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Joni, Underway
Nineteen year old Joni Monday is loving life as an adult—living on her own, dealing with grown-up things like jobs, hook-ups, and doing her own laundry. Best of all: after finishing her first year at ASU, she will never again be called a freshman.
But when her brother is suddenly killed in a car accident, Joni’s adult life is turned upside down. Struggling to cope with loss, guilt, and anger—not to mention the meddling of friends and family trying to “fix” her—Joni is relieved to be presented with an escape in the form of a sailing trip her brother had been planning for months before he died.
With her first step onto the sailing vessel Lady Marguerite, Joni plunges into an adventure that will mark the beginning of her real adult life—a journey across the ominous dark blue of the Atlantic Ocean with a small, eccentric crew, and the young Captain Reid, whose gorgeous looks are only outmatched by his talent for care and kindness. Unfolding through the ups and downs of life at sea is an unforgettable story reminding us that love will always be a work-in-progress and coming of age never gets old.
But when her brother is suddenly killed in a car accident, Joni’s adult life is turned upside down. Struggling to cope with loss, guilt, and anger—not to mention the meddling of friends and family trying to “fix” her—Joni is relieved to be presented with an escape in the form of a sailing trip her brother had been planning for months before he died.
With her first step onto the sailing vessel Lady Marguerite, Joni plunges into an adventure that will mark the beginning of her real adult life—a journey across the ominous dark blue of the Atlantic Ocean with a small, eccentric crew, and the young Captain Reid, whose gorgeous looks are only outmatched by his talent for care and kindness. Unfolding through the ups and downs of life at sea is an unforgettable story reminding us that love will always be a work-in-progress and coming of age never gets old.
358 pages, Unknown Binding
First published August 22, 2015
26 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Oram
34 books4,374 followersKelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen–a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and loves to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 30, 2016
Rating: 0.5 - 0.75 / 5 stars
Did I read the same book everybody else read? I couldn’t get into this book at all. Which sucked because I’m a huge fan of Kelly Oram’s writing, just as I’m a huge fan of the New Adult genre.
First of all, this book should be called: Joni, Unemotional. Or here’s a list of titles it could have been:
joni, judgmental-and-self-centered
joni, needs-to-have-emotions-that-aren’t-revolved-around-her-stupid-libido
joni, the-fucking-robot
joni, problematic-as-fuck
joni, racist-as-fuck
or, one word could sum it up better. This book should have been called RACIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
… i’ll get more into this later.
Everything about Joni was so… robotic? Her narrative voice felt flat. Her reaction to her brother’s death felt flat. I understand that everybody grieves differently, and what not, but Joni didn’t show any emotions toward her brother’s death at all?
In fact, did she even show any emotions whatsoever? She was just so robotic, unemotional, and so lacking in anything that’s empathy and what not that I couldn’t connect with her character at all.
It almost felt as if she just didn’t give a shit that her brother died. The only thing she seemed to give a shit about was flirting with Reid, because he’s so hot that every woman that sees him is instantly attracted to him.
She’s just one of those characters that will leave readers stump. She would be one of those characters that would have readers begging the question, “What does he [Reid] see in her?” No, but seriously, what does Reid see in her? Her personality sucks so much, that when the book hinted his attraction to her—I found myself asking, “Dude. What the heck do you actually see in her? There’s nothing pleasant about her????"
Plus, one of the few emotions Joni seemed to show when she wasn’t being a robotic, one-dimensional, flat character was lust for Reid. I’m not a fan of insta-lust in any story. I get that this is a new adult book, and most new-adult books tend to overuse instalove/instalust… but still. I don’t know if the authors were trying to make her sound witty/funny in her inner monologue with all the “scenarios” she imagined she’d do with Reid, but I found myself rolling my eyes at how off-putting it actually was.
Maybe it was the writing style. Maybe it was her narrative voice (I can’t stand flat narrative voices… or judgmental ones, and Joni seemed to be harboring both). Whatever it was, I didn’t like this at all.
I’m sorry. I can’t stand bitchy characters, and Joni was a huge one. If Joni was a real person in real life, she would be one I would call out for being judgmental right off the very bat. I’d call her out for being mean, for being so judgmental, and for being so fucking self-centered. {Also, when you learn about other characters’ backstory, which only confirmed that Joni is quite a nasty, judgmental person—she didn’t even show any signs of shame/regret/remorse for thinking so lowly of people she didn’t even know. Yuck. People like her are the worst. And even when she showed some signs of remorse, she made it ALL about her… Which shouldn’t be surprising, since she’s self-centered. Even with her brother’s death, she harbored a lot of resentment toward other people because she, yet again (surprisingly), was being self-centered and didn’t want to live up to her brother… even though it wasn’t expected of her to???}
All the characters felt stereotypical? While it was “~~~~diverse~~~~", it felt forced.
It’s portrayed in a way where you know the author purposely included characters of each race just so they can be seen as ~~~progressive~~~ and be applauded for involving diversity, and all the characters are portrayed in bastardized, stereotypical ways to the point where it feels racist, offensive, and insulting.
Please don’t tell me I wasn’t the only one offended at the asian girl (Star)’s portrayal in the book. I understand that there are lots of Asian people out there that are like that: dress like a “stereotypical Asian” (or as how Americans perceive Asians) [cough "kawaii asian", because americans think all asians dress like this apparently], but still. Seriously. Don’t portray a character like a stereotype for the sake of “diversity.” It’s offensive, annoying, and leaves me full of chagrin at it. Especially since Joni, the judgmental robot, called her “weird” for how she was portrayed.
edit: it has come to my attention that I had mistaken Star's identity. Thanks to the author for correcting me on my mistake. Since Star's not Asian, it feels kind of like the cultural appropriation on the "Harajuku" fashion
“C’mon, she doesn’t exactly make it easy on herself. If she dresses like that at school, she’s just asking for it.”
(Yuck. Yuck, yuck, yuck. I wanted to throw up at how gross this was)
The two white main characters literally said that the asian character’s asking to get bullied because of how she “dresses” (aka stereotypical american perception of how asians dress [think of how Americans fetishize the Asian culture and how they perceive them, and that’s what you get from this book]).
Yet the thing is, I applaud this book for trying to incorporate diversity—because most authors tend to pull the “50 shades of mayo” card instead of being realistic and having a diverse cast. But, I draw the line at how stereotypical all the characters are? I think it’s because they all keep on having to remind us, the readers, that they’re Asian, or black, or etc. Look. We get it. This book has characters that all aren’t just 50 shades of mayo. The more you bring up the fact that they’re people of color, the more it feels like a gimmick. As if you’re trying to make us aware about the book’s diversity. As if you want to be applauded for being so “freaking progressive” for including diversity.
I think the reason why I couldn’t get into this was because it wasn’t a character-driven book. It felt more like a plot-driven book, and it was not even a good one? I don’t know how to explain it. Everything conveniently happened for the sake of the plot, which just made the story feel less organic and more like a forced, contrived story.
It might also have to do with the fact that some of the dialog felt more like it should be in a screenplay/script than in a book?
Like, there’d be parts where it’d be like this:
Character A: “Says something.”
Character B: “Also says something.”
Character C: “Also contributes by saying something.”
Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with it—but it totally distracts from the overall story when conversations starts to feel like a “ping pong match” and watching the dialogue “bounce around.” The flow is disruptive and you, the reader, will get distracted and confused most likely.
“Face it, Joni. Everybody likes you.”
Because everybody is senile and has the time to appreciate a girl so self-centered and robotic. Right.
Overall, this book has pretty much the makings of a book that would leave a bad taste in my mouth:
This book is so problematic that the more I get into it, with hope that it’d redeem itself, the more I want to throw my kindle against the wall and bleach my brains so I can forget this mess.
Just... no. Don't drink the kool-aid. This book was not good. I couldn't care for any of them. I couldn't care for anything. The only emotion this book managed to get from me was anger toward the slut-shaming and racist this book was.
Did I read the same book everybody else read? I couldn’t get into this book at all. Which sucked because I’m a huge fan of Kelly Oram’s writing, just as I’m a huge fan of the New Adult genre.
First of all, this book should be called: Joni, Unemotional. Or here’s a list of titles it could have been:
joni, judgmental-and-self-centered
joni, needs-to-have-emotions-that-aren’t-revolved-around-her-stupid-libido
joni, the-fucking-robot
joni, problematic-as-fuck
joni, racist-as-fuck
or, one word could sum it up better. This book should have been called RACIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
… i’ll get more into this later.
Everything about Joni was so… robotic? Her narrative voice felt flat. Her reaction to her brother’s death felt flat. I understand that everybody grieves differently, and what not, but Joni didn’t show any emotions toward her brother’s death at all?
In fact, did she even show any emotions whatsoever? She was just so robotic, unemotional, and so lacking in anything that’s empathy and what not that I couldn’t connect with her character at all.
It almost felt as if she just didn’t give a shit that her brother died. The only thing she seemed to give a shit about was flirting with Reid, because he’s so hot that every woman that sees him is instantly attracted to him.
She’s just one of those characters that will leave readers stump. She would be one of those characters that would have readers begging the question, “What does he [Reid] see in her?” No, but seriously, what does Reid see in her? Her personality sucks so much, that when the book hinted his attraction to her—I found myself asking, “Dude. What the heck do you actually see in her? There’s nothing pleasant about her????"
Plus, one of the few emotions Joni seemed to show when she wasn’t being a robotic, one-dimensional, flat character was lust for Reid. I’m not a fan of insta-lust in any story. I get that this is a new adult book, and most new-adult books tend to overuse instalove/instalust… but still. I don’t know if the authors were trying to make her sound witty/funny in her inner monologue with all the “scenarios” she imagined she’d do with Reid, but I found myself rolling my eyes at how off-putting it actually was.
