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A Survival Guide for Landlocked Mermaids
In A Survival Guide for Landlocked Mermaids , artist Margot Datz sees the she-nymph within, struggling to emerge, and in a swirl of whimsical and witty wisdom, lovingly offers tips for today's world of dating, mating, and beyond.
The landlocked mermaid is a symbol of the contemporary woman, trapped in a paradoxical dilemma of being part worldly and domesticated, part untamable and intuitive.
Margot's beautifully painted, contemporary mermaids are caught in the nets of their own comical dilemmas, circling the heart's fishbowl of romantic longings and in the murky depths of deep emotion. Whether it's the value of cultivating an inner water garden or coping with crow's feet and fish tails, Margot offers advice and an enchanting way of hydrating your weary mermaid soul.
Coy, sweetly mischievous, and a pinch sagacious, this is a book that, like a good glass of wine, can be enjoyed multiple times, sipped on, or downed in one reading.
The landlocked mermaid is a symbol of the contemporary woman, trapped in a paradoxical dilemma of being part worldly and domesticated, part untamable and intuitive.
Margot's beautifully painted, contemporary mermaids are caught in the nets of their own comical dilemmas, circling the heart's fishbowl of romantic longings and in the murky depths of deep emotion. Whether it's the value of cultivating an inner water garden or coping with crow's feet and fish tails, Margot offers advice and an enchanting way of hydrating your weary mermaid soul.
Coy, sweetly mischievous, and a pinch sagacious, this is a book that, like a good glass of wine, can be enjoyed multiple times, sipped on, or downed in one reading.
72 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2008
5 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 17, 2020
This is a glorious book. The art is beautifully done and the words are puzzled together perfectly.
I would actually give this to the women of my life. Lots of hidden messages with each "survived guide" tip. The age group for this book does not exist because it talks about the young, old, and the middle ages.
I've always been kind of obsessed with mermaids so my beloved sister gave me this book for my birthday a few years back. Now, I read this book to get my juices going and to encourage me to get up and do something with whatever is bothering me. I think every woman and girl needs this book on their shelf.
I would actually give this to the women of my life. Lots of hidden messages with each "survived guide" tip. The age group for this book does not exist because it talks about the young, old, and the middle ages.
I've always been kind of obsessed with mermaids so my beloved sister gave me this book for my birthday a few years back. Now, I read this book to get my juices going and to encourage me to get up and do something with whatever is bothering me. I think every woman and girl needs this book on their shelf.
October 30, 2017
This was a really fun and interesting book to come across while one I was highly anticipating. There is an inside joke in our family that we must be mermaids for each of us really does enjoy the water and when we were quite younger it wasn't uncommon for us to always be wanting to swim when the weather permitted.
Just as a warning for the adult reader who brings this book into a household with little ones this is one book that seems at first glance to be a children's book in its format. Instead the adult reader will need to read the book and then make judgment whether to allow young eyes to look at the pictures. The illustrations are slightly suggestive of the upper chests of these mermaids with only a few small shells covering the nipple in many pictures but otherwise everything else is covered up.
There is a rather lengthy introduction for the reader but otherwise the entries are only two pages long. One page has a beautiful and bright colored illustration of a mermaid within various poises and/or backgrounds while doing mermish activities while each of them include the title within the bottom. The opposite page has a bold title that gives the helpful self-advice then a paragraph or two that explains the concept a bit more while also putting a nice mermish twist on the tellings.
Some of the writing was a bit dull and lengthy but all in all it was a fun read. And just to harass my bf my new favorite catchphrase is now "misbehave with dignity".
This is definitely a fun and unique self-help book while a must for both mermaid fans as well as those who are quite spirited sirens. And most definitely I will be looking for this book in my Christmas stocking this year *hint, hint*.
Just as a warning for the adult reader who brings this book into a household with little ones this is one book that seems at first glance to be a children's book in its format. Instead the adult reader will need to read the book and then make judgment whether to allow young eyes to look at the pictures. The illustrations are slightly suggestive of the upper chests of these mermaids with only a few small shells covering the nipple in many pictures but otherwise everything else is covered up.
There is a rather lengthy introduction for the reader but otherwise the entries are only two pages long. One page has a beautiful and bright colored illustration of a mermaid within various poises and/or backgrounds while doing mermish activities while each of them include the title within the bottom. The opposite page has a bold title that gives the helpful self-advice then a paragraph or two that explains the concept a bit more while also putting a nice mermish twist on the tellings.
Some of the writing was a bit dull and lengthy but all in all it was a fun read. And just to harass my bf my new favorite catchphrase is now "misbehave with dignity".
This is definitely a fun and unique self-help book while a must for both mermaid fans as well as those who are quite spirited sirens. And most definitely I will be looking for this book in my Christmas stocking this year *hint, hint*.
June 30, 2022
I found this on the street a few years ago. Cute little book. I liked the art too. I may cut the images out of the book and frame some of them. My favorite line is, “An open heart is seldom lonely.”
August 29, 2016
While wandering the tourist area of Rockport, Massachusetts with a friend, I spotted a New Age-type shop called Soulstice Shop, and just had to have a look inside.
Along one corner was a bookshelf with books and miscellaneous items for sale, and there sat this lovely illustrated book, "A Survival Guide for Landlocked Mermaids". Having a more than passing enjoyment of mermaid tales (supporting evidence: I have a love-hate relationship with the tv series Mako Mermaids on Netflix - I can't get enough of it, even when the lack of coherent/logical plot reigns supreme! And I sing the theme song to it... fairly regularly. Plus one of my favorite childhood books is Sirena by Donna Jo Napoli), I immediately gravitated towards this book, and opened it up.
Forcing myself to start reading it slowly, and only having the time to read the first couple of survival tips, I felt awash in the truths underlying the words, the not-quite-hidden messages of support and encouragement that Ms. Datz portrays beautifully through her words and her detailed and skillful images of nothing other than landlocked mermaids. It spoke directly to me in those moments. While I walked away initially, I did return and purchased the book not too much later that day.
A couple weeks ago I finally got to reading it in its entirety, of a night when I should have been sleeping. The messages were not quite as loud and clear as I lay in my soft bed in a darkened room, without the scent of the sea to tease and the salty breeze to lure me out to the ocean, but they are still present. You can read as much into these pages as you want, or not much at all; the "advice" still holds water, and the artwork is lovely and detailed, with some quirkiness and fun to round it all out.
Overall, I highly enjoyed it, and would recommend you give it a shot too - whether or not you have ever felt like a fish out of water, this book has a little something for at least most people. You just have take a dive right in and see what treasures speak to you.
Along one corner was a bookshelf with books and miscellaneous items for sale, and there sat this lovely illustrated book, "A Survival Guide for Landlocked Mermaids". Having a more than passing enjoyment of mermaid tales (supporting evidence: I have a love-hate relationship with the tv series Mako Mermaids on Netflix - I can't get enough of it, even when the lack of coherent/logical plot reigns supreme! And I sing the theme song to it... fairly regularly. Plus one of my favorite childhood books is Sirena by Donna Jo Napoli), I immediately gravitated towards this book, and opened it up.
Forcing myself to start reading it slowly, and only having the time to read the first couple of survival tips, I felt awash in the truths underlying the words, the not-quite-hidden messages of support and encouragement that Ms. Datz portrays beautifully through her words and her detailed and skillful images of nothing other than landlocked mermaids. It spoke directly to me in those moments. While I walked away initially, I did return and purchased the book not too much later that day.
A couple weeks ago I finally got to reading it in its entirety, of a night when I should have been sleeping. The messages were not quite as loud and clear as I lay in my soft bed in a darkened room, without the scent of the sea to tease and the salty breeze to lure me out to the ocean, but they are still present. You can read as much into these pages as you want, or not much at all; the "advice" still holds water, and the artwork is lovely and detailed, with some quirkiness and fun to round it all out.
Overall, I highly enjoyed it, and would recommend you give it a shot too - whether or not you have ever felt like a fish out of water, this book has a little something for at least most people. You just have take a dive right in and see what treasures speak to you.
July 20, 2010
This book is a great source of encouragement and a great reminder of our "essential" nature as women. Worth reading and worth gifting!
November 26, 2010
When someone who has known you all his life sends you this book in the mail, you realize you've gotten quite dried out away from your watery element. Thank you, MCL!
August 31, 2017
This is a wise and whimsical picture/coffee table book with colorful awesome, witty, even brilliant art. Is this a kid's book? Yes and no. Please enjoy this book at any age at all. Highly recommend for you, your daughter(s), your Grandma… A gem; inspiring, uplifting and a gentle reminder to remember your true self.
August 29, 2017
This is a bright, happy picture book for landlocked merladies. The best thing about it(for me, at least) is the vibrant use of color. This is a great book to keep on your creativity shelf, and peek into when you need a quick pick-me-up.
May 2, 2019
So good! The art is amazing, of course. Would love to have her paint a mural for me. This was a very cute book with a lot of girly, inspirational thoughts. A good reminder to live freely and majestically in your own way.
June 4, 2023
I’ve had this book for a long time, the beautiful tail artwork on the front cover is the best part of the book. The rest is mostly cutesy drawings of mermaids with fluffy self care advice and warnings to not fall for the wrong type of guy
October 25, 2018
What incredible art and light-hearted, kind advice!
December 27, 2019
Nice book.
Looking forward to sharing with my morning water aerobic class.
Maura's Mermaids
Looking forward to sharing with my morning water aerobic class.
Maura's Mermaids
January 2, 2020
i miss reading picture books, and this was so wholesome & healing to read
August 17, 2021
definitely a fun and interesting book with some good advice. The colors and artwork are wonderful!! and great for gifts!
August 6, 2023
Sweet and totally insane. But the ideas are cute and generally good. Read at Log Point w Fuqua Ladyboss Reunion.
June 23, 2024
Short, cute, silly & practical life advice for mermaid's.
August 27, 2008
Diving into this fascinating book is a delight to the senses. Author and illustrator Margo Datz has penned words of acquired wisdom to accompany each little vignette. The illustrations themselves are the piece de resistance - interestingly enough they do not necessarily follow each other with the same "flow" as book illustrations tend to do, but each is totally and uniquely its own work of art. The vibrant & rich colors, the attention to detail, and the warmth & humor found in both the words and illustrations make for an enjoyable read that I will return to time and again.
May 6, 2008
I received this book as a surprise gift from a friend, and found it to be a delightful and inspiring read. It's a coffee table/gift book, with paintings of women who are really mermaids engaging in regular (and not so regular) every day activities, with accompanying text about how one can learn lessons from living as a land-locked Mermaid. Quite cute, and several lessons were quite inspiring. A quick read...half an hour or so, but enjoyable!
November 11, 2015
Mermaid survival guide
Whimsical and amusing this book is a delight! With gorgeous illustrations and sound advice for suffering mermaids it is essential reading for all landlocked mermaids everywhere. All true mermaids stuck on land will treasure this beautiful guide book until they can return to the sea.
Whimsical and amusing this book is a delight! With gorgeous illustrations and sound advice for suffering mermaids it is essential reading for all landlocked mermaids everywhere. All true mermaids stuck on land will treasure this beautiful guide book until they can return to the sea.
December 8, 2009
I saw this book while vacationing on Nantucket Island in August. It really spoke to me because I am always kicking up my tail and curling beneath the ocean's waves!!!!!!
The book has beautiful artwork and great thoughts about life on the surface!!!!!! A must read for all landlocked mermaids!
The book has beautiful artwork and great thoughts about life on the surface!!!!!! A must read for all landlocked mermaids!
February 6, 2016
Frames the problems of the modern American woman as being a function of fish-out-of-waterness. Very nicely illustrated even if the text is a little "lite." See my blog for the full piscatorial lowdown on this book.
June 9, 2010
Very clever and insightful.
May 16, 2011
I've heard that this book is a really good book.
May 12, 2016
The perfect gift from Will.
February 15, 2015
Really fun book for the ladies!
May 29, 2017
Beautiful. Delightful. Wondrous. An absolute treasure.
June 9, 2016
Absolutely gorgeous
July 19, 2014
Very wonderful artwork, and inspiring wording. Even if you don't read it, though, the pictures are worth buying it for!
September 22, 2014
This book is a gem. Everything is so beautiful & inspirational.
August 15, 2016
This is a charming, funny little book. If you've ever considered yourself to be a mermaid (or mermaid lover) than this is a cute, quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews