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Caught Inside: A Surfing Passage
Caught Inside is a compelling coming-of-age story that explores the interwoven fates of a young competititve surfer clinging to life following a fluke accident, and the cynical, older ex-pro surfer who reluctantly rescues him. Other than residing on a magnificently beautiful island with epic waves, the two main characters have little in common beyond their freak ocean encounter. When the story moves to Kaimana's room in the ICU, Kekoa finds himself mysteriously drawn to the young surfer's bedside, sneaking past nurses and doctors to gain access. At the hospital, Kekoa talks story with the unresponsive Kai, sharing surfing experiences that shaped his life. As Kai's awareness of the stranger's presence intensifies, he recalls his own turning points, all while slipping deeper into unconsciousness. With Kai's health deteriorating, Kekoa begins to see through his lingering depression, and when Kai's doctors make an astonishing revelation to Kekoa, he realizes he urgently needs to do whatever possible to try to guide Kai back to a conscious state. Can Kekoa save Kai's life a second time? Will two lives be revived trying to save one?
150 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2012
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 21, 2013
"Caught Inside" is more than a story about surfing. It is a story of two people from different generations and different upbringing who share common bonds. The bond they share ties them to nature and the ocean that continues to teach them some of life's important lessons. Lessons of responsibility and accountability; but most importantly lessons of humble appreciation and respect for what they have as kindred spirits.
Kaimana Keller is a fifteen year old living an ideal life for a kid who loves to surf. Kai is a good student with a family who cares about him. He lives a short walk from the warm waters of his favorite surf spot. Like most teenagers, he doesn't yet understand what he's got and seems to take it all for granted.
Kekoa Jones is older and seasoned if not jaded as a former pro surfer. He is trapped in a dead end job yet still hangs on to the thread of stoke he enjoys from the rare times he makes it to the water for a session of surfing. He's depressed and unhappy, unable to contend with his perceived lack of contribution to society he so desperately needs to affirm.
Fate drove Kai and Kekoa together one day when a surfing accident that lands Kai in a comma. Kekoa is the brave soul who rescues Kai from the jaws of a sure drowning, but isn't able to revive him completely. Kekoa can't stop thinking of young Kai who remains in a comma on a hospital bed. Kekoa's daily visits to the hospital evolve into a transformative connection that channels positive energy between the two surfers, ultimately shaping both their futures.
Lauren Angulo chose to use alternating chapters creating a well crafted virtual dialog between Kai and Kekoa, even though Kai is in a comma and never actually speaks with Kekoa. Angulo writes with the credibility of a seasoned surfer. Her prose is descriptive and flows as smooth as an undulating winter swell. For surfers who enjoy reading about their sport when not in the water, "Caught Inside" is a 'must read.' The narrative describing the stoke experienced while deep in the barrel of a big wave is the real deal. For those who don't surf, the story easily stands on its own and would be an excellent edition to scholastic reading lists aimed at teens. Angulo has raised the bar of surfing fiction to a level sure to stoke new comers, and kahuna's alike.
Kaimana Keller is a fifteen year old living an ideal life for a kid who loves to surf. Kai is a good student with a family who cares about him. He lives a short walk from the warm waters of his favorite surf spot. Like most teenagers, he doesn't yet understand what he's got and seems to take it all for granted.
Kekoa Jones is older and seasoned if not jaded as a former pro surfer. He is trapped in a dead end job yet still hangs on to the thread of stoke he enjoys from the rare times he makes it to the water for a session of surfing. He's depressed and unhappy, unable to contend with his perceived lack of contribution to society he so desperately needs to affirm.
Fate drove Kai and Kekoa together one day when a surfing accident that lands Kai in a comma. Kekoa is the brave soul who rescues Kai from the jaws of a sure drowning, but isn't able to revive him completely. Kekoa can't stop thinking of young Kai who remains in a comma on a hospital bed. Kekoa's daily visits to the hospital evolve into a transformative connection that channels positive energy between the two surfers, ultimately shaping both their futures.
Lauren Angulo chose to use alternating chapters creating a well crafted virtual dialog between Kai and Kekoa, even though Kai is in a comma and never actually speaks with Kekoa. Angulo writes with the credibility of a seasoned surfer. Her prose is descriptive and flows as smooth as an undulating winter swell. For surfers who enjoy reading about their sport when not in the water, "Caught Inside" is a 'must read.' The narrative describing the stoke experienced while deep in the barrel of a big wave is the real deal. For those who don't surf, the story easily stands on its own and would be an excellent edition to scholastic reading lists aimed at teens. Angulo has raised the bar of surfing fiction to a level sure to stoke new comers, and kahuna's alike.
February 15, 2014
A real emotional page turner. Easy read for kids too.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews