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Surfacing
A lyrical and deeply moving portrait of grief, blame, and forgiveness, and of finding the courage to confront your ghosts — one truth at a time.
As soon as she was under, Maggie heard the quiet, though every sound was amplified in her ears and in her brain . . . Sound, like shame, travels four times faster under the water.
Though only a sophomore, Maggie Paris is a star on the varsity swim team, but she also has an uncanny, almost magical ability to draw out people’s deepest truths, even when they don’t intend to share them. It’s reached a point where most of her classmates, all but her steadfast best friend, now avoid her, and she’s taken to giving herself away every chance she gets to an unavailable — and ungrateful — popular boy from the wrestling team, just to prove she still exists. Even Maggie’s parents, who are busy avoiding each other and the secret deep at the heart of their devastated family, seem wary of her. Is there such a thing as too much truth?
As soon as she was under, Maggie heard the quiet, though every sound was amplified in her ears and in her brain . . . Sound, like shame, travels four times faster under the water.
Though only a sophomore, Maggie Paris is a star on the varsity swim team, but she also has an uncanny, almost magical ability to draw out people’s deepest truths, even when they don’t intend to share them. It’s reached a point where most of her classmates, all but her steadfast best friend, now avoid her, and she’s taken to giving herself away every chance she gets to an unavailable — and ungrateful — popular boy from the wrestling team, just to prove she still exists. Even Maggie’s parents, who are busy avoiding each other and the secret deep at the heart of their devastated family, seem wary of her. Is there such a thing as too much truth?
208 pages, Hardcover
First published March 12, 2013
10 people are currently reading
811 people want to read
About the author
Nora Raleigh Baskin
27 books304 followersI am seriously an open book. I've been writing semi-autiobiographical fiction since I was in 6th grade (1972) then, in 2001, Little, Brown published my first middle grade novel, about my life in 6th grade! titled "What Every Girl (except me) Knows." Twenty years and fifteen books later, that still, pretty much sums things up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 14, 2013
First off a teen novel where the teen is thinking about having sex for quite a while and the only thing that crosses her mind to use is the rhythm method... come on. Sex ed classes teach condom use since it offers protection from more than just pregnancy! She is planning on sleeping with a guy she knows sleeps around and yet she does not even mention a condom to him? In addition to this terrible message the book was boring, the characters were completely unrealistic and the book had NO purpose, no ending, nothing was resolved. All in all if I could give 0 stars I would.
February 4, 2013
Surfacing is a quick read, but I liked it. I liked the premise of her almost magical ability that draws the truth from people and I love the themes of grief and blame that ultimately give way to forgiveness, so I knew that I needed to read this one.
Maggie was an enjoyable character and I saw a lot of character growth in her. I think a part of this is that the story is told partly in flashbacks, which is on the line of middle grade and young adult contemporary. It deals with some pretty hard core issues, but it is never gratuitously graphic, although there are scenes I wouldn't want a sixth grader to read, so I don't know. In parts (I did get a bit confused of the time line) she is only in 6th grade, but at some point she is a sophomore, because that is what the back of the book says... I am not sure where this transition is... This didn't take away from enjoying Maggie, although her voice is younger in some parts, which leads me to think middle grade.
I really liked her best friend Julie. It was a quick form relationship as young kids, and she stuck by her and learned her nuances but loved her anyways. But she isn't just a cookie cutter, she has a personality and she questions and tries to get quieter Maggie to talk to her instead of just abandoning her like others seem to do because they end up telling her things they don't want to be out in the open.
I labeled this as contemporary because I was never quite sure about her ability. I know that some people are just easy to talk to and tell secrets to. So I think that the almost magical is key word.
The ending was more open ended and sad that I would like, but I think it fits the themes of the book.
Bottom Line: This is a sweet but dark story with a likable protagonist.
Maggie was an enjoyable character and I saw a lot of character growth in her. I think a part of this is that the story is told partly in flashbacks, which is on the line of middle grade and young adult contemporary. It deals with some pretty hard core issues, but it is never gratuitously graphic, although there are scenes I wouldn't want a sixth grader to read, so I don't know. In parts (I did get a bit confused of the time line) she is only in 6th grade, but at some point she is a sophomore, because that is what the back of the book says... I am not sure where this transition is... This didn't take away from enjoying Maggie, although her voice is younger in some parts, which leads me to think middle grade.
I really liked her best friend Julie. It was a quick form relationship as young kids, and she stuck by her and learned her nuances but loved her anyways. But she isn't just a cookie cutter, she has a personality and she questions and tries to get quieter Maggie to talk to her instead of just abandoning her like others seem to do because they end up telling her things they don't want to be out in the open.
I labeled this as contemporary because I was never quite sure about her ability. I know that some people are just easy to talk to and tell secrets to. So I think that the almost magical is key word.
The ending was more open ended and sad that I would like, but I think it fits the themes of the book.
Bottom Line: This is a sweet but dark story with a likable protagonist.
February 15, 2016
I got this book on the free table at the library. The table is usually where they put old books, or ones that have some kind of damage to th, but when I picked this one up, it looked brand new, and just had a note on it saying it was withdrawn from the library.
... I'm not sure if it was withdrawn for a specific reason or not, but if it was based on the book itself, I totally get it.
I am not one that writes bad reviews, but this book...
Surfacing is about a girl in high school, swim star, named Maggie, who is still working through grief and bereavement of her sisters untimely death, when she was a little girl. She feels that it's her fault that her parents are getting a divorce, and because of this hurt, she has sex with a sleaze ball, while cheating on her boyfriend, who is probably the best written character. I believe, that perhaps, if the characters where better written, I would probably not have as many issues with the book itself. I did, however, like the writing style. gah! You know, my dislike for the book could even possibly come from my lack of patience with the main character and how she was written. I am not a big fan of self deprecating, ignorant, idiots as characters. ( I suppose I need to stay away from teen books and keep to my adult and young adult novels, if the characters in those books act anything like these)
... I'm not sure if it was withdrawn for a specific reason or not, but if it was based on the book itself, I totally get it.
I am not one that writes bad reviews, but this book...
Surfacing is about a girl in high school, swim star, named Maggie, who is still working through grief and bereavement of her sisters untimely death, when she was a little girl. She feels that it's her fault that her parents are getting a divorce, and because of this hurt, she has sex with a sleaze ball, while cheating on her boyfriend, who is probably the best written character. I believe, that perhaps, if the characters where better written, I would probably not have as many issues with the book itself. I did, however, like the writing style. gah! You know, my dislike for the book could even possibly come from my lack of patience with the main character and how she was written. I am not a big fan of self deprecating, ignorant, idiots as characters. ( I suppose I need to stay away from teen books and keep to my adult and young adult novels, if the characters in those books act anything like these)
May 24, 2013
I am afraid of water, so I started this book and stopped because of its so powerful beginning, but today I read it in one sitting and loved the sister story, the dealing with guilt, and the example of a broken family that is not the fault of any child ever. Nora Baskin can make you care, make you think, and make you want to be kind to the people around you, especially sisters and boyfriends. This book will speak to all ages and is an antidote to the hookup, whatever mentality. Read it.
April 29, 2014
This book was okay..
It was sad through and through all drama with no happy moments to make me feel better about the sadness.
Nothing good actually happened in fact things were worse by the end of the book.
And her power was barely used and was really casual. Barely a power.
It was sad through and through all drama with no happy moments to make me feel better about the sadness.
Nothing good actually happened in fact things were worse by the end of the book.
And her power was barely used and was really casual. Barely a power.
April 14, 2018
I feel like wanting to cry when I'm reading this novel. I'm not sure if that's good or bad, but the main character Maggie really made me feel something emotionally that I hadn't felt before. She was so lost in her parent's divorce, that it was hard for her to realize that taking care of yourself is the most important. I did find little bits of happiness, however, in the romance between her and Nathan. And let me be perfectly clear: her and NATHAN. I won't tell you why I just said that, but while reading you'll understand.
I normally read dystopian or fantasy books with dragons, or vile witches. This novel possesses none of those, I assure you, but it does having a stabbing realism that constantly keeps you on edge. It's taught me that all books are precious; not just the ones with the most plot twists. Maggie is so relatable to so many girls and boys out there in the world, which is why I think it's touched my heart the way that it has.
I will mention that this book is somewhat short, hence the fact that I finished it in one day, and it will not satisfy your need for a long drama novel with a sequel. There is no second book, which I find oddly refreshing instead of feeling put out and distraught as I usually am when finishing a stand-alone book.
I normally read dystopian or fantasy books with dragons, or vile witches. This novel possesses none of those, I assure you, but it does having a stabbing realism that constantly keeps you on edge. It's taught me that all books are precious; not just the ones with the most plot twists. Maggie is so relatable to so many girls and boys out there in the world, which is why I think it's touched my heart the way that it has.
I will mention that this book is somewhat short, hence the fact that I finished it in one day, and it will not satisfy your need for a long drama novel with a sequel. There is no second book, which I find oddly refreshing instead of feeling put out and distraught as I usually am when finishing a stand-alone book.
May 7, 2017
The plot was nonexistent. Literally. The whole book was just her living her life and providing backstory on it. Also, was the 'twist' thrown in at the end meant to be a twist? Because by that point everything kinda went haywire but also got super boring at the same time. Pretty sure the only reason I finished this book was because 1. It is short and 2. I had nothing else to read for fiction.
I mean seriously? This book was super shallow (pun not intended). No feelings, just writing that barely brushes the surface (I'm not even forcing these puns anymore). And dear Maggie- your ability isn't special. You just deliver vibes to people that allow them to confess to you - and confess things about their family or friends. Boohoo; they're not confessing murder or sweet sacrifice to you. So, please! You're not that special.
1 star because of the fact that a stranger did actually tell Maggie that she's not that powerful. Can't remember page number or the character's name but *shrug*.
I mean seriously? This book was super shallow (pun not intended). No feelings, just writing that barely brushes the surface (I'm not even forcing these puns anymore). And dear Maggie- your ability isn't special. You just deliver vibes to people that allow them to confess to you - and confess things about their family or friends. Boohoo; they're not confessing murder or sweet sacrifice to you. So, please! You're not that special.
1 star because of the fact that a stranger did actually tell Maggie that she's not that powerful. Can't remember page number or the character's name but *shrug*.
August 6, 2023
Writing for children myself I occasionally dip in to young adult books to see how they write for teens/young adults. This was one such book and was beautifully put together. An underlying sadness is incorporated in the story, the loss of a sister. A book that I feel many could identify with.
July 26, 2017
A mere shadow of what this book could have been. It needed 100 more pages and a good editor.
September 9, 2017
The book was mainly about the lingering guilt that the character (Maggie) had. The storyline can be improved a little to make the book interesting.
July 3, 2018
I loved the voice of the character.
June 22, 2022
Wow!!! Heart-wrenching! A tale of growing up with grief, family issues and trying to work it all out. Perfectly written for young readers
April 9, 2013
Review posted at
Amaterasu Reads
Fascination. There was a deep, deep fascination from inside of me that made me want to read this novel. It sounds moving, deep, even sad. But this novel, in the end just left me feeling so conflicted.
Does Maggie really have this uncanny trait of letting people open up to her without her doing anything? Can it even be considered as something special? If she can make people talk, why couldn't she find it in herself to talk as well? It's a little bit unnerving to be able to hear the things you don't want to and the things you don't usually ask about come out freely, because you feel it, and you think about it once you hear them. At that point, I understand why Maggie is such a recluse. However, I do not feel any sympathy for her especially with the way she handled her romantic relationships. If she was a smart girl, she will believe it when the only friend she has who knows her better than herself, Julie, tells her to stay away from someone. But in her quest to find love, she willingly, stubbornly threw away her chance with that one person who liked her for who she is. Nathan was the one thing that felt right, but then what do you expect in a relationship that started purely because of Maggie's desire to lose her virginity and prepare herself for another guy? Even that sounded so shallow and ridiculous to me.
It's a different story when it comes to seeing how the tragedy that set Maggie towards the path she was taking, unravel before her eyes. Losing her older sister had killed something inside of her, and I am not saying that it's an enough of a reason to explain why Maggie became the person that she was, but the wounds that the five year old Maggie had never had a chance to heal, the secrets she held back then couldn't get out and they're surfacing one by one as she gets older, as she starts thinking of ways to cope with her brush with romance, with complicated friendships, because her older sister was supposed to be by her side to help her through it all and yet she's not. Who will she turn to when her family is crumbling because of the pain and bitterness that built up years after her sister's death? How can Maggie, who blames herself for what happened to her sister, forgive herself? This particular parts of the story is what made me hold on it a little bit more, the sadness, loneliness and that feeling of being lost is something I want to read, what made me connect to Maggie somehow and understand her a little bit more.
Somewhat moving, somehow sad, a little bit deep, Surfacing might be a moving, emotional read depending on how one approaches the issues discussed in this book. It wasn't something that I responded greatly to, given the negative emotions several of Maggie's issues had made me feel, and they were things I do not agree well with, but there were moments and elements in the story that made me think that it had a potential to be a more worthwhile read. It could have been written in a way that presented Maggie in a more positive light instead of being a girl so desperate to receive love from some guy who's only after the sex when there's this one person who loves her willingly and she chose to destroy all of that.
If you ever decide to give this a try, tell me if you liked it or not.
Fascination. There was a deep, deep fascination from inside of me that made me want to read this novel. It sounds moving, deep, even sad. But this novel, in the end just left me feeling so conflicted.
Does Maggie really have this uncanny trait of letting people open up to her without her doing anything? Can it even be considered as something special? If she can make people talk, why couldn't she find it in herself to talk as well? It's a little bit unnerving to be able to hear the things you don't want to and the things you don't usually ask about come out freely, because you feel it, and you think about it once you hear them. At that point, I understand why Maggie is such a recluse. However, I do not feel any sympathy for her especially with the way she handled her romantic relationships. If she was a smart girl, she will believe it when the only friend she has who knows her better than herself, Julie, tells her to stay away from someone. But in her quest to find love, she willingly, stubbornly threw away her chance with that one person who liked her for who she is. Nathan was the one thing that felt right, but then what do you expect in a relationship that started purely because of Maggie's desire to lose her virginity and prepare herself for another guy? Even that sounded so shallow and ridiculous to me.
It's a different story when it comes to seeing how the tragedy that set Maggie towards the path she was taking, unravel before her eyes. Losing her older sister had killed something inside of her, and I am not saying that it's an enough of a reason to explain why Maggie became the person that she was, but the wounds that the five year old Maggie had never had a chance to heal, the secrets she held back then couldn't get out and they're surfacing one by one as she gets older, as she starts thinking of ways to cope with her brush with romance, with complicated friendships, because her older sister was supposed to be by her side to help her through it all and yet she's not. Who will she turn to when her family is crumbling because of the pain and bitterness that built up years after her sister's death? How can Maggie, who blames herself for what happened to her sister, forgive herself? This particular parts of the story is what made me hold on it a little bit more, the sadness, loneliness and that feeling of being lost is something I want to read, what made me connect to Maggie somehow and understand her a little bit more.
Somewhat moving, somehow sad, a little bit deep, Surfacing might be a moving, emotional read depending on how one approaches the issues discussed in this book. It wasn't something that I responded greatly to, given the negative emotions several of Maggie's issues had made me feel, and they were things I do not agree well with, but there were moments and elements in the story that made me think that it had a potential to be a more worthwhile read. It could have been written in a way that presented Maggie in a more positive light instead of being a girl so desperate to receive love from some guy who's only after the sex when there's this one person who loves her willingly and she chose to destroy all of that.
If you ever decide to give this a try, tell me if you liked it or not.
April 21, 2013
Imagine for a moment that you have the natural ability to bring out the truth in anyone; they can't lie to you. They can tell you their secrets with very little encouragement and most of the time, none at all. You, on the other hand, is a closed lid. You frustrate your best friend because you don't tell her things that are on the list of things you must tell your best friend. Things like, having the boy you like come over to your house and attempts to have sex with you numerous times and failing. Or that home is like a mine full of taut conversations and slammed doors brought on by resentments and a marriage on the fast lane to divorce city. How would you escape? For Maggie Paris, the way to silence everyone's truths is by being in the water. Ironic, since, once upon a time, she couldn't even bring herself to go near shower - let alone a bathtub full of water. Having witnessed her older sister's drowning, she'd feared the water. But she faced her fear, took lessons and had become one of the best swimmers at her school.
Growing up with her ability meant a lonely existence. Once the people around her divulged their dark, deepest secrets, they stay away from her like she carries the bubonic plague. She has a tough time getting close to anyone; she walks around unhappy, lonely and burdened with guilt. It's hard to figure out what Maggie really wants out of her life because as soon as she gives herself a chance to be happy, she goes and consciously makes herself unhappy. This is the story of how a teenager coped with the burden of guilt, ever present grief and an ability that's more a curse than a blessing.
This book could've been one of those that would tug at your heart strings but sadly, all it evoked was a feeling of cold detachment for the characters. And even with the tragedy that had happened to her older sister when they were kids, this book failed to bring out emotions characteristic of a story dealing with death. It also suffered from a loosely-written plot that, in all honesty, lacked any cohesiveness to make it work.
Maggie's uncanny ability to urge willing confessions from everyone was what drew me to this book in the first place but sadly, it wasn't really explored. Aside from the sob stories that the kids around her would confess to, there wasn't anything of worth. Maggie kept arriving at the wrong decisions that led her to make mistakes left and right. And yet, I couldn't even bring myself to yell at her while I was reading the book. I just couldn't give two sh*ts about what happens to her. And that is tragic.
Over all, this book was a disappointment.
Growing up with her ability meant a lonely existence. Once the people around her divulged their dark, deepest secrets, they stay away from her like she carries the bubonic plague. She has a tough time getting close to anyone; she walks around unhappy, lonely and burdened with guilt. It's hard to figure out what Maggie really wants out of her life because as soon as she gives herself a chance to be happy, she goes and consciously makes herself unhappy. This is the story of how a teenager coped with the burden of guilt, ever present grief and an ability that's more a curse than a blessing.
This book could've been one of those that would tug at your heart strings but sadly, all it evoked was a feeling of cold detachment for the characters. And even with the tragedy that had happened to her older sister when they were kids, this book failed to bring out emotions characteristic of a story dealing with death. It also suffered from a loosely-written plot that, in all honesty, lacked any cohesiveness to make it work.
Maggie's uncanny ability to urge willing confessions from everyone was what drew me to this book in the first place but sadly, it wasn't really explored. Aside from the sob stories that the kids around her would confess to, there wasn't anything of worth. Maggie kept arriving at the wrong decisions that led her to make mistakes left and right. And yet, I couldn't even bring myself to yell at her while I was reading the book. I just couldn't give two sh*ts about what happens to her. And that is tragic.
Over all, this book was a disappointment.
April 6, 2013
Many thanks to Candlewick Press for giving me the chance to read and review this from the Goodreads First Reads program.
Surfacing caught my eye because of the swimming aspect. See, I am deathly afraid of deep water and drowning. I just taught myself how to swim a year ago, and I'm still not 100% comfortable in the water. Yet the water still fascinates me. People who can swim without fear especially interest me.
This book had a lot of potential, but it fell short for me because of the main character. I didn't hate her, but I also didn't like her. I didn't even feel like I knew her too well after the book was over. Even though Maggie has an interesting past, it felt like the author was somehow keeping me at a distance. She felt one-dimensional, which is sad because I could see the potential for this character.
I didn't understand her motives, especially when it came to boys. I also felt a little lost about her "gift" at times and why exactly it would result in her losing friends. I did enjoy hearing about her life as a swimmer--it's a POV I've always wanted to read from.
Maggie's older sister, Leah, also makes a few appearances with her own POV chapters even though she drowned several years ago. I didn't particularly care for these chapters, especially because they were written in first person while Maggie's were in third. I'm still unsure of what reading from Leah's perspective was supposed to add to the story.
I liked Maggie's best friend and her sweet love interest, but they also didn't feel as developed as I would have liked them to be. I was able to relate to the relationships between Maggie and her family, however. That felt very real.
The writing itself was beautiful and easy to read, but there were times where I had to re-read certain passages because I didn't always understand what was going on.
It had potential. If the characters had been a bit more developed, I would have liked this much better.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher (Candlewick Press) for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.
Surfacing caught my eye because of the swimming aspect. See, I am deathly afraid of deep water and drowning. I just taught myself how to swim a year ago, and I'm still not 100% comfortable in the water. Yet the water still fascinates me. People who can swim without fear especially interest me.
This book had a lot of potential, but it fell short for me because of the main character. I didn't hate her, but I also didn't like her. I didn't even feel like I knew her too well after the book was over. Even though Maggie has an interesting past, it felt like the author was somehow keeping me at a distance. She felt one-dimensional, which is sad because I could see the potential for this character.
I didn't understand her motives, especially when it came to boys. I also felt a little lost about her "gift" at times and why exactly it would result in her losing friends. I did enjoy hearing about her life as a swimmer--it's a POV I've always wanted to read from.
Maggie's older sister, Leah, also makes a few appearances with her own POV chapters even though she drowned several years ago. I didn't particularly care for these chapters, especially because they were written in first person while Maggie's were in third. I'm still unsure of what reading from Leah's perspective was supposed to add to the story.
I liked Maggie's best friend and her sweet love interest, but they also didn't feel as developed as I would have liked them to be. I was able to relate to the relationships between Maggie and her family, however. That felt very real.
The writing itself was beautiful and easy to read, but there were times where I had to re-read certain passages because I didn't always understand what was going on.
It had potential. If the characters had been a bit more developed, I would have liked this much better.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher (Candlewick Press) for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.
June 15, 2015
It really felt like this book had no soul. Nobody really feels any feelings.
When Maggie was five, her older sister drowns in a pool. Flash forward, and Maggie is in high school, and does really well on the swim team.
She has an obsession with the wrestling champ of the school, who even though he has a girlfriend, finds in her a willing, or at least a few steps up from corpse-like booty call, where he fumbles around and humps her stomach.
She decides that she simply must lose her virginity by the time he comes back from vacation, so that she'll be ready to accomodate him. And she starts dating Nathan, who actually falls in love with her, and she with him. And she realizes why it never happened with wrestling guy. So, she sleeps with the wrestling guy the first time he comes calling, and feels bad. Her actual boyfriend breaks up with her.
As a strange side-note, people tell her things, and then get upset that they did. Like it's a secret magical power she has. Why is that in this book? It would have made no difference to the book if it had not been written in. Did the author have ideas for two books and decide to mash them into one Frankenbook?
There are a lot of back and forth flashes between her and her older sister. How her older sister, hated her and loved her as siblings do, and you find out the story of what happened that day.
There is a lot of parental angst happening, but it's not like Maggie is close to her parents or anyone really. So...it's not as climactic when they talk about some things that happen.
Everyone seemed so disconected and unthinking. Normally when I read books about people who are unlikeable, it's because there's some greater moral to the story, it's a commentary on something, or it's glib on purpose. But this book did not have any of that. Only Nathan the ill-used boyfriend had any glimmer of kindness.
I'm not sure how old she was exactly...14 I think? And she's having all this unprotected sex already, that made me cringe so hard!
When Maggie was five, her older sister drowns in a pool. Flash forward, and Maggie is in high school, and does really well on the swim team.
She has an obsession with the wrestling champ of the school, who even though he has a girlfriend, finds in her a willing, or at least a few steps up from corpse-like booty call, where he fumbles around and humps her stomach.
She decides that she simply must lose her virginity by the time he comes back from vacation, so that she'll be ready to accomodate him. And she starts dating Nathan, who actually falls in love with her, and she with him. And she realizes why it never happened with wrestling guy. So, she sleeps with the wrestling guy the first time he comes calling, and feels bad. Her actual boyfriend breaks up with her.
As a strange side-note, people tell her things, and then get upset that they did. Like it's a secret magical power she has. Why is that in this book? It would have made no difference to the book if it had not been written in. Did the author have ideas for two books and decide to mash them into one Frankenbook?
There are a lot of back and forth flashes between her and her older sister. How her older sister, hated her and loved her as siblings do, and you find out the story of what happened that day.
There is a lot of parental angst happening, but it's not like Maggie is close to her parents or anyone really. So...it's not as climactic when they talk about some things that happen.
Everyone seemed so disconected and unthinking. Normally when I read books about people who are unlikeable, it's because there's some greater moral to the story, it's a commentary on something, or it's glib on purpose. But this book did not have any of that. Only Nathan the ill-used boyfriend had any glimmer of kindness.
I'm not sure how old she was exactly...14 I think? And she's having all this unprotected sex already, that made me cringe so hard!
February 18, 2013
This is another ARC I was lucky enough to pick up last month at ALA. I'm always happy when a book I'm reading makes me think about my own writing and why I have my characters do what they do. This is something I'm struggling a bit with now so it's nice to see this addressed so well in a book. This is not the type of book I'm usually drawn to because it is quieter, in my opinion, and more character-driven, but like I said before, I'm so thankful for reading it just for what it has taught me about motivation in my own characters. In my opinion this is a YA for high school readers, i wouldn't let my 7th grade daughter read this yet because of content, even though its written in a delicate way.
Slight spoiler warning.
The story opens with the drowning of Maggie's sister Leah when she is 9. This scene was so vivid and heartbreaking for me and I had tears in my eyes by the second page and I was hooked.
Fast forward--Maggie is a high school swimmer with this family tragedy in her past that affects every choice she makes throughout the story, including trying to offer herself up to a nothing, user, older boy. This whole plan is carried through the story and although its heart-breaking to see what happens from her planning stage to carrying it through to the end, it shows her growth despite the fact that she loses so much as a result. But maybe what she learns about herself in exchange for hurting another is needed.
There are many flashbacks throughout the story of what happened to Leah that day and Maggie's role and dealing with feelings of guilt, even though the blame was not hers.
I was confused by Leah's POV becuase it came on later in the story, but it worked, and I understood the reason for it more as the story progressed, especially at the end with her heartfelt, almost love letter, for her little sister. :(
Slight spoiler warning.
The story opens with the drowning of Maggie's sister Leah when she is 9. This scene was so vivid and heartbreaking for me and I had tears in my eyes by the second page and I was hooked.
Fast forward--Maggie is a high school swimmer with this family tragedy in her past that affects every choice she makes throughout the story, including trying to offer herself up to a nothing, user, older boy. This whole plan is carried through the story and although its heart-breaking to see what happens from her planning stage to carrying it through to the end, it shows her growth despite the fact that she loses so much as a result. But maybe what she learns about herself in exchange for hurting another is needed.
There are many flashbacks throughout the story of what happened to Leah that day and Maggie's role and dealing with feelings of guilt, even though the blame was not hers.
I was confused by Leah's POV becuase it came on later in the story, but it worked, and I understood the reason for it more as the story progressed, especially at the end with her heartfelt, almost love letter, for her little sister. :(
July 3, 2013
Surfacing is a different kind of tale that has a slight paranormal kick to it. I liked a lot about this story but there were some bits that I really didn't.
I really liked main character Maggie's journey, she had a lot of tough times to contend with; the death of her big sister, her parents issues and not forgetting boy trouble. I have to say, Maggie's decisions grated on my nerves and I wanted to shake her, but I suppose we all need to make mistakes in life, to learn from them. I personally think she was so wound up with her big secret that she was a bitter person.
Maggie has this strange ability to make people reveal their deepest, darkest secrets - even though they don't intend to do so. So, most people tend to avoid her, but she has a best friend and is a swim star - so things don't completely suck for her. But she carries her own secrets that she has been sitting on for such a long time.
Baskin's writing style is great and it has a lovely simplistic quality to it that makes it easy to fall into. I really liked how we got flashbacks, it gave a really good look into the back story. Sometimes though the storyline came from Leah's (Maggie's sis) point of view and I felt like they were a bit haphazardly thrown into the mix.
The ending is very emotional and I read and re-read the end section again to experience the beauty of it all over again.
Surfacing is a moving high school story with hints of paranormal throughout. It is emotional, heartbreaking and very beautiful in places. The characters show great growth in the end and overall I liked this story a lot!
fictionfascination.blogspot.co.uk
I really liked main character Maggie's journey, she had a lot of tough times to contend with; the death of her big sister, her parents issues and not forgetting boy trouble. I have to say, Maggie's decisions grated on my nerves and I wanted to shake her, but I suppose we all need to make mistakes in life, to learn from them. I personally think she was so wound up with her big secret that she was a bitter person.
Maggie has this strange ability to make people reveal their deepest, darkest secrets - even though they don't intend to do so. So, most people tend to avoid her, but she has a best friend and is a swim star - so things don't completely suck for her. But she carries her own secrets that she has been sitting on for such a long time.
Baskin's writing style is great and it has a lovely simplistic quality to it that makes it easy to fall into. I really liked how we got flashbacks, it gave a really good look into the back story. Sometimes though the storyline came from Leah's (Maggie's sis) point of view and I felt like they were a bit haphazardly thrown into the mix.
The ending is very emotional and I read and re-read the end section again to experience the beauty of it all over again.
Surfacing is a moving high school story with hints of paranormal throughout. It is emotional, heartbreaking and very beautiful in places. The characters show great growth in the end and overall I liked this story a lot!
fictionfascination.blogspot.co.uk
April 17, 2019
This book left a lot to be desired. I have always been the type to not mind the length of a book so long as by the end of it I feel I've gained something but, after completing this book I felt I had wasted my time reading it. While the writing in and of itself isn't necessarily bad, the characters are one dimensional, the plot is practically non-existent, and by the end of the novel, there's no resolution, no wrapping up at all. You just sit there kind of in disbelief that this is a real published novel. There are so many interesting directions this could have gone but instead of picking one and running with it, the author let them just fall flat. I am frustrated because this book had the potential to be so much more. I want to know more about these characters and their lives and how their family was impacted by the death of Leah and I felt there wasn't enough backstory or after thought. I want to know more about the the eerie persuasion skills that are possessed by Maggie. I want to know if there would have been a divorce if Leah hadn't died. Why are we randomly throwing romance into a novel that is supposed to focus on the strain of losing a close family member? How did the parents not get in trouble with child protective services when they left their young children alone at home and one of them literally died?!? I was just so disappointed at the wasted opportunity in this short story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2013
Sophomore Maggie Paris feels most comfortable on the varsity swimming team, even though ten years ago her 9-year-old sister, Leah, drowned in an apartment complex’s swimming pool. This contradiction symbolizes her uncertainty with life around her. Unfortunately, Maggie has an uncanny, burdensome “gift” that results in people telling her secrets they’ve buried deep. Maggie wishes it were not so and does nothing to encourage it, but, somehow, the people she comes into contact with end up spilling their innermost truths. Once they realized they’ve done this, they immediately get far away from Maggie, which does not help her social life. Yet Maggie’s one friend, Julie, has stuck with her since elementary school. As Maggie struggles to find out where she fits in, she makes poor choices about sex with boys. As her family life continues to unravel around her, it’s clear Leah’s death still weighs heavily on all of them. We hear from Leah every few chapters as she narrates events from the past and Maggie remembers the events leading up to Leah’s ill-chosen swim.
Teens will enjoy this powerfully written story that is full of emotion and imagery as it weaves a sad tale around Maggie’s dysfunctional family. If only Maggie’s “gift” would apply to her family, she might have figured out her place in the world long ago.
Teens will enjoy this powerfully written story that is full of emotion and imagery as it weaves a sad tale around Maggie’s dysfunctional family. If only Maggie’s “gift” would apply to her family, she might have figured out her place in the world long ago.
July 11, 2013
Just as Maggie is able to draw out other peoples deepest truths, Surfacing had a way of drawing you out of your world and into the world of the book. The beginning of Surfacing was compelling and captivating and I found myself quickly wanting to know more about Maggie and why she has this effect on others.
However as I read further my opinions changed, I felt that Surfacing was a bit disjointed, changing what time frame it was in with no apparent clue or hint to the change, going from present, to past, then back to present. The chapters were numbered, and occasionally we get a chapter from her sister, but frequently throughout the chapters we are suddenly thrown in a memory of Maggie's about the events that lead up to the death of her sister.
After finishing Surfacing I'm not too sure what to think. I think the story had a good plot to it, but the constant backwards and forwards between time lines confused things, and the story itself didn't seem to flow correctly. I would have enjoyed it more if the story was either told in a more linear way or clearly labelled so you knew what time frame you were in, failing that, then I would have liked more focus to have been on Maggie's ability to draw out others truths, expanding on this and finding out why this happens and how.
However as I read further my opinions changed, I felt that Surfacing was a bit disjointed, changing what time frame it was in with no apparent clue or hint to the change, going from present, to past, then back to present. The chapters were numbered, and occasionally we get a chapter from her sister, but frequently throughout the chapters we are suddenly thrown in a memory of Maggie's about the events that lead up to the death of her sister.
After finishing Surfacing I'm not too sure what to think. I think the story had a good plot to it, but the constant backwards and forwards between time lines confused things, and the story itself didn't seem to flow correctly. I would have enjoyed it more if the story was either told in a more linear way or clearly labelled so you knew what time frame you were in, failing that, then I would have liked more focus to have been on Maggie's ability to draw out others truths, expanding on this and finding out why this happens and how.
September 18, 2013
http://librarytalker.blogspot.com/201...
When Maggie was just five years old, her nine year old sister drowned. Ever since, Maggie has had an almost magical ability to get people to tell her their deepest secrets, whether they want to or not. She has no control over this strange power, but everyone else has definitely noticed so Maggie has just one friend.
And though her sister drowned, Maggie is like a dolphin in the water. She's fast. She's good. She's the swim team's only hope to get to the finals.
Then there's Matthew. He's a senior and he's all Maggie thinks she wants.
Now Maggie has just a short period of time to get her life in order, even as it falls even further apart.
Final thoughts: This one is thoughtful and deep, but also a little confusing. While it starts off with one point of view, the author starts to switch it around and suddenly there are more narrators telling the story. Maggie is not very relatable as a character. She makes some very strange choices and it's hard to understand what she's thinking. Maggie seems pretty emotionally distant from her own life, making it hard for the reader to feel anything at all for her. The strange confessions that come from everyone just seem an excuse for her not having more than one close friend, though that ability is never explained and makes no sense in the story overall.
When Maggie was just five years old, her nine year old sister drowned. Ever since, Maggie has had an almost magical ability to get people to tell her their deepest secrets, whether they want to or not. She has no control over this strange power, but everyone else has definitely noticed so Maggie has just one friend.
And though her sister drowned, Maggie is like a dolphin in the water. She's fast. She's good. She's the swim team's only hope to get to the finals.
Then there's Matthew. He's a senior and he's all Maggie thinks she wants.
Now Maggie has just a short period of time to get her life in order, even as it falls even further apart.
Final thoughts: This one is thoughtful and deep, but also a little confusing. While it starts off with one point of view, the author starts to switch it around and suddenly there are more narrators telling the story. Maggie is not very relatable as a character. She makes some very strange choices and it's hard to understand what she's thinking. Maggie seems pretty emotionally distant from her own life, making it hard for the reader to feel anything at all for her. The strange confessions that come from everyone just seem an excuse for her not having more than one close friend, though that ability is never explained and makes no sense in the story overall.
August 25, 2013
I didn't finish this novel. Actually, I didn't even get half-way through it and it's only 192 pages. It was about page 40 when I gave up. The character is so disconnected from everything and she is always complaining about something. The guy she likes, Matt, is a jerk and I can't believe Maggie is letting him treat her that way.
Also, the writing. There is a lot of narration instead of dialogue and action.
But the one thing that drove me CRAZY was that the author would go from Maggie's 17 year old self to her 5 year old self with no indication that the time zone was being changed. It would take me a few paragraphs to realize that the book went back in time instead of the next part of the story. Plus, the narration would change viewpoints at time, and it was all very confusing to me.
I don't know, maybe this is a good book, but I just couldn't handle all of the problems listed above in one novel that's not even 200 pages. But just because I didn't like it doesn't mean that there aren't other readers who enjoy it. I just won't be recommending it to anyone.
Also, the writing. There is a lot of narration instead of dialogue and action.
But the one thing that drove me CRAZY was that the author would go from Maggie's 17 year old self to her 5 year old self with no indication that the time zone was being changed. It would take me a few paragraphs to realize that the book went back in time instead of the next part of the story. Plus, the narration would change viewpoints at time, and it was all very confusing to me.
I don't know, maybe this is a good book, but I just couldn't handle all of the problems listed above in one novel that's not even 200 pages. But just because I didn't like it doesn't mean that there aren't other readers who enjoy it. I just won't be recommending it to anyone.
February 3, 2014
This was one of the sadder YA books I've read in awhile. It's about a teenage girl named Maggie whose sister drowned when they were both children. Since then, Maggie has developed the mysterious ability to get people to tell her some of their deepest truths (a plot point that is sadly underexplored, although perhaps just meant to present the irony that her family shies away from acknowledging its deepest truths). She also blames herself for her sister's death, resulting in meaningless sexual encounters and undermining the true relationships she does have. The latter point was probably my favorite thing about the novel: it didn't shy away from showing Maggie making these terrible choices. This made it hard to read, but I imagine there are a lot of readers who have (ugh) felt so down on themselves that they would relate to what Maggie does. This would be a good suggestion for a troubled high schooler; there are some more "adult" topics that I wouldn't suggest to just any middle school kid.
July 13, 2017
Goodreads first reads win.
There was a very strong theme of water in this story. Maggie's on the swim team, and feels more in control of her life when she's in the water. Even the writing style was very fluid.
Maggie's a sympathetic character but makes some destructive choices. Sometimes I wanted to hug her and sometimes I wanted to shake her.
I'm not sure if her "almost magical ability to draw out people's deepest truths" puts this book in the realm of magical realism, or paranormal, or if it's just an extension of the simple truth that quiet people tend to trigger something in others to spill their secrets.
I enjoyed this story and recommend it as a quick, but fulfilling read.
There was a very strong theme of water in this story. Maggie's on the swim team, and feels more in control of her life when she's in the water. Even the writing style was very fluid.
Maggie's a sympathetic character but makes some destructive choices. Sometimes I wanted to hug her and sometimes I wanted to shake her.
I'm not sure if her "almost magical ability to draw out people's deepest truths" puts this book in the realm of magical realism, or paranormal, or if it's just an extension of the simple truth that quiet people tend to trigger something in others to spill their secrets.
I enjoyed this story and recommend it as a quick, but fulfilling read.
May 15, 2013
Surfacing was not one of my favorite books that I read this year. The story was very slow paced. At times, I would even say it was boring. I didn’t care for the way the book was setup. It would randomly go from the present to the past with no forewarning or breaks. It was confusing trying to figure out what was going on. Even though Maggie’s ability was talked about, it wasn’t the main focus of the book. I was hoping her ability would have played a bigger part in Surfacing. I didn’t like Maggie, the main character. She was very immature. She was dating Nathan, who very loving and sweet. He was the perfect boyfriend. However, Maggie was just using him to sleep with Matthew, who was a complete jerk. She had no respect for Nathan or his feelings. The only thing I did like about Surfacing was Leah. She was a great character that I enjoyed reading about. Maybe if the book had her point of view more often, I would have liked it better.
February 5, 2013
SURFACING by Nora Raleigh Baskin is a quick read with some heavy topics. It touches upon everything from high school boy drama to deep-rooted family issues. Sorrow, blame and forgiveness are powerful themes in the novel.
Maggie Paris is a star swimmer on her school’s varsity team. Nothing makes more sense to her than when she’s in the water. After all, it’s the only place that’s quiet and let’s her be alone with her thoughts.
Life above water hasn’t been all so great for Maggie. Besides the fact that she’s an amazing swimmer, she’s also pretty great at getting people to tell her their deepest secrets…unintentionally. She’s been gifted (cursed?) with the ability to expose people’s thoughts and her peers aren’t too keen to the idea. Her BFF Julie is the only one not entirely freaked out by it.
This read is very relatable for those that are part of a..[READ THE REST ON MISS LITERATI]
Maggie Paris is a star swimmer on her school’s varsity team. Nothing makes more sense to her than when she’s in the water. After all, it’s the only place that’s quiet and let’s her be alone with her thoughts.
Life above water hasn’t been all so great for Maggie. Besides the fact that she’s an amazing swimmer, she’s also pretty great at getting people to tell her their deepest secrets…unintentionally. She’s been gifted (cursed?) with the ability to expose people’s thoughts and her peers aren’t too keen to the idea. Her BFF Julie is the only one not entirely freaked out by it.
This read is very relatable for those that are part of a..[READ THE REST ON MISS LITERATI]
June 27, 2015
Maggie carries the guilt over her sister's drowning with her every day. She is 16 now and her sister, Leah, died when Maggie was 5. Maggie lives with her parents, who always /argue, and her twin brothers, who speak a twin language. Maggie is the star of the girls' swim team and she does well in school. She has only one friend, Julie, because others steer clear of her due to her innate ability to make people spill their deepest secrets. For some reason, Maggie is fixated on wrestling boy, Matthew, and wants to have sex with him. Even though they get close to it, she knows that if she loses her virginity to another boy, then sex with Matthew will work. So, Maggie sets out to do this. The truth about Leah's death comes out and Maggie learns that her parents haven't been honest about their relationship. Water is an extended metaphor in this story. Too many starts and not enough closures, though, make it an unsatisfying read.
March 18, 2013
Sometimes I read a book that is just hard to quantify. Surfacing by Nora Raleigh Baskin is one of those books. It deals with a lot of big issues, grief, forgiveness, and teen sexuality.
Sophomore Maggie Paris is a bit of an enigma. She's a star on the swim team, but she doesn't always seem to like it. She has one loyal friend in Julie. Everyone else keeps their distance from Maggie. Why? Maggie's mere presence has the ability to bring out the best and the worst in people. When Maggie is around, fellow students feel the need to be honest about their deepest secrets. Sometimes they don't want to reveal those secrets. Maggie's parents are no different. Her parents spend more time arguing than dealing with their feelings. The whole family is avoiding the elephant in room.
Read the rest of my review at: http://www.asiturnthepages.blogspot.c...
Sophomore Maggie Paris is a bit of an enigma. She's a star on the swim team, but she doesn't always seem to like it. She has one loyal friend in Julie. Everyone else keeps their distance from Maggie. Why? Maggie's mere presence has the ability to bring out the best and the worst in people. When Maggie is around, fellow students feel the need to be honest about their deepest secrets. Sometimes they don't want to reveal those secrets. Maggie's parents are no different. Her parents spend more time arguing than dealing with their feelings. The whole family is avoiding the elephant in room.
Read the rest of my review at: http://www.asiturnthepages.blogspot.c...
September 3, 2013
Reviewed by Avery, age 9
Maggie is a great swimmer and on the high school swim team and loves swimming even though her little sister Leah drowned 10 years ago. Maggie has a secret gift, but not a good one. People tend to want to tell Maggie their deepest darkest secrets and once they realize they have spilled their guts, they get mad and embarrassed and it causes her to have a hard time making and keeping friends. It also makes her make poor choices, as she has a difficult time with peer pressure and how it affects her after the fact.
Read Full review at http://www.musingwithcrayolakym.com/3...
Maggie is a great swimmer and on the high school swim team and loves swimming even though her little sister Leah drowned 10 years ago. Maggie has a secret gift, but not a good one. People tend to want to tell Maggie their deepest darkest secrets and once they realize they have spilled their guts, they get mad and embarrassed and it causes her to have a hard time making and keeping friends. It also makes her make poor choices, as she has a difficult time with peer pressure and how it affects her after the fact.
Read Full review at http://www.musingwithcrayolakym.com/3...
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