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Cantos Chronicles #1
Swimming Sideways: Cantos Chronicles 1
What do you do when your world has fallen apart, and there doesn't seem to be a way to put it back together?
Abby Kaiāulu (Kaw ee aw oo loo) gets the chance to start over when her family relocates from Hawaii to a small town on the Oregon coast.
But she's hiding a secret.
Leaving the past and the cultural lessons of her Hawaiian grandfather behind, Abby redefines who she is to hide it. There's Good Abby - she makes and follows the rules - and there's Bad Abby - she always questions them. But both leave Abby which one is she really?
Her road of self-discovery takes her on a journey where she must discover the truth of who she is as a daughter, a sister, a woman, a Hawaiian and as a friend.
But just when she thinks her world might be coming back together, it falls apart all over again.
Abby Kaiāulu (Kaw ee aw oo loo) gets the chance to start over when her family relocates from Hawaii to a small town on the Oregon coast.
But she's hiding a secret.
Leaving the past and the cultural lessons of her Hawaiian grandfather behind, Abby redefines who she is to hide it. There's Good Abby - she makes and follows the rules - and there's Bad Abby - she always questions them. But both leave Abby which one is she really?
Her road of self-discovery takes her on a journey where she must discover the truth of who she is as a daughter, a sister, a woman, a Hawaiian and as a friend.
But just when she thinks her world might be coming back together, it falls apart all over again.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2020
6 people are currently reading
1348 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Walters
13 books98 followersAs a kid, CL Walters’s world revolved around two things: stories and make believe. She’s built a real life around those two passions as a teacher of stories and a writer of make believe.
From a small town in Oregon, she attended college in a smaller town in Oregon majoring in English and adding experiences to fill her creative reservoir. She married her college sweetheart and moved to Hawaiʻi where she now lives. The rich diversity and cultural complexity of Hawaiʻi has added to the tapestry of her creative journey.
In 2020, she started Mixed Plate Press —a publishing imprint—with her husband and has grown it into a thriving business as a published author, writing coach, ghostwriter, editor, and teacher.
She says she reads and writes everyday and her mission as a writer is to create stories that resonate with the truth and offer a place of hope.
From a small town in Oregon, she attended college in a smaller town in Oregon majoring in English and adding experiences to fill her creative reservoir. She married her college sweetheart and moved to Hawaiʻi where she now lives. The rich diversity and cultural complexity of Hawaiʻi has added to the tapestry of her creative journey.
In 2020, she started Mixed Plate Press —a publishing imprint—with her husband and has grown it into a thriving business as a published author, writing coach, ghostwriter, editor, and teacher.
She says she reads and writes everyday and her mission as a writer is to create stories that resonate with the truth and offer a place of hope.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 16, 2019
Loved this story! I felt like I knew the characters and felt for them throughout the book. So well written! Can't wait to read the next one!
November 30, 2019
A teenage girl with a secret, a disintegrating family and a choice between two damaged guys. Sounds like a lot of books, right? So I was surprised how much I loved this one. Even more so, given that YA romance/contemporary is not my comfort zone, there's not a great deal of plot and the text has a few typo and formatting issues.
So why five stars? Because I couldn't put it down. Page after page turned because I cared about these characters and the book grabbed me by the heart and wouldn't let go.
So why five stars? Because I couldn't put it down. Page after page turned because I cared about these characters and the book grabbed me by the heart and wouldn't let go.
June 21, 2023
I LOVED this book. It optimized teen angst and the pressures of guarding your social status on a intricate and emotional level. Abby's journey is incredible to watch, one of the best MC character arcs I have ever read in the YA space. and the TENSION!! WOW! Walters is amazing at weaving both physical and emotional connections btw characters. I was literally waiting on the edge of my seat, waiting for the brick to fall until the last few chapters. Top notch writing, I cannot wait to continue the series and see what happens next.
October 14, 2019
Just finished reading “Swimming Sideways (Book 1 of The Cantos Chronicles)” by CL Walters.
The book is a beautiful young adult novel with relatable and heartbreaking characters.
I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into The Hawaiian culture and language.
The love triangle kept be going back and forth on which love interest I was rooting for.
The cliff hanger will have you running to amazon to buy the next book.
The book is a beautiful young adult novel with relatable and heartbreaking characters.
I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into The Hawaiian culture and language.
The love triangle kept be going back and forth on which love interest I was rooting for.
The cliff hanger will have you running to amazon to buy the next book.
April 10, 2020
It was cliche, to say the least. I loved the cultural representation tho, that was really nice. I wish there was more depth into the characters because they felt very conflicted. Abby, I think, wasn't so clear to us. Her emotions were all over the place.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the ending and it crushed me and I really want to read what happens next. I think I liked Seth more than the rest, and also Hannah and wished she had more time to develop as a character.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the ending and it crushed me and I really want to read what happens next. I think I liked Seth more than the rest, and also Hannah and wished she had more time to develop as a character.
October 14, 2019
FINALLY
This is what I’ve been looking for. I’ve been trying to read more Self-Published authors and finally C.L. Walters has provided me with a self-published book that, aside from a few more typos or missing word than a typical, traditionally published book, does not feel self-published.
This book came at me unexpectedly. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I know I didn’t think I’d find a book that I needed at seventeen. This book reached inside my heart and pulled out lessons about the nature of people and the lenses through which we view them that I’ve been discovering myself over the past few years. To have them echoed back at me through Abby was an affirmation of the lessons I’ve been collecting. The ideas about people not being good or bad but just everyone trying to make sense of life and do what they can with what they know.
I wouldn’t say Abby is a realistic depiction of a sixteen year old. In fact, I wouldn’t say anyone in this story is a realistic depiction. They’re all heightened. Better. They’re who we strive to be. They’re not perfect by a long shot, but they show inner wisdom, self-awareness, and growth that we usually need a lot of therapy to see. But that didn’t once put me off the story. Instead, I believe it provides a reflection to view ourselves in and see our potential.
Walters also manipulated my feelings expertly. I felt Abby’s inner conflict because, like her, I had no idea where I wanted the story to go. I could see the possibilities, but I was torn between those possibilities.
I truly attached myself to the characters and there were multiple chapters in a row where I was just full of tension, not wanting things to unravel. Holding my breath while reading as though I had any control to stop a negative outcome.
I will tell you now that im usually quite difficult to please. Oftentimes I dread reviewing indie authors because I pride myself on honesty, but also believe in encouragement. But I had no trepidation coming into this review because I genuinely loved this story. And I’m so glad I waited to start the trilogy until after the release of the third instalment because I don’t think I could have beaded to wait.
This is what I’ve been looking for. I’ve been trying to read more Self-Published authors and finally C.L. Walters has provided me with a self-published book that, aside from a few more typos or missing word than a typical, traditionally published book, does not feel self-published.
This book came at me unexpectedly. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I know I didn’t think I’d find a book that I needed at seventeen. This book reached inside my heart and pulled out lessons about the nature of people and the lenses through which we view them that I’ve been discovering myself over the past few years. To have them echoed back at me through Abby was an affirmation of the lessons I’ve been collecting. The ideas about people not being good or bad but just everyone trying to make sense of life and do what they can with what they know.
I wouldn’t say Abby is a realistic depiction of a sixteen year old. In fact, I wouldn’t say anyone in this story is a realistic depiction. They’re all heightened. Better. They’re who we strive to be. They’re not perfect by a long shot, but they show inner wisdom, self-awareness, and growth that we usually need a lot of therapy to see. But that didn’t once put me off the story. Instead, I believe it provides a reflection to view ourselves in and see our potential.
Walters also manipulated my feelings expertly. I felt Abby’s inner conflict because, like her, I had no idea where I wanted the story to go. I could see the possibilities, but I was torn between those possibilities.
I truly attached myself to the characters and there were multiple chapters in a row where I was just full of tension, not wanting things to unravel. Holding my breath while reading as though I had any control to stop a negative outcome.
I will tell you now that im usually quite difficult to please. Oftentimes I dread reviewing indie authors because I pride myself on honesty, but also believe in encouragement. But I had no trepidation coming into this review because I genuinely loved this story. And I’m so glad I waited to start the trilogy until after the release of the third instalment because I don’t think I could have beaded to wait.
July 5, 2020
I've been wanting to start reading this series for a while. And I'm so glad I did and at a time in my life, when I really need a distraction. This was just that. I read it in two days and didn't want to stop. The writing style hooked me and was very immersive. I really felt like I was in main character Abby's mind.
If you're looking for a book which centres on the teenage mind, making mistakes and trying to figure yourself and your feelings out, this is a book for you. There's also a heavy theme of friendship, love, family relationships, being an outcast (but changing the school social scene too) and Hawaiian heritage. That was something I absolutely loved as I've never read a book before with Hawaiian characters. There was also lots of lovely imagery and metaphorical links to the sea so how could I not love it; I love the sea.
Whilst the book did have several clichés to be honest I still found myself loving every second. I couldn't help it because I felt connected to all the characters and wanted to know what would happen. They all seem to have some deep emotions to unpack and I'm glad there are a second and third book so there is some continuation of the story through Seth and Gabe's eyes.
I think they're all complex characters with their own individual flaws which makes them seem all the more real. Which is good since it's a very character led, emotionally charged book. I recommend it to teenagers as it is mostly about teenagers but I'm sure everyone who has been a teenager will relate in some small way so I also think it's accessible to young adults and even older.
Overall, a great read. Can't wait to read the next books in the Cantos Chronicles.
If you're looking for a book which centres on the teenage mind, making mistakes and trying to figure yourself and your feelings out, this is a book for you. There's also a heavy theme of friendship, love, family relationships, being an outcast (but changing the school social scene too) and Hawaiian heritage. That was something I absolutely loved as I've never read a book before with Hawaiian characters. There was also lots of lovely imagery and metaphorical links to the sea so how could I not love it; I love the sea.
Whilst the book did have several clichés to be honest I still found myself loving every second. I couldn't help it because I felt connected to all the characters and wanted to know what would happen. They all seem to have some deep emotions to unpack and I'm glad there are a second and third book so there is some continuation of the story through Seth and Gabe's eyes.
I think they're all complex characters with their own individual flaws which makes them seem all the more real. Which is good since it's a very character led, emotionally charged book. I recommend it to teenagers as it is mostly about teenagers but I'm sure everyone who has been a teenager will relate in some small way so I also think it's accessible to young adults and even older.
Overall, a great read. Can't wait to read the next books in the Cantos Chronicles.
April 20, 2020
Oh My God!! Isn't this cover page just incredible!😍 Swimming Sideways is the first book of the Cantos Chronicles and we would like to thank C.L. Walters for sending us a copy of this amazing book!❤
Abby, the protagonist, is given a chance of a lifetime -- to restart and transform her life, all over again! All she wants is to hide from her own persona of being a stripper, to stop being a villain to her own life, existing like a mass of shame.💭 What is that in her past that she can't forgive herself for? Her family is breaking apart and now, she is demanded an answer for the never expected question- ''Who would you like to be with?"😦 Meanwhile, she discovers true friendship and love from a few who has always had her back, right from day 1. With them, she finds a new path which makes her hold on to her new but dear friends, but something causes a heartbreak in each one of them.💔
Will her family survive? Will she come across families or individuals like herself? Life isn't a perfect picture for anyone and everyone has their own story and struggles.🤧
Overall, I enjoyed this book due to the unique theme and the love-triangle that forms in the latter part of the book, the kind that starts the fire!👣
For more reviews like this do check out our Instagram!!
https://www.instagram.com/bookhuntwit...
Abby, the protagonist, is given a chance of a lifetime -- to restart and transform her life, all over again! All she wants is to hide from her own persona of being a stripper, to stop being a villain to her own life, existing like a mass of shame.💭 What is that in her past that she can't forgive herself for? Her family is breaking apart and now, she is demanded an answer for the never expected question- ''Who would you like to be with?"😦 Meanwhile, she discovers true friendship and love from a few who has always had her back, right from day 1. With them, she finds a new path which makes her hold on to her new but dear friends, but something causes a heartbreak in each one of them.💔
Will her family survive? Will she come across families or individuals like herself? Life isn't a perfect picture for anyone and everyone has their own story and struggles.🤧
Overall, I enjoyed this book due to the unique theme and the love-triangle that forms in the latter part of the book, the kind that starts the fire!👣
For more reviews like this do check out our Instagram!!
https://www.instagram.com/bookhuntwit...
April 18, 2020
Swimming Sideways was such an emotional story. I was so impressed with how C.L. Walters was able to draw out such feeling and connection to the characters! The story was deeply moving and I can’t wait to read the second book!
The story focuses on Abby, and her torn love between two boys, Gabe and Seth. I did find some portions of the story to be a bit slow. The beginning of the book didn’t quite capture my attention, and it took some time to really settle into the story. Once, I did though, I was hooked!
The location was such a wonderful setting for this story. C.L. Walters has this amazing ability to draw the reader into the world she is creating. Her descriptions create these beautiful images while you read. This story is filled with Hawaiian culture and I enjoyed reading about it!
The characters felt so real. They were beautifully written and I connected to them so easily. Abby is such a conflicted character, full of emotion and heartbreak.
To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend Swimming Sideways for readers that enjoy an emotional story with a real-life feel.
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My full review of this book will post to my blog on 4/24/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/all-boo...
The story focuses on Abby, and her torn love between two boys, Gabe and Seth. I did find some portions of the story to be a bit slow. The beginning of the book didn’t quite capture my attention, and it took some time to really settle into the story. Once, I did though, I was hooked!
The location was such a wonderful setting for this story. C.L. Walters has this amazing ability to draw the reader into the world she is creating. Her descriptions create these beautiful images while you read. This story is filled with Hawaiian culture and I enjoyed reading about it!
The characters felt so real. They were beautifully written and I connected to them so easily. Abby is such a conflicted character, full of emotion and heartbreak.
To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend Swimming Sideways for readers that enjoy an emotional story with a real-life feel.
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My full review of this book will post to my blog on 4/24/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/all-boo...
August 24, 2019
This story is really good. There are a lot of moments where I felt clearly for Abby, Gabe and Seth. There were a lot of times where the setting and external events (like English class, as one example) were so perfectly melted together with Abby’s inner journey that it was honest and eye-opening!
I do have a few issues with the book, though. There were a number of grammatical errors in the kindle version. I usually overlook small errors, but I feel it was worth mentioning in this case because there were a lot. Still, the story and voices were almost always clear in spite of that. I also felt that the first 20% of the book was so slow and I had a hard time connecting to Abby because I was only told she had a secret. For me, the secret was referenced too often and revealed too slowly in the beginning. And, there were a lot of times I felt like we moved too quickly from one setting/time/event to the next. I had to go back and find where things had changed fairly often.
This book is filled with compelling characters, honest struggles with transparency, and really beautiful and raw moments. I don’t usually tear up while reading, but there was so much feeling in this book that I did a few times. That’s why I feel it deserves 4 stars.
I do have a few issues with the book, though. There were a number of grammatical errors in the kindle version. I usually overlook small errors, but I feel it was worth mentioning in this case because there were a lot. Still, the story and voices were almost always clear in spite of that. I also felt that the first 20% of the book was so slow and I had a hard time connecting to Abby because I was only told she had a secret. For me, the secret was referenced too often and revealed too slowly in the beginning. And, there were a lot of times I felt like we moved too quickly from one setting/time/event to the next. I had to go back and find where things had changed fairly often.
This book is filled with compelling characters, honest struggles with transparency, and really beautiful and raw moments. I don’t usually tear up while reading, but there was so much feeling in this book that I did a few times. That’s why I feel it deserves 4 stars.
September 19, 2019
After reading the first chapter, I was immediately hooked to the story.
I love how everything is set up perfectly by the author, the plot feels realistic and every detail is carefully laid out to the readers.
The story is mostly fast paced, though I personally feel in some parts it gets a little bit slow. But the thing is, while the genre is YA, the topics dicussed in the story are quite deep and involve a lot of emotions, so I do understand that some parts need to be thoroughly explained.
The characters are not without their flaws, and that’s what makes them believable. I can’t say that I love any of the characters on their own, but together in their interactions, I feel their chemistry, my heartbeat pacing quicker for them, smile with them, and sad for them, as the story goes.
The author successfully got me immersed into Abby’s world through her words. There were tiny typos here and there, but nothing too big that disturbs my reading. Many times I found myself reading the poetic and beautiful sentences in this book and sighed dreamily, wishing I could write that well!
I enjoyed this read and can’t wait to start on the second instalment of this trilogy!
I love how everything is set up perfectly by the author, the plot feels realistic and every detail is carefully laid out to the readers.
The story is mostly fast paced, though I personally feel in some parts it gets a little bit slow. But the thing is, while the genre is YA, the topics dicussed in the story are quite deep and involve a lot of emotions, so I do understand that some parts need to be thoroughly explained.
The characters are not without their flaws, and that’s what makes them believable. I can’t say that I love any of the characters on their own, but together in their interactions, I feel their chemistry, my heartbeat pacing quicker for them, smile with them, and sad for them, as the story goes.
The author successfully got me immersed into Abby’s world through her words. There were tiny typos here and there, but nothing too big that disturbs my reading. Many times I found myself reading the poetic and beautiful sentences in this book and sighed dreamily, wishing I could write that well!
I enjoyed this read and can’t wait to start on the second instalment of this trilogy!
July 16, 2020
When I started this one I wasn't to sure what I was going into. I knew I loved the cover and I was excited for the story but I really didn't know what it was about as usual. I loved the idea of a Good Abby and Bad Abby. I think it gave us a real look at how Abby was thinking and processing everything in here life. Switching schools is never easy but after the backlash of cyber bulling and just everything going on in her life this made her seem very real. I have to say that a lot of Abby's life I felt a connection with as growing up I moved around a lot. Switching schools is something I know a lot about. The other aspect is cyber bullying which I have also been the talk of the town about. So those two things really resinated with me.
The pacing of the story was a little slow at the start but, I think that that it worked out pretty well for this story. It does pick up quickly though and stays pretty fast throughout the rest of the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and what the author was trying to do. I can not wait to read book two and three!!
The pacing of the story was a little slow at the start but, I think that that it worked out pretty well for this story. It does pick up quickly though and stays pretty fast throughout the rest of the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and what the author was trying to do. I can not wait to read book two and three!!
January 19, 2019
Non Spoiler Section
What started off as an easy teen fiction book ended as an exciting thriller/rom com. A girl starting at a new school is a common premise and I could do without the Good Abby/Bad Abby parts, but the way she described the characters and what they go through made me wish I had the next book in my hands right after I finished this one. I've never really thought about Hawaiian culture before this book, but it made me interested in the Annexation of Hawaii and how it effected their history.
Spoilers
The culture added in this book was definitely the biggest highlight, but the struggles the characters went through had me captivated: Seth and his abusive family, Abby dealing with her parent's possible divorce and being cyber bullied, and Gabe pushing through his friend betraying him and being bullied day after day. The romance scenes were great, but conversations between Abby and her family made the book. If you haven't read it yet, you definitely should!
What started off as an easy teen fiction book ended as an exciting thriller/rom com. A girl starting at a new school is a common premise and I could do without the Good Abby/Bad Abby parts, but the way she described the characters and what they go through made me wish I had the next book in my hands right after I finished this one. I've never really thought about Hawaiian culture before this book, but it made me interested in the Annexation of Hawaii and how it effected their history.
Spoilers
The culture added in this book was definitely the biggest highlight, but the struggles the characters went through had me captivated: Seth and his abusive family, Abby dealing with her parent's possible divorce and being cyber bullied, and Gabe pushing through his friend betraying him and being bullied day after day. The romance scenes were great, but conversations between Abby and her family made the book. If you haven't read it yet, you definitely should!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2019
Swimming Sideways is a beautifully written and authentic coming of age story with relatable and memorable characters.
Abby lives between two worlds, the traditions and culture of Hawaii and high school life in Oregon where her family has moved for a fresh start. But she worries her new life will be affected by the secret she carries. Through the course of the story, she learns to negotiate and understand the relationships in her life, establishing who she is and who she wants to be with her parents, childhood friend Seth, new friend Hannah, mysterious, brooding Gabe, antagonist Sara, and most of all, with herself.
The author incorporates traditional Hawaiian concepts and customs into the life of a contemporary teen with skill and care. Dialogue and characterization ring true. The narrative moves at a quick pace and ends with a seamless transition into the next book in the series, The Ugly Truth.
Abby lives between two worlds, the traditions and culture of Hawaii and high school life in Oregon where her family has moved for a fresh start. But she worries her new life will be affected by the secret she carries. Through the course of the story, she learns to negotiate and understand the relationships in her life, establishing who she is and who she wants to be with her parents, childhood friend Seth, new friend Hannah, mysterious, brooding Gabe, antagonist Sara, and most of all, with herself.
The author incorporates traditional Hawaiian concepts and customs into the life of a contemporary teen with skill and care. Dialogue and characterization ring true. The narrative moves at a quick pace and ends with a seamless transition into the next book in the series, The Ugly Truth.
April 2, 2020
Basically, Swimming Sideways is a favorite hoodie on a chill autumn beach - Warm, comforting, nostalgic, a feeling you don't ever want to end. Every part of this book was a page-turner. The characters pull you into their world and you can't help but submerse yourself into their emotions. I was lost in a tide of teary-eyed laughter and heartbreaking sobs. The culture was real, the problems were real, and the riptide of emotions this book leaves you with will only make you want more. I am so happy that Abby, Seth, and Gabe are a part of my life and my heart is warmed knowing they have become some of my favorite people. Read this book and cling to it. You won't regret it.
February 21, 2020
Swimming Sideways is a story of Abby, a teenager who has moved to Canto's from Hawaii. I loved the different aspects of her life; family, friends, and school. Abby has a past in Hawaii and is determined to leave it behind. The author has written a beautiful story of the life and struggles of teenage life. All the characters are popular, except for one, which is definitely my favorite. Good job Walters, you have written an alluring story.
I read her trilogy out of order, starting with The Ugly Truth. It didn't bother me any, it only made me want to go back and read it again! I cannot wait to read the final story of Gabe, The Bones of Who We Are.
I read her trilogy out of order, starting with The Ugly Truth. It didn't bother me any, it only made me want to go back and read it again! I cannot wait to read the final story of Gabe, The Bones of Who We Are.
Read
July 15, 2020Wow and just more wow! For me, the book started a little slow. I thought eh, okay, another new kid in school, then BAM! As soon as the supporting characters were revealed they pushed the protagonist to a new level and I was hooked. The writing is outstanding, nothing cliché here. CL Walters weaves in a rich Hawaiian heritage packed full of life lessons—nothing preachy, just beautifully worded, relatable wisdom. The characters, Abby, Seth, and Gabe all have tough, real-life teen issues that are woven together in a way that packs a solid punch. This novel is part of a trilogy. The ending had me immediately downloading the next book, The Ugly Truth.
January 21, 2024
Great YA read full of drama and emotions
El final de este libró rompió mi corazón en muchos pedazos. Tanto que comencé el 2do RÁPIDO. Disfruté muchísimo esta lectura y los tema que toca. Algunos de los temas son:
1. Family | Familia
2. Hiding| Escondiéndose
3. Friendship | Amistad
4. Truth | Verdad
5. Forgiveness | Perdón
6. Bullying and cyber bullying
Y muchos otros de gran interés para jovenes y adultos. Para mi, es un libro YA perfectamente balanceado en cada tema y momento que presenta. Vivencias de cualquier joven adulto y sus crisis.
Rating para mi es 5/5 ⭐️
La nueva portada hermosa
El final de este libró rompió mi corazón en muchos pedazos. Tanto que comencé el 2do RÁPIDO. Disfruté muchísimo esta lectura y los tema que toca. Algunos de los temas son:
1. Family | Familia
2. Hiding| Escondiéndose
3. Friendship | Amistad
4. Truth | Verdad
5. Forgiveness | Perdón
6. Bullying and cyber bullying
Y muchos otros de gran interés para jovenes y adultos. Para mi, es un libro YA perfectamente balanceado en cada tema y momento que presenta. Vivencias de cualquier joven adulto y sus crisis.
Rating para mi es 5/5 ⭐️
La nueva portada hermosa
April 29, 2019
Very well-written, nuanced story. The older I get, the harder it is to relate to the angst of those turbulent teenage years, but Walters brought them back with vivid clarity. Abby frustrated me, like many teenagers tend to do I suppose. The plot was good, but where the story excelled for me was in its telling. As another reviewer said, it was incredibly insightful with fully-fleshed out characters, especially in the family dynamic. However, the book could do with another pass-through as there were quite a number of typos, as well as grammatical and formatting issues.
September 21, 2019
By the middle of this book; by the time that Abby and Gabe begin to form their relationship, I was hooked. I mean, I was hooked from the beginning but Gabe is just....wow. I could play everything out in my head, her family, friends, the fight! Omg the fight! & the ending 👀
For it being her debut I think It was a tremendously well thought out book. It made me want to read on when it finished and learn more. Well done, to Cami, for an excellent debut! Well thought out and sucked me in. I loved it.
For it being her debut I think It was a tremendously well thought out book. It made me want to read on when it finished and learn more. Well done, to Cami, for an excellent debut! Well thought out and sucked me in. I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2020
"Swimming Sideways" is one of those stories that draws you in from the very first page. I loved Abby's inner journey from a vulnerable teenager haunted by her past to a confident young woman. Another wonderful aspect of the novel was the insight it provided into Hawaiian culture and traditions. Although the story is set in Oregon, Hawai'i is always present and Abby's heritage shines through in many of her defining moments. I'm looking forward to reading the other two books in the Cantos Chronicles!
December 11, 2019
This is the kind of book that draws you in immediately. Abby has a chance to start again in a new town and school where nobody knows her secret. The book portrays the pressures and struggles of teenage life brilliantly with relatable characters and an intriguing storyline. I also loved the interesting insights into Abby’s Hawaiian culture. Swimming Sideways is a well written, engaging story, and I look forward to reading book 2.
March 2, 2020
I read this book almost in one sitting. From the very first page I was captured by the story of these characters. The author does a great job intertwining comedic relief and serious topics together. I’m at the point where I want to read every characters story and know what happens. Highly recommend!
**Thanks to the author for providing me a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review**
**Thanks to the author for providing me a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review**
July 5, 2020
If you love YA - this one is for you.
A girl moves from her home, Hawaii to a little town on the Oregon Coast. At her new school she reconnects with a boy she knew from her childhood. A boy who was her Nana Bev’s next door neighbor.
This book brings heart ache, family issues and teen girl life.
It’s a quick read.
The ending makes me want to read the other two books in the series. Brb while I go buy them.
A girl moves from her home, Hawaii to a little town on the Oregon Coast. At her new school she reconnects with a boy she knew from her childhood. A boy who was her Nana Bev’s next door neighbor.
This book brings heart ache, family issues and teen girl life.
It’s a quick read.
The ending makes me want to read the other two books in the series. Brb while I go buy them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2020
I received a copy of this book in a giveaway! Thanks to this author for sharing this story.
DNF @ 100 pages. Unfortunately, it wasn't for me. The pacing was a little too slow, the clunky formatting was distracting, & there were too many random type/wrong word errors to ignore. I will admit that the story is a matter of personal taste - the cover and blurb for this book drew me in, but in the end I lost interest fairly quickly.
DNF @ 100 pages. Unfortunately, it wasn't for me. The pacing was a little too slow, the clunky formatting was distracting, & there were too many random type/wrong word errors to ignore. I will admit that the story is a matter of personal taste - the cover and blurb for this book drew me in, but in the end I lost interest fairly quickly.
July 17, 2021
I simply loved this book.
It's a great story about teenagers seeking acceptance from others and learning that in order to get it they have to accept themselves first.
The love triangle is well written in a non trivial way. The chemistry between the main characters is strong! Even though I am and always will be team Gabe, there's no denying that Seth becomes a very likable character when trying to conquer Abby's heart. I kinda wish there was an Abby for both of them.
It's a great story about teenagers seeking acceptance from others and learning that in order to get it they have to accept themselves first.
The love triangle is well written in a non trivial way. The chemistry between the main characters is strong! Even though I am and always will be team Gabe, there's no denying that Seth becomes a very likable character when trying to conquer Abby's heart. I kinda wish there was an Abby for both of them.
May 22, 2019
This book no ka oi
Abby’s tale is so engaging and relatable that I read this book in two days. The descriptions of people and places and feelings are so thorough and genuinely personal that this cannot be a work of fiction. The entire read is an experience. To say I loved this story is an understatement.
Abby’s tale is so engaging and relatable that I read this book in two days. The descriptions of people and places and feelings are so thorough and genuinely personal that this cannot be a work of fiction. The entire read is an experience. To say I loved this story is an understatement.
March 16, 2020
I’ve just finished reading Swimming Sideways and I absolutely adored it! Well done to the author for a beautifully written, evocative story with a depth of soul which pulled me in and drenched me in passion and love, uncertainty and hope and the true meaning of family and home, friendship and life.
Thank you so much for the gift of reading Swimming Sideways. ❤️😘🎉🙏🏼
Thank you so much for the gift of reading Swimming Sideways. ❤️😘🎉🙏🏼
October 7, 2019
What an incredible and compelling story. This book kept me reading to the end, engrossed in the characters and their nuanced and shifting relationships to each other. I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series.
December 27, 2019
I loved this book. Abby not only has to navigate life and high school but also her ethnic identity in a world that exploited Hawaii in the past. The author wrote the characters so authentically that I felt the angst and confusion coming off the page. I look forward to the second installment.
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