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Sink, Drift, or Swim
When dreams drown, hope floats
Coffee-addicted Valerina has more reason to head to CafE Legato than the fact they make a great latte. There is that perfect barista--Josh.
When did this childhood friend become the centre of Rina's every thought? When did his voice become so smooth, like velvet chocolate? When did the breeze from his insanely long lashes begin to fan the fire in her heart?
At CafE Legato, Rina can escape from her loving and lively family. In the cool breeze of Josh's lashes, she is able to momentarily forget her role as big sister to four-and-a-half siblings. Drowning in latte and Josh's warm smile, she can set aside her fear that some things at home are not quite right. At CafE Legato, Rina can daydream in tongue-tied bliss.
But some dreams come true. Did Josh really invite her to hang out the next day? Did those words fall from his perfectly luscious lips? If he did, Valerina would be there, come hell or high water, but first she had today to get through.
Today was Dad's -special time, - with a fishing trip acting as the cover for a father to daughter heart-to-heart. Rina was changing, and so was life in her family. Did she really want to get deep and meaningful with her father? Did she want to share her fears for her brother Zach? Would Dad want to talk about her wavering faith?
Valerina will face the day, one wave at a time. Until the storm hits, and Rina finds herself completely out of her depth. Will her father's faith be enough to keep them afloat?
And through it all, one thought remains ... Josh.
Sink, Drift, or Swim is a young adult novel written in free verse.
Coffee-addicted Valerina has more reason to head to CafE Legato than the fact they make a great latte. There is that perfect barista--Josh.
When did this childhood friend become the centre of Rina's every thought? When did his voice become so smooth, like velvet chocolate? When did the breeze from his insanely long lashes begin to fan the fire in her heart?
At CafE Legato, Rina can escape from her loving and lively family. In the cool breeze of Josh's lashes, she is able to momentarily forget her role as big sister to four-and-a-half siblings. Drowning in latte and Josh's warm smile, she can set aside her fear that some things at home are not quite right. At CafE Legato, Rina can daydream in tongue-tied bliss.
But some dreams come true. Did Josh really invite her to hang out the next day? Did those words fall from his perfectly luscious lips? If he did, Valerina would be there, come hell or high water, but first she had today to get through.
Today was Dad's -special time, - with a fishing trip acting as the cover for a father to daughter heart-to-heart. Rina was changing, and so was life in her family. Did she really want to get deep and meaningful with her father? Did she want to share her fears for her brother Zach? Would Dad want to talk about her wavering faith?
Valerina will face the day, one wave at a time. Until the storm hits, and Rina finds herself completely out of her depth. Will her father's faith be enough to keep them afloat?
And through it all, one thought remains ... Josh.
Sink, Drift, or Swim is a young adult novel written in free verse.
172 pages, Paperback
Published March 9, 2017
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 30, 2021
When I started this book I didn't think I would like at, as it turned out I loved it.
This short verse novel is compelling reading and as it is in verse a really quick read.
The story follow Rina and her father on a trip for some one on one time. To say anymore would be to much of a spoiler. If you are looking for something different this novel may be just what you are looking for.
This short verse novel is compelling reading and as it is in verse a really quick read.
The story follow Rina and her father on a trip for some one on one time. To say anymore would be to much of a spoiler. If you are looking for something different this novel may be just what you are looking for.
September 3, 2017
I really enjoyed Michelle Dennis Evans' new verse novel, 'Sink, Drift or Swim'. It was a fast read, in the sense that the pages passed swiftly because of the verse-novel structure. For this reason it initially felt quite uncomplicated too, until I was suddenly dumped into an impossible situation along with Rina (Valerina) and her dad, with all the teenage hopes and angsts she'd just shared cast adrift on the waters along with them. Presented in succinct, accessible snapshots-in-words, there is nothing uncomplicated about the predicament of being lost at sea, sunburned, dehydrated and passed over unseen by a rescue helicopter. How can Rina and her dad survive? Has anyone else in their boat survived? Will she ever see her secret crush, Josh, again and be able to make that first date he'd just promised her. Will she and her dad ever meet the precious new baby that surprised Rina's mother to tears with her unexpected presence? Will Rina truly understand her father's weird fixation with hope and faith and mustard seeds? Allow yourself to be set adrift with Rina as she ponders the meaning of love, sacrifice and hope when all seems lost.
May 17, 2017
Michelle Dennis Evan's Sink, Drift, or Swim is a delightful verse novel aimed at teens. I had this book sitting on my bedside table for a for a few days after purchase and the cover keep enticing me to read it :) So yes, love the cover.
Rina (short for Valerina)'s thoughts are captured by the dreamy Josh, her sometimes next door neighbour and barista at the local cafe. Her dad asks her to come deep sea fishing and she accepts, but when disaster strikes, she is set adrift with her dad and her thoughts about Josh, life and family.
Rina's story is told in free verse, with great word images, humour and a vivid capturing of sights, sounds, smells, textures that brought me right into the scenes. I loved Rina's voice and her Dad's strong and gentle presence. Each segment pulled the reader into the next one. Having an allergy to wheat, I was tickled that Rina being Coeliac was a minor theme.
Sink, Drift, or Swim is a sensitive, low-key and gentle exploration of personal faith in the face of disaster. I did feel that the fate of the others on the boat was almost brushed over and would have liked a deeper look at the impact of what happened to all of them from Rina's perspective. But overall, it was an engaging, delightful and thoughtful read.
Rina (short for Valerina)'s thoughts are captured by the dreamy Josh, her sometimes next door neighbour and barista at the local cafe. Her dad asks her to come deep sea fishing and she accepts, but when disaster strikes, she is set adrift with her dad and her thoughts about Josh, life and family.
Rina's story is told in free verse, with great word images, humour and a vivid capturing of sights, sounds, smells, textures that brought me right into the scenes. I loved Rina's voice and her Dad's strong and gentle presence. Each segment pulled the reader into the next one. Having an allergy to wheat, I was tickled that Rina being Coeliac was a minor theme.
Sink, Drift, or Swim is a sensitive, low-key and gentle exploration of personal faith in the face of disaster. I did feel that the fate of the others on the boat was almost brushed over and would have liked a deeper look at the impact of what happened to all of them from Rina's perspective. But overall, it was an engaging, delightful and thoughtful read.
May 14, 2017
4.5 stars. Rina has a pretty good life with her parents and siblings. Her only worries are whether her brother Zach will ever turn down his heavy metal music and whether the cute guy at the coffee shop likes her. All that changes when Rina and her Dad take an ill-fated fishing trip. Will her Dad's faith be enough for both of them or will Rina need to swim life's currents on her own?
I really enjoyed this young-adult novel. It's written entirely in free verse, so the poet in me loved that aspect. However, don't worry if you're not into poetry. It reads mostly like prose, but the poetic format means that the lines are short and snappy and convey just what is needed to move the story along. Poetry buffs will love it, but it's also ideal for teens who like stories but don't like reading big chunks at a time.
I really enjoyed the writing. The narrative is clear and flows really well, but there are also some lovely word choices and imagery. For example, 'A gust of wind / like the backdraft of a giant's breath / flicks my cap' (p. 40); 'Like a tourniquet on my throat / the water / shuts off my voice' (p. 44); 'Stones of ice / sliced through the air' (p. 102).
The story arc was also really good, as we were drawn into the events of the day, but also given windows into other aspects of Rina's life. The Christian faith element was also handled really well. Rina's Dad believes in the power of faith the size of a mustard seed, but Rina's not sure about that in her own life. We see her struggle with that issue and come to her own decision.
My only criticism is that I would have liked to see the actual unfolding of events between the poem 'The Seed' and 'Rolling Waves'. I can't say more due to spoilers, but I felt there was a lost opportunity there for one or two dramatic poems. However, that was only a slight problem for me. I enjoyed the novel overall and it came to a satisfying conclusion. I also liked the fact that it had a positive message, but without being preachy.
If you've never tried a verse novel before, this would be a great introduction. It made me want to try out others in this genre. I'll look forward to more from this author.
Disclaimer: Thank you to 'Breath of Fresh Air Press' for providing a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this young-adult novel. It's written entirely in free verse, so the poet in me loved that aspect. However, don't worry if you're not into poetry. It reads mostly like prose, but the poetic format means that the lines are short and snappy and convey just what is needed to move the story along. Poetry buffs will love it, but it's also ideal for teens who like stories but don't like reading big chunks at a time.
I really enjoyed the writing. The narrative is clear and flows really well, but there are also some lovely word choices and imagery. For example, 'A gust of wind / like the backdraft of a giant's breath / flicks my cap' (p. 40); 'Like a tourniquet on my throat / the water / shuts off my voice' (p. 44); 'Stones of ice / sliced through the air' (p. 102).
The story arc was also really good, as we were drawn into the events of the day, but also given windows into other aspects of Rina's life. The Christian faith element was also handled really well. Rina's Dad believes in the power of faith the size of a mustard seed, but Rina's not sure about that in her own life. We see her struggle with that issue and come to her own decision.
My only criticism is that I would have liked to see the actual unfolding of events between the poem 'The Seed' and 'Rolling Waves'. I can't say more due to spoilers, but I felt there was a lost opportunity there for one or two dramatic poems. However, that was only a slight problem for me. I enjoyed the novel overall and it came to a satisfying conclusion. I also liked the fact that it had a positive message, but without being preachy.
If you've never tried a verse novel before, this would be a great introduction. It made me want to try out others in this genre. I'll look forward to more from this author.
Disclaimer: Thank you to 'Breath of Fresh Air Press' for providing a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2019
The page-length bites of free verse make this accessible reading, and make this a page-turner. They allow clarity of flashbacks, and for Evans to set the family parameters and sketch the characters.
When her father offers a fishing trip, Rina (Valerina) would prefer to stay home, hanging out at the local Café Legato, and eyeing the barista Josh, whose "luscious vice ripples through the air."
"The breeze from his lashes
warms my mouth to a smile."
Especially as he's mooted they hang out tomorrow–a first date!
But as Rina's Dad has offered time together, albeit with his mates and their offspring, she agrees. Although:
"Fishing isn't
in my top ten.
It would be lucky to make
my top one hundred.
Dad is my only.
The one and only dad
in my life."
The pace quickens when a king wave capsizes their boat. Rina and her father cling together for two days, missed by searching helicopters.
"Blue is all I see.
Blurry blue water.
Blurry blue sky.
Water.
Sky.
Water.
Sky.
In my mind
I begin to die."
During the desperate days until rescue, Rina's father reminds her of mustard seed faith. But before his prayers are answered, she must grow her own mustard seed. Evocative emotions of the last dramatic chapters prompted me to lift my rating from 4 to 5 stars.
I look forward to exploring more books in free verse.
When her father offers a fishing trip, Rina (Valerina) would prefer to stay home, hanging out at the local Café Legato, and eyeing the barista Josh, whose "luscious vice ripples through the air."
"The breeze from his lashes
warms my mouth to a smile."
Especially as he's mooted they hang out tomorrow–a first date!
But as Rina's Dad has offered time together, albeit with his mates and their offspring, she agrees. Although:
"Fishing isn't
in my top ten.
It would be lucky to make
my top one hundred.
Dad is my only.
The one and only dad
in my life."
The pace quickens when a king wave capsizes their boat. Rina and her father cling together for two days, missed by searching helicopters.
"Blue is all I see.
Blurry blue water.
Blurry blue sky.
Water.
Sky.
Water.
Sky.
In my mind
I begin to die."
During the desperate days until rescue, Rina's father reminds her of mustard seed faith. But before his prayers are answered, she must grow her own mustard seed. Evocative emotions of the last dramatic chapters prompted me to lift my rating from 4 to 5 stars.
I look forward to exploring more books in free verse.
March 13, 2018
I got such a lovely surprise when I found out this was a Christian book! It had lovely writing (I'm really into poetry-esque type books at the moment) and was set in Australia!
The author actually lives near me which is CRAZY ahhhhhh
The author actually lives near me which is CRAZY ahhhhhh
June 19, 2024
A novel in verse
sometimes terse
but always deep
with a heap
of characterisation
and subtle
motivation.
The motion
of the ocean
changes
family
friends
future.
Ok, my terrible attempt at a similar style gives the idea but not the gracious flow of this book.
Rina reluctantly heads off on a fishing trip with her dad and his mates. She's got a first date with Josh, the guy at the coffee shop she's been dreaming about, but she realises she'll be back in time.
A massive wave overturns the boat and the only thing keeping Rina and her dad afloat is her pink lifejacket. In there time on the sea, they come to understand each other at a whole new level.
sometimes terse
but always deep
with a heap
of characterisation
and subtle
motivation.
The motion
of the ocean
changes
family
friends
future.
Ok, my terrible attempt at a similar style gives the idea but not the gracious flow of this book.
Rina reluctantly heads off on a fishing trip with her dad and his mates. She's got a first date with Josh, the guy at the coffee shop she's been dreaming about, but she realises she'll be back in time.
A massive wave overturns the boat and the only thing keeping Rina and her dad afloat is her pink lifejacket. In there time on the sea, they come to understand each other at a whole new level.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews