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Waves
THERE’S NO SET ROUTE AFTER ALL. NO STRAIGHT ROAD. NO ONE PATH.
Alex is stuck. Stuck in Essex. Stuck in his childhood home. Stuck in a job he hates. The relationship he’d been counting on all these years has finally fallen apart. He’s run out of things to hope for.
Anxious, uncertain and totally sober, Alex is dragged to the Outer Hebrides by his long-suffering friend, James. Somewhere between the mountains and the sea, Alex is desperate to find something to ignite a spark of life in him again. Through castles, ceilidhs, bothies, lochs, vast beaches and tiny boats, chance meetings and old friends, Alex has to learn that maybe taking responsibility doesn’t mean the end of feeling free.
Alex is stuck. Stuck in Essex. Stuck in his childhood home. Stuck in a job he hates. The relationship he’d been counting on all these years has finally fallen apart. He’s run out of things to hope for.
Anxious, uncertain and totally sober, Alex is dragged to the Outer Hebrides by his long-suffering friend, James. Somewhere between the mountains and the sea, Alex is desperate to find something to ignite a spark of life in him again. Through castles, ceilidhs, bothies, lochs, vast beaches and tiny boats, chance meetings and old friends, Alex has to learn that maybe taking responsibility doesn’t mean the end of feeling free.
- GenresFiction
250 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2016
3 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 29, 2017
'Waves' is debut book by Jared A. Carnie and is a little gem of a book, pure beauty and escapism. It's a simple thought provoking tale of Alex and his best friend James on a road trip to visit James' family in the Outer Hebrides. Alex is trying to adjust to life in the aftermath of a life changing event. Whilst walking on the secluded sandy beaches and befriending a girl called Isobel he rediscovers life, his ambitions and himself. The author captures the relationship and banter with James flawlessly.
I adore all things Scottish and visit the Highlands of Scotland twice a year so could totally relate to all the beautiful descriptions of the Isle of Lewis and surrounding areas from the stunning scenery and crystal clear still waters to the star filled skies. Even the inevitable sheep blocking the narrow roads made me giggle.
I thoroughly enjoyed this atmospheric book, it was just so relaxing, peaceful and such an uplifting story that I would highly recommend all readers of general fiction to read this - you won't be disappointed. A beautiful 5 stars, I will definetly be reading more by Jared in the future.
I adore all things Scottish and visit the Highlands of Scotland twice a year so could totally relate to all the beautiful descriptions of the Isle of Lewis and surrounding areas from the stunning scenery and crystal clear still waters to the star filled skies. Even the inevitable sheep blocking the narrow roads made me giggle.
I thoroughly enjoyed this atmospheric book, it was just so relaxing, peaceful and such an uplifting story that I would highly recommend all readers of general fiction to read this - you won't be disappointed. A beautiful 5 stars, I will definetly be reading more by Jared in the future.
October 15, 2016
I received this eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion of the work.
Meet Alex. He is surprisingly sober and unsurprisingly introverted, but I suppose his sobriety doesn’t surprise me that much at all. When you feel like anxiety is consuming you through every pore and crevice of your body, why would you want to pollute your bloodstream with any more toxins? I found Alex’s neuroticism to be both reassuring and disgruntling. I was annoyed a little bit by his seemingly nonchalant attitude, but I also strongly related to the dismissive way he felt about most things. Perhaps I would not have felt so disgruntled if the story didn’t hit so close to home. Regardless, I enjoyed his narrative.
As a young girl, I used to write stories all day long. I was sure that I would become an author. I would end up writing 200, 300, 400-page novels, and yet, I never managed to complete one. Why? Because I couldn’t write an ending if my life depended on it. There I was, spending night after night writing stories about debatably “real people with real problems”, and praying to some vague spot in the sky that I could construct an ending that was something plausible. In real life, things don’t just end. Bad things happen, yes. Sometimes people make bad choices. Sometimes we get hurt. Sometimes the people we care about leave, or worse–they die. But life goes on and we digress. There was always this uncertainty that even I, the author, could never know what would happen to the characters after the last page was written. How could I know? And that’s what this book reminded me about. Things happen. Life goes on. A reader shouldn’t need inciting incidents or plot twists to stay involved in a story, but I understand that this type of literature is not everyone’s cup of tea.
I feel like Alex’s voice is very authentic and revealing about the author. We always write what we know, even if it comes from a very deep place within us. The character growth was minimal, but again, it happened organically and therefore realistically, which I greatly appreciated. Things sort of just happen, as they should, but this may also serve to remind us that sometimes we need to take initiative if we want something to change. If you’re feeling stuck, take a look at what is holding you back. What are you going to do about it?
Aptly named, reading Waves felt like I was sitting in an unknown coastal town, staring out into the water, contemplating all that Life is. This book is a steady reminder to take life one day at a time, and to also take that soul-searching trip away from the city you’re in. I promise it will be good for you. Take your hilariously drunk best friend with you. Take a few books (though I doubt you’ll end up reading any). And maybe make a great new friend while you’re out there.
“There’s no set route after all. No straight road. No one path.”There’s no crazy plot line. No inciting incident. No revealing climax. This is a real story about real life.
Meet Alex. He is surprisingly sober and unsurprisingly introverted, but I suppose his sobriety doesn’t surprise me that much at all. When you feel like anxiety is consuming you through every pore and crevice of your body, why would you want to pollute your bloodstream with any more toxins? I found Alex’s neuroticism to be both reassuring and disgruntling. I was annoyed a little bit by his seemingly nonchalant attitude, but I also strongly related to the dismissive way he felt about most things. Perhaps I would not have felt so disgruntled if the story didn’t hit so close to home. Regardless, I enjoyed his narrative.
As a young girl, I used to write stories all day long. I was sure that I would become an author. I would end up writing 200, 300, 400-page novels, and yet, I never managed to complete one. Why? Because I couldn’t write an ending if my life depended on it. There I was, spending night after night writing stories about debatably “real people with real problems”, and praying to some vague spot in the sky that I could construct an ending that was something plausible. In real life, things don’t just end. Bad things happen, yes. Sometimes people make bad choices. Sometimes we get hurt. Sometimes the people we care about leave, or worse–they die. But life goes on and we digress. There was always this uncertainty that even I, the author, could never know what would happen to the characters after the last page was written. How could I know? And that’s what this book reminded me about. Things happen. Life goes on. A reader shouldn’t need inciting incidents or plot twists to stay involved in a story, but I understand that this type of literature is not everyone’s cup of tea.
I feel like Alex’s voice is very authentic and revealing about the author. We always write what we know, even if it comes from a very deep place within us. The character growth was minimal, but again, it happened organically and therefore realistically, which I greatly appreciated. Things sort of just happen, as they should, but this may also serve to remind us that sometimes we need to take initiative if we want something to change. If you’re feeling stuck, take a look at what is holding you back. What are you going to do about it?
Aptly named, reading Waves felt like I was sitting in an unknown coastal town, staring out into the water, contemplating all that Life is. This book is a steady reminder to take life one day at a time, and to also take that soul-searching trip away from the city you’re in. I promise it will be good for you. Take your hilariously drunk best friend with you. Take a few books (though I doubt you’ll end up reading any). And maybe make a great new friend while you’re out there.
September 25, 2016
This book can be best described as a gentle book. There are no earth shattering events but in the course of the book a life is changed forever. Alex drifted into a job whilst his girlfriend went to Uni. He believed that they would marry when she graduated. That didn't happen. Now he is stuck in a rut. His friend James takes him to the Outer Hebrides to stay with his family for a week. The island and the people make Alex realise that there are always options.
A thoroughly nice read! Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read and review it.
A thoroughly nice read! Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read and review it.
May 29, 2020
This was a really nice, comforting read. I moved from England to Scotland years ago because my then-boyfriend was from here and I've never regretted it. This book captures the way that new places can give you a new perspective and outlook that you never even imagined possible. Plus, the descriptions of island life and of Scottish community spirit were lovely.
November 20, 2017
Waves is the debut novel by Jared A. Carnie and what a beautiful book it is.
The novel revolves around Alex and how he finds himself alone and lost in the world, in terms of his personal life, work, and personal identity. This book is about Alex finding out who he is and his place in the world.
The book begins by telling us about Alex's recent breakup with his long term girlfriend. His best friend James, whose family now live in the Outer Hebrides, comes to Alex's rescue and the two young men find themselves temporarily living in this beautiful part of the world. A place where Alex can plan his future and face his demons.
For me this book was pure escapism. I loved the descriptions of the beaches, the locals and Scottish life in general. The pace of life was much slower, more gentle and this impacted greatly upon Alex and the changes that he needed to make in his own life. Together with the calming scenery, fresh air, the love of James's family, and his friendship with Isobel, Alex finds himself being able to reflect and rebuild his life.
This is very much a coming of age novel but for grown ups. This type of novel usually focusses upon young women, so it was very refreshing and interesting to read a novel that focusses upon the inner struggle of a young man who is trying to come to terms with who he really is, and what he needs to be.
Waves is beautifully written and a gentle, slow paced read. It's a book to savour and is very much character driven. I liked Alex and this I feel is hugely important, as you need to both like him and to root for his future for this book to have meaning and resonance.
This book is such a joy to read. It's full of hope and the fact that change is always possible, no matter what your circumstances. I look forward to reading more by this author.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy.
The novel revolves around Alex and how he finds himself alone and lost in the world, in terms of his personal life, work, and personal identity. This book is about Alex finding out who he is and his place in the world.
The book begins by telling us about Alex's recent breakup with his long term girlfriend. His best friend James, whose family now live in the Outer Hebrides, comes to Alex's rescue and the two young men find themselves temporarily living in this beautiful part of the world. A place where Alex can plan his future and face his demons.
For me this book was pure escapism. I loved the descriptions of the beaches, the locals and Scottish life in general. The pace of life was much slower, more gentle and this impacted greatly upon Alex and the changes that he needed to make in his own life. Together with the calming scenery, fresh air, the love of James's family, and his friendship with Isobel, Alex finds himself being able to reflect and rebuild his life.
This is very much a coming of age novel but for grown ups. This type of novel usually focusses upon young women, so it was very refreshing and interesting to read a novel that focusses upon the inner struggle of a young man who is trying to come to terms with who he really is, and what he needs to be.
Waves is beautifully written and a gentle, slow paced read. It's a book to savour and is very much character driven. I liked Alex and this I feel is hugely important, as you need to both like him and to root for his future for this book to have meaning and resonance.
This book is such a joy to read. It's full of hope and the fact that change is always possible, no matter what your circumstances. I look forward to reading more by this author.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy.
September 16, 2016
Wavesby Jared A. Carnie is a new adult and general fiction read.
SOMETIMES THE HARDER WE LOOK, THE LESS WE SEE...
Alex is stuck. Stuck in Essex. Stuck in his childhood home. Stuck in a job he hates. The relationship he'd been counting on all these years has finally fallen apart. He's run out of things to hope for.
This was a good read. I liked the character Alex although he was gloomy at times. I liked the ending too. Recommended. 4*. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
SOMETIMES THE HARDER WE LOOK, THE LESS WE SEE...
Alex is stuck. Stuck in Essex. Stuck in his childhood home. Stuck in a job he hates. The relationship he'd been counting on all these years has finally fallen apart. He's run out of things to hope for.
This was a good read. I liked the character Alex although he was gloomy at times. I liked the ending too. Recommended. 4*. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
August 1, 2017
Jared A. Carnie's debut novel, Waves was a good, very charming read. The main character Alex has sort of been drifting along after a bad breakup changes his life plans and he's not sure how to carry on. In order to get Alex's mind off of his breakup, his friend James whisks him away to visit his family in the Outer Hebrides. It's a quiet place, where everyone is in each other's business and there's a lot of nature to be seen. As Alex takes in the sights and meets new people, he begins to question his choices and finally work towards thinking about how he can change his life.
There's not as much character development as I would have expected which definitely left me wanting more, but the ending was very real so I can't complain too much. After all, people don't just change their whole life and attitude after one walk on a beach. I really liked that this wasn't a story centered on romance, that Alex didn't magically feel better after meeting that special girl. It was more about him and what he can do to be more fulfilled in life.
I think everyone can relate to Alex's character at least a little. Anyone's who ever been a little lost and not sure how to move on can easily sympathize with him. Alex was well written in that I felt his turmoil, but I didn't feel like he was whining or making something worse than it was. Overall, Waves was an enjoyable, very true to life story that takes you on a mini journey of self discovery. I'll definitely pick up Carnie's next work.
There's not as much character development as I would have expected which definitely left me wanting more, but the ending was very real so I can't complain too much. After all, people don't just change their whole life and attitude after one walk on a beach. I really liked that this wasn't a story centered on romance, that Alex didn't magically feel better after meeting that special girl. It was more about him and what he can do to be more fulfilled in life.
I think everyone can relate to Alex's character at least a little. Anyone's who ever been a little lost and not sure how to move on can easily sympathize with him. Alex was well written in that I felt his turmoil, but I didn't feel like he was whining or making something worse than it was. Overall, Waves was an enjoyable, very true to life story that takes you on a mini journey of self discovery. I'll definitely pick up Carnie's next work.
July 6, 2017
I enjoyed this gentle little book. Character rather than plot driven, nothing much happens - and that's not a bad thing. Alex is reeling from his recent break up with his long-term girlfriend. His friend James is off to visit his parents on a remote Scottish island and decides to drag Alex along with him. It's about friendship and the healing power of silence and landscape. The relationship between the two young men is very well-drawn, and the Island of Lewis is beautifully described.
The literary equivalent of a long walk on a wind-swept beach. Lovely.
The literary equivalent of a long walk on a wind-swept beach. Lovely.
August 4, 2017
Read this book very quickly on a trip to Wales.
Gentle, unassuming and quietly revealing. It took me a little while but I enjoyed the understated nature of this book. How you slowly learn just how cut up the protagonist is, almost drip fed. I found myself dreaming of a trip to Scotland again. I think many people can relate to a break up of that sorts and I shared my optimism as he hints at turning a small corner as they begin their journey back home.
Gentle, unassuming and quietly revealing. It took me a little while but I enjoyed the understated nature of this book. How you slowly learn just how cut up the protagonist is, almost drip fed. I found myself dreaming of a trip to Scotland again. I think many people can relate to a break up of that sorts and I shared my optimism as he hints at turning a small corner as they begin their journey back home.
June 5, 2017
The scenery in this book was so atmospheric and the ending left me feeling uplifted and inspired, like I had been on my own little trip to the Hebrides! Absolute escapism.
July 18, 2017
Waves follows the story of a young man by the name of Alex. After his long-term girlfriend breaks up with him, his life and its planned trajectory, take a nosedive. With the future he thought he knew, and thought he wanted, taken away from him he is understandably heart broken. In steps his childhood friend, James, who invites him to tag along on his annual visit to his parents' home on the Isle of Lewis. Alex is reluctant at first but James does not take no for an answer, and Alex soon finds himself on a journey of self-discovery in the Outer Hebrides.
Let's forget for a second that when reading this book I learned that Donald J. Trump's mother was from the Isle of Lewis, and not let that taint the beauty of the far flung Scottish island, because Lewis is as much a character as any human in this story. Carnie really makes it sing with rich, candid descriptions of the rugged, historical landscape. Other than being the origin of Trump's mother, I know precisely zero about the Outer Hebrides, but I almost feel as if I have spent time there myself thanks entirely to Waves.
The character of Alex is at times somewhat of a damp squib, and I often found myself wanting to reach into the page, give him a slap and yell at him to grow a pair. Then I'd remember what a pathetic mess I have been after break-ups and cut him some slack. However it seems that Alex was always kind of a damp squib, even when in a relationship. Living at home with his mother and working a job he hates, saving up every penny he can for his "future" with a girlfriend that is away at university. By his own admission he had over-committed to the relationship in an attempt to convince himself it was what he wanted, rather than attempt to find out what it really is that he wants from life.
Finding out what you really want from life is no easy thing, and if you're thinking that knocking about on a freezing cold Scottish island for a week is going to solve all of your problems, you're dead wrong. By the end of the story Alex still doesn't know what he really wants from life, but he is one step closer to knowing what he doesn't want, and that is half the battle.
My only criticism would be that I found it a teeny tiny bit dull in places. I would have enjoyed a touch more conflict, even if it was just of the superficial, Tom Foolery kind. Aside from that Waves is a fulfilling, introspective read, and I found that it had an unexpected a calming effect as I read it. Almost as if I could hear the waves crashing against the shore in the background.
Let's forget for a second that when reading this book I learned that Donald J. Trump's mother was from the Isle of Lewis, and not let that taint the beauty of the far flung Scottish island, because Lewis is as much a character as any human in this story. Carnie really makes it sing with rich, candid descriptions of the rugged, historical landscape. Other than being the origin of Trump's mother, I know precisely zero about the Outer Hebrides, but I almost feel as if I have spent time there myself thanks entirely to Waves.
The character of Alex is at times somewhat of a damp squib, and I often found myself wanting to reach into the page, give him a slap and yell at him to grow a pair. Then I'd remember what a pathetic mess I have been after break-ups and cut him some slack. However it seems that Alex was always kind of a damp squib, even when in a relationship. Living at home with his mother and working a job he hates, saving up every penny he can for his "future" with a girlfriend that is away at university. By his own admission he had over-committed to the relationship in an attempt to convince himself it was what he wanted, rather than attempt to find out what it really is that he wants from life.
Finding out what you really want from life is no easy thing, and if you're thinking that knocking about on a freezing cold Scottish island for a week is going to solve all of your problems, you're dead wrong. By the end of the story Alex still doesn't know what he really wants from life, but he is one step closer to knowing what he doesn't want, and that is half the battle.
My only criticism would be that I found it a teeny tiny bit dull in places. I would have enjoyed a touch more conflict, even if it was just of the superficial, Tom Foolery kind. Aside from that Waves is a fulfilling, introspective read, and I found that it had an unexpected a calming effect as I read it. Almost as if I could hear the waves crashing against the shore in the background.
November 10, 2016
There is something different between the covers of Waves by Jared A. Carnie, that I just really enjoyed. Not just the stunning location of Outer Hebrides but the story it is just so beautifully told. It is a simple tale of life as many of us have experienced. The real beauty of Waves is not to expect any great drama to unfold not even any crime to solve. To be able to write a plot line that does not involve any great plot twisting writing. Just a pure delight to read.
We meet Alex a guy whose relationship has just hit the rocks when he believed this was steady, but now his life is just drifting like a rudderless boat in a storm looking for a port to hide away. For Alex this is a time of reflection as to where he sees his life heading. Alex even hates his current job. Basically Alex is drifting. Then one day his closest friend James decides it is time to get away for Alex to have a change of scenery and get away from Essex to the remote beauty that is The Outer Hebrides. This is a time for Alex to really understand himself and to find something in his life to give him that spark that he is missing. This becomes a tour of the Isle of Lewis and the remoteness helps Alex find the peace among the mountains the long beaches and castles as well as coming to terms about who he really is.
The thing about life is as we all know there are times when life can throw a curved ball at you and you find yourself taking one blow after another as well as feeling like the walls are just closing in around you. This is about understanding who we are and understanding that in real life things can and do go wrong sometimes without meaning. It is about how we manage ourselves and the situations. We pick ourselves up and we move on. We have to. This story is no roller-coaster of a thriller it is beautifully paced and for me having spent some time in The Outer Hebrides I can fully understand the reason for writing a book based here. The scenery is just spectacular. This is a story that will not take your breath away but it is a story of just one guy trying to find himself. I am delighted to recommend.
We meet Alex a guy whose relationship has just hit the rocks when he believed this was steady, but now his life is just drifting like a rudderless boat in a storm looking for a port to hide away. For Alex this is a time of reflection as to where he sees his life heading. Alex even hates his current job. Basically Alex is drifting. Then one day his closest friend James decides it is time to get away for Alex to have a change of scenery and get away from Essex to the remote beauty that is The Outer Hebrides. This is a time for Alex to really understand himself and to find something in his life to give him that spark that he is missing. This becomes a tour of the Isle of Lewis and the remoteness helps Alex find the peace among the mountains the long beaches and castles as well as coming to terms about who he really is.
The thing about life is as we all know there are times when life can throw a curved ball at you and you find yourself taking one blow after another as well as feeling like the walls are just closing in around you. This is about understanding who we are and understanding that in real life things can and do go wrong sometimes without meaning. It is about how we manage ourselves and the situations. We pick ourselves up and we move on. We have to. This story is no roller-coaster of a thriller it is beautifully paced and for me having spent some time in The Outer Hebrides I can fully understand the reason for writing a book based here. The scenery is just spectacular. This is a story that will not take your breath away but it is a story of just one guy trying to find himself. I am delighted to recommend.
September 1, 2016
Not my usual style of book as I prefer thrillers. It is well written and told in a charming way. Alex is stuck in his life and travels to the Outer Hebrides with his friend James. He learns a bit more about himself and what he wants from life as he goes on a voyage of self discovery on an island. Good descriptive passages had me transported to the isle of Lewis as Alex finds his way in life. A nice easy holiday read. Thank you Net Galley for my copy.
September 22, 2016
Seriously!!? Can somebody tell me what this book is actually about? All I could gather that it was a few days of a very bland boring dude who goes to stay at his mates parents . where is the plot here or for that matter the point of this book?! Truly one of the most boring books I have ever wasted my time reading!!
December 2, 2016
Sweet week in the life story.
A sweet " week in the life story". A sort of coming of age .Young , jumpy but not really diverting .
A sweet " week in the life story". A sort of coming of age .Young , jumpy but not really diverting .
December 7, 2016
'Waves' is a brilliantly sneaky novel whose insights tend to creep up on you unawares. Written in twenty-something Alex's voice — low-key yet compelling — we're privy to his thoughts and ideas, sometimes charmingly naive but always philosophically fascinating, as he wrestles with the effects of a recent heart-breaking and potentially life-changing event. Alex is on a road trip from Southern England to the Isle of Lewis to visit the parents of his driving companion and best friend, James. Their close relationship is obvious from the get-go as James teases/taunts Alex for refusing to be consoled about his recent catastrophe. Once on Lewis, Carnie's various vivid descriptions of the sometimes savage, sometimes majestic landscape are cleverly written to reflect Alex's developing frame of mind as he begins to gain the perspective that travel can often supply. Carnie takes us on a thought-provoking, entertaining, and surprisingly funny journey alongside the two young men as Alex stumbles toward some kind of resolution. It's presumably no accident that on the first page of the novel Carnie mentions Jack Kerouac's friend and occasional muse, Neal Cassady. I was reminded throughout of Kerouac's 'On The Road' because, like Kerouac's work of reflection, 'Waves' makes you want to sit on a beach, stare into the water and contemplate the subtleties of life. Which is a sign of considerable talent in a writer. It's exciting to consider what debut author Carnie will come up with next.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews