Lost at Sea

Sweet Valley High #56

by Francine Pascal (Creator), Kate William

Shipwrecked ...

It's a beautiful, sunny day when a group from Sweet Valley High sets sail for a special science field trip.  Jessica Wakefield is looking forward to a few hours of sunbathing and flirting, while her twin sister, Elizabeth, can't wait to get to deserted Anacapa Island to study the marine life.  Neither of them could have imagined the nightmare the trip will become.

On the way back from the island, a violent storm sets in, and the group is forced to abandon ship in the middle of a raging sea.  Then, when the lifeboat carrying Jessica and Winston Egbert capsizes, they disappear into the fog.

After the storm clears, Jessica's life preserver turns up. And soon the Coast Guard spots the missing lifeboat--but it's empty!  Will Jessica and Winston ever be found?

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Romance

150 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1989

About the author

Francine Paula Pascal was an American author best known for her Sweet Valley series of young adult novels. Sweet Valley High, the backbone of the collection, was made into a television series, which led to several spin-offs, including The Unicorn Club and Sweet Valley University. Although most of these books were published in the 1980s and 1990s, they remained so popular that several titles were re-released decades later.

Reviews

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited.

This book actually wasn't too bad. I didn't hate this, colour me shocked. I don't know why I love hate-reading this series. This was the first book in a while where I didn't absolutely detest Jessica. Marooned on an island with the class clown, Winston, after a class science trip, Winston and Jess have to work together to survive until they are found. Sure I thought a lot of this book was total bogus, like the fact the coast guard didn't find them almost immediately, but I think it was a fun story nevertheless.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I vividly remember this one, at least the cover. Probably because BSC did their own lost at sea book. While that one was wild, parents leaving an 11 year old alone and in charge of a toddler for a weekend, another toddler recovering from pneumonia going on a sailing race among a few other things, this one was out there. At least the BSC was probable. Their boats were literally destroyed but they managed to grab the provisions beforehand. This one was wacky.
Anyway in order to boost science grades SVH decides to go on a trip to an island to learn about the biology and ecosystems there. Jessica has rapidly moved on from AJ and has her sights on Ken Matthews. But she's partnered with Winston instead to her dismay. On the way back from the island a storm hits, they abandon their bigger presumably safer boat for rubber lifeboats. When Winston throws an oar to Liz the boat he and Jess are in capsizes. Why they left the bigger boat is odd especially since it didn't sink but okay. Jess swims to an island, Winston manages to get back in the boat and row there but loses the boat by not pulling it up far enough on the shore. But he does get a few provisions from said boat first. Everyone back home is worried, like the BSC there's bad weather to prevent full on searches. Jessica and Winston build a shelter, find food and Winston fishes. There is a random bear odd that there's only one and on an island in the middle of the ocean but okay. In the end they are rescued and all is well.
This one was wild, not quite unhinged Sweet Valley but close and I quite enjoyed it.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I am remembering why I never finished some of these books the 20-80 volume zone just doesn't seem to be hitting with me. Winston is amazing in this and deserved so much more credit than he got. Yet again an earth-shattering event occurs yet 2 hrs later, life returns to normal for everyone, like nothing happened. I enjoyed the mini adventure overall but their responses kill so much of it for me.

[Felicia Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

love the series!

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean, this was terrible 😂

I’m in such a reading rut right now, after being excited for a few books that proved to be a disappointment. But this took the cake.

Jessica was so unlikeable here, and I know she’s a whiny brat anyway but I’m so used to reading horror-themed desert island books that this felt 10 times as unbelievable.

She spends most of the time moaning about clothes and hair than the fact that they’re stuck in the middle of nowhere on an uninhabited island with a bear. Like, they could actually die. And she wants to go to the mall.

And Winston was also super annoying. This book just felt like someone who had never met or been a teenager wrote it.

Not sure what I expected.

[gem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shipwrecked!

This is utterly hilarious.
The combination of Jess and Winston stranded on a deserted island, surviving by themselves and getting to know each other a bit better is the most Sweet Valley thing ever.
Fending off bears (apparently Jess was expecting to encounter cannibals, but not bears 😂), building a shack with a makeshift sofa and living off the land.
It was exceptionally lucky that Winston just happened to grab the emergency kit from the lifeboat amongst many other unbelievable things - like the fact the air rescue wouldn’t have found them sooner.
Anyway, the fact that it’s so absurd is what makes this one so much fun.
I hope they got their extra credit!

[Marian · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason I've spent the last however many years thinking that Jessica and Winston kissed on Outermost Island. I thought wrong. The book is also not as interesting as I remember it being, which is a disappointment. However, Winston does tell Jessica he thinks she can be a real snob and that I don't remember. So yay for Winston standing up to Jessica, however briefly!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5****

When the twins go on a class outing, Jessica hopes to get closer to the cutest boy on the trip.

Instead she gets stranded with Winston, who is not her favorite person.

How long are they stranded? Will Jess continue to despise Winston or will they strike up a truce?

A cute way to spend a rainy afternoon.


back cover

Jessica's fantasy is to be shipwrecked on a deserted island with a fabulous guy. But when she finally gets her wish, she is marooned with Winston Egbert, the class clown! Will Jessica lose her fantasy forever, or will she learn an important lesson about herself and others?

[Tiffany Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lost at Sea
Some of the Sweet Valley High kids are failing science and their teacher decides to take them on a field trip on a boat to study marine life. The only “studying” Jessica wants to do is Ken Matthews (which isn’t it ironic that in the Sweet Valley Middle School books, NOBODY was checking for Ken because he was a shrimp. But I guess all that blond hair and perfect size six figure has (typically) blinded Ken and given him memory loss because he keeps taking Jessica back).

Elizabeth is also one of the kids going (I guess she just wants extra credit). But all of Jessica’s plans are cockblocked from the jump. The science teacher uses the buddy system and Jessica is given Winston’s group. Elizabeth, of course, is put in Ken’s group.

Winston pretty much follows her around annoying the ish out of her. (And let me tell you something if you feel bad for Winston you have never had a guy follow you around that you have made it *clear* you have ZERO interest in, that just won’t take the hint,) And actually, I thought it was kind of strange that he’s still this obsessed with Jessica and he *has* a girlfriend (Maria). Because I would be PISSED if I had a boyfriend and he was still all up in the old object of his desire’s face on a field trip (and Lila or Jessica didn’t tell Maria this). “Girl I think you better talk to your man. He doing WAY too much!”

Anyway, Winston just keeps aggravating Jessica until she walks away from her group. Even then he follows her and tries to prank her. (What’s with this guy?)

So the teacher calls the trip short because it looks like there’s going to be a storm. Jessica has just started to get a little intimate time with Ken when the boat is jolted. They’re all told to abandon the boat and get in the lifeboats (which is this REALLY the safest move in the middle of the storm?) But I guess it’s the only choice.

Aaron and Elizabeth toss Winston an extra oar and the boat he’s in turns over and he and Jessica fall into the water and the waves wash them away.

When it calms down the class doesn’t see them and they all get scared. They make it back to land and are greeted by their families but still, their classmates are lost at sea (possibly dead).

The Wakefields are frantic. They tell Elizabeth she can stay home the next day but she decides to go to school. All her classmates might as well have been planning the assembly for Winston and Jessica’s funeral. Bruce tells Elizabeth that the boat was spotted but no Jessica and no Winston. Elizabeth isn’t hearing it. She knows Jessica is still alive (because of the magical twin bond).

Meanwhile, Jessica has swum (almost to the point of exhaustion to one of the small islands) littered on the coast and drops. When she wakes up the next morning, she discovers that Winston has made it to the island also. At first, she’s pissed at him because he’s let the boat drift away and she turns down his “cooking” (berries) and walks off. But he knows she’ll be back and that she’ll need him before he needs her. And after a while, the hunger pains kick in. They survive off berries and fish the first night.

The next day he gets her to build a temporary shack for them (she’s good with the decorating because of course, she’s Alice’s daughter). She complains a little bit but she can’t help but realize that she would be cold and starving and waiting if it wasn’t for him.

While they’re out picking fruits they come across a bear. (YES A BEAR) and Winston freezes. Jess distracts him with the fruit and the bear goes after that instead of them. Not even gonna lie the bear would have eaten me.

Winston’s pride is a little bruised because he was supposed to be “the man” and defend his woman (the woman). Jess talks some sense into him.

Back at home Steve and Elizabeth come up with the idea to take Nick Morrow’s boat (hey Nick I missed you) and they and some of the classmates head off to look for Jess and Winston. Only another storm hits and they head back.

Jess and Winston argue over how to get the attention of a potential rescue and decide on reflecting a shiny object (Jessica’s bracelet). Only she doesn’t want to use this so they use Winston’s knife (in a first aid kit). And eventually, it gets the attention of someone that takes them back to Sweet Valley.

Surprising no one, Jessica takes all the credit for what happened on the island and makes out to be a big episode of Survivor.

My Thoughts:
Not really a ton of thoughts about this one. Half the time I was annoyed with Winston (just as much as Jessica). Usually, I’m definitely not on Jessica’s side but sometimes you have to realize when enough is ENOUGH. I give Winston ALL the credit tho for 1) keeping them feed 2) building the shelter 3) keeping them warm 4) keeping them busy so their mind would be distracted as to their situation. But the bear was a ridiculous! This is an ISLAND off the coast of SV. Not a forest. How did the bear find its way there? But then the interesting thing is there are always forest on these islands so never mind. I withdraw that last statement. It’s still weird how random bears just pop up (coughs JEM). Remind me to never plan an island getaway. Lord forbid I’d have to distract a bear by throwing berries at it. I seriously doubt that would work! Did I mention I’m in love with Nicolas Morrow? Why again is he still single?

Rating: 5

[Liz Ramey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nostalgia didn’t quite hit with this. This was my favorite Sweet Valley High book when I was in junior high and I longed to be shipwrecked for the adventure. Now that I’m in my 40s it just doesn’t hit home anymore. There were so many problematic behaviors in this book, but, it was written in the 90s so those were the times. I still love this series as a whole because they were the books that got me interested in reading. I will always love them for that.

[Dr. Aditi Kapoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by the ridiculity of the many reactions in this book. Right from the reaction of the twins' parents (not taking a step to find Jessica and even going as far to give up hope!!) to Liz's reaction where she needs "to complete the article" and give a quiz even though Jessica is missing and in danger! Winston became the wise and Jessica adjusting and understanding. The twin's friends and classmates, even Bruce went to rescue Jess but Ned or Alice!

[Grace Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time in my life I had ever read this one. And it was very good. I like when Francine Pascal creates new genres within her books. Thanks to Kate Williams, the author of this book for a great read. Loved the part with the bear. Just wish Jessica was a little nicer to Winston. I feel they needed to let her character evolve and grow more.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now remember where my desert island fantasy came from. The 70s, 80s and 90s were all obsessed with getting stuck on an island. even the baby sitters club got stuck on island...

As much as I prepared myself to get stuck on an island... I never did... I feel this is up there with quicksand and running into pirates.

[Carla Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning for spoilers

So I really like this one for the nostalgia hit but honestly I’ve been preferring who Jessica becomes in senior year because it’s more of a real person. I’m pretty excited though because i think Sam enters the picture soon.

[K.L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jess and Winston are shipwrecked on a desert island after a storm blows up on a school trip
Winston is surprisingly survival-orientated, and manages to keep them fed and sheltered for the day or so it takes for them to be rescued

[Chelsey Rothwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanted to re read a SVH book, found this at a second hand store and glad I picked it up! It was fun to read one of the books that initially got me into reading. It’s funny how PG these books seem now but at the time they seemed so mature!

[ThymeOperator · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was rather hilarious from start to finish. Good ol' Jessica. 4 stars for comedic value - especially Liz reassuring Lila that Jessica wouldn't want her to feel so guilty for her treatment of Jess in the past...because 'I'm sure Jessica has stolen just as many boys from you'.

[Aurora Dimitre · Rating 4 out of 5]

regina's fucking DEAD???

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man, there sure were a lot of typos in this one! Besides a bunch of misspelled words and sentences that clearly had words left out, Liz and Jess are described as "five and a half" feet tall, ha.

But whatever, these are definitely helping me pass the time while I'm sick.

[Lydia Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love how Winston makes the fort, finds food, and takes care of Jessica.

Jessica, Lila, and a few other students who are failing on science are going on a field trip to an island. Some kids, like Randy Mason wanted to go! When Jessica finds out that Ken Mathews is going, she thinks its a perfect time to get back together with him. As soon as she boards, she hurries to Ken's side, but the teacher has different ideas. Jessica ends up in a group with the nerds. The real problem is when she can't get rid of Winston Egbert, her 'buddy'.

When they reach the island, Jessica is bored with the project. She tries to flirt, but with a shell fish in her hair, it's hard to. They get the job done, but a storm makes them hurry home.

Out in the water, the boat breaks down, and they have to rush with their 'buddies' to the life boats. Winston and Jessica hurry to the boat, grabbing the oars on the way out. On the water, Winston realizes he has an extra oar, and Elizabeth and Aaron are missing one. But when he tries to throw it, the live boat tips over.

Later, they find Jessica's life jacket, and Winston's baseball cap. The coast guard looks for them, but they're not in the water.

On an island with orange trees and berries, Jessica runs into Winston, who has a big meal. She tries to ignore him, but when you smell food, and you're hungry, that's hard to do. Winston had saved a survival kit from the broken boat, and has many useful tools. Together, Jessica and Winston build a fort that will keep them dry, and hunt for food and firewood, but how long can they survive on the island?

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This SVH was high in camp-value and unbelievability, which made it fun to read. Jessica and Winston get stranded on a deserted island after falling overboard on a school trip to study tidepools. Miraculously, they both manage to get themselves to safety on a deserted island while back home in Sweet Valley, the Wakefields, the SVH community, the local police and the Coast Guard kind of half-heartedly look for them. The absolute weirdest part of the book is that the next day, when they still havenot been found, Liz returns to school so she doesn't miss a history quiz. Like...what??? My twin sister fell into the ocean during a storm, and her life vest was found but she was not, but I better not miss that quiz? Also- nobody in town THINKS THATS WEIRD. Jessican and Winston, meanwhile, bicker and forge a temporary partnership to figure out how to survive, where Egbert shows off some of his boy scout skills and Jessica figures out how to make a couch out of palm fronds. The book is super stupid and fun and is a good example of WHY I enjoy re-reading these SVH books. 3 stars- one of the good ones.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess and Winston get stranded on an island, what’s not to love. There’s no minor characters having a whole book about something no one cares about and no stupid b-plot distracting from the main story. Was this extremely improbable? Yes. Is it very unlikely that the chemistry teacher would make the extra credit assignment about marine biology? Yes. Was this entertaining and enjoyable? Yes. If you’re going to read one for humour/entertainment, go for this one.

[Cws]

JAR5-Pas

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was honestly some great reading when I was a pre-teen. Long before vampires, werewolves and shapeshifters haunted the teen shelves, there were the Wakefields! Super cool, not supernatural.

[Sheila Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the cover but just not the story.

[Hillary]

Everyone who lives in this town is awful!

[Linds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book as a kid.