Maybe it was the writing style. Maybe it was her narrative voice (I can’t stand flat narrative voices… or judgmental ones, and Joni seemed to be harboring both). Whatever it was, I didn’t like this at all.
I’m sorry. I can’t stand bitchy characters, and Joni was a huge one. If Joni was a real person in real life, she would be one I would call out for being judgmental right off the very bat. I’d call her out for being mean, for being so judgmental, and for being so fucking self-centered. {Also, when you learn about other characters’ backstory, which only confirmed that Joni is quite a nasty, judgmental person—she didn’t even show any signs of shame/regret/remorse for thinking so lowly of people she didn’t even know. Yuck. People like her are the worst. And even when she showed some signs of remorse, she made it ALL about her… Which shouldn’t be surprising, since she’s self-centered. Even with her brother’s death, she harbored a lot of resentment toward other people because she, yet again (surprisingly), was being self-centered and didn’t want to live up to her brother… even though it wasn’t expected of her to???}
All the characters felt stereotypical? While it was “~~~~diverse~~~~", it felt forced.
It’s portrayed in a way where you know the author purposely included characters of each race just so they can be seen as ~~~progressive~~~ and be applauded for involving diversity, and all the characters are portrayed in bastardized, stereotypical ways to the point where it feels racist, offensive, and insulting.
edit: it has come to my attention that I had mistaken Star's identity. Thanks to the author for correcting me on my mistake. Since Star's not Asian, it feels kind of like the cultural appropriation on the "Harajuku" fashion
“C’mon, she doesn’t exactly make it easy on herself. If she dresses like that at school, she’s just asking for it.”
(Yuck. Yuck, yuck, yuck. I wanted to throw up at how gross this was)
The two white main characters literally said that the asian character’s asking to get bullied because of how she “dresses” (aka stereotypical american perception of how asians dress [think of how Americans fetishize the Asian culture and how they perceive them, and that’s what you get from this book]).
Yet the thing is, I applaud this book for trying to incorporate diversity—because most authors tend to pull the “50 shades of mayo” card instead of being realistic and having a diverse cast. But, I draw the line at how stereotypical all the characters are? I think it’s because they all keep on having to remind us, the readers, that they’re Asian, or black, or etc. Look. We get it. This book has characters that all aren’t just 50 shades of mayo. The more you bring up the fact that they’re people of color, the more it feels like a gimmick. As if you’re trying to make us aware about the book’s diversity. As if you want to be applauded for being so “freaking progressive” for including diversity.
I think the reason why I couldn’t get into this was because it wasn’t a character-driven book. It felt more like a plot-driven book, and it was not even a good one? I don’t know how to explain it. Everything conveniently happened for the sake of the plot, which just made the story feel less organic and more like a forced, contrived story.
It might also have to do with the fact that some of the dialog felt more like it should be in a screenplay/script than in a book?
Like, there’d be parts where it’d be like this:
Character A: “Says something.”
Character B: “Also says something.”
Character C: “Also contributes by saying something.”
Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with it—but it totally distracts from the overall story when conversations starts to feel like a “ping pong match” and watching the dialogue “bounce around.” The flow is disruptive and you, the reader, will get distracted and confused most likely.
“Face it, Joni. Everybody likes you.”
Because everybody is senile and has the time to appreciate a girl so self-centered and robotic. Right.
Overall, this book has pretty much the makings of a book that would leave a bad taste in my mouth:
protagonist you can’t connect with
• one-dimensional characters
• instalust
• misogyny??? (Would it technically be considered that, since Joni just kept reaching for any reason to dislike Star. I understand not liking somebody, but Joni… jesus christ. No. This book is not feminist at all).
• (Also, her hatred toward Megan would count too).
• Slut-shaming. (Joni’s reaction/feelings toward Megan). Yeah, not my cup of tea.
• Racism… and the fact that the characters fucking excused it? Like, hell to the fuck no. Hell. No. Fuck. That. I’m sorry, but what the fuck? Are we or are we not in the 21st century? Since when the hell was racism excusable???????????
• (Add in the fact that two white characters made fun of an Indian man’s accent…and laughed over it… like, what the fuck???? Who does that?????? The only people I know who does that are usually either: racists or making fun of their own accents. They were not making fun of their own accents. *Cough*]
• Weak-ass character growth. Seriously, what was that? How did joni went from being judgmental to ~~~we’re a crew that looks out for each other~~~. Bullshit. Character growth doesn’t happen instantly. There was no subtlety, no growth whatsoever. It felt like a flip of a switch. It was not character growth because there was no development whatsoever.
•edit: Cultural appropriation. [Exhibit: Star]
This book is so problematic that the more I get into it, with hope that it’d redeem itself, the more I want to throw my kindle against the wall and bleach my brains so I can forget this mess.
Just... no. Don't drink the kool-aid. This book was not good. I couldn't care for any of them. I couldn't care for anything. The only emotion this book managed to get from me was anger toward the slut-shaming and racist this book was.
August 25, 2015
Initial Reaction:
WOW!!
I am blown away by this one.
I dunno what to rate this atm. It's around 4.5 Stars... but I gotta let this sink it.
The story resonated with something deep within me - a novel that left me in awe and deeply touched me.
Freakn amazing!
REVIEW:
For me the creation of a good book is a bit like magic. I mean I kinda get how one does it, but being able to put a wonderful boo together? Well, as I said: Magic. I honestly am in awe of many authors and simply baffled by their ability to create wonder. As we all know, I am not a writer, never will be so it's beyond my reach. Why am I telling you this?
Well, simply Joni, Underway is one of those books that left me... touched, in wonderment and awe- and possibly somewhat changed.
It's no secret that I am a fan of Oram's books... But this one is not just hers. This is co-authored with her husband Jonathan Harrow. I never read any of his works - an oversight I shall correct soon. And here comes the reason why I was telling you the latter- I can not imagine how people co-write books! I am fascinated by it. Many collaborations work with dual or multiple POV- makes sense. But see- this one was written from just Joni's POV.. So how I have been wondering do you do that? It's a far cry from my imagination of how authors work- which is alone with their laptop at all hours of the day... Kelly Oram kindly gave us a glimpse on how she and Harrow did it. I shall not fangirl about any longer and get to my review:
The writing style is more somber than I was used to by Oram. But the content is more somber as well. I kinda expected cute and lighthearted romance- though I don't know why retrospectively. And I got something much deeper instead. Its had plenty of Oram's wonderful humor and sass - and to my delight it had wonderful descriptions, beautiful moments and such depths it touched me somewhere deep inside my stone cold heart.
I honestly can't tell you how much I loved the prose in this- because I find it impossible to dissect this novel- it became way to personal.
At the beginning I was kinda taken aback by how much I actually disliked Joni. I found her selfish, self-involved and melodramatic. I couldn't believe the self-pity party. This huge thing happened and she sat there just feeling sorry for herself. The way she was with her family? Atrocious at best! And then she embarks on her journey... and EVERYTHING changes.
The journey was beyond wonderful. I have no words to describe the trip, the characters and all the things that happen. I just gulped it up and wanted more!
What I can say is, that being someone who met her husband on her travels and has traveled all over the world for several years with said guy, Joni, Underway got it right. The traveling bits- amazing! The changes one goes through, the bonding, the heart all of it is there. And that's why I can't be objective nor make a decent review.. because this is one of the most beautiful and most touching books I have ever read...
Now don't misunderstand me.. It's not mooshy or uber-emo. It simply spoke to me. It is well written and has an interesting storyline. But mostly it has fantastic character building. I fell in love with each and every quirk of the cast. It was amazing to see them bond and to slowly see different sides to each one of them.
The romance is slow and extremely sweet, heartfelt and well swoon-worthy in a very subtle way. Reid -sighs- is a dream, with his faults and all. Joni and Reid are magic.
My only little thing that I found a bit disappointing: the end. Well not the end as such, but it all suddenly just worked out and was sorted.. It felt a wee bit rushed. But it's a teeny little thing and frankly it did not take away the happy cloud I was on.
Joni, Underway left me unable to read anything - I was still stuck in that world and all I wanted is grab my guy and go travel the world again.
Incredibly beautiful book! Possibly the best release in 2015 but definitely one of my favorite books ever.
WOW!!
I am blown away by this one.
I dunno what to rate this atm. It's around 4.5 Stars... but I gotta let this sink it.
The story resonated with something deep within me - a novel that left me in awe and deeply touched me.
Freakn amazing!
REVIEW:
For me the creation of a good book is a bit like magic. I mean I kinda get how one does it, but being able to put a wonderful boo together? Well, as I said: Magic. I honestly am in awe of many authors and simply baffled by their ability to create wonder. As we all know, I am not a writer, never will be so it's beyond my reach. Why am I telling you this?
Well, simply Joni, Underway is one of those books that left me... touched, in wonderment and awe- and possibly somewhat changed.
It's no secret that I am a fan of Oram's books... But this one is not just hers. This is co-authored with her husband Jonathan Harrow. I never read any of his works - an oversight I shall correct soon. And here comes the reason why I was telling you the latter- I can not imagine how people co-write books! I am fascinated by it. Many collaborations work with dual or multiple POV- makes sense. But see- this one was written from just Joni's POV.. So how I have been wondering do you do that? It's a far cry from my imagination of how authors work- which is alone with their laptop at all hours of the day... Kelly Oram kindly gave us a glimpse on how she and Harrow did it. I shall not fangirl about any longer and get to my review:
The writing style is more somber than I was used to by Oram. But the content is more somber as well. I kinda expected cute and lighthearted romance- though I don't know why retrospectively. And I got something much deeper instead. Its had plenty of Oram's wonderful humor and sass - and to my delight it had wonderful descriptions, beautiful moments and such depths it touched me somewhere deep inside my stone cold heart.
I honestly can't tell you how much I loved the prose in this- because I find it impossible to dissect this novel- it became way to personal.
At the beginning I was kinda taken aback by how much I actually disliked Joni. I found her selfish, self-involved and melodramatic. I couldn't believe the self-pity party. This huge thing happened and she sat there just feeling sorry for herself. The way she was with her family? Atrocious at best! And then she embarks on her journey... and EVERYTHING changes.
The journey was beyond wonderful. I have no words to describe the trip, the characters and all the things that happen. I just gulped it up and wanted more!
What I can say is, that being someone who met her husband on her travels and has traveled all over the world for several years with said guy, Joni, Underway got it right. The traveling bits- amazing! The changes one goes through, the bonding, the heart all of it is there. And that's why I can't be objective nor make a decent review.. because this is one of the most beautiful and most touching books I have ever read...
Now don't misunderstand me.. It's not mooshy or uber-emo. It simply spoke to me. It is well written and has an interesting storyline. But mostly it has fantastic character building. I fell in love with each and every quirk of the cast. It was amazing to see them bond and to slowly see different sides to each one of them.
The romance is slow and extremely sweet, heartfelt and well swoon-worthy in a very subtle way. Reid -sighs- is a dream, with his faults and all. Joni and Reid are magic.
My only little thing that I found a bit disappointing: the end. Well not the end as such, but it all suddenly just worked out and was sorted.. It felt a wee bit rushed. But it's a teeny little thing and frankly it did not take away the happy cloud I was on.
Joni, Underway left me unable to read anything - I was still stuck in that world and all I wanted is grab my guy and go travel the world again.
Incredibly beautiful book! Possibly the best release in 2015 but definitely one of my favorite books ever.
August 29, 2015
First few chapters are not something I would like to read and I keep on looking for Kelly Oram in those. I have not seen her yet but when Joni went to travel... Yes, definitely, it's Kelly writing. I love all the aspects of this book. It's amazing to details. Like I was wondering "did they own this kind of boat? To have it detailed so good?" Or "Where did they get all those kinds of information?"
I also liked that the guy is a great listener. Yes, I already forgot the name of the guy. Lol. I'm really not good with names. But anyway, he's awesome and I would fall for him too if I was Joni. Hehe.
Although I admit... I kinda want to see the New Adutl side. I mean yes, probably not all NA books have sex in it but most I read have. Lmao. So it's bit disappointing not to see some action. :P
All in all, good Job to both the authors! Especially Kellay since I believe this is her first NA? :)
I also liked that the guy is a great listener. Yes, I already forgot the name of the guy. Lol. I'm really not good with names. But anyway, he's awesome and I would fall for him too if I was Joni. Hehe.
Although I admit... I kinda want to see the New Adutl side. I mean yes, probably not all NA books have sex in it but most I read have. Lmao. So it's bit disappointing not to see some action. :P
All in all, good Job to both the authors! Especially Kellay since I believe this is her first NA? :)
October 29, 2015
Istyria book blog ~ B's world of enchanted books
Wow. I mean... Wow. I love Kelly Oram, you know that if you've payed attention to this blog. She's one of my all time favorite authors and is waaaay on top of my author autobuy list next to Victoria Schwab, Marissa Meyer, Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo. But this book... it was soooo much more than I expected. This was perfection, guys.
Joni's life is good. She loves being an adult, living the college-life. She just finished her first year and will never again be called a freshmen. But then her brother dies in an accident and everything changes. Joni struggles to cope with the loss, guilt and anger she's feeling. The meddling of her friends and family isn't helping either. Then she gets the chance to go on the trip her brother had been planning and looking forward to for ages before he died. When she steps onto the sailboat called Lady Marguerite, the real adventure starts. The journey across the Atlantic Ocean with a small eccentric crew and the young, very handsome, very kind Captain Reid will mark the real beginning of her adult life.
Although, yes, I'm a major Kelly Oram fan, this book was very different from what she usually writes. It's an adult book for starters. Well, not that adult. It's New Adult, but clean. Perfectly safe for minors to read. (And they should, just saying...) It's also co-written with her real life husband, which is awesome! Joni, Underway is what I like to call a quiet book. It tells a simple story without any unnecessary drama. Some people may find it boring, but I was so engrossed, I read it in one sitting. At night. Resulting in me having very few hours of sleep yet again. It's so beautifully written and the story is so uplifting, heartbreaking and swoon-worthy all at once. Yes, there are quite a few sad moments that made me tear up. But there are also moments I can't help but smile and laugh. And there are moments my heart just melts.
What I've always loved the most about Kelly's books are her characters. She always manages to create such realistic, fun and extremely likeable characters. I loved everyone in this book, however small their role was. The crew is just fantastic. Gordon, Murray, Star, Yvonne, Jim,... They're all so awesome! And oh my god, Reid. Oh Captain, my Captain. (You'll understand why I put in that reference when you've read the book.) He's so hot but also so kind and caring and awesome and I looooove him. I also loved Joni and I could relate to her a lot. She goes on quite the journey in this book and I loved following her every step of the way. Their romance is also quite perfect. Not too fast, not too slow. And the ending came way too soon. Like always with Kelly's books.
Joni, Underway is definitely a must-read for Kelly Oram fans. But also for all contemporary fans. It's a fun, sweet, emotional, heartbreaking and uplifting story that I loved very, very much. So go read it. Seriously.
This review is also (or -soon- will be) posted on Istyria book blog.
Wow. I mean... Wow. I love Kelly Oram, you know that if you've payed attention to this blog. She's one of my all time favorite authors and is waaaay on top of my author autobuy list next to Victoria Schwab, Marissa Meyer, Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo. But this book... it was soooo much more than I expected. This was perfection, guys.
Joni's life is good. She loves being an adult, living the college-life. She just finished her first year and will never again be called a freshmen. But then her brother dies in an accident and everything changes. Joni struggles to cope with the loss, guilt and anger she's feeling. The meddling of her friends and family isn't helping either. Then she gets the chance to go on the trip her brother had been planning and looking forward to for ages before he died. When she steps onto the sailboat called Lady Marguerite, the real adventure starts. The journey across the Atlantic Ocean with a small eccentric crew and the young, very handsome, very kind Captain Reid will mark the real beginning of her adult life.
Although, yes, I'm a major Kelly Oram fan, this book was very different from what she usually writes. It's an adult book for starters. Well, not that adult. It's New Adult, but clean. Perfectly safe for minors to read. (And they should, just saying...) It's also co-written with her real life husband, which is awesome! Joni, Underway is what I like to call a quiet book. It tells a simple story without any unnecessary drama. Some people may find it boring, but I was so engrossed, I read it in one sitting. At night. Resulting in me having very few hours of sleep yet again. It's so beautifully written and the story is so uplifting, heartbreaking and swoon-worthy all at once. Yes, there are quite a few sad moments that made me tear up. But there are also moments I can't help but smile and laugh. And there are moments my heart just melts.
What I've always loved the most about Kelly's books are her characters. She always manages to create such realistic, fun and extremely likeable characters. I loved everyone in this book, however small their role was. The crew is just fantastic. Gordon, Murray, Star, Yvonne, Jim,... They're all so awesome! And oh my god, Reid. Oh Captain, my Captain. (You'll understand why I put in that reference when you've read the book.) He's so hot but also so kind and caring and awesome and I looooove him. I also loved Joni and I could relate to her a lot. She goes on quite the journey in this book and I loved following her every step of the way. Their romance is also quite perfect. Not too fast, not too slow. And the ending came way too soon. Like always with Kelly's books.
Joni, Underway is definitely a must-read for Kelly Oram fans. But also for all contemporary fans. It's a fun, sweet, emotional, heartbreaking and uplifting story that I loved very, very much. So go read it. Seriously.
This review is also (or -soon- will be) posted on Istyria book blog.
October 27, 2015
I'm going to say 3.75
Fun fact: Statistically speaking, the hottest guys usually come from Scandinavia. Guess where Reid is from! Norway. Guess where that is! Scandinavia :D So statistically speaking, Reid is really hot!
I love Reid. He's so nice and...comforting, I guess. That's the best way to put it. He does this intense sailing trip once a year with a crew of people who have problems of some sort. In other words, this was a hospice cruise.
During this particular trip, there was a cancer patient and his best friend, and cancer survivor and her husband, a teenage girl who had a bad relationship with her parents and threatened to hurt herself, and Joni.
There is nothing wrong with Joni, but she wasn't supposed to be on that trip in the first place. Her brother was, but he died when he was hit by a car while biking a few weeks prior to the trip, which had already been paid for (non refundable). So Joni was convinced to take his place. What she didn't know was the whole "condition" thing and the purpose of the trip. There is nothing wrong with 28-year-old Reid by the way. He just runs the trip.
So on this trip Joni discovers that her brother, Andrew had glioblastoma, which was a terminal brain tumor. He had planned to go on this trip (Norway being the final destination). What his family didn't know (because he didn't tell them) was that it was going to be a one-way trip for him.
He was never going to make it back. Unfortunately, he was killed a few months before his time.
I think my biggest "dislike" was some of the dialogue. It was so fast-paced sometimes that there would be no pause to tell who was speaking in a conversation between three or more people. It was confusing and I often lost track of who was speaking.
