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Sea Change
Sixteen-year-old Miranda Merchant is great at science. . .and not so great with boys. After major drama with her boyfriend and (now ex) best friend, she's happy to spend the summer on small, mysterious Selkie Island, helping her mother sort out her late grandmother's estate.
There, Miranda finds new friends and an island with a mysterious, mystical history, presenting her with facts her logical, scientific mind can't make sense of. She also meets Leo, who challenges everything she thought she knew about boys, friendship. . .and reality.
Is Leo hiding something? Or is he something that she never could have imagined?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2009
109 people are currently reading
9378 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Friedman
17 books872 followersAimee Friedman was born and raised in Queens, New York, in an apartment filled with books and different languages. She wrote her first story at the age of five, and was off and running from there. Aimee wrote all through her years as a student at the Bronx High School of Science and then Vassar College. After graduating from college in 2001, she became a children's book editor, a job she still does, and loves, to this day! Aimee published her first novel, the New York Times bestseller, South Beach, in 2005, and is now the author of several novels for young adults, the latest being Two Summers. Aimee lives in New York City, where she can usually be found writing in cafes, window-shopping, or searching for the perfect iced latte.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 744 reviews
June 2, 2010
The best thing about this book is the cover.
I really wanted to like the story, it's a great premise but it never really took off, there was too much else in it, maybe it's the start of a series, I'm not sure but it didn't work for me.
Miranda's grandmother has died, leaving her mother a house on Selkie Island, a Georgia coastal island with legends of the merpeople. Why it's called Selkie Island when selkies are supposed to be seals that shed their skins and walk among humans, I don't know. I would think Mermaid Island would have made more sense.
Miranda meets Leo, who may or may not be a merboy. This question is never answered. During the course of the book, questions about Miranda's mother's paternity arise, could Miranda be a descendent of merpeople? All of this happens near the end of the book, like there was a race to wrap it all up, except that it doesn't.
And Miranda doesn't seem very smart, even though she tells us over and over that she's brilliant at science, she's also very immature.
She suddenly out of the blue decides she can't trust Leo, calls him a liar and leaves in a huff.
A few days later, she decides she'll make out with another boy to stop thinking about Leo, although she doesn't but it is her plan. And we are supposed to believe that what she has found with Leo is true love but she's willing to toss is aside because she thinks maybe he's a merboy. This whole back and forth between the boys seemed contrived, just to create some tension.
The conflict between Miranda and her mother seems forced and there's no reason for it. The summer people, with their wealth, don't seem like bad people, maybe somewhat superficial but not mean. Miranda is warned to stay away from the other side of the island where the 'townies' live (the merpeople)because it's dangerous and yet, nothing happens there either. So the warnings seem forced, to make it scary when it isn't.
All in all, not a terrible read but too many things left unfinished. If it's the start of a series, then okay and I'd read the next one but otherwise, it isn't a great read.
I really wanted to like the story, it's a great premise but it never really took off, there was too much else in it, maybe it's the start of a series, I'm not sure but it didn't work for me.
Miranda's grandmother has died, leaving her mother a house on Selkie Island, a Georgia coastal island with legends of the merpeople. Why it's called Selkie Island when selkies are supposed to be seals that shed their skins and walk among humans, I don't know. I would think Mermaid Island would have made more sense.
Miranda meets Leo, who may or may not be a merboy. This question is never answered. During the course of the book, questions about Miranda's mother's paternity arise, could Miranda be a descendent of merpeople? All of this happens near the end of the book, like there was a race to wrap it all up, except that it doesn't.
And Miranda doesn't seem very smart, even though she tells us over and over that she's brilliant at science, she's also very immature.
She suddenly out of the blue decides she can't trust Leo, calls him a liar and leaves in a huff.
A few days later, she decides she'll make out with another boy to stop thinking about Leo, although she doesn't but it is her plan. And we are supposed to believe that what she has found with Leo is true love but she's willing to toss is aside because she thinks maybe he's a merboy. This whole back and forth between the boys seemed contrived, just to create some tension.
The conflict between Miranda and her mother seems forced and there's no reason for it. The summer people, with their wealth, don't seem like bad people, maybe somewhat superficial but not mean. Miranda is warned to stay away from the other side of the island where the 'townies' live (the merpeople)because it's dangerous and yet, nothing happens there either. So the warnings seem forced, to make it scary when it isn't.
All in all, not a terrible read but too many things left unfinished. If it's the start of a series, then okay and I'd read the next one but otherwise, it isn't a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2009
Sea Change was enchanting! And I'm not just saying that because we share a certain aspect of mythology! Sea Change is a novel shrouded in mystery. My initial interest in this story began even before I read the synopsis, I was mesmerized by the beautiful cover. (I'm a cover whore! I can't help it.) And the story is just as magical as the cover depicts.
Friedman's depiction of Miranda was outstanding. Her love of logic and feelings of solitude, made her a very easy character to relate to. And Leo only added to the mysterious appeal of the entire novel. The secondary characters where very stereotypical, but I don't think that in this instance that took away from the overall story.
Friedman takes her readers on a journey of suspense and excitement. I can see how the ending can be upsetting to some, but I loved that it left endless possibilities. Although the mystery surrounding the island is never truly revealed, I think that makes the story more enjoyable.
Sea Change is an excellent read for a day on the beach or curled up on your couch.
Friedman's depiction of Miranda was outstanding. Her love of logic and feelings of solitude, made her a very easy character to relate to. And Leo only added to the mysterious appeal of the entire novel. The secondary characters where very stereotypical, but I don't think that in this instance that took away from the overall story.
Friedman takes her readers on a journey of suspense and excitement. I can see how the ending can be upsetting to some, but I loved that it left endless possibilities. Although the mystery surrounding the island is never truly revealed, I think that makes the story more enjoyable.
Sea Change is an excellent read for a day on the beach or curled up on your couch.
October 2, 2009
(I haven't read it yet)I am so excited to read this. Everything is drawing me in, from the cover to the page layout to the excerpt!
Ok, now I have read it!
I truly loved this story. It was simply beautiful. I was expecting it to have a thrilling adventurous plot, but it didn't. It didn't need one. Friedman really expressed the pure beauty of love.
I want to know what happens with Miranda and Leo. There was no epilogue and I'm not sure if this is the begining of a series. I didn't get the impression that it was, but Friedman could go very far with it. I'd like to see more of the rules to her mermaids/mermen, more Selkie Island and more discovery of Miranda.
The underwater scene was elegant.
The story was about effortless first love. It was only the beginning of their relationship. I'd love to see more, but Friedman left me content aswell.
Ok, now I have read it!
I truly loved this story. It was simply beautiful. I was expecting it to have a thrilling adventurous plot, but it didn't. It didn't need one. Friedman really expressed the pure beauty of love.
I want to know what happens with Miranda and Leo. There was no epilogue and I'm not sure if this is the begining of a series. I didn't get the impression that it was, but Friedman could go very far with it. I'd like to see more of the rules to her mermaids/mermen, more Selkie Island and more discovery of Miranda.
The underwater scene was elegant.
The story was about effortless first love. It was only the beginning of their relationship. I'd love to see more, but Friedman left me content aswell.
May 26, 2011
After a rocky start, this ended up being an enjoyably pretty, almost fairy tale-like story.
I did not enjoy the first half of this novel, however. I feel like I keep complaining about the same problems in YA books over and over lately, so here are a few quotes that allow the book to speak for itself:
I simply found works of fiction too...fictitious. (MC)
"You have my full blessing. I lose interest in boys the minute I have sex with them. It's like magic! We do it, and poof! They become boring to me." She smiled placidly.
[After a boy says 5 sentences of introduction]: My throat tightened as I looked into Leo's sincere, light-filled eyes. He's brilliant, I realized. His was a brilliance that transcended grades or SAT scores. He was unlike any boy I had ever known. (MC)
I also disliked the society-type teen names (T.J. Illingworth, Macon, Lyndon), the brand name-dropping, the new cartoony friends that Miranda makes on the island, and I wasn't all too sure I cared one way or the next about Miranda herself. Who says snotty stuff like "I find fiction too fictitious," anyway? Someone who needs a good shaking, that's who. I kept going because I really do love the idea of stories that involve sea-people and I have yet to find a really good YA one; plus this was recommended to me by the lovely Lora.
I'm glad I kept reading, because the second half of the book is much better! The story finally got off the ground, and I ended up liking Leo quite a bit and the relationship between him and Miranda became sort of cute and dreamy. I liked the way the paranormal stuff was handled here--very lightly and mysteriously and ambiguously--but I do wish more of it had been introduced sooner. There is an underwater sequence that is pretty cool, too.
I'm not really sure if there will be a sequel or not, but I'd check it out if there was one. But I hope that it is better edited than the first half of this book was, however, most of which could have been chucked right out the window. Also...Selkie Island?
I did not enjoy the first half of this novel, however. I feel like I keep complaining about the same problems in YA books over and over lately, so here are a few quotes that allow the book to speak for itself:
I simply found works of fiction too...fictitious. (MC)
"You have my full blessing. I lose interest in boys the minute I have sex with them. It's like magic! We do it, and poof! They become boring to me." She smiled placidly.
[After a boy says 5 sentences of introduction]: My throat tightened as I looked into Leo's sincere, light-filled eyes. He's brilliant, I realized. His was a brilliance that transcended grades or SAT scores. He was unlike any boy I had ever known. (MC)
I also disliked the society-type teen names (T.J. Illingworth, Macon, Lyndon), the brand name-dropping, the new cartoony friends that Miranda makes on the island, and I wasn't all too sure I cared one way or the next about Miranda herself. Who says snotty stuff like "I find fiction too fictitious," anyway? Someone who needs a good shaking, that's who. I kept going because I really do love the idea of stories that involve sea-people and I have yet to find a really good YA one; plus this was recommended to me by the lovely Lora.
I'm glad I kept reading, because the second half of the book is much better! The story finally got off the ground, and I ended up liking Leo quite a bit and the relationship between him and Miranda became sort of cute and dreamy. I liked the way the paranormal stuff was handled here--very lightly and mysteriously and ambiguously--but I do wish more of it had been introduced sooner. There is an underwater sequence that is pretty cool, too.
I'm not really sure if there will be a sequel or not, but I'd check it out if there was one. But I hope that it is better edited than the first half of this book was, however, most of which could have been chucked right out the window. Also...Selkie Island?
July 1, 2011
I was thoroughly disappointed in this one. Let me give you my version of what happens..she goes to the island, doesn't do much, reads a book, then meets a guy they make out. She reads the book some more, meets up with the guy again makes out, reads the book again, then meets up with the guy and they make out, then she leaves the island..the end. I found it boring and I almost couldn't finish the book.
Things I did like, it didn't take place at a high school, as much as I enjoy books that do take place in high school, I always find it refreshing when they take place somewhere else. Selkie Island sounds beautiful and was described well.
There was a character in the book named Macon..not a main character but I had never seen this name before, I am not sure if its pronounced like 'bacon' but with a 'M' or is the 'c' like an 's' and pronounced like Mason..maybe this is a common name in the south but I have never heard of it..it annoyed me a little.
I don't like how Miranda's mother goes through such drastic changes, it's from first person point of view so the reader sees Miranda's thoughts on her mother and it seems like she is a totally different person than Miranda has know for her whole life, Miranda doesn't seem to question this outright and I think that her character should have.
Miranda is described as being logical and scientific, but it's really her own thoughts that convince her that Leo is something other than human, when Miranda has absolutely no proof of this and it's never concretely revealed weather or not he is anything other than human. Why would someone think this at all if they believed in hard scientific facts?
Lastly the relationship between Miranda and Leo is described by Miranda as being "intense" I didn't feel this at all, I thought their relationship felt awkward and forced most of the time.
I hope I didn't give too much away for those who want to read this still, but I just had so many problems with this book I had to voice some of them.
Things I did like, it didn't take place at a high school, as much as I enjoy books that do take place in high school, I always find it refreshing when they take place somewhere else. Selkie Island sounds beautiful and was described well.
There was a character in the book named Macon..not a main character but I had never seen this name before, I am not sure if its pronounced like 'bacon' but with a 'M' or is the 'c' like an 's' and pronounced like Mason..maybe this is a common name in the south but I have never heard of it..it annoyed me a little.
I don't like how Miranda's mother goes through such drastic changes, it's from first person point of view so the reader sees Miranda's thoughts on her mother and it seems like she is a totally different person than Miranda has know for her whole life, Miranda doesn't seem to question this outright and I think that her character should have.
Miranda is described as being logical and scientific, but it's really her own thoughts that convince her that Leo is something other than human, when Miranda has absolutely no proof of this and it's never concretely revealed weather or not he is anything other than human. Why would someone think this at all if they believed in hard scientific facts?
Lastly the relationship between Miranda and Leo is described by Miranda as being "intense" I didn't feel this at all, I thought their relationship felt awkward and forced most of the time.
I hope I didn't give too much away for those who want to read this still, but I just had so many problems with this book I had to voice some of them.
September 27, 2010
a little bit too much on the cheesy side. miranda and leo fell in love much too quickly. BUT: the mood the author created was okay, so that again balanced the book nicely. leo was too good to be true ... are there even guys like this? *scratches head*
ah, well. whatever.
i must admit i expected so much more. if suspense is what you are looking for, go look elsewhere, because i can promise you, you will most definitely not find it here. be warned: as the story progresses you'll probably guess all the so-called twists & turns beforehand.
ending leaves space for a sequel.
ah, well. whatever.
i must admit i expected so much more. if suspense is what you are looking for, go look elsewhere, because i can promise you, you will most definitely not find it here. be warned: as the story progresses you'll probably guess all the so-called twists & turns beforehand.
ending leaves space for a sequel.
August 29, 2012
3.5 stars
Ocean of Secrets has something magnetic and alluring about it; I’m a person who quickly gets weak at the knees for a gorgeous cover and Ocean of secrets in my opinion has one of the best around. Ever since I have received a copy I haven’t been able to stop staring at it. Everything just seems to fit together for the cover; the colour, the picture and the title; it just gives off a totally mesmeric feel. I was initially a little let down by the title change it was previously known as Sea Change. But once I finished the book, thinking it over this new title matched the book perfectly as the marine Miranda goes to is full with several secrets.
Miranda is forced to spend time with her mother at the mysterious Selkie Island. After her grandmother passed away, she left her house to Miranda’s mother. Miranda’s felt that she has not seen much of her mother since her parent’s separation, so decides to spend the summer with her. Before she even reaches the Island, a strange man on her boat starts putting odd stories in her head; about the myths surrounding Selkie Island and how it’s supposed to have creatures that live in the waters. Miranda know he’s just pulling her leg, there’s a young boy on the boat too, so she thinks he’s making up this story for show. But when Miranda finally gets up on the Island, she starts to notice strange things; she stumbles across a book in the house which hints at exactly what that strange man on the boat was hinting at too. And then there’s the mysterious Leo, Miranda hasn’t had much luck with guys recently, so she’s not sure what Leo’s real intentions are, he seems too good to be true; tall, tanned with blonde hair, a smile that could make you melt and strong muscular arms. The thing is that he loves the water too; Miranda only ever seems to bump into him at the beach or in his grotto and always in the evening. Could these ideas that have been put in Miranda’s head actually be true? Could these creatures exist? Or is it part of her imagination?
What I loved about Ocean of Secrets was that it was chocker block full of secrets and no-one really ever confirms or denies anything. Some people may find this hugely frustrating. But I had a lot of fun with this because you’re kind of led to make your own assumptions. Anything was possible as there wasn’t really ever hard evidence that these creatures ever existed (If you’re thinking what these creatures are I’m sure the title, colours of the cover and oh so subtle hints dropped by the strange man on the boat would give you the biggest clues).
Miranda was an easy character to relate to, she’d not had the best time in New York and so wanted to break from it all. I liked how she was honest (most of the time) and up front with what she did and didn’t like, when Cee Cee, who I did find obnoxious at times and even her mum kept trying to force her to be with T.J. because he was totally the one for her. She put her foot down; she knew why they wanted her to be with him, because he was well off. Whereas Leo the genuine sweetheart they didn’t like which I really didn’t get. I found myself eagerly anticipating her scenes with Leo, as they were thoroughly swoon worthy! Also Leo definitely became my favourite when he admitted he enjoyed reading! (How can you resist a guy that loves reading too?)
Neat endings seem to bore me as of late, so I like how things were left in Ocean of Secrets, with very little answered, there’s still so many things we’re unsure of; I’m hoping that this was left this way on purpose with the hope of a sequel.
This review and more can be found on The Readers Den
Ocean of Secrets has something magnetic and alluring about it; I’m a person who quickly gets weak at the knees for a gorgeous cover and Ocean of secrets in my opinion has one of the best around. Ever since I have received a copy I haven’t been able to stop staring at it. Everything just seems to fit together for the cover; the colour, the picture and the title; it just gives off a totally mesmeric feel. I was initially a little let down by the title change it was previously known as Sea Change. But once I finished the book, thinking it over this new title matched the book perfectly as the marine Miranda goes to is full with several secrets.
Miranda is forced to spend time with her mother at the mysterious Selkie Island. After her grandmother passed away, she left her house to Miranda’s mother. Miranda’s felt that she has not seen much of her mother since her parent’s separation, so decides to spend the summer with her. Before she even reaches the Island, a strange man on her boat starts putting odd stories in her head; about the myths surrounding Selkie Island and how it’s supposed to have creatures that live in the waters. Miranda know he’s just pulling her leg, there’s a young boy on the boat too, so she thinks he’s making up this story for show. But when Miranda finally gets up on the Island, she starts to notice strange things; she stumbles across a book in the house which hints at exactly what that strange man on the boat was hinting at too. And then there’s the mysterious Leo, Miranda hasn’t had much luck with guys recently, so she’s not sure what Leo’s real intentions are, he seems too good to be true; tall, tanned with blonde hair, a smile that could make you melt and strong muscular arms. The thing is that he loves the water too; Miranda only ever seems to bump into him at the beach or in his grotto and always in the evening. Could these ideas that have been put in Miranda’s head actually be true? Could these creatures exist? Or is it part of her imagination?
What I loved about Ocean of Secrets was that it was chocker block full of secrets and no-one really ever confirms or denies anything. Some people may find this hugely frustrating. But I had a lot of fun with this because you’re kind of led to make your own assumptions. Anything was possible as there wasn’t really ever hard evidence that these creatures ever existed (If you’re thinking what these creatures are I’m sure the title, colours of the cover and oh so subtle hints dropped by the strange man on the boat would give you the biggest clues).
Miranda was an easy character to relate to, she’d not had the best time in New York and so wanted to break from it all. I liked how she was honest (most of the time) and up front with what she did and didn’t like, when Cee Cee, who I did find obnoxious at times and even her mum kept trying to force her to be with T.J. because he was totally the one for her. She put her foot down; she knew why they wanted her to be with him, because he was well off. Whereas Leo the genuine sweetheart they didn’t like which I really didn’t get. I found myself eagerly anticipating her scenes with Leo, as they were thoroughly swoon worthy! Also Leo definitely became my favourite when he admitted he enjoyed reading! (How can you resist a guy that loves reading too?)
Neat endings seem to bore me as of late, so I like how things were left in Ocean of Secrets, with very little answered, there’s still so many things we’re unsure of; I’m hoping that this was left this way on purpose with the hope of a sequel.
This review and more can be found on The Readers Den
August 12, 2017
I'm torn between two and three stars, and I'm also feeling generous, so...
August 10, 2012
"I've been wanting to do this ever since I saw you yesterday afternoon." That's how quick their "romance" blossoms. It's over and done in a matter of days. Bish, bash, bosh, kiss here, grope there, add in a little conflict between the Mum and bam! - you've got yourself a modern day teen version of romance and development. How do you feel? Sick? Bored? Thankful for the convenience of it being fast paced? Loving the absence of character and plot so you can place yourself within the empty vessel that is Miranda?
The protagonist, Miranda, is the same old same old cliche lead. Super-smart, super-boring, super-normal, super-I'm-not-pretty-but-get-my-popular-friends-to-dress-me-and-I-beat-all-of-them-in-the-beauty-department.
Nothing wrong with this, but come one, HOW many books are the same? Sure, readers of a certain genre love consistency, but even twins can never be exactly the same.
Basically, nothing happens in this story. Miranda goes to this island, finds a book and chest about mermaid things, falls in love with a boy as soon as she arrives and goes home.
It's never revealed what Leo is. I have a hard time believing Miranda, this scientific boffin, would succumb to the idea that mermaids are real. She believes it far too quickly. That's not even the problem. She's not even shocked. Obviously no one can know what they'd be like if they found out a mythical being is real, but myths plus science does not mix well. If a scientist saw God in the sky, would they immediately be converted? No, they'd try and form a scientific reason as to what they saw. That's not even it; Miranda never saw anything that concreted her belief. Sure she saw red and gold things swimming around in the ocean - wtf is up with mermaids loving red and gold? Explanation never given - but she never actually saw a tail (apart from when she was partly unconscious due to nearly drowning). Okay, maybe it could have worked on someone who doesn't love and breathe science so much. There was evidence (like Leo's reluctance to go into the water at night and other things), but nothing that would make you jump to conclusions. Or rather, in Miranda's case, walk to a conclusion, since not one heart beat was raised at her findings.
It is famously said that without conflict there is no story. The only "conflict" I read in this book was Miranda having a little spat with her mother, which took up a scene or two out of the whole story.
When I picked up this book, I was hoping for an alluring story that would have a lot more thought and care behind the writing. Instead, I was presented with the normal "because the main characters are young you must dumb down your writing." I don't mean dumbed down by not adding in big words. I mean dumbing it down in a way that left huge gaps between every line (metaphorically speaking). Empty writing, I'd call it.
I must admit, I get a feeling that even the writer thinks her own story is crap, or at least not worthy of continuation. "So, what's the future for Miranda and Leo, do you think?" Author replied: "Well, in many ways that's up to the reader to imagine what happens, but do keep in mind - Leo tells Miranda that they will get their happy ending. I do have some ideas for a sequel floating around,(pun intended!) but I'm not sure if one will actually happen down the road. I encourage fans to let me know what they'd like to see happen between Leo and Miranda!"
The protagonist, Miranda, is the same old same old cliche lead. Super-smart, super-boring, super-normal, super-I'm-not-pretty-but-get-my-popular-friends-to-dress-me-and-I-beat-all-of-them-in-the-beauty-department.
Nothing wrong with this, but come one, HOW many books are the same? Sure, readers of a certain genre love consistency, but even twins can never be exactly the same.
Basically, nothing happens in this story. Miranda goes to this island, finds a book and chest about mermaid things, falls in love with a boy as soon as she arrives and goes home.
It's never revealed what Leo is. I have a hard time believing Miranda, this scientific boffin, would succumb to the idea that mermaids are real. She believes it far too quickly. That's not even the problem. She's not even shocked. Obviously no one can know what they'd be like if they found out a mythical being is real, but myths plus science does not mix well. If a scientist saw God in the sky, would they immediately be converted? No, they'd try and form a scientific reason as to what they saw. That's not even it; Miranda never saw anything that concreted her belief. Sure she saw red and gold things swimming around in the ocean - wtf is up with mermaids loving red and gold? Explanation never given - but she never actually saw a tail (apart from when she was partly unconscious due to nearly drowning). Okay, maybe it could have worked on someone who doesn't love and breathe science so much. There was evidence (like Leo's reluctance to go into the water at night and other things), but nothing that would make you jump to conclusions. Or rather, in Miranda's case, walk to a conclusion, since not one heart beat was raised at her findings.
It is famously said that without conflict there is no story. The only "conflict" I read in this book was Miranda having a little spat with her mother, which took up a scene or two out of the whole story.
When I picked up this book, I was hoping for an alluring story that would have a lot more thought and care behind the writing. Instead, I was presented with the normal "because the main characters are young you must dumb down your writing." I don't mean dumbed down by not adding in big words. I mean dumbing it down in a way that left huge gaps between every line (metaphorically speaking). Empty writing, I'd call it.
I must admit, I get a feeling that even the writer thinks her own story is crap, or at least not worthy of continuation. "So, what's the future for Miranda and Leo, do you think?" Author replied: "Well, in many ways that's up to the reader to imagine what happens, but do keep in mind - Leo tells Miranda that they will get their happy ending. I do have some ideas for a sequel floating around,(pun intended!) but I'm not sure if one will actually happen down the road. I encourage fans to let me know what they'd like to see happen between Leo and Miranda!"
November 10, 2012
Reviewed by coollibrarianchick for TeensReadToo.com
Most people think that mermaids and mermen, aka "Merfolk," are creatures of myth and legend and that they don't exist. But what if they do exist? We rooted for Ariel and her prince to live happily ever after, so with that in mind allow the fantastical aspect in your brain to take over for a moment and you have Aimee Friedman's newest book, SEA CHANGE. With an air of mystery and some romance, this book will suck you in with the cover alone. It's just gorgeous, foreshadowing things to come.
Miranda is spending the summer on Selkie Island, a small island off the Georgia Coast. She is helping her mom pack up the house her grandmother left to her mother when she died. You ask anyone who lives around there about Selkie Island and they can tell you all sorts of interesting local legends and lore.
The most interesting one is about the Merfolk. According to the legend, Captain McCloud fell in love with a mermaid, married her, and they lived on an island he named Selkie, which is the Scottish word for a creature than can turn from a seal into a human. They had several children, who took after their mother and were Merfolk - human on land and fish-like in the sea. Many of their descendants are still living on the Island today.
But Miranda is a girl of science who needs proof and knowledge to proceed forward. Did I mention she is headstrong and stubborn, as well? She is not one of the those girls that swoons at the sight of a gorgeous guy. But then she meets Leo......
There is something about Leo. He is not like the people that flock to the Island over the summer. Leo is a local - he lives on the Island year-round. Miranda is instantly drawn to him, but remember, she is a girl of science, and this so goes against her logical nature. There is just something about Leo, and no matter how attracted she is to him, it's just not sitting right with her.
Just go for it, girl! I know many girls who would love to have a guy like that. But could Leo possibly be hiding something, or is there really something to the stories Miranda has come across?
To put it simply, I liked this story because I really enjoyed Miranda and Leo and the realm of possibilities. It was the magical possibilities that drew me in. I would have been very happy leaving the other characters out and just reading about Leo and Miranda. It was implied what Leo was, but never said outright, and this just made the story all the more enjoyable. Friedman leaves you hanging at the end, too. I would like to see a second book that delves deeper into Miranda and Leo's relationship.
All in all, this book is absolutely a great summer read.
Most people think that mermaids and mermen, aka "Merfolk," are creatures of myth and legend and that they don't exist. But what if they do exist? We rooted for Ariel and her prince to live happily ever after, so with that in mind allow the fantastical aspect in your brain to take over for a moment and you have Aimee Friedman's newest book, SEA CHANGE. With an air of mystery and some romance, this book will suck you in with the cover alone. It's just gorgeous, foreshadowing things to come.
Miranda is spending the summer on Selkie Island, a small island off the Georgia Coast. She is helping her mom pack up the house her grandmother left to her mother when she died. You ask anyone who lives around there about Selkie Island and they can tell you all sorts of interesting local legends and lore.
The most interesting one is about the Merfolk. According to the legend, Captain McCloud fell in love with a mermaid, married her, and they lived on an island he named Selkie, which is the Scottish word for a creature than can turn from a seal into a human. They had several children, who took after their mother and were Merfolk - human on land and fish-like in the sea. Many of their descendants are still living on the Island today.
But Miranda is a girl of science who needs proof and knowledge to proceed forward. Did I mention she is headstrong and stubborn, as well? She is not one of the those girls that swoons at the sight of a gorgeous guy. But then she meets Leo......
There is something about Leo. He is not like the people that flock to the Island over the summer. Leo is a local - he lives on the Island year-round. Miranda is instantly drawn to him, but remember, she is a girl of science, and this so goes against her logical nature. There is just something about Leo, and no matter how attracted she is to him, it's just not sitting right with her.
Just go for it, girl! I know many girls who would love to have a guy like that. But could Leo possibly be hiding something, or is there really something to the stories Miranda has come across?
To put it simply, I liked this story because I really enjoyed Miranda and Leo and the realm of possibilities. It was the magical possibilities that drew me in. I would have been very happy leaving the other characters out and just reading about Leo and Miranda. It was implied what Leo was, but never said outright, and this just made the story all the more enjoyable. Friedman leaves you hanging at the end, too. I would like to see a second book that delves deeper into Miranda and Leo's relationship.
All in all, this book is absolutely a great summer read.
February 1, 2015
http://inbetweenwritingandreading.blo...
The Cure For Everything Is Salt Water –
Sweat, Tears, Or The Sea
-Isak Dinesen
Or this books I should add… this is one of the quotes that opens this book and boy, how true it is.
Sea Change was just a beautiful summer read, I seriously thinks it’s the perfect summer read, why? Here’s why:
The book was written in a very simple way, that worked perfectly well, and felt effortless, and the story is not that complicated. Honestly, most of the books I’ve read all have this tangled up mess and they have so much stuff in them. Like this one book I wanted to tell my brother about and I was like: yea, and he’s a vampire but not really, ‘cause he ain’t blowing up with sun, and every moon he changes and then he’s a wizard and then like, Pinky asks The Brain *Squeaky tone of voice* “What are we gonna do today Brain?” and then Brain says: “Same thing we do every night Pinky, try to understand this God Dang book“… Wait, What? Yup… I’m surprised I understood that one…
Even though this story is very predictable, it's quite enjoyable. To the point, little drama and to tangled up messes here and there. Miranda – the main character – was really enjoyable, at the beginning she reminded me of those CSI laboratory geeks, but Leo – hot fishy guy – (fishy in the good sense of the word) gets her out of her shell – get it, sea and shell! Ha! – it's official, I’m losing it.
No, but, seriously, other than my craziness, this story is the perfect fit. With a little bit of mystery, funny characters at times, a gorgeous and loving male character and a lovely marine breeze. Besides, who doesn’t like a summer with mermaids? Or should I say merman…
All in all it is a good book, though I thinks it’s a present with an untied bow at the end. I’m really hoping that it will become a series, though I’m not sure. A must-read summer book.
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The Cure For Everything Is Salt Water –
Sweat, Tears, Or The Sea
-Isak Dinesen
Or this books I should add… this is one of the quotes that opens this book and boy, how true it is.
Sea Change was just a beautiful summer read, I seriously thinks it’s the perfect summer read, why? Here’s why:
The book was written in a very simple way, that worked perfectly well, and felt effortless, and the story is not that complicated. Honestly, most of the books I’ve read all have this tangled up mess and they have so much stuff in them. Like this one book I wanted to tell my brother about and I was like: yea, and he’s a vampire but not really, ‘cause he ain’t blowing up with sun, and every moon he changes and then he’s a wizard and then like, Pinky asks The Brain *Squeaky tone of voice* “What are we gonna do today Brain?” and then Brain says: “Same thing we do every night Pinky, try to understand this God Dang book“… Wait, What? Yup… I’m surprised I understood that one…
Even though this story is very predictable, it's quite enjoyable. To the point, little drama and to tangled up messes here and there. Miranda – the main character – was really enjoyable, at the beginning she reminded me of those CSI laboratory geeks, but Leo – hot fishy guy – (fishy in the good sense of the word) gets her out of her shell – get it, sea and shell! Ha! – it's official, I’m losing it.
No, but, seriously, other than my craziness, this story is the perfect fit. With a little bit of mystery, funny characters at times, a gorgeous and loving male character and a lovely marine breeze. Besides, who doesn’t like a summer with mermaids? Or should I say merman…
All in all it is a good book, though I thinks it’s a present with an untied bow at the end. I’m really hoping that it will become a series, though I’m not sure. A must-read summer book.
July 1, 2010
Aimee Friedman's SEA CHANGE is the quintessential summer beach read that features a big mystery and a dash of romance.
I have mixed feelings regarding Miranda, the main character. At times, I found her actions to be inconsistent and unwarranted, but, then again, she is only 16 and there's a lot going on in her life. The fact that Miranda has a scientific mind was a breath of fresh air. I love when my main characters are bookworms, but it was nice change. I think that Miranda's actions and attitude towards events and people would have been much different if she had been a reader and romantic like so many YA main characters are.
A good summer read always has a love story, so it's no surprise when Miranda meets, and falls for, the mysterious Leo. There is a bit of a love triangle and, while I think it was necessary for Miranda's growth, I felt for Leo. I felt like Miranda was silly for even considering someone other than Leo, but I think it made her face truths she would have avoided otherwise.
It's difficult for me to determine where SEA CHANGE belongs in the YA genre. It does have supernatural elements, so it isn't really contemporary fiction, but the supernatural elements, to be honest, aren't very prominent. There are hints of something mystical occuring, but it wasn't explored as much as I would have liked. For this reason, I think SEA CHANGE would definitely appeal to readers who are hesistant to read supernatural YA, but those who want a novel with strong supernatural elements may want to look elsewhere.
Grade: B
I have mixed feelings regarding Miranda, the main character. At times, I found her actions to be inconsistent and unwarranted, but, then again, she is only 16 and there's a lot going on in her life. The fact that Miranda has a scientific mind was a breath of fresh air. I love when my main characters are bookworms, but it was nice change. I think that Miranda's actions and attitude towards events and people would have been much different if she had been a reader and romantic like so many YA main characters are.
A good summer read always has a love story, so it's no surprise when Miranda meets, and falls for, the mysterious Leo. There is a bit of a love triangle and, while I think it was necessary for Miranda's growth, I felt for Leo. I felt like Miranda was silly for even considering someone other than Leo, but I think it made her face truths she would have avoided otherwise.
It's difficult for me to determine where SEA CHANGE belongs in the YA genre. It does have supernatural elements, so it isn't really contemporary fiction, but the supernatural elements, to be honest, aren't very prominent. There are hints of something mystical occuring, but it wasn't explored as much as I would have liked. For this reason, I think SEA CHANGE would definitely appeal to readers who are hesistant to read supernatural YA, but those who want a novel with strong supernatural elements may want to look elsewhere.
Grade: B
July 5, 2009
The perfect summer read! Sea Change was magic. It had everything you want in a book when you're lounging by the pool or sprawled on a towel on the beach: a relatable protagonist, mystery and intrigue, an enchanting boy, and a sultry setting. Plus, the mythology on Selkie Island is bewitching, you want to be there experiencing it with Miranda. The ending is sweet but vague, so I'm really hoping a sequel is in the works!
May 7, 2018
Everything about this book was fine until the incomplete rubbish ending.
January 27, 2013
3 STARS becasue I ended up genuinely enjoying the writing.
The story was okay after the inital difficulty of getting past the first 50-60 pages, which were inanely slow, but I can't say I really liked the story.
The scenes were well described and I, personally, love the ocean so I fell in love with the part of the story that detailed the island, the ocean, the beach, the grotto and the homes. The detail was vivid enough in my mind to stand out and create a really amazing place, the kind of place I would love to get lost in.
While I liked the writing and the characters (the characters were very endearing) I didn't particularly like the story itself.
I feel like this book wasn't finished.
There were a lot of unanswered questions and while I can accept an open ended book to some degree, I have a difficult time accepting so many unresolved story points.
Miranda and Leo- What happens? They don't even really get to say good-bye before she has to leave.
Teddy and Amelia- Do they mean something to one another or not?
The Mariner- Once Amelia and Miranda return home, how will things have changed? What resolutions will have come from the revelations they did have while on Selkie?
The book seems to be all about discovery, revelations and self identity. Well, that's all well and good but, it's equally frustrating when all of these factors are put forth without closure to any of them. The end is so open, only assumption can fill in the blanks, like a create-your-own-happy-ending senario. These kinds of endings always leave a sense of incompleteness that I really dislike.
There is also a kind of rush in the last 70 pages to get everything out and some of the revelations seems so misplaced. For example, Miranda explaining to Leo about what happened between her ex-boyfriend and her best friend. It seemed so out of place to me. And, Amelia and by extension, Miranda's birth right seemed like it should have been an issue traversed earlier on in the book rather than in the last 15 pages.
While I enjoyed the detail and the place described along with the quirkiness of characters like CeeCee, the strength of charcters like Miranda, the charm and mystery of Leo and the strangely charming but somewhat shallow characters like Jaqueline and Virginia, I really don't feel the story played out very well- it started very slow progressing into what had the potential to be a very good story but falling when pieces of the story were seemingly out of place, rushed or only vaguely explained and addressed.
The story was okay after the inital difficulty of getting past the first 50-60 pages, which were inanely slow, but I can't say I really liked the story.
The scenes were well described and I, personally, love the ocean so I fell in love with the part of the story that detailed the island, the ocean, the beach, the grotto and the homes. The detail was vivid enough in my mind to stand out and create a really amazing place, the kind of place I would love to get lost in.
While I liked the writing and the characters (the characters were very endearing) I didn't particularly like the story itself.
I feel like this book wasn't finished.
There were a lot of unanswered questions and while I can accept an open ended book to some degree, I have a difficult time accepting so many unresolved story points.
Miranda and Leo- What happens? They don't even really get to say good-bye before she has to leave.
Teddy and Amelia- Do they mean something to one another or not?
The Mariner- Once Amelia and Miranda return home, how will things have changed? What resolutions will have come from the revelations they did have while on Selkie?
The book seems to be all about discovery, revelations and self identity. Well, that's all well and good but, it's equally frustrating when all of these factors are put forth without closure to any of them. The end is so open, only assumption can fill in the blanks, like a create-your-own-happy-ending senario. These kinds of endings always leave a sense of incompleteness that I really dislike.
There is also a kind of rush in the last 70 pages to get everything out and some of the revelations seems so misplaced. For example, Miranda explaining to Leo about what happened between her ex-boyfriend and her best friend. It seemed so out of place to me. And, Amelia and by extension, Miranda's birth right seemed like it should have been an issue traversed earlier on in the book rather than in the last 15 pages.
While I enjoyed the detail and the place described along with the quirkiness of characters like CeeCee, the strength of charcters like Miranda, the charm and mystery of Leo and the strangely charming but somewhat shallow characters like Jaqueline and Virginia, I really don't feel the story played out very well- it started very slow progressing into what had the potential to be a very good story but falling when pieces of the story were seemingly out of place, rushed or only vaguely explained and addressed.
July 30, 2020
2015: I realize that the heroine's character is kind of contradictory and sometimes hard to like: A stuck-up, pain-in-the-butt nerd, who on the one hand feels ugly and insecure, looks with disdain at make-up/cosmetics and people who like shopping, but on the other hand drops brand-names (i.e. Black Berry Pearl, Converse) like Hänsel and Gretel drop crumbs and mentions every faded vintage shirt's color concept. Reading a lot of paranormal YA has certainly lowered my tolerance level in that department. In spite of that I do love the chemistry, I do love the atmosphere, I admire the brave open ending and I cannot help adoring that boy.
*** Reviewed on Anobii after reading in 2009, including spoilers ***
Sixteen-year-old, science-addicted Miranda joins her mother at Selkie Island in order to go through her grandmother Isadora's possessions before the house is being sold. She is a very logical person and smiles with disdain about the legends concerning the island's local people, who are supposed to be merfolk, to love everything gold and red and to have to stay close to the sea. While her mother is resuming old childhood friendships when undergoing a frightening personality change from no-nonsense plastic surgeon to rich Southern belle, Miranda is trying to fit in with the teen-aged summer-residents-in-crowd. Surprising herself she falls ins love with local fisherman's son Leomaris Mcleod, who seems to be at the beach at all possible and impossible hours and vanishes into the fog sometimes. Aimee Friedman weaves a wonderful story by using beautiful ingredients: The absolutely romantic love-story, the skillfully doled-out glimpses of Miranda's family's own mysterious history (i.e. Miranda was born with webbed feet and never met her grandmother), the non-reveal of Leomaris' possible dual nature: Until the last page you contemplate whether this insanely gorgeous guy might really be a merman or whether the golden tail and the hints have just been parts of Miranda's dreams, or are just fantastic byproducts of her infatuation. In other stories a secret is being thrown into the open at some point. Here everything remains unsure, but it adds to the mesmerizing current of the tale.
*** Reviewed on Anobii after reading in 2009, including spoilers ***
Sixteen-year-old, science-addicted Miranda joins her mother at Selkie Island in order to go through her grandmother Isadora's possessions before the house is being sold. She is a very logical person and smiles with disdain about the legends concerning the island's local people, who are supposed to be merfolk, to love everything gold and red and to have to stay close to the sea. While her mother is resuming old childhood friendships when undergoing a frightening personality change from no-nonsense plastic surgeon to rich Southern belle, Miranda is trying to fit in with the teen-aged summer-residents-in-crowd. Surprising herself she falls ins love with local fisherman's son Leomaris Mcleod, who seems to be at the beach at all possible and impossible hours and vanishes into the fog sometimes. Aimee Friedman weaves a wonderful story by using beautiful ingredients: The absolutely romantic love-story, the skillfully doled-out glimpses of Miranda's family's own mysterious history (i.e. Miranda was born with webbed feet and never met her grandmother), the non-reveal of Leomaris' possible dual nature: Until the last page you contemplate whether this insanely gorgeous guy might really be a merman or whether the golden tail and the hints have just been parts of Miranda's dreams, or are just fantastic byproducts of her infatuation. In other stories a secret is being thrown into the open at some point. Here everything remains unsure, but it adds to the mesmerizing current of the tale.
January 28, 2009
I enjoyed the small facts of sea creatures, the folklore behind the island, and in general the little details which gives the novel an excellent foundation. I thought the way the tale of the merman and mermaid was nicely presented through the voice of a fisherman.
My biggest disappointment was the fact that the relationship between Miranda and Leo was never dealt with in detail. It was just a few scenes of only these two. Love at first sight is a good start, but what comes after the first sight is important. I need reason why these two people are meant for each other. I need more dialogue, more interaction, a deeper connection. As well as if Leo truly is a merman. Throughout the book, I was just waiting to read about the conflict once Miranda figures the truth out. Sadly, hints were dropped that he is but never a full blown confession.
I would have also liked to read about Miranda’s mother’s past; her struggle, her path of falling in love and divorcing, the interaction between her ex-fiancée and old friends. What was the sudden switch from the cold shoulders to the rubbing elbows? Somehow, somewhere I need a bridge to fill in these gaps. But I enjoyed the reading about the relationship with Miranda; I thought it was realistic and not overly dramatic.
However, I did enjoy Isadore’s character. It was compelling and full of excitement. The way Aimee connected Isadore’s past and Miranda’s current self was brilliantly done with the few attributes that Miranda possess similar to that of her late grandmother.
The side characters reminded me a bit much of MTV’s reality TV show “The Hills”. Basically it’s a group of rich children that has no other goal in life than to get laid, rich, and beautified. I have no trouble about this but when about half the book is the activities that Miranda and they do, it just spells non-enjoyment.
Overall: A sad disappointment. A diamond in the rough is what I mostly sum it up as.
My biggest disappointment was the fact that the relationship between Miranda and Leo was never dealt with in detail. It was just a few scenes of only these two. Love at first sight is a good start, but what comes after the first sight is important. I need reason why these two people are meant for each other. I need more dialogue, more interaction, a deeper connection. As well as if Leo truly is a merman. Throughout the book, I was just waiting to read about the conflict once Miranda figures the truth out. Sadly, hints were dropped that he is but never a full blown confession.
I would have also liked to read about Miranda’s mother’s past; her struggle, her path of falling in love and divorcing, the interaction between her ex-fiancée and old friends. What was the sudden switch from the cold shoulders to the rubbing elbows? Somehow, somewhere I need a bridge to fill in these gaps. But I enjoyed the reading about the relationship with Miranda; I thought it was realistic and not overly dramatic.
However, I did enjoy Isadore’s character. It was compelling and full of excitement. The way Aimee connected Isadore’s past and Miranda’s current self was brilliantly done with the few attributes that Miranda possess similar to that of her late grandmother.
The side characters reminded me a bit much of MTV’s reality TV show “The Hills”. Basically it’s a group of rich children that has no other goal in life than to get laid, rich, and beautified. I have no trouble about this but when about half the book is the activities that Miranda and they do, it just spells non-enjoyment.
Overall: A sad disappointment. A diamond in the rough is what I mostly sum it up as.
July 10, 2013
Warning,there may be some spoilers.
This books was terrible, there were massive plot holes and poor character development, and I didn't get any of the main reason I picked it up. Basically, this book Is about a girl who goes to some island where her family has lived for a long time for summer break. The people on this island are stereotype snooty southern people, who are fashion crazy and spread rumors like wildfire. Well, among her time there, she happens to fall in love (by the way, it happens almost instantaneously, and is really rushed). To add on to that, the whole story is a cliche sappy love story that seems to try too hard. maybe the frustration of picking up the book because I thought the author actually put in a merman like I thought and not finding ANY actual parts where he showed up (a blurred flash of gold IS NOT a merman, it could be a fish or lost gold for all I know!) I'm sorry I can't give a lengthier review, but I read this book so long ago as those were the main points that were fresh in my mind. If I remembered the whole book, no doubt I'd have a lot more to complain about.
This books was terrible, there were massive plot holes and poor character development, and I didn't get any of the main reason I picked it up. Basically, this book Is about a girl who goes to some island where her family has lived for a long time for summer break. The people on this island are stereotype snooty southern people, who are fashion crazy and spread rumors like wildfire. Well, among her time there, she happens to fall in love (by the way, it happens almost instantaneously, and is really rushed). To add on to that, the whole story is a cliche sappy love story that seems to try too hard. maybe the frustration of picking up the book because I thought the author actually put in a merman like I thought and not finding ANY actual parts where he showed up (a blurred flash of gold IS NOT a merman, it could be a fish or lost gold for all I know!) I'm sorry I can't give a lengthier review, but I read this book so long ago as those were the main points that were fresh in my mind. If I remembered the whole book, no doubt I'd have a lot more to complain about.
December 12, 2009
This was another book I've read recently that failed to capture me when I had had expectations of so much more based on its premise.
The plot is described multiple times in other reviews, so I'll spare it. First, this isn't a bad book. The premise is great and why I bought it - there may (or may not) be an island where the natives who live there are Selkies or Merfolk. But other than that, the story kind of loses me.
Why? Well, for a story about legendary creatures, surprisingly little was actually spent ON them or even on the character Leo. The sea folk thing seemed more of a plot device, rather than the premise, and references to them tended to be oblique and fleeting. This story feels like it's more of a story about a girl coming of age, about her relationship with her mother, her wondering about her mothers past, her developing friends outside her normal 'type', etc...
I only wish it had been marketed that way, then I would not have felt disappointed by it - because as I mentioned, it's not a bad book, I just felt like it didn't deliver what it promised.
The plot is described multiple times in other reviews, so I'll spare it. First, this isn't a bad book. The premise is great and why I bought it - there may (or may not) be an island where the natives who live there are Selkies or Merfolk. But other than that, the story kind of loses me.
Why? Well, for a story about legendary creatures, surprisingly little was actually spent ON them or even on the character Leo. The sea folk thing seemed more of a plot device, rather than the premise, and references to them tended to be oblique and fleeting. This story feels like it's more of a story about a girl coming of age, about her relationship with her mother, her wondering about her mothers past, her developing friends outside her normal 'type', etc...
I only wish it had been marketed that way, then I would not have felt disappointed by it - because as I mentioned, it's not a bad book, I just felt like it didn't deliver what it promised.
May 8, 2009
Wow! I loved this book! Miranda is a science-lover who is spending the summer with her mother on Selkie Island. Aimee Friedman makes the reader feel like he/she is on the legend-filled Selkie Island right there with Miranda. There is an eerie air about the island from page one. Miranda spends the summer meeting new friends with old money, bonding and facing off with her mother, finding out about the island's history and herself, and of course meeting boys. Miranda's romance with Leo is so realistic and sweet, and at the same time, there is a touch of the paranormal because Miranda feels that Leo is hiding something about his true nature. I really hope that this book leads to a sequel or two because I would love to see where the future takes Miranda!
Reviewed for: http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/
Reviewed for: http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/
March 1, 2010
When I picked up Aimee Friedman's book I had no idea what it was about...but I just knew I had to read it. From page one I was absolutely hooked. Extraordinary characters with depth, mystery, and intelligence. The only disappointment was reaching the last page. I hope these characters will continue in a sequel. I don't want to spoil this review or the joy of reading this book with any details. If you want them, check out other reviews or Amazon. Friedman's description, characterization, prose, settings, etc are, in my opinion, masterful! I wish I could give this book 10 out of 10 stars.
August 12, 2010
Sea Change was a very nice, cute summer read. It was magical and mysterious. The truth about Leo never really comes out, but that only added to the intrigue in the story, which I liked. The characters were nice, I really liked Miranda. And then there was that twist at the end about Miranda's mother and herself. Ooh, interesting! I really liked Aimee's writing. She wrote very descriptively. I could practically feel the brush of the ocean and the sand under my feet. I really hope there will be a sequel soon! I just don't want to leave the lure and beauty of Selkie Island.
June 13, 2010
I love this book because it's such a wonderful dreamy summer read. Half the time I could picture the sun and sand around me as they were described in this story. The plot was slow paced, but that didn't bother me at all like it does in some books, in fact, I found the slow pace made it easier to savor and hold on to the story. The ending was mysterious and open ended which some people may like, but I find maddening, so I (fingers crossed) really hope for a second novel.
Btw, check out the gorgeous cover. Even if I hadn't liked the story, I would've bought it just to stare at the cover.
Btw, check out the gorgeous cover. Even if I hadn't liked the story, I would've bought it just to stare at the cover.
October 16, 2009
It's funny but I don't know when I became such a sap. But, there are some authors who capture the passion and romance between two people, and Friedman is one of them. There's something classic and other-wordly about Miranda and Leo's relationship, though the question of their longevity comes in to question since Leo might be a merman. Don't let the merman throw you for a loop, because if you've got hopeless romantics, they'll eat this one up!
April 3, 2014
I was so excited to read this book!
Mermaids...
I needed to read more books with these creatures.
Unfortunately I was disappointed with this book.
The storyline I felt was flat, and the characters just annoyed me so much!
And don't get me started on insta-love.
Unfortunately this book wasn't for me, but some people may enjoy it.
Mermaids...
I needed to read more books with these creatures.
Unfortunately I was disappointed with this book.
The storyline I felt was flat, and the characters just annoyed me so much!
And don't get me started on insta-love.
Unfortunately this book wasn't for me, but some people may enjoy it.
February 22, 2018
This book was 90 percent about the grandmother, the mother, and the girl and about 10 percent about the merman. Was it worth it? No.
I've been to Savannah and to Tybee Island before so I know how it is there and the descriptions are alright, I guess. If I were in Selky Island, I'd have the feeling of being in a Franky and Annette movie but this book definitely doesn't give you that vibe. But the main complains about everything. Coño, no tiene acomodo.
Right of the start, I can tell that an older person wrote this book because young people are not so focused on age. In other occasions, she calls her peers "kids" and so forth.
"I bite back a laugh. 'I suspect he's the right age for that story,' I said to the blond boy, who was busy devouring a sandwich."
What kind of bs is it that it is common for a white girl of 16 to have chin hair? That's like a serious hormonal problem or a symptom of a medication and is absolutely not common whatsoever. One figures that the author struggles with this old age problem (post-menopause).
Just because you have professional parents, does not mean that you do not grow up believing in fairy tales or at least wanting to. I'm a perfect example of that as my dad is a lawyer, mom a maternity nurse with uncles and aunts of similar professions. It is strange, not natural, and kids don't act like that.
Why is this girl so stingy to the point that she has holes in her skirt if her mother is a bloody surgeon? Is she Mr. Krabs? She points out that she's a pro at finding cheap jeans and cardigans at vintage shops. She later says that it's because clothing has history but she is obviously gross and cheap.
Right off the start, she seems like a big B. She doesn't like it when people are right! She is prejudice towards others looks and she nicknames them in shallow ways such as "Walrus" and "Sailor Hat" to name a few. There's a difference with being a skeptic and with being a B. "I rolled my eyes. Sailor Hat probably made that sign." <---Beeoch! You can tell she feels superior to everyone on the island and possibly the whole world because she's from New York. You will see this throughout the whole book. Her mom is as much of a disagreeable, pompous B. The "human hurricane" really wasn't that bad but these beeoches have absolutely no tolerance. I wouldn't want to be friends with a b that thinks bad about my mother, my father and myself so I feel bad for Cee Cee. The main and her mother aren't tolerant or accepting of anyone who is in the slightest different from them. People have different realities and circumstances. I think this shows what a narc these characters are including the author. The main gives bad nicknames to everyone based on appearance or position. You will see what a B this girl and her mother are the whole time.
The book has many contradictions some of them being how the main is supposedly bad at English and history but her thoughts and comments are well constructed, well spoken, and consist on a lot of history. She even thinks about The Union, The Confederacy, and The Civil War which are some of the lengthiness topics in history. If you're going to make her flunk English and history, then at least show it. Her manner of speaking and thinking should be simple.
July 3, 2010
I think this is one of those books that you glimpse in the bookstore but don't buy because your doubtful about it. Well wipe all doubts away peeps because its actually worth a read. A good long fast page turning read that leaves you wanting even more.
The book starts and ends with a ferry ride. On one Miranda is sceptical about going and on the other is reluctant to leave yet happy she was there.
Of all sixteen year old heroins I've read about i think Miranda is one of my favorites. She's very easy to relate to for any girl teenage or otherwise, because her journey on Selkie marks a journey we've all taken or will eventually take. The journey to finding ones self, it all starts somewhere. And Selkie is where it starts for Miranda.
When you get farther into the book you find yourself enveloped and consumed by the mystery of Selkie Island and i know about a million questions went threw my head.
Then there is Leo the mysterious boy that Miranda is enthralled with. He definitely plays a part in both her finding out who she is and the great mystery surrounding Selkie Island. And of course there is a bit of romance thrown in.
My favorite way to look at it is that when Miranda arrived on Selkie she was this girl who doubted herself and was shy, who didn't have the greatest sense of who she was. And when she left Selkie this amazing transformation had happened somewhere between the lines like a hermit crab coming out of its shell.
The greatest thing about the book though i don't often say this was the ending. It leaves you to come to your own conclusions instead of telling you what happened. And this leaves a lasting affect that makes you want more.
10 Reasons you need to read this book:
1. Easy to relate to characters you will fall in love with on the spot
2. Interesting plot that keeps you on your toes
3. A new mystery, you get to make your own conclusions in the end
4. Leo just about beats Edward Cullen on the 'fwaaa' meter
5. Its the perfect read for summer (i can offer an explanation for that one)
6. It leaves you wanting more
7. Your enveloped in the mystery and magic of Selkie Island
8. If I ever make a list of YA books all young adults should read this will be in the top 10
9. It's one of those books you can't forget no matter how hard you try
10. You will never say that you regret having read it
The book starts and ends with a ferry ride. On one Miranda is sceptical about going and on the other is reluctant to leave yet happy she was there.
Of all sixteen year old heroins I've read about i think Miranda is one of my favorites. She's very easy to relate to for any girl teenage or otherwise, because her journey on Selkie marks a journey we've all taken or will eventually take. The journey to finding ones self, it all starts somewhere. And Selkie is where it starts for Miranda.
When you get farther into the book you find yourself enveloped and consumed by the mystery of Selkie Island and i know about a million questions went threw my head.
Then there is Leo the mysterious boy that Miranda is enthralled with. He definitely plays a part in both her finding out who she is and the great mystery surrounding Selkie Island. And of course there is a bit of romance thrown in.
My favorite way to look at it is that when Miranda arrived on Selkie she was this girl who doubted herself and was shy, who didn't have the greatest sense of who she was. And when she left Selkie this amazing transformation had happened somewhere between the lines like a hermit crab coming out of its shell.
The greatest thing about the book though i don't often say this was the ending. It leaves you to come to your own conclusions instead of telling you what happened. And this leaves a lasting affect that makes you want more.
10 Reasons you need to read this book:
1. Easy to relate to characters you will fall in love with on the spot
2. Interesting plot that keeps you on your toes
3. A new mystery, you get to make your own conclusions in the end
4. Leo just about beats Edward Cullen on the 'fwaaa' meter
5. Its the perfect read for summer (i can offer an explanation for that one)
6. It leaves you wanting more
7. Your enveloped in the mystery and magic of Selkie Island
8. If I ever make a list of YA books all young adults should read this will be in the top 10
9. It's one of those books you can't forget no matter how hard you try
10. You will never say that you regret having read it
June 11, 2011
This is a book I just picked up at work yesterday because I wanted to give a new author a try. It seemed to be my kind of book (aka YA Fantasy) and I after reading the first couple pages, I liked the MC's voice.
The basic premise is that the MC, Miranda Merchant, is going to a small island off the coast of Georgia that is supposed to have mythical creatures lurking in the waters around it. But Miranda is a scientific sort and doesn't buy into the stories. Until she meets a local boy who begins to make her wonder if there really is some truth to the myths. Of course there is plenty of teenage angst over relationships; romantic, familial and platonic along the way.
Sadly, this book quickly lost its magic. The MC, is touted as a level-headed 16-year-old (less than believable) and intelligent. Yet the heavy foreshadowing, which includes her reading about merpeople in a handy-dandy book on the subject, doesn't clue her in. And when she does realize certain details, it takes her a half-page of musing before it finally dawns on her. And this happens three or four times during the course of the novel. There was enough chin-lifting ("I lifted my chin . . Mom lifted her chin)to make my eyes roll. The ending felt forced and shamelessly left open for a sequel. ONE OF MY PET PEEVES!!
There were some redeeming qualities which saved this from a one star rating. The mother-daughter dynamic was realistically portrayed (tenuous, yet loving). And the theme of learning not to judge people based on your own biases was woven into the plot without feeling preachy. I think it's important for teens to be reminded of these sorts of issues, even if they're only reading the book for the romantic element. ;-)
The basic premise is that the MC, Miranda Merchant, is going to a small island off the coast of Georgia that is supposed to have mythical creatures lurking in the waters around it. But Miranda is a scientific sort and doesn't buy into the stories. Until she meets a local boy who begins to make her wonder if there really is some truth to the myths. Of course there is plenty of teenage angst over relationships; romantic, familial and platonic along the way.
Sadly, this book quickly lost its magic. The MC, is touted as a level-headed 16-year-old (less than believable) and intelligent. Yet the heavy foreshadowing, which includes her reading about merpeople in a handy-dandy book on the subject, doesn't clue her in. And when she does realize certain details, it takes her a half-page of musing before it finally dawns on her. And this happens three or four times during the course of the novel. There was enough chin-lifting ("I lifted my chin . . Mom lifted her chin)to make my eyes roll. The ending felt forced and shamelessly left open for a sequel. ONE OF MY PET PEEVES!!
There were some redeeming qualities which saved this from a one star rating. The mother-daughter dynamic was realistically portrayed (tenuous, yet loving). And the theme of learning not to judge people based on your own biases was woven into the plot without feeling preachy. I think it's important for teens to be reminded of these sorts of issues, even if they're only reading the book for the romantic element. ;-)
October 18, 2010
This one literally made me angry. Yet another ‘love’ story where the protagonists are totally devoted to one another after 0.2 seconds of knowing each other for no apparent reason. On the plus side, the setting is lovely and evocative, the descriptions of the island were well done. However, the tense atmosphere she sets early on basically ends up going no where (a common theme throughout).
The main character, Miranda, has some potential to be interesting. Apparently, the intention was for her to be the cool alterno-girl/ugly duckling (there is literally a ‘take down her pony tail, put her in a dress, and she becomes a supermodel’ scene) but the author can’t seem to figure out how to do it other than with blatant tells such as the aforementioned transformation or moments were Miranda literally states , “Why did I always have to be so different from everyone else?”.
Characterizations are basically a mess, characters are described in one way, then act totally differently. Things only make sense if you assume a lot about these individuals. Prose is simplistic and very melodramatic at times. The rich island people are shallow, brainless morons, and the supposedly successful NYC surgeon that is Miranda’s mother does not waste any time trying to whore out her daughter to these people.
The ending bothered me the most, there is what appeared to be some sort of forgiveness theme going on, but what it comes across as is that you should be nice to people who treat you like crap. The idea of forgiving a BF who slept with your boyfriend? Forgive for your own sanity maybe, but be friends again? Sheesh!!
The main character, Miranda, has some potential to be interesting. Apparently, the intention was for her to be the cool alterno-girl/ugly duckling (there is literally a ‘take down her pony tail, put her in a dress, and she becomes a supermodel’ scene) but the author can’t seem to figure out how to do it other than with blatant tells such as the aforementioned transformation or moments were Miranda literally states , “Why did I always have to be so different from everyone else?”.
Characterizations are basically a mess, characters are described in one way, then act totally differently. Things only make sense if you assume a lot about these individuals. Prose is simplistic and very melodramatic at times. The rich island people are shallow, brainless morons, and the supposedly successful NYC surgeon that is Miranda’s mother does not waste any time trying to whore out her daughter to these people.
The ending bothered me the most, there is what appeared to be some sort of forgiveness theme going on, but what it comes across as is that you should be nice to people who treat you like crap. The idea of forgiving a BF who slept with your boyfriend? Forgive for your own sanity maybe, but be friends again? Sheesh!!
December 24, 2009
Sea Change is a book about a girl named Miranda who travels to a remote island off of Georgia to help her mother, Amelia, clean and sell the house her estranged mother (Miranda's Grandmother) left her. While there, her mother reconnects with friends, and Miranda meets some new friends of her own, including a local boy named Leo.
To start, I have to admit I didn't particularly connect with Miranda's character. She wasn't fully developed in my mind, and the only reason I considered her being logical, science loving, or anything of that nature was because I kept reading that she was over and over again, which became redundant and annoying. Personally, nothing she did as a character made me think of her as being smart or logical, and I felt that the author's characterization of Miranda was forced into place.
I also would have preferred if the supporting characters had more depth to them, and instead I found them all quite shallow and two dimensional. The author did an alright job of giving them more depth at the end of the book, and I hope that if there is a sequel that she will continue making them more like people and not place holders.
I did liked Leo's character, for what it's worth. Not that I knew anything about him by the end of the book, but I'm hoping that will change if there is a sequel.
All this being said, I didn't regret reading the book. I found it to be enjoyable in the long run and do plan on reading the sequel if one comes out.
To start, I have to admit I didn't particularly connect with Miranda's character. She wasn't fully developed in my mind, and the only reason I considered her being logical, science loving, or anything of that nature was because I kept reading that she was over and over again, which became redundant and annoying. Personally, nothing she did as a character made me think of her as being smart or logical, and I felt that the author's characterization of Miranda was forced into place.
I also would have preferred if the supporting characters had more depth to them, and instead I found them all quite shallow and two dimensional. The author did an alright job of giving them more depth at the end of the book, and I hope that if there is a sequel that she will continue making them more like people and not place holders.
I did liked Leo's character, for what it's worth. Not that I knew anything about him by the end of the book, but I'm hoping that will change if there is a sequel.
All this being said, I didn't regret reading the book. I found it to be enjoyable in the long run and do plan on reading the sequel if one comes out.
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