocean by Mia Castile is a great book for younger teens!!
I thought The Ocean was a good story but a little young for my taste. I read Grounding Quinn by Stephanie Campbell the night before I read The Ocean and I found them similar in some ways. Both books are romance novels, both main characters are hesitant to let others in, both main characters deal with issues at home and both stories were about the main characters growth, mainly them allowing themselves to be loved. To be honest, Grounding Quinn was more my speed because it was geared for an older audience and I related to the story better. However, I think The Ocean by Mia Castile is a great story for younger teens, where Grounding Quinn may not be an appropriate novel for young teens (I am not a parent so it’s not my place to say what book is appropriate for whom.)
I enjoyed the first half of this novel very much, when Gianna and Travis where first getting to know each other. I thought their notes to each other were a true representation of dating and getting to know someone in high school. The notes made me feel connected to the characters, and I thought they were extremely sweet. (And in my experience it’s so true that sometimes it’s a lot easier to be completely honest and share more personal things on paper than face to face!) I really liked how Castile incorporated Travis & Gianna’s notes into the novel.
About halfway through this novel thing changed for me. Mainly, I lost my connection to the characters. (I didn’t understand their motivations and reactions anymore, maybe because the notes stopped. I’m not sure.) Also, this was when the novel started to get a little juvenile, especially the major conflict. (I just thought Gia made a bigger deal out of everything than what was warranted. And the characters should have just communicated with one another!) Regardless, I enjoyed the book and had a good time reading it.
I gave The Ocean by Mia Castile 3 STARS. I thought it was a cute story and I strongly recommend this book for younger teens.
READING, EATING & DREAMING
The Ocean by Mia Castile is a great book for younger teens!!
I thought The Ocean was a good story but a little young for my taste. I read Grounding Quinn by Stephanie Campbell the night before I read The Ocean and I found them similar in some ways. Both books are romance novels, both main characters are hesitant to let others in, both main characters deal with issues at home and both stories were about the main characters growth, mainly them allowing themselves to be loved. To be honest, Grounding Quinn was more my speed because it was geared for an older audience and I related to the story better. However, I think The Ocean by Mia Castile is a great story for younger teens, where Grounding Quinn may not be an appropriate novel for young teens (I am not a parent so it’s not my place to say what book is appropriate for whom.)
I enjoyed the first half of this novel very much, when Gianna and Travis where first getting to know each other. I thought their notes to each other were a true representation of dating and getting to know someone in high school. The notes made me feel connected to the characters, and I thought they were extremely sweet. (And in my experience it’s so true that sometimes it’s a lot easier to be completely honest and share more personal things on paper than face to face!) I really liked how Castile incorporated Travis & Gianna’s notes into the novel.
About halfway through this novel thing changed for me. Mainly, I lost my connection to the characters. (I didn’t understand their motivations and reactions anymore, maybe because the notes stopped. I’m not sure.) Also, this was when the novel started to get a little juvenile, especially the major conflict. (I just thought Gia made a bigger deal out of everything than what was warranted. And the characters should have just communicated with one another!) Regardless, I enjoyed the book and had a good time reading it.
I gave The Ocean by Mia Castile 3 STARS. I thought it was a cute story and I strongly recommend this book for younger teens.
READING, EATING & DREAMING
December 9, 2012
Gianna and Alex have just buried their mother. Now they have to move back to St. Petersburg, Florida to live with their recovering alcoholic father. All the new changes, however, may be more than Gia can bear. While Alex turns to football and flirting with girls, she holds her emotions inside. Together they make sense of their new lives as Gianna finds herself falling for Travis. Travis is not without his own issues. Between his insecurities and other people meddling in his life, he finds strength in Gianna. He vows to be there for her doing everything he can to make it happen. The Ocean is a story of loss, redemption, and finding happiness in the middle of it all.
This was a really sweet book. I like to read those every once in a while. The story between Travis and Gia was sweet and loving. They had some obstacles to overcome and forgiveness to impart but it wasn't anything too angsty or dramatic. Most of it I could see coming a mile away. I simply loved the way that Travis loved Gia. I loved the way he recognized it right away and went for her. He wasn't showy or demanding or overly assertive, he was gentle and I appreciated that in his character. I loved how Gia didn't play games. She really tried to be honest and to not lead Travis or anyone else on. She knew who she was and was ok with that and it didn't matter if others didn't accept her. I loved that this book simply filled me with hope and a warm feeling inside as I read their love story. Every once in a while I love to pick up and devour a book like this. It takes my mind off all those angsty reads that have my head and emotions all over the place. This book was very soothing and calm. Very predictable but that is not criticism, that is a compliment because on this snowy Sunday morning, that was what I needed!
This was a really sweet book. I like to read those every once in a while. The story between Travis and Gia was sweet and loving. They had some obstacles to overcome and forgiveness to impart but it wasn't anything too angsty or dramatic. Most of it I could see coming a mile away. I simply loved the way that Travis loved Gia. I loved the way he recognized it right away and went for her. He wasn't showy or demanding or overly assertive, he was gentle and I appreciated that in his character. I loved how Gia didn't play games. She really tried to be honest and to not lead Travis or anyone else on. She knew who she was and was ok with that and it didn't matter if others didn't accept her. I loved that this book simply filled me with hope and a warm feeling inside as I read their love story. Every once in a while I love to pick up and devour a book like this. It takes my mind off all those angsty reads that have my head and emotions all over the place. This book was very soothing and calm. Very predictable but that is not criticism, that is a compliment because on this snowy Sunday morning, that was what I needed!
June 15, 2011
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I completely loved this book and could not put it down at all!
The Ocean follows Gianna as she and her brother move into their father's home and start to build a new life after the recent death of their mother. Gianna not only faces living in a new home and going to a new school, but also the prospect of having to make new friends and a potential new relationship. At the same time she is torn between wanting to feel happy again and feeling guilty that she should still feel sorrow after losing her mother such a short time ago. Gianna struggles to find a balance between these two emotions throughout the book.
I'll be honest with you here, this book had me crying my eyes out at places! It is such an emotional and truly moving story.
The characters are very well developed and as a reader I formed a bond with them almost instantly. At times I felt myself just what Gianna must have been feeling at the time.
I had to think to myself, come on Emma these are book characters not real people!
The book is written so well that the story could almost have been happening all around while I was reading it!
The writing in the book is simple and straight to the point. I enjoyed this as it made the story itself easier to grasp and got the main points easily across the reader.
I would highly recommend this book, it is such a great story!
I completely loved this book and could not put it down at all!
The Ocean follows Gianna as she and her brother move into their father's home and start to build a new life after the recent death of their mother. Gianna not only faces living in a new home and going to a new school, but also the prospect of having to make new friends and a potential new relationship. At the same time she is torn between wanting to feel happy again and feeling guilty that she should still feel sorrow after losing her mother such a short time ago. Gianna struggles to find a balance between these two emotions throughout the book.
I'll be honest with you here, this book had me crying my eyes out at places! It is such an emotional and truly moving story.
The characters are very well developed and as a reader I formed a bond with them almost instantly. At times I felt myself just what Gianna must have been feeling at the time.
I had to think to myself, come on Emma these are book characters not real people!
The book is written so well that the story could almost have been happening all around while I was reading it!
The writing in the book is simple and straight to the point. I enjoyed this as it made the story itself easier to grasp and got the main points easily across the reader.
I would highly recommend this book, it is such a great story!
June 13, 2011
Good, well-planned plot. I enjoyed reading this book!
December 5, 2012
3/5 stars
There were some sweet, cute moments in the story, but those moments were short lived, and easily forgettable. At first, I thought the story would shift from Mia's loss/grief (from her mothers' death), to dealing with Mia's ex-alcoholic father. I expected much more tension, anger, fear, anxiety, just more emotion overall, than what was shown. The death of Gia's mother felt kind of underplayed, not delving deep enough emotionally. Personally, that was the biggest issue I had. Also, the romance aspect felt a bit juvenile for me, particularly because of the whole 'insta-love' angle.
But, I did like the build-up of the relationship. The notes were a sweet touch, and reminded me of my own high-school years. However, the obstacle for Gia and Travis felt underwhelming; as I've mentioned, it was a bit childish. Additionally, the whole *Jillian* factor was simply annoying. I would've liked more depth, more focus on Gia's struggles, and more emphasis on Gia's relationship with her brother, as well as with Travis. I wanted more intensity, drama, or something...just a little bit more, and it would have made the world of a difference...
The Ocean was still entertaining; I wasn't bored. But for a story tackling such deep issues, I felt it only lightly touched upon them. Might be more suitable for younger readers. It didn't quite hit that sweet spot for me.
There were some sweet, cute moments in the story, but those moments were short lived, and easily forgettable. At first, I thought the story would shift from Mia's loss/grief (from her mothers' death), to dealing with Mia's ex-alcoholic father. I expected much more tension, anger, fear, anxiety, just more emotion overall, than what was shown. The death of Gia's mother felt kind of underplayed, not delving deep enough emotionally. Personally, that was the biggest issue I had. Also, the romance aspect felt a bit juvenile for me, particularly because of the whole 'insta-love' angle.
But, I did like the build-up of the relationship. The notes were a sweet touch, and reminded me of my own high-school years. However, the obstacle for Gia and Travis felt underwhelming; as I've mentioned, it was a bit childish. Additionally, the whole *Jillian* factor was simply annoying. I would've liked more depth, more focus on Gia's struggles, and more emphasis on Gia's relationship with her brother, as well as with Travis. I wanted more intensity, drama, or something...just a little bit more, and it would have made the world of a difference...
The Ocean was still entertaining; I wasn't bored. But for a story tackling such deep issues, I felt it only lightly touched upon them. Might be more suitable for younger readers. It didn't quite hit that sweet spot for me.
November 3, 2015
Enjoyed this one and kept my attention. Good YA romance novel about teenagers with past family issues. Typical high school romance with teenagers getting to know each other with jerk exes and jocks getting in the way. I really liked how Alex looked out for and stuck up for his sister, Gia. I appreciated Travis' patience with her and his persistence in wanting to show her how much he loved her, for what that's worth in high school at least. I also wanted to reach through the book to slap Jillian, a typical, popular "mean-girl". Although realizing from the outside how much Travis liked Gia, I could totally relate to her feelings of insecurity and wondering if he was being honest. The things Jillian (and Chiz) does to make her doubt herself and her relationship with Travis are what unfortunately happen to high schoolers and made me hurt for her when you know how vulnerable and hurt she feels. All is well that ends well, and it seems fair to say you'd be able to predict now this one ends, but it's still a fun read nonetheless.
Romance: clean with a couple spots of hands starting to wander and one three-paragraph section near the end of a more sexual nature. Quickly passes.
Romance: clean with a couple spots of hands starting to wander and one three-paragraph section near the end of a more sexual nature. Quickly passes.
February 1, 2013
I received this ebook as part of a giveaway from the publisher & author.
Things I liked about the book...
1. main characters were likable
2. a rotating POV gave good insight
3. story & characters felt realistic
4. main characters began to deal with the heavier aspects of storyline & the siblings formed a new relationship with their father
5. way the ocean tied into the story
Other points to mention...
A couple of times I had to reread a segment when a scene abruptly changed.
As with most stories, there were mean people
(and people who leave you disappointed), this handful were quite devious/unlikeable.
Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable, quick read.
July 27, 2012
My first Ebook and I have to say I am impressed! I wasn't sure what to think about this book. The concept sounded good but I still wasn't sure. Since I speak with the author on Facebook I decided I would give it a try. And boy am I happy I did. It was amazing! I read a lot of young adult novels and they all seem to have the same story line. This however threw a curve ball! I was not expecting the continued plot twists and romance that is typical of teenagers, rather than the kiss and giggle you get from other novels. This is very realistic and emotional. Looking forward to more from this author.
February 25, 2013
I mostly skimmed through the book, mainly because it had no depth, and the story just gave off a 'childish' vibe. Just a little too young for me.
One thing that turned me off and the reason I skimmed throughout it, was the insta-love. Within four days they were expressing their strong feelings for each other. Insta-love to me is almost as bad as those god awful love-triangles. Almost, but not quite.
The story was dull, lacked true emotions (when Alex & Gia's mother died, I couldn't 'feel' their grief, there was nothing there that screamed sadness) and it really could have been written better and without instant attraction.
Meh.
One thing that turned me off and the reason I skimmed throughout it, was the insta-love. Within four days they were expressing their strong feelings for each other. Insta-love to me is almost as bad as those god awful love-triangles. Almost, but not quite.
The story was dull, lacked true emotions (when Alex & Gia's mother died, I couldn't 'feel' their grief, there was nothing there that screamed sadness) and it really could have been written better and without instant attraction.
Meh.
April 20, 2012
This book was just plain sweet! It just makes you want to say awww..... Travis is adorable and so is Gia and love how positively they worked through their problems. The odd thing is although I liked that about the book it was what prevented the book from being at four star book. Teenagers are rarely that rational at least the ones I knew.
If you want an happy ending that is calm and sweet ( I mean that in the best way cause sometimes you don't want the emotional roller coaster) this is the book for you its engaging and just makes you smile
If you want an happy ending that is calm and sweet ( I mean that in the best way cause sometimes you don't want the emotional roller coaster) this is the book for you its engaging and just makes you smile
October 20, 2014
Honestly i didn't really feel any heart in this book. Yes it is sad they lost their mother but there really isn't much of a storyline, it is a typical young love story where there is that one person that tries to tear them apart but there was no real problem besides the fact that their had lost their mother. I'm actually disappointed with how this book is written.
April 1, 2012
I fell in love with this book from the very first page! :) Coming from someone who's coped with loss I could honestly say that this really hit the mark on expressing the guilt sometimes felt after someone dies. I'm definitely going to look for more books from this author :)
abandoned
June 3, 2012I hope I may be able to read this book soon, but a little way into it, I got the impression that it was quite a childrens book, in some of the way that it is written.
I still hope that it will be good to read, when I come back to it, but at the moment it is on the abandoned shelf...
I still hope that it will be good to read, when I come back to it, but at the moment it is on the abandoned shelf...
November 13, 2011
Cute but very corny at times.
November 11, 2011
A really quick read, but really pleasant, I kept smiling through the whole book, Travis and Gia story was so cute, really adorable.
It's worth reading!
It's worth reading!
April 3, 2012
loved this story, i read it in one sitting... the story felt like I was hearing it from one of my girlfriends... and I loved the letters and how the characters just felt so real. Excellent read.
October 27, 2012
Adorable story about two highschoolers falling in love. Gia has been through a lot and deserves this chance at romance. The story line is a little predictable, however this is a great read! WaAR
February 8, 2015
Not an epic !
its just 50-50 !
its just 50-50 !
April 15, 2014
cute read :)
July 26, 2014
Young adult (middle teens) story about the sweetness and angst of first love.
★★☆ (2.5 stars)
★★☆ (2.5 stars)
November 12, 2012
Poorly written. Typical story. Fan fiction level in terms of everything.
June 13, 2013
Sweet love story, a little on the younger YA side.
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