I love how Joni grew as a character. She started out as this dumb judgmental college girl, but this trip with all different kinds of people made her grow. She was so much more mature and aware by the end. I know this irritated a some people about Joni, but hey! It's realistic. Not every person out there is perfect. Some are seriously screwed up. Others fall in between. Honestly, I wasn't surprised that this was Joni's character at first, because given what we know about her family, she didn't grow up in a very loving and nurturing household. Many times she felt judged, and that would lead her to being judgmental.
I also liked how the two old men were portrayed as racist based on their backgrounds. Thankfully, Murray put aside his hatred for Star by the end. I was sad to see him and Gordon go.
Also yay Tralse and Kyle Hamilton cameo!
I learned a lot about boats and sailing from this book! It was actually really cool.
I was a bit confused at the end when Joni decided to stay with Reid in Norway. Now she has to learn Norwegian....
I love how open minded Reid is. Though I must admit I did wonder at times how he fell for Joni. She was wayyyyy more immature than he was....at the beginning at least.
Also at times their relationship felt a bit rushed. There they were, focused on not getting into a relationship. Then they kiss. No big deal.
A few chapters later, they take it to fourth base, or the home-plate, or whatever you want to call it.
I was just sitting there like whoa wha' just happened?
The Queen of Diamonds I believe the big ship was called. The lady who owned it was Reid's boss?!? Nothing good could have come out of that! Thankfully they left quickly. But the scene when Jim re-proposed to his wife, Yvonne was soooooooo cute!!
I love Yvonne. She's probably my favorite character other than Reid, maybe.
Didn't like Megan. Not because she hit on Reid (that wasn't too pleasant either), but because she was such a jerk to everyone except Reid. She acted like a spoiled brat!
I have mixed feelings about Star. She was acting like a teenager, which she is. I think her parents may have been a bit harsh, but I also think the trip was good for her.
Overall, though, decent book!
Fun fact: Statistically speaking, the hottest guys usually come from Scandinavia. Guess where Reid is from! Norway. Guess where that is! Scandinavia :D So statistically speaking, Reid is really hot!
I love Reid. He's so nice and...comforting, I guess. That's the best way to put it. He does this intense sailing trip once a year with a crew of people who have problems of some sort. In other words, this was a hospice cruise.
During this particular trip, there was a cancer patient and his best friend, and cancer survivor and her husband, a teenage girl who had a bad relationship with her parents and threatened to hurt herself, and Joni.
There is nothing wrong with Joni, but she wasn't supposed to be on that trip in the first place. Her brother was, but he died when he was hit by a car while biking a few weeks prior to the trip, which had already been paid for (non refundable). So Joni was convinced to take his place. What she didn't know was the whole "condition" thing and the purpose of the trip. There is nothing wrong with 28-year-old Reid by the way. He just runs the trip.
So on this trip Joni discovers that her brother, Andrew had glioblastoma, which was a terminal brain tumor. He had planned to go on this trip (Norway being the final destination). What his family didn't know (because he didn't tell them) was that it was going to be a one-way trip for him.
He was never going to make it back. Unfortunately, he was killed a few months before his time.
I think my biggest "dislike" was some of the dialogue. It was so fast-paced sometimes that there would be no pause to tell who was speaking in a conversation between three or more people. It was confusing and I often lost track of who was speaking.
I love how Joni grew as a character. She started out as this dumb judgmental college girl, but this trip with all different kinds of people made her grow. She was so much more mature and aware by the end. I know this irritated a some people about Joni, but hey! It's realistic. Not every person out there is perfect. Some are seriously screwed up. Others fall in between. Honestly, I wasn't surprised that this was Joni's character at first, because given what we know about her family, she didn't grow up in a very loving and nurturing household. Many times she felt judged, and that would lead her to being judgmental.
I also liked how the two old men were portrayed as racist based on their backgrounds. Thankfully, Murray put aside his hatred for Star by the end. I was sad to see him and Gordon go.
Also yay Tralse and Kyle Hamilton cameo!
I learned a lot about boats and sailing from this book! It was actually really cool.
I was a bit confused at the end when Joni decided to stay with Reid in Norway. Now she has to learn Norwegian....
I love how open minded Reid is. Though I must admit I did wonder at times how he fell for Joni. She was wayyyyy more immature than he was....at the beginning at least.
Also at times their relationship felt a bit rushed. There they were, focused on not getting into a relationship. Then they kiss. No big deal.
A few chapters later, they take it to fourth base, or the home-plate, or whatever you want to call it.
I was just sitting there like whoa wha' just happened?
The Queen of Diamonds I believe the big ship was called. The lady who owned it was Reid's boss?!? Nothing good could have come out of that! Thankfully they left quickly. But the scene when Jim re-proposed to his wife, Yvonne was soooooooo cute!!
I love Yvonne. She's probably my favorite character other than Reid, maybe.
Didn't like Megan. Not because she hit on Reid (that wasn't too pleasant either), but because she was such a jerk to everyone except Reid. She acted like a spoiled brat!
I have mixed feelings about Star. She was acting like a teenager, which she is. I think her parents may have been a bit harsh, but I also think the trip was good for her.
Overall, though, decent book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2016
def make me wanna sail around the world :-)
November 15, 2019
Ik wil dit boek een hele sterrenregen geven. De personages hebben stuk voor stuk mijn hart gestolen. Dit boek lezen is als deel uit gaan maken van de bemanning (familie is wellicht een beter woord) aan boord van de M'lady Marguirite. Dit boek gaf mij all the feels>. Het einde raakte me zo diep dat ik al blubberend van emotie de laatste pagina omsloeg.
Echt een aanrader!
Echt een aanrader!
August 26, 2017
Rating: 3.8 of 5 stars
I became a fan of Kelly Oram after I've read V is for Virgin and fell in love with Kyle Hamilton. (Seriously that guy is yum!) So when I learned about Joni, Underway I didn't even have to know what it's about I just had to have it.
Honestly, I'm quite conflicted on how to rate the book. I highly enjoyed it but I have a lot of issues with the heroine.
It actually was a surprise to me how much I disliked Joni in the beginning. She was too self-involved, judgmental and selfish. It didn't seem like she cared that her brother is dead. I know we deal with grief in different ways but with Joni it just felt like she doesn't give a damn whatsoever and she'd rather have a pity party than to actually be with her mom so they could console each other. Joni acted so inconsiderate and immature. And when she met Reid she just got worse. It was insta-lust on Joni's part from the start. For a few chapters you couldn't get anything from her aside from her obsessing over Reid and thinking about what it's gonna be like if she kissed him. She couldn't spend a minute to think about her brother's death but she could go on and on and on about a guy she just met. Seriously Joni?! No. Just NO.
I almost DNF-ed the book because I was too annoyed with her. Fortunately I pushed through and the other half of the book showed a less annoying version of Joni although still a bit self-centered and judgmental.
I've read a lot of books where the protagonist goes on a road trip to find herself/himself. Joni, Underway is like that only much cooler. I mean, can you imagine how terrifying and exciting it would be to spend weeks on a boat to go someplace foreign with complete strangers for company? (Granted there's an extremely charming and hot captain but still.)
And speaking of hot captains... Reid is my favorite character. He has this profound way of thinking and looking at things. I just wanted to meet him personally and talk to him. Leave him in a roomful of strangers and he'd probably know all their life stories by the end of the day. He's the kind of guy who would make you feel like you're the most special person on the planet eventhough you've just met. I absolutely LOVE him.
I love how at times I was completely lost with all the boat lingo thrown my way. It just shows how much effort and research (or maybe the authors know all those firsthand?) was put in the writing to make it feel authentic to readers.
I was completely in awe with all the adventures I experienced with Joni, Reid and crew. I have never been on a cruise before and now I just know I have to be in one and experience what it's like. I just know it's going to be magical.
I like the diversity of the characters. They were broken, imperfect and flawed. They felt so real. But all endearing in their own unique way. Murray reminded me a lot of my grandparents. They too love telling stories when I was a kid and I've always been fascinated by them. I'm a quiet person so most of the time I'd rather listen to people speak than to talk myself. There's just something extremely invigorating in hearing people's stories and knowing more about their lives. It makes you feel closer to them somehow.
Joni, Underway is a great novel about life, friendship, family and finding yourself. It's a beautiful and heartfelt story full of life lessons that will resonate to its readers. A lot of times I found myself contemplating and reflecting while reading the book. If it weren’t for my issues with Joni at the start this book could have been perfect for me. But I love that I saw her go from an infuriating, self-centered, immature girl to someone who cares and is thoughtful and is accepting of other people’s faults.
Overall, Joni, Underway is unique, memorable, and uplifting.
I received an e-arc to read and review.
I became a fan of Kelly Oram after I've read V is for Virgin and fell in love with Kyle Hamilton. (Seriously that guy is yum!) So when I learned about Joni, Underway I didn't even have to know what it's about I just had to have it.
Honestly, I'm quite conflicted on how to rate the book. I highly enjoyed it but I have a lot of issues with the heroine.
It actually was a surprise to me how much I disliked Joni in the beginning. She was too self-involved, judgmental and selfish. It didn't seem like she cared that her brother is dead. I know we deal with grief in different ways but with Joni it just felt like she doesn't give a damn whatsoever and she'd rather have a pity party than to actually be with her mom so they could console each other. Joni acted so inconsiderate and immature. And when she met Reid she just got worse. It was insta-lust on Joni's part from the start. For a few chapters you couldn't get anything from her aside from her obsessing over Reid and thinking about what it's gonna be like if she kissed him. She couldn't spend a minute to think about her brother's death but she could go on and on and on about a guy she just met. Seriously Joni?! No. Just NO.
I almost DNF-ed the book because I was too annoyed with her. Fortunately I pushed through and the other half of the book showed a less annoying version of Joni although still a bit self-centered and judgmental.
I've read a lot of books where the protagonist goes on a road trip to find herself/himself. Joni, Underway is like that only much cooler. I mean, can you imagine how terrifying and exciting it would be to spend weeks on a boat to go someplace foreign with complete strangers for company? (Granted there's an extremely charming and hot captain but still.)
And speaking of hot captains... Reid is my favorite character. He has this profound way of thinking and looking at things. I just wanted to meet him personally and talk to him. Leave him in a roomful of strangers and he'd probably know all their life stories by the end of the day. He's the kind of guy who would make you feel like you're the most special person on the planet eventhough you've just met. I absolutely LOVE him.
I love how at times I was completely lost with all the boat lingo thrown my way. It just shows how much effort and research (or maybe the authors know all those firsthand?) was put in the writing to make it feel authentic to readers.
I was completely in awe with all the adventures I experienced with Joni, Reid and crew. I have never been on a cruise before and now I just know I have to be in one and experience what it's like. I just know it's going to be magical.
I like the diversity of the characters. They were broken, imperfect and flawed. They felt so real. But all endearing in their own unique way. Murray reminded me a lot of my grandparents. They too love telling stories when I was a kid and I've always been fascinated by them. I'm a quiet person so most of the time I'd rather listen to people speak than to talk myself. There's just something extremely invigorating in hearing people's stories and knowing more about their lives. It makes you feel closer to them somehow.
Joni, Underway is a great novel about life, friendship, family and finding yourself. It's a beautiful and heartfelt story full of life lessons that will resonate to its readers. A lot of times I found myself contemplating and reflecting while reading the book. If it weren’t for my issues with Joni at the start this book could have been perfect for me. But I love that I saw her go from an infuriating, self-centered, immature girl to someone who cares and is thoughtful and is accepting of other people’s faults.
Overall, Joni, Underway is unique, memorable, and uplifting.
I received an e-arc to read and review.
September 4, 2015
(3.5 Stars) The story begins with a losing win for Joni in a critical college softball game and that seems to be a theme throughout this coming of age story. Joni immerses herself in school and sports, while distancing herself from her family. Joni comes across as very mature, but she's still growing up. The party scene, hook ups, drama, and outward appearances aren't her thing and her friends are always urging her to find her thing. Life as she knows it changes completely when her brother suddenly dies. A big trip that he had planned falls into her lap and at the spur of the moment, she goes in his place--a trip that changes her whole life and helps her find her groove.
Captain Reid is young, good looking, and full of wisdom from his vast life experiences in such a short existence. The handful of people on board are very unique, different, and there for their own reasons, which are gradually made known. This unlikely crew forms a bond through their good times and trials and that bond wrapped itself around my heart. We have an interracial couple, two old timer Korean war vets who are very salty and crude, yet like big teddy bears, a young teen who is trying to figure herself out, and Joni and the captain. Each person brings something to the story through their personalities and lessons learned and contributes a lot to Joni's overall growth.
I really enjoyed the setting--a cruise from Maine to Norway--and everything that happens in between. I grew to like the characters a lot and loved watching friendships form. The ending is full of twists that had my emotions on a roller coaster, leaving me unsure how to feel. Great story by this husband-wife duo!
Of course, I wish there was less language and innuendo, but with the types of characters involved, those things made it more realistic. It wouldn't have been the same story without those elements.
Content: moderate language (a few words used a lot--not the offensive one); mild violence/moments of peril; moderate romantic elements (non descriptive talk of hook ups, 2-3 non-descriptive scenes involving no clothes, kissing/making out, hinting at same sex attraction). Technically clean, especially for the genre (new adult).
**I received a copy from Loving the Book tour group in exchange for an honest review**
Captain Reid is young, good looking, and full of wisdom from his vast life experiences in such a short existence. The handful of people on board are very unique, different, and there for their own reasons, which are gradually made known. This unlikely crew forms a bond through their good times and trials and that bond wrapped itself around my heart. We have an interracial couple, two old timer Korean war vets who are very salty and crude, yet like big teddy bears, a young teen who is trying to figure herself out, and Joni and the captain. Each person brings something to the story through their personalities and lessons learned and contributes a lot to Joni's overall growth.
I really enjoyed the setting--a cruise from Maine to Norway--and everything that happens in between. I grew to like the characters a lot and loved watching friendships form. The ending is full of twists that had my emotions on a roller coaster, leaving me unsure how to feel. Great story by this husband-wife duo!
Of course, I wish there was less language and innuendo, but with the types of characters involved, those things made it more realistic. It wouldn't have been the same story without those elements.
Content: moderate language (a few words used a lot--not the offensive one); mild violence/moments of peril; moderate romantic elements (non descriptive talk of hook ups, 2-3 non-descriptive scenes involving no clothes, kissing/making out, hinting at same sex attraction). Technically clean, especially for the genre (new adult).
**I received a copy from Loving the Book tour group in exchange for an honest review**
November 20, 2018
ARC
Joni, Underway begins when something happens in Joni's life to throw it off course. Now, she ends up taking an unexpected cruise trip across the ocean. The only problems are it's not the kind of cruise you would picture, for one. And for another she still has some issues to deal with. Oh, and the "Captain" is really hot, and she can't seem to stay away from him even though he's kind of off limits for the next five weeks.
As Joni, and her new friends journey across the ocean each of them starts to learn new things about the world, love, and friendship. And Joni more than anyone learns a lot.
This book was truly different from anything I've ever read before. It had lots of humor, some sweet romance, but it also had a really detailed beautiful story of a young woman trying to find her way, but extremely different than most stories.
I adored this book! It is for sure one of my recommend reads now!
Joni, Underway begins when something happens in Joni's life to throw it off course. Now, she ends up taking an unexpected cruise trip across the ocean. The only problems are it's not the kind of cruise you would picture, for one. And for another she still has some issues to deal with. Oh, and the "Captain" is really hot, and she can't seem to stay away from him even though he's kind of off limits for the next five weeks.
As Joni, and her new friends journey across the ocean each of them starts to learn new things about the world, love, and friendship. And Joni more than anyone learns a lot.
This book was truly different from anything I've ever read before. It had lots of humor, some sweet romance, but it also had a really detailed beautiful story of a young woman trying to find her way, but extremely different than most stories.
I adored this book! It is for sure one of my recommend reads now!
December 28, 2015
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Okay, I'm getting emotional. Why is this book as deep as the Marianas Trench? Holy M'Lady.
Well, the last few pages felt more of an epilogue, actually, and maybe it was and I just didn't notice the sign because this is the kind of book you skip sleep for (even if you have an exam in History the next day and you never listened to your professor in History.) This is such a fast read actually, and a crazy sail for that matter.
Let's move on to the characters.
**HOLD ON I NEED TO FIX MY LIFE (aka part two of apartment hunting) SO REVIEW TO COME LATER**
Okay, I'm getting emotional. Why is this book as deep as the Marianas Trench? Holy M'Lady.
Well, the last few pages felt more of an epilogue, actually, and maybe it was and I just didn't notice the sign because this is the kind of book you skip sleep for (even if you have an exam in History the next day and you never listened to your professor in History.) This is such a fast read actually, and a crazy sail for that matter.
Let's move on to the characters.
**HOLD ON I NEED TO FIX MY LIFE (aka part two of apartment hunting) SO REVIEW TO COME LATER**
May 31, 2016
I love sailing, even though I've had very few opportunities to actually do it. I can't imagine a more romantic place to fall in love . . . at sea on a tiny boat. Even though it's a love story, I think it's also a book about self-discovery. This was very different from the other Kelly Oram books I've read. The characters and story had much more depth. Every character had his or her own story, and they were all well-developed. Even though it took me a little longer to read this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it.
July 27, 2016
Tears. Laughter. Catharsis. Coming of age. Growth. Really well done.
March 16, 2019
Joni Monday has just finished her freshman year a Arizona State and plans to stay on campus for the summer, even though her mother and her older brother, Andrew, live only a short distance away. Then she gets word that Andrew has been killed by a car while riding his bike, so now there’s a funeral to go to. But Joni gets a call from a travel agent that Andrew had a paid-up ocean tour scheduled, departing from Maine in a few days, and does she want to claim the berth and go in his stead? She’s picturing a floating palace, Carnival-style, but the boat turns out to be a 35-foot ketch with a crew of two -- or one, now that Andrew’s dead. The captain is a good-looking young Norwegian, which is what decides her to go along -- even though she’s warned that she’ll be training to be the First Mate. The other half-dozen paying passengers are an odd bunch, but they’re all there for reasons similar to her brother’s -- reasons I can’t divulge for obvious reasons, but which make this beautifully written YA novel considerably more than a romance (though there’s that, too). It’s a very thoughtful story with deep meanings threaded through it and as Joni and the reader continue to make one small discovery after another, you’ll find it impossible to put down. Highly recommended.
January 23, 2018
Have you ever said wow after reading a book? A warm wow, not eerie wow? That's what I said at the last page of this book. I feel content and full, my heart and my mind is full.
After reading a lot of books in romance, I can catch a feeling how good the book will be at the end of chapter 1. With so many authors write romance genre, I find that some authors are trapped to follow certain path / plot and that path bores me. So, books that course through different path are enjoyable, especially if the author takes time to do research about background info and data. These kind of books make me rich with new knowledge.
Joni, Underway is one of those kinds. I get interesting facts about sailing, scuba diving, family relationships, people care, life around WW 2, midnight sun and Korean War. Of course this book is also about a girl meet a boy and how they face life with its ups and downs.
I am happy for returning to read another Kelly Oram book and this time with her husband, Jonathan Harrow.
PS. It's so much fun to read a mention about Kyle Hamilton (V is for Virgin, A is for Abstinence).
After reading a lot of books in romance, I can catch a feeling how good the book will be at the end of chapter 1. With so many authors write romance genre, I find that some authors are trapped to follow certain path / plot and that path bores me. So, books that course through different path are enjoyable, especially if the author takes time to do research about background info and data. These kind of books make me rich with new knowledge.
Joni, Underway is one of those kinds. I get interesting facts about sailing, scuba diving, family relationships, people care, life around WW 2, midnight sun and Korean War. Of course this book is also about a girl meet a boy and how they face life with its ups and downs.
I am happy for returning to read another Kelly Oram book and this time with her husband, Jonathan Harrow.
PS. It's so much fun to read a mention about Kyle Hamilton (V is for Virgin, A is for Abstinence).
April 13, 2018
Wow
-‘I smiled back, and I knew I could easily crush on him; I knew I would crush on him, whether I wanted to or not. The truth was, he simply left no other choice.’-
So many, “I didn’t see that coming...” statements hit me as I read this book. As always, author Kelly Oram was masterful in telling this story. Maturely written. Touching. Heart-wrenching. Beautiful. When you laugh, and you cry, and you feel everything in-between- that’s when you know - it’s a good book. Well worth reading. I’m so glad I got this book. Do yourself a favour: read it.
-‘I smiled back, and I knew I could easily crush on him; I knew I would crush on him, whether I wanted to or not. The truth was, he simply left no other choice.’-
So many, “I didn’t see that coming...” statements hit me as I read this book. As always, author Kelly Oram was masterful in telling this story. Maturely written. Touching. Heart-wrenching. Beautiful. When you laugh, and you cry, and you feel everything in-between- that’s when you know - it’s a good book. Well worth reading. I’m so glad I got this book. Do yourself a favour: read it.
June 8, 2020
Kelly Oram's best!
I've read this book twice now. It got better the second time. Other reviews can cover the synopsis. I'll leave that alone. But if it matters to you, as it does to me, there are only a few editing errors (i.e. breath instead of breathe). You will enjoy this story.
I've read this book twice now. It got better the second time. Other reviews can cover the synopsis. I'll leave that alone. But if it matters to you, as it does to me, there are only a few editing errors (i.e. breath instead of breathe). You will enjoy this story.
July 2, 2021
I liked this book but about half way through I realized that I don’t know much about Joni. Seeing how she is the narrator of the book that’s a little weird. I liked that the trip became one of self discovery in a way I would have liked an epilogue of some sort saying what happens to all the characters. Contains: mild language, some racist dialogue, kisses.
August 21, 2022
"...Joni, Underway es un libro lleno de amor; amor por la familia, los amigos, y esa persona se cruza en nuestros caminos y se convierte en especial. Es un viaje para madurar y darnos cuenta que lo que hacemos por los demás, día a día, va cosechando sus frutos..."
Reseña completa en: http://wordsfeather-books.blogspot.co...
December 3, 2016
Touched my heart
Such a beautiful story about how valuable life lessons told in a way that truly touched my heart on so many levels.
Such a beautiful story about how valuable life lessons told in a way that truly touched my heart on so many levels.
September 18, 2017
rtc (maybe)
(is it to late to ask Kelly to adopt me?)
(is it to late to ask Kelly to adopt me?)
Read
May 17, 2021DNF
I normally adore Kelly Orams writing so what the heck happened here?
I normally adore Kelly Orams writing so what the heck happened here?
April 26, 2022
I love this book. Simple as that. And it’s makes going on a sailing trip sound like something I’d wanna do now.
March 13, 2017
This review is also available on my blog, Bows & Bullets Reviews
Joni Monday was a character I could definitely relate to almost immediately. She’s floundering a bit in life. She’s in college, pursuing a career in graphic design that she isn’t really that passionate about. She soldiers on and plays softball. Softball is something else she isn’t very passionate about. There isn’t much in her life that she shows passion towards. When her brother dies unexpectedly, she is upset, but she hadn’t spoken to her brother in several years. They weren’t very close, especially towards the end of his life. Suddenly she is offered his all expense paid trip around the world on a boat. With little preparation, she jumps a plan to set off on this unsure adventure. That adventure changes her whole life. It changes her perspective. It finally introduces her to someone who is very passionate about things. More about him later though. Joni herself finds something to be passionate about. She finds something she really enjoys, not that she does just because she needs to move her life forward.
The someone who is passionate about things is Reid. He is the captain of the boat Joni boards. He is smart and (very) attractive and confident in all things. The way he commands the boat and the people upon it just put me in awe almost immediately. I read a lot of YA fiction and one thing that lacks is characters (male or female) who are confident in themselves without being cocky. So that was very refreshing for me to see. Beyond that, once you learn more about this trip they are on and it’s purpose, it makes me weak in the knees. What Reid is doing is such a powerful thing and it’s so commendable that I wouldn’t have words even if I could mention it properly without giving away spoilers.
Beyond the main two, there is an entire (small) boat full of cast members. There are two old men, a bi-racial couple, and a teenage Asian girl. They are all aboard for different reasons, but also for similar reasons. It was a very diverse, interesting cast. Each character had their own set of flaws and strengths. Each character felt very well developed and rounded out.
Joni, Underway was a very interesting novel to have the pleasure of reading. I am a very big fan of Kelly Oram’s young adult work, so when she announced she was writing an adult novel, I knew I’d have to read it. It didn’t disappoint. I can’t say I like it better than her YA (because those are perfect), but it was definitely an enjoyable read. As you’ll see Kelly mention in the interview below, adult contemporary moves at a slower pace than YA and it’s much more detailed. In YA, you can glance over some details because they don’t matter to teens, but adults pay more attention. That slower pace means it took longer for me to really get into the novel. I was interested in it and I wanted to see where it went, but it didn’t quite hook me in the beginning. That’s part of why it got four stars instead of five. The other big reasons was character death. In context, they were inevitable, but that doesn’t mean I have to be happy about them!
All in all, I definitely enjoyed this novel. I think Kelly Oram and Jonathan Harrow make an excellent writing team and I will be sure to keep my eyes open for any work they decide to collaborate on in the future. This is a well-written novel about a girl finding herself at sea. It’s smart, it’s funny, it’s got a plot-twist or two I didn’t see coming. What more could you ask for?
Joni Monday was a character I could definitely relate to almost immediately. She’s floundering a bit in life. She’s in college, pursuing a career in graphic design that she isn’t really that passionate about. She soldiers on and plays softball. Softball is something else she isn’t very passionate about. There isn’t much in her life that she shows passion towards. When her brother dies unexpectedly, she is upset, but she hadn’t spoken to her brother in several years. They weren’t very close, especially towards the end of his life. Suddenly she is offered his all expense paid trip around the world on a boat. With little preparation, she jumps a plan to set off on this unsure adventure. That adventure changes her whole life. It changes her perspective. It finally introduces her to someone who is very passionate about things. More about him later though. Joni herself finds something to be passionate about. She finds something she really enjoys, not that she does just because she needs to move her life forward.
The someone who is passionate about things is Reid. He is the captain of the boat Joni boards. He is smart and (very) attractive and confident in all things. The way he commands the boat and the people upon it just put me in awe almost immediately. I read a lot of YA fiction and one thing that lacks is characters (male or female) who are confident in themselves without being cocky. So that was very refreshing for me to see. Beyond that, once you learn more about this trip they are on and it’s purpose, it makes me weak in the knees. What Reid is doing is such a powerful thing and it’s so commendable that I wouldn’t have words even if I could mention it properly without giving away spoilers.
Beyond the main two, there is an entire (small) boat full of cast members. There are two old men, a bi-racial couple, and a teenage Asian girl. They are all aboard for different reasons, but also for similar reasons. It was a very diverse, interesting cast. Each character had their own set of flaws and strengths. Each character felt very well developed and rounded out.
Joni, Underway was a very interesting novel to have the pleasure of reading. I am a very big fan of Kelly Oram’s young adult work, so when she announced she was writing an adult novel, I knew I’d have to read it. It didn’t disappoint. I can’t say I like it better than her YA (because those are perfect), but it was definitely an enjoyable read. As you’ll see Kelly mention in the interview below, adult contemporary moves at a slower pace than YA and it’s much more detailed. In YA, you can glance over some details because they don’t matter to teens, but adults pay more attention. That slower pace means it took longer for me to really get into the novel. I was interested in it and I wanted to see where it went, but it didn’t quite hook me in the beginning. That’s part of why it got four stars instead of five. The other big reasons was character death. In context, they were inevitable, but that doesn’t mean I have to be happy about them!
All in all, I definitely enjoyed this novel. I think Kelly Oram and Jonathan Harrow make an excellent writing team and I will be sure to keep my eyes open for any work they decide to collaborate on in the future. This is a well-written novel about a girl finding herself at sea. It’s smart, it’s funny, it’s got a plot-twist or two I didn’t see coming. What more could you ask for?
September 16, 2016
I was really looking forward to read this story because this is the very first adult (ahem, not x-rated) book from Kelly Oram which she co-written with her husband, Jonathan Harrow. I haven’t actually read anything from her husband yet (though maybe it wouldn’t hurt to check it out too) so I really don’t have any idea what to expect.
In its first few chapters, I keep on going back to its cover just to make sure that I am reading the correct book. Because honestly, I can’t read any Kelly from it. I can’t even relate on what they are talking about. (Sorry, I’m not a water traveler kind of girl) This book is more descriptive that I thought, which I assume was Jonathan Harrow’s way of writing. But when I reached the part where Joni mentioned the band Tralse (from V is for Virgin and A is for Abstinence book by Kelly Oram), my oh my! This is the Kelly Oram that I’ve been looking for. So yeah, starting on that part, I’ve gotten aware that Kelly is a co-author of this book too, haha.
Just as what most of the reviews I’ve read in goodreads says, I highly agree that this is an incredibly written book, though my 4-star rating wouldn’t agree on it, haha. Sorry, but my remaining one star was busy wandering, which I would tell you why later. This book will give you quite a wonderful lesson about life, relationship, family, racism, and even death. Yeah, I know death is a grim topic, but this book wouldn’t let you feel that way (well, that’s for me, not sure if it will be the same for you too hehe) because it incorporates some fun scenes too, which I give the honor to Kelly Oram. You see, you wouldn’t just learn something but it’ll also entertain you. That’s absolutely the reason why I love this book, not just because she’s my favorite. (see, I plead no guilty of favoritism here)
I’ve got to admit that while reading its first few chapters, I’ve got this notion that this book will only contain some life lessons with a little entertainment. So right there and then, I drop the idea of having a romance thingy added in it. But dang! I was wrong, which I am very pleased ofcourse, haha. Well, you know me, I’m such a sucker for romance, particularly Kelly’s romance books. But even if there’s a romance added in it, this book didn’t stir away from its main purpose, which is to give its readers a lesson that we can ponder to. Normally, I would have not like it, but dang! You can’t just hate a book like this. I don’t know how to say how much I appreciate this book so, I’ll just give it to you to find it yourself. (*wink)
And the most awaited part, the missing one star. Well, I’ve never been a fan of descriptive stories, and this book is quite full of it. So yeah, that’s my only reason. Haha. See? So trivial, so just ignore the missing one star and read this story. It will be worth your time and money.
If I’ve managed to convince you, please come back and share how you find the story eh? *wink
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Read my full review blog post
>> Buy Joni, Underway (Kindle)**
>> Buy Joni, Underway (Paperback)
To read more of my reviews, book news and updates:
Main Blog: Blushing Geek
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In its first few chapters, I keep on going back to its cover just to make sure that I am reading the correct book. Because honestly, I can’t read any Kelly from it. I can’t even relate on what they are talking about. (Sorry, I’m not a water traveler kind of girl) This book is more descriptive that I thought, which I assume was Jonathan Harrow’s way of writing. But when I reached the part where Joni mentioned the band Tralse (from V is for Virgin and A is for Abstinence book by Kelly Oram), my oh my! This is the Kelly Oram that I’ve been looking for. So yeah, starting on that part, I’ve gotten aware that Kelly is a co-author of this book too, haha.
Just as what most of the reviews I’ve read in goodreads says, I highly agree that this is an incredibly written book, though my 4-star rating wouldn’t agree on it, haha. Sorry, but my remaining one star was busy wandering, which I would tell you why later. This book will give you quite a wonderful lesson about life, relationship, family, racism, and even death. Yeah, I know death is a grim topic, but this book wouldn’t let you feel that way (well, that’s for me, not sure if it will be the same for you too hehe) because it incorporates some fun scenes too, which I give the honor to Kelly Oram. You see, you wouldn’t just learn something but it’ll also entertain you. That’s absolutely the reason why I love this book, not just because she’s my favorite. (see, I plead no guilty of favoritism here)
I’ve got to admit that while reading its first few chapters, I’ve got this notion that this book will only contain some life lessons with a little entertainment. So right there and then, I drop the idea of having a romance thingy added in it. But dang! I was wrong, which I am very pleased ofcourse, haha. Well, you know me, I’m such a sucker for romance, particularly Kelly’s romance books. But even if there’s a romance added in it, this book didn’t stir away from its main purpose, which is to give its readers a lesson that we can ponder to. Normally, I would have not like it, but dang! You can’t just hate a book like this. I don’t know how to say how much I appreciate this book so, I’ll just give it to you to find it yourself. (*wink)
And the most awaited part, the missing one star. Well, I’ve never been a fan of descriptive stories, and this book is quite full of it. So yeah, that’s my only reason. Haha. See? So trivial, so just ignore the missing one star and read this story. It will be worth your time and money.
If I’ve managed to convince you, please come back and share how you find the story eh? *wink
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Read my full review blog post
>> Buy Joni, Underway (Kindle)**
>> Buy Joni, Underway (Paperback)
To read more of my reviews, book news and updates:
Main Blog: Blushing Geek
Facebook Page
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August 23, 2015
Slept was lost. Work was put aside. Smiles were huge. Laughter was loud. Heart was broken. Heart was healed. Tears were shed. Spirits were lifted. Love was real. I don't really remember the last time a book affected me this much, but this book did all kinds of things to my heart, and there it has lodged itself forever.
I cannot fully explain all the emotions I had for this book. THE. FEELS. GUYS. The tears were just flowing during the last three chapters, which I think is the best part because I'm such a huge fan of perfect endings. I have loved this book from beginning to end. It was unique and uplifting. I will admit that it has been a long time since a book has made me feel smiley and giddy and all the feels of just wanting to read the book but hug it at the same time. I wanted to simultaneously finish it and make it last forever, which I guess I can by re-reading it in the future.
Kelly Oram has always been a favorite author of mine. I've literally read and re-read all of her released books, and she now has 10 under her belt and more coming, including this one. But I expected this one to be different. She said it herself. Also, she wrote it with her husband, which was pretty cool. And it didn't even feel like it was written by two people because the whole tone of the book was consistent throughout. I guess their marriage is beautiful both in relationship and authorship. I haven't read anything from Jonathan Harrow, but I do believe that they should collaborate more often.
Like I said, this book is different from Kelly Oram's previous books, and it is a really good different. I still felt like I was reading from her, but it just felt so much more. It was funny and quirky with an interesting and entertaining set of characters. It pulls on the heartstrings with love, grief, and everything in between. It's kind of strange and beautiful that your happy and hurting in one chapter or a couple. Joni, Underway was just book magic.
Now, I was debating whether I should say anything about the characters or the plot, but I feel like those should be left as surprises. I'm a big believer in going in blind, and I swear that this book would be so much better with it. The cover and synopsis are there anyway so I guess you already have an idea what it's all about. I know that the synopsis might feel like this is something that has written before, but believe me, because I have read a lot of contemporaries and maybe some similar concepts, it is extraordinary.
And this is your lucky day, because it's out now on Amazon so go and buy it. Quick! Also, it some really nice book art. ;) :PThis review was originally posted on Not So Literary! Book Blog
The cavities left in our hearts from suffering will not stay cavities long, but instead become containers, to be filled with stronger stuff.
I cannot fully explain all the emotions I had for this book. THE. FEELS. GUYS. The tears were just flowing during the last three chapters, which I think is the best part because I'm such a huge fan of perfect endings. I have loved this book from beginning to end. It was unique and uplifting. I will admit that it has been a long time since a book has made me feel smiley and giddy and all the feels of just wanting to read the book but hug it at the same time. I wanted to simultaneously finish it and make it last forever, which I guess I can by re-reading it in the future.
Kelly Oram has always been a favorite author of mine. I've literally read and re-read all of her released books, and she now has 10 under her belt and more coming, including this one. But I expected this one to be different. She said it herself. Also, she wrote it with her husband, which was pretty cool. And it didn't even feel like it was written by two people because the whole tone of the book was consistent throughout. I guess their marriage is beautiful both in relationship and authorship. I haven't read anything from Jonathan Harrow, but I do believe that they should collaborate more often.
Like I said, this book is different from Kelly Oram's previous books, and it is a really good different. I still felt like I was reading from her, but it just felt so much more. It was funny and quirky with an interesting and entertaining set of characters. It pulls on the heartstrings with love, grief, and everything in between. It's kind of strange and beautiful that your happy and hurting in one chapter or a couple. Joni, Underway was just book magic.
Now, I was debating whether I should say anything about the characters or the plot, but I feel like those should be left as surprises. I'm a big believer in going in blind, and I swear that this book would be so much better with it. The cover and synopsis are there anyway so I guess you already have an idea what it's all about. I know that the synopsis might feel like this is something that has written before, but believe me, because I have read a lot of contemporaries and maybe some similar concepts, it is extraordinary.
And this is your lucky day, because it's out now on Amazon so go and buy it. Quick! Also, it some really nice book art. ;) :PThis review was originally posted on Not So Literary! Book Blog
March 21, 2026
DNF at 28%--which I didn't expect, because I usually love Kelly Oram.
I think this book is trying to be diverse, but I'm finding a lot of it really problematic. Let me give just a few examples from what made me cringe in the short amount of the book I actually read:
- Nish, the Indian guy who escorts Joni to where she'll take the cruise. He has a thick Indian accent and Joni thinks several odd things when meeting him--for example, he might be Middle Eastern or Indian, but she's not good at identifying those things, aww shucks. Then, again, when Nish asks if she knows the city he's from. She has this totally unnecessary inner thought butchering the name and very sarcastically assuming she'd never know it. Reid, the male love interest, later makes fun of Nish and his whole spiel, which Nish apparently does all the time. And, more annoying than problematic, but Nish goes on this long tangent about how to pronounce his name. We got it the first time when Joni clarified how she heard it, thanks.
- Joni notes her surprise that Yvonne, a black woman, is married to Jim, a white man. Just feels like such a wasted opportunity. Why can't she be surprised but also pleased, or better yet, not surprised at all, and just find it refreshing?
- Star is an Asian girl whose appearance apparently reeks of "painful introvert." Can we stop with this, please. The character she chooses to introduce when they all go around talking about themselves is Pedobear, which I've never heard of but is some kind of Internet thing, apparently. I just didn't enjoy any of this. (Apparently, according to another reviewer, Star isn't actually Asian? But I only read the chapter where she was introduced, basically, and that was the impression I got. Just saying, it seems like more than one reader saw that, so maybe the problem was the writing, unless we're all just skimming because we're not interested enough.)
In addition to these problems, which made me really uncomfortable, I didn't particularly like Joni as a character, I found the writing awkward, and it was boring. I feel like all it did was talk about stuff that wasn't particularly interesting for a long time (detailed descriptions of sailing--which granted, I would actually be interested in, if it had been written more interestingly; time ruminating on Reid's apparent attractiveness, which felt awkward because of the weird writing; etc.).
I think this book is trying to be diverse, but I'm finding a lot of it really problematic. Let me give just a few examples from what made me cringe in the short amount of the book I actually read:
- Nish, the Indian guy who escorts Joni to where she'll take the cruise. He has a thick Indian accent and Joni thinks several odd things when meeting him--for example, he might be Middle Eastern or Indian, but she's not good at identifying those things, aww shucks. Then, again, when Nish asks if she knows the city he's from. She has this totally unnecessary inner thought butchering the name and very sarcastically assuming she'd never know it. Reid, the male love interest, later makes fun of Nish and his whole spiel, which Nish apparently does all the time. And, more annoying than problematic, but Nish goes on this long tangent about how to pronounce his name. We got it the first time when Joni clarified how she heard it, thanks.
- Joni notes her surprise that Yvonne, a black woman, is married to Jim, a white man. Just feels like such a wasted opportunity. Why can't she be surprised but also pleased, or better yet, not surprised at all, and just find it refreshing?
- Star is an Asian girl whose appearance apparently reeks of "painful introvert." Can we stop with this, please. The character she chooses to introduce when they all go around talking about themselves is Pedobear, which I've never heard of but is some kind of Internet thing, apparently. I just didn't enjoy any of this. (Apparently, according to another reviewer, Star isn't actually Asian? But I only read the chapter where she was introduced, basically, and that was the impression I got. Just saying, it seems like more than one reader saw that, so maybe the problem was the writing, unless we're all just skimming because we're not interested enough.)
In addition to these problems, which made me really uncomfortable, I didn't particularly like Joni as a character, I found the writing awkward, and it was boring. I feel like all it did was talk about stuff that wasn't particularly interesting for a long time (detailed descriptions of sailing--which granted, I would actually be interested in, if it had been written more interestingly; time ruminating on Reid's apparent attractiveness, which felt awkward because of the weird writing; etc.).
April 15, 2017
A quietly powerful, reluctantly romantic, drily humorous and deeply moving book!
I suspected right away that it was mostly Jonathan Harrows "baby" because it is written quite differently from Kelly Orams other books - but equally fantastic! It had a slow build up - both with the relationships and the dramatic events - but it steadily pulled me along until I was suddenly hooked and didn't even know how or when it had happened! LOL :) You could say this story sneaked up on me. When I started reading I didn't think I would like it this much. But by the time I approached the end I found myself slowing down, wanting to draw it out. Now, looking back I have to say I loved every second of it. The slightly eccentric but loveable characters, the sometimes funny sometimes thoughtful dialogue, the setting on a sailing vessel and all the sailing tidbits explained in a way that even I - a technically challenged person - could understand. I even cried a little at the end and wished the story would go on because I didn't want to let go of the characters. Without a doubt this book will stay on my mind for a long time!
This was a wonderful coming-of-age story with lots of thoughtful moments about life and love, living and dying. The lessons Joni is taking away from her journey are things I will think about as well: Take action, help yourself. Love - of any kind - isn't always easy, but it's worth it. Sometimes you have to lose to win. And most importantly, the what and the where will never matter as much as the who.
Read this book, you won't regret it! It made me want to go on a sailing trip myself, although I don't know the first thing about boats and am pretty terrified of deep waters and high waves. :)
I suspected right away that it was mostly Jonathan Harrows "baby" because it is written quite differently from Kelly Orams other books - but equally fantastic! It had a slow build up - both with the relationships and the dramatic events - but it steadily pulled me along until I was suddenly hooked and didn't even know how or when it had happened! LOL :) You could say this story sneaked up on me. When I started reading I didn't think I would like it this much. But by the time I approached the end I found myself slowing down, wanting to draw it out. Now, looking back I have to say I loved every second of it. The slightly eccentric but loveable characters, the sometimes funny sometimes thoughtful dialogue, the setting on a sailing vessel and all the sailing tidbits explained in a way that even I - a technically challenged person - could understand. I even cried a little at the end and wished the story would go on because I didn't want to let go of the characters. Without a doubt this book will stay on my mind for a long time!
This was a wonderful coming-of-age story with lots of thoughtful moments about life and love, living and dying. The lessons Joni is taking away from her journey are things I will think about as well: Take action, help yourself. Love - of any kind - isn't always easy, but it's worth it. Sometimes you have to lose to win. And most importantly, the what and the where will never matter as much as the who.
Read this book, you won't regret it! It made me want to go on a sailing trip myself, although I don't know the first thing about boats and am pretty terrified of deep waters and high waves. :)
March 27, 2016
I thought I was going to get a super sweet and funny romance, because Oram has always delivered that before, but with Joni, Underway, I got so much more. There were so many aspects of this story that touched my heart. I mean, the whole idea of what Reid organized. Wow! I was left sort of speechless. This "cruise" served a different purpose for each of its 7 passengers. Some found peace, some found closure, some found love, some found purpose, but all, all of the passengers were changed for the better.
Although this is not your typical Oram book, it still has her signature is that it is packed with amazing characters. Our main character, Joni, is carrying some emotional baggage that she is reluctant to acknowledge. However, after her brother dies in an accident, she takes his place on the "cruise" and her evolution begins! The Joni at the end of the book is very different from the Joni at the beginning of the books, and I really loved being a witness to her metamorphosis.
Then, there is Reid (swoon!). He is not perfect, but he is so special. He gives of himself freely and appreciates every experience. What he did for the people on his ship was so beautiful. Yeah, I totally shed some tears.
The secondary characters were all interesting and unique in their own way. Each was dealing with something and each of them made some sort of peace with that issue during the cruise.
I found this story sweet, touching, happy, sad and inspiring. I found myself doing a lot of introspection as I read Joni, Underway and I greatly enjoyed this book
Although this is not your typical Oram book, it still has her signature is that it is packed with amazing characters. Our main character, Joni, is carrying some emotional baggage that she is reluctant to acknowledge. However, after her brother dies in an accident, she takes his place on the "cruise" and her evolution begins! The Joni at the end of the book is very different from the Joni at the beginning of the books, and I really loved being a witness to her metamorphosis.
Then, there is Reid (swoon!). He is not perfect, but he is so special. He gives of himself freely and appreciates every experience. What he did for the people on his ship was so beautiful. Yeah, I totally shed some tears.
The secondary characters were all interesting and unique in their own way. Each was dealing with something and each of them made some sort of peace with that issue during the cruise.
I found this story sweet, touching, happy, sad and inspiring. I found myself doing a lot of introspection as I read Joni, Underway and I greatly enjoyed this book
August 31, 2015
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but I have to say, I was impressed.
We first meet Joni while she's in the middle of a college softball game that her team will win or lose depending on what she does at the plate. I loved her inner voice and how easy it was to relate to her and not wanting to screw up. During the aftermath of the game, however, Joni gets devastating news---her brother has been killed in a car accident.
That event turns her life upside down. She hadn't been close to her brother for years and now that chance was taken away forever. He'd been the traveler of the family and had an amazing trip planned that he was weeks away from taking before he was killed. Joni ends up going on the trip herself to escape everyone who is trying to help her cope with her loss. But it's on the sailing ship that she truly finds herself.
I loved the characters in this story with all their quirks and warts. Their personal stories and how they were all meshing into each other's lives kept me turning pages long after I should have been asleep. (For my gentle readers, there is some strong language.) I liked the growth in Joni's character, which only added to her relationship with Reid and how it evolved over the trip. *le sigh* (Reid was an amazing hero. Truly.) They all became family and with the way it was written, the reader became family along with them.
This is a story that will make you think about it long after you've read the end.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
We first meet Joni while she's in the middle of a college softball game that her team will win or lose depending on what she does at the plate. I loved her inner voice and how easy it was to relate to her and not wanting to screw up. During the aftermath of the game, however, Joni gets devastating news---her brother has been killed in a car accident.
That event turns her life upside down. She hadn't been close to her brother for years and now that chance was taken away forever. He'd been the traveler of the family and had an amazing trip planned that he was weeks away from taking before he was killed. Joni ends up going on the trip herself to escape everyone who is trying to help her cope with her loss. But it's on the sailing ship that she truly finds herself.
I loved the characters in this story with all their quirks and warts. Their personal stories and how they were all meshing into each other's lives kept me turning pages long after I should have been asleep. (For my gentle readers, there is some strong language.) I liked the growth in Joni's character, which only added to her relationship with Reid and how it evolved over the trip. *le sigh* (Reid was an amazing hero. Truly.) They all became family and with the way it was written, the reader became family along with them.
This is a story that will make you think about it long after you've read the end.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
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