What do you think?
Rate this book
Girl Underwater
An adventurous debut novel cutting between a competitive college swimmer's harrowing days in the Rocky Mountains after a major airline disaster, and her recovery supported by the two men who love her--only one of whom knows what really happened in the wilderness.
Nineteen-year-old Avery Delacorte loves the water. A sophomore on her university's nationally ranked swim team, she finally feels popular and accepted -- especially by Lee, her kind and outgoing boyfriend.
But everything changes when Avery's red-eye home for Thanksgiving makes a ditch landing in a mountain lake in the Colorado Rockies. There are only five Avery, three little boys, and Colin Shea-- the teammate Avery has been avoiding since the first day of freshman year. Faced with sub-zero temperatures, minimal supplies, and the dangers of a forbidding nowhere, Avery and Colin must rely on their talents, willpower, and each other in ways they never could have imagined.
Yet when Avery emerges from her ordeal alive, terrified of the water, conflicted by her emotions, and evasive of her memories, she must face the harrowing realization that rescue doesn't necessarily mean survival.
Nineteen-year-old Avery Delacorte loves the water. A sophomore on her university's nationally ranked swim team, she finally feels popular and accepted -- especially by Lee, her kind and outgoing boyfriend.
But everything changes when Avery's red-eye home for Thanksgiving makes a ditch landing in a mountain lake in the Colorado Rockies. There are only five Avery, three little boys, and Colin Shea-- the teammate Avery has been avoiding since the first day of freshman year. Faced with sub-zero temperatures, minimal supplies, and the dangers of a forbidding nowhere, Avery and Colin must rely on their talents, willpower, and each other in ways they never could have imagined.
Yet when Avery emerges from her ordeal alive, terrified of the water, conflicted by her emotions, and evasive of her memories, she must face the harrowing realization that rescue doesn't necessarily mean survival.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2015
352 people are currently reading
7348 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kells
5 books455 followersClaire Kells is an author, a physician, and an avid open-water swimmer. She's rather obsessed with the great outdoors, even though she's scared to walk in the woods at night. Aside from wilderness adventures, her favorite things to write about are twisty plots, flawed characters, and romantic tension. She lives in New Jersey with her family.
Book #4 in the National Park series will be available in early 2027.
Book #4 in the National Park series will be available in early 2027.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,232 reviews
March 4, 2025
I loved this heart-pounding "face your worst fears" survival story!
Claire Kells' writing is so incredibly vivid: the harrowing passages about the plane crash and Avery and Collin's struggles to escape the sinking wreckage felt so real. I was holding my breath with them as they struggled to the surface of those icy cold waters. Avery, Colin and three helpless little boys manage to escape, but they are instantly plunged into a terrifying ordeal.
They are the sole survivors of this devastating plane crash and are stranded for weeks on a cold, unforgiving mountaintop.
Will they survive, and if so, at what cost?
The story is told in shifting timelines - before and after the accident. "Post-rescue" Avery is forced to confront many inner as well as physical demons. Her attempts to appear "normal" and her refusal to accept help for her PTSD eventually backfire on her. Avery is a very intelligent, brave young woman, but time and again we witness her self-doubt, her fear of not fitting in or of letting the swim team down. She does what she believes others expect of her, even if it means sacrificing her own dreams or desires.
Her father calls her on this self-destructive behaviour, then gives her some of the best advice I've ever heard on how to live the life YOU want to live. I would take what he said (so well!) one step further and add that no one is born perfect: we must accept, and learn from, our shortcomings and defeats.
Collin was a true hero: he gave Avery the time and space she needed to come to terms with what had happened to them out there on that mountaintop. Such a patient, decent guy, who obviously admired and loved her - despite her PTSD induced hot-and-cold behaviour toward him. Before the accident, he was slated for a spot on the Olympic swim team, but his severe injuries during the crash threatened to end all hopes of a career in competitive swimming.
Wilderness and survival stories have always been a favourite genre of mine - especially when it involves surviving by your wits and inner strength!
I couldn't put this one down. Dr. Claire Kells is an ER doctor and has probably heard and seen it all. This was her debut novel. Highly , highly recommended!
P.S. CHECK OUT HER NEWEST NOVEL: Vanishing Edge - coming in November/2021!
March 4th, 2025: Giving this one a reread seeing that my NetGalley roster is completely empty. I tend not to request more books than I can possibly read before the publication date. I'm battling the latest bug making the rounds, so I decided to give a few oldies but goodies a reread. This one is doing the job perfectly: I love "stranded in the wilderness" stories!
Claire Kells' writing is so incredibly vivid: the harrowing passages about the plane crash and Avery and Collin's struggles to escape the sinking wreckage felt so real. I was holding my breath with them as they struggled to the surface of those icy cold waters. Avery, Colin and three helpless little boys manage to escape, but they are instantly plunged into a terrifying ordeal.
They are the sole survivors of this devastating plane crash and are stranded for weeks on a cold, unforgiving mountaintop.
Will they survive, and if so, at what cost?
The story is told in shifting timelines - before and after the accident. "Post-rescue" Avery is forced to confront many inner as well as physical demons. Her attempts to appear "normal" and her refusal to accept help for her PTSD eventually backfire on her. Avery is a very intelligent, brave young woman, but time and again we witness her self-doubt, her fear of not fitting in or of letting the swim team down. She does what she believes others expect of her, even if it means sacrificing her own dreams or desires.
Her father calls her on this self-destructive behaviour, then gives her some of the best advice I've ever heard on how to live the life YOU want to live. I would take what he said (so well!) one step further and add that no one is born perfect: we must accept, and learn from, our shortcomings and defeats.
Collin was a true hero: he gave Avery the time and space she needed to come to terms with what had happened to them out there on that mountaintop. Such a patient, decent guy, who obviously admired and loved her - despite her PTSD induced hot-and-cold behaviour toward him. Before the accident, he was slated for a spot on the Olympic swim team, but his severe injuries during the crash threatened to end all hopes of a career in competitive swimming.
Wilderness and survival stories have always been a favourite genre of mine - especially when it involves surviving by your wits and inner strength!
I couldn't put this one down. Dr. Claire Kells is an ER doctor and has probably heard and seen it all. This was her debut novel. Highly , highly recommended!
P.S. CHECK OUT HER NEWEST NOVEL: Vanishing Edge - coming in November/2021!
March 4th, 2025: Giving this one a reread seeing that my NetGalley roster is completely empty. I tend not to request more books than I can possibly read before the publication date. I'm battling the latest bug making the rounds, so I decided to give a few oldies but goodies a reread. This one is doing the job perfectly: I love "stranded in the wilderness" stories!
July 26, 2015
Oh man, this one was a doozy. Not an emotionally intense doozy, a how-was-this-published doozy. If nothing else, it firmly solidifies the fact that I should never, ever be in charge of any book group selections. In fact, if it's something that I even mention once in passing, the rest of the group should consider burning all copies of the book, so we don't accidentally settle on it. However well-intentioned my choices are, they should be ignored.
There are spoilers in here but honestly, I don't even feel bad. If it helps stop you from reading it, I've done you a great service.
I have much to say about this book, but I think it falls into three major categories of flaws: (1) the characters, (2) the plot, and (3) the writing. That should cover it pretty sufficiently, I think.
1. The characters. There are basically two characters, though the author pretends there are more. The narrator, a waifish/superstrongathletic hot swimmer named Avery, and Colin, a sensitive, brooding super hot swimmer. They are both cartoonish. Avery is beautiful, but seems to have no friends other than one super hot boyfriend who she doesn't even seem to like that much (though she really likes the way his breath smells. His smells like cinnamon. No matter what or when. Why the author thinks this adds anything to the book, I have no idea, but it comes up again and again. Contrasted with Colin, who smells like spearmint, and this also comes up again and again (once I think it got mixed with oranges, which - yuck). It's ridiculous. No one smells like those things all the time.) She wants us to think Avery is really internally conflicted but she doesn't want Avery to actually do anything bad so that we judge her. It's problematic because it makes Avery totally unreliable. "Oh I am the worst, buried under the pain of the decisions I have made in my past. I shall build this torturous story and then reveal my worst." And then we find out what the decision was and it is absolutely nothing anyone would ever judge anyone else for. It's just stupid.
Colin comes across as super man-splainy at first ("you shouldn't be swimming middle distance, I know what is best for you, not that other guy"), and we hear so much about his amazing body it is boring. And it comes up at the STUPIDEST TIMES. Oh, we just swam out of our crashed airplane with these three kids, watched the rest of the passengers drown in front of our eyes including someone else we knew, and we're trying to build a shelter out of the crashed airplane bits. Here's what Avery LITERALLY SAYS at that moment, "while he concentrates on placing the slab in its proper place, I can't help but notice the rippling cords of muscle in his forearms and shoulders." OH MY GOD.
The peripheral characters include Lee (Avery's superhot swimmer boyfriend who is like a stupid puppy, good for cuddles but not much else, also kind of creepy as he seems to pick out her clothes for her), Avery's dad (who is a crazy huge asshole but somehow that never gets addressed and one gets the impression that the author wants us to like his gruff, "no-bullshit", he-can-get-away-with-this-terrible-treatment-of-his-kid-because-he's-an-ER-doc-so-awesome, but I just came away feeling bad for the whole family), Avery's brother Edward (really? A star baseball player? WHY? What does that add to the novel? Answer: NOTHING, it just tries to make this exceptionalism about Avery and her family even more extreme), and Avery's mom (really just a bland smudge of a character, with no actual features whatsoever).
The recurring hotness of people in this book is super annoying. The only person who is decidedly not hot is Gruder's brother, who (what the hell) tries to attack Avery when she gets in the car with him to leave the New Year's party she's at WITH HER BOYFRIEND (who tells her to be safe because he's really worried about her and then totally ignores her while she does a kegstand and leaves the house with some horrendous troll). Only ugly people rape! All hot men are sensitive and wonderful!
2. The plot. There are gaping, ridiculous holes in the plot. Fundamental holes. For example: WHY is Avery so anti-Colin? Throughout, really? At some point she makes some comment about how they are star-crossed lovers, but I absolutely never got any explanation for why she feels, from the beginning, so uncomfortable around him. Because of that one conversation on the day they met when he basically told her she should swim middle distance (a dick move, I grant, but I think the author wanted us to like him after that first meeting)? Or because Lee doesn't like him? Or because he ditched his team for the big swimming competition (which, really? No one asked what was going on?)? Or because Lee doesn't like him? WHY does this get set up as a whole "thing" when they barely know each other?
WHY would Colin leave their shelter at the start of a terrible blizzard to try and swim across the lake to a shelter he didn't even know the location of, without telling anyone what he is doing? That's not heroism, that's idiocy. That's basically picking the worst possible time to try and do something that would be dangerous at any point in time. It's ludicrous: either he's an idiot and makes terrible decisions but thought he was doing his best so I guess that's ok, or he was deliberately trying to get out of the situation they were in *by dying*.
WHY does Avery beat herself up and lie to the media about how "she left them" when she was gone for like half an hour trying to swim out to save them all?? And she told them where they were and they were saved too? IT MAKES NO SENSE. This is what I meant above: the author wants it both ways, she wants Avery to be terribly internally conflicted but she also doesn't want her to have done anything bad. It's just idiotic. Avery did nothing wrong, she was trying to save them when there no other options left.
WHY does time seem to stretch and shorten so weirdly? Maybe I just didn't care enough to really nail down the timeline but it sure seems like Colin was back in his hot body fully functional in no time, despite (I KID YOU NOT) the sepsis from that damn bear attack. Holy shit, this book was so bad. He had like 8 surgeries and yet seems totally, 100% fine (other than the rippling scars on his rippling shoulder). My mom had rotator cuff surgery (no bear attack, thankfully) and was NOT back to her old self in a few months and she didn't even get mangled by a bear.
WHY does Lee leave her alone at the NYE party?
WHY is she allowed to work in the ER?
WHAT was with the weird burrito meet up between Lee and Colin and Avery? Why was she so mad? What was Lee trying to accomplish? Was it planned?
3. The language. This book is not well written. It's particularly cliched/romance-novelly whenever she describes the hotness of the boys who all adore her (for unknown reasons), ("And I have to admit, though Lee is very attractive at baseline...he takes it to another level when he goes out. His thick brown hair is a little wet, a little wild. His jeans hang loose on his hips, accentuating his washboard abs and long, lean legs" OR - seriously - "I mean, wow. I don't know what else to say. He redefines the concept of cleaning up nicely") but pretty much any page you open to will have something cringey on it.
And then there are the errors. I mean, actual errors in what words mean when they are put together:
That is not teasing. That is the opposite of teasing, that is placating AFTER teasing.
Salt does not clog one's arteries, and someone who is allowed to work in the ER with her ER dad should KNOW THAT. I mean, if you eat a ton of sodium you might have high blood pressure which over time might lead to increased arterial plaque but come on. This is all wrong.
Oh please, tell me how else eyes meet.
Honestly, the one good thing about this book (and this is so mean and snarky I can't believe I'm about to type it - I'm sure the author is a great person and anyone who finishes any novel should be commended for the hard work behind it) is that it makes me confident that I, too, can get published. If this book can find an agent who fights for it, I can too.
There are spoilers in here but honestly, I don't even feel bad. If it helps stop you from reading it, I've done you a great service.
I have much to say about this book, but I think it falls into three major categories of flaws: (1) the characters, (2) the plot, and (3) the writing. That should cover it pretty sufficiently, I think.
1. The characters. There are basically two characters, though the author pretends there are more. The narrator, a waifish/superstrongathletic hot swimmer named Avery, and Colin, a sensitive, brooding super hot swimmer. They are both cartoonish. Avery is beautiful, but seems to have no friends other than one super hot boyfriend who she doesn't even seem to like that much (though she really likes the way his breath smells. His smells like cinnamon. No matter what or when. Why the author thinks this adds anything to the book, I have no idea, but it comes up again and again. Contrasted with Colin, who smells like spearmint, and this also comes up again and again (once I think it got mixed with oranges, which - yuck). It's ridiculous. No one smells like those things all the time.) She wants us to think Avery is really internally conflicted but she doesn't want Avery to actually do anything bad so that we judge her. It's problematic because it makes Avery totally unreliable. "Oh I am the worst, buried under the pain of the decisions I have made in my past. I shall build this torturous story and then reveal my worst." And then we find out what the decision was and it is absolutely nothing anyone would ever judge anyone else for. It's just stupid.
Colin comes across as super man-splainy at first ("you shouldn't be swimming middle distance, I know what is best for you, not that other guy"), and we hear so much about his amazing body it is boring. And it comes up at the STUPIDEST TIMES. Oh, we just swam out of our crashed airplane with these three kids, watched the rest of the passengers drown in front of our eyes including someone else we knew, and we're trying to build a shelter out of the crashed airplane bits. Here's what Avery LITERALLY SAYS at that moment, "while he concentrates on placing the slab in its proper place, I can't help but notice the rippling cords of muscle in his forearms and shoulders." OH MY GOD.
The peripheral characters include Lee (Avery's superhot swimmer boyfriend who is like a stupid puppy, good for cuddles but not much else, also kind of creepy as he seems to pick out her clothes for her), Avery's dad (who is a crazy huge asshole but somehow that never gets addressed and one gets the impression that the author wants us to like his gruff, "no-bullshit", he-can-get-away-with-this-terrible-treatment-of-his-kid-because-he's-an-ER-doc-so-awesome, but I just came away feeling bad for the whole family), Avery's brother Edward (really? A star baseball player? WHY? What does that add to the novel? Answer: NOTHING, it just tries to make this exceptionalism about Avery and her family even more extreme), and Avery's mom (really just a bland smudge of a character, with no actual features whatsoever).
The recurring hotness of people in this book is super annoying. The only person who is decidedly not hot is Gruder's brother, who (what the hell) tries to attack Avery when she gets in the car with him to leave the New Year's party she's at WITH HER BOYFRIEND (who tells her to be safe because he's really worried about her and then totally ignores her while she does a kegstand and leaves the house with some horrendous troll). Only ugly people rape! All hot men are sensitive and wonderful!
2. The plot. There are gaping, ridiculous holes in the plot. Fundamental holes. For example: WHY is Avery so anti-Colin? Throughout, really? At some point she makes some comment about how they are star-crossed lovers, but I absolutely never got any explanation for why she feels, from the beginning, so uncomfortable around him. Because of that one conversation on the day they met when he basically told her she should swim middle distance (a dick move, I grant, but I think the author wanted us to like him after that first meeting)? Or because Lee doesn't like him? Or because he ditched his team for the big swimming competition (which, really? No one asked what was going on?)? Or because Lee doesn't like him? WHY does this get set up as a whole "thing" when they barely know each other?
WHY would Colin leave their shelter at the start of a terrible blizzard to try and swim across the lake to a shelter he didn't even know the location of, without telling anyone what he is doing? That's not heroism, that's idiocy. That's basically picking the worst possible time to try and do something that would be dangerous at any point in time. It's ludicrous: either he's an idiot and makes terrible decisions but thought he was doing his best so I guess that's ok, or he was deliberately trying to get out of the situation they were in *by dying*.
WHY does Avery beat herself up and lie to the media about how "she left them" when she was gone for like half an hour trying to swim out to save them all?? And she told them where they were and they were saved too? IT MAKES NO SENSE. This is what I meant above: the author wants it both ways, she wants Avery to be terribly internally conflicted but she also doesn't want her to have done anything bad. It's just idiotic. Avery did nothing wrong, she was trying to save them when there no other options left.
WHY does time seem to stretch and shorten so weirdly? Maybe I just didn't care enough to really nail down the timeline but it sure seems like Colin was back in his hot body fully functional in no time, despite (I KID YOU NOT) the sepsis from that damn bear attack. Holy shit, this book was so bad. He had like 8 surgeries and yet seems totally, 100% fine (other than the rippling scars on his rippling shoulder). My mom had rotator cuff surgery (no bear attack, thankfully) and was NOT back to her old self in a few months and she didn't even get mangled by a bear.
WHY does Lee leave her alone at the NYE party?
WHY is she allowed to work in the ER?
WHAT was with the weird burrito meet up between Lee and Colin and Avery? Why was she so mad? What was Lee trying to accomplish? Was it planned?
3. The language. This book is not well written. It's particularly cliched/romance-novelly whenever she describes the hotness of the boys who all adore her (for unknown reasons), ("And I have to admit, though Lee is very attractive at baseline...he takes it to another level when he goes out. His thick brown hair is a little wet, a little wild. His jeans hang loose on his hips, accentuating his washboard abs and long, lean legs" OR - seriously - "I mean, wow. I don't know what else to say. He redefines the concept of cleaning up nicely") but pretty much any page you open to will have something cringey on it.
My muscles feel fluid again, my toes and fingers working in finely tuned coordination. That leaves the damage no one can see, the demons that no one can tame with operations or physical therapy."
Her accent reminds me of every gritty mob movie ever set in this town. In a subtle yet more immediate way, it reminds me of Colin.
"Colin!" I scream until the pain in my throat matches the agony everywhere else. "Colin!"
And then there are the errors. I mean, actual errors in what words mean when they are put together:
"...don't expect much after Mermaidia."
"Please!" they beg
"Okay, okay," he teases.
That is not teasing. That is the opposite of teasing, that is placating AFTER teasing.
"While he heads in that direction with our food, I fill two cups with lemonade and grab five packets of salt, which would clog a horse's arteries."
Salt does not clog one's arteries, and someone who is allowed to work in the ER with her ER dad should KNOW THAT. I mean, if you eat a ton of sodium you might have high blood pressure which over time might lead to increased arterial plaque but come on. This is all wrong.
"Our eyes meet at the same time."
Oh please, tell me how else eyes meet.
Honestly, the one good thing about this book (and this is so mean and snarky I can't believe I'm about to type it - I'm sure the author is a great person and anyone who finishes any novel should be commended for the hard work behind it) is that it makes me confident that I, too, can get published. If this book can find an agent who fights for it, I can too.
November 10, 2016
Update: $1.99 Kindle special today. I read this book when it first came out --about a year ago I think. I picked it --because I was excited to see a new Bay Area author 'pop' up in the scene --and was wishing this book would be good.....plus, I enjoy 'swimming' --so I figure it might be a good fit...
which it was. I enjoyed it. Its Claire's first novel.
I can't help but wonder --if this book is on sale today --does that mean she has a new book out soon? Not sure!
The review below is from last year:
"People always ask how I can stare at a black line for hours on end. But for me, swimming
Those kind of distances was never about staring at a black line on the bottom of the pool.
It's about shutting every thing else out and existing in your own head, your own thoughts,
Until the world is ready to have you again."
Avery, a college Freshman in Northern California from Boston, a swimmer, grew up with 3 older brothers. Her dad was a doctor. Her mom a lawyer.
Avery's dad never treated her like a dainty daughter. He raised her to be strong and capable. Her mother balanced his non-nonsense mentality with gentle words and constant reassurances.
From the start ... (page one), ...Avery tells us she has always loved water...and that it shocked no one in her family when she begged for swimming lessons - at age 3- far younger than her
adventuresome brothers.
Fearless of water... believing her father... Avery feels "strong & capable", until the plane crash.... which took place during her Freshman year of college - on a flight back home to visit her family.
For 5 days... Avery... and Colin....(another college student and TOP swimmer) , and 3 young little boys survive together after the plane crashed...(some of Avery's childhood skills come in handy that her dad had taught her).
After 5 days ... they are rescued-- receive medical attention... and we learn 240 other passengers died during that crash.
What happened during those five days? How do Avery and Colin each adjust back into life? ...with their family ...(past issues, relationships, returning to school, returning to swimming, etc.)
Although, I've read other 'plane-crash' survival type stories before... I fully enjoyed 'this' one.... I've liked them all. Might say something about me. Haha!
This was a fast- easy read. I liked the characters, and I enjoyed the storytelling. I always wanted to know what was happening... how Avery and Colin were adjusting- feeling- thinking.
I especially loved the ending.
Great first novel... for this Bay Area author! ( we have the 'best' authors in Northern California)!
..... I'm not prejudice!!!!
Congrats to Claire Kells
which it was. I enjoyed it. Its Claire's first novel.
I can't help but wonder --if this book is on sale today --does that mean she has a new book out soon? Not sure!
The review below is from last year:
"People always ask how I can stare at a black line for hours on end. But for me, swimming
Those kind of distances was never about staring at a black line on the bottom of the pool.
It's about shutting every thing else out and existing in your own head, your own thoughts,
Until the world is ready to have you again."
Avery, a college Freshman in Northern California from Boston, a swimmer, grew up with 3 older brothers. Her dad was a doctor. Her mom a lawyer.
Avery's dad never treated her like a dainty daughter. He raised her to be strong and capable. Her mother balanced his non-nonsense mentality with gentle words and constant reassurances.
From the start ... (page one), ...Avery tells us she has always loved water...and that it shocked no one in her family when she begged for swimming lessons - at age 3- far younger than her
adventuresome brothers.
Fearless of water... believing her father... Avery feels "strong & capable", until the plane crash.... which took place during her Freshman year of college - on a flight back home to visit her family.
For 5 days... Avery... and Colin....(another college student and TOP swimmer) , and 3 young little boys survive together after the plane crashed...(some of Avery's childhood skills come in handy that her dad had taught her).
After 5 days ... they are rescued-- receive medical attention... and we learn 240 other passengers died during that crash.
What happened during those five days? How do Avery and Colin each adjust back into life? ...with their family ...(past issues, relationships, returning to school, returning to swimming, etc.)
Although, I've read other 'plane-crash' survival type stories before... I fully enjoyed 'this' one.... I've liked them all. Might say something about me. Haha!
This was a fast- easy read. I liked the characters, and I enjoyed the storytelling. I always wanted to know what was happening... how Avery and Colin were adjusting- feeling- thinking.
I especially loved the ending.
Great first novel... for this Bay Area author! ( we have the 'best' authors in Northern California)!
..... I'm not prejudice!!!!
Congrats to Claire Kells
May 12, 2015
All Avery wanted to do, all she has trained for is competitive swimming. Coming back, the plane she is on goes down in the Rockies Mountains, with a fellow swimmer and Olympic hopeful Colin. They survive and are able to save three very young boys. For fice days, in freezing temps, with Colin injured, they manage to stay alive and keep the small boys alive as well.
After the event and the rescue it is apparent that what the media believes happened is not all that happened. A good look at PTSD as Avery tries to regain her life in the water and out. Her character is what drew me to this book, her character and all her doubts, faults and fears make her a very real person to relate to. Also, loved that not only was this an adventure story but a poignant one, showing how close a serious incident can draw people together for the longest time. Loved the ending and the peace she makes with herself and her fellow survivors. The ending a bit predictable but fitting after everything Avery goes through, A good first book and definitely a writer to watch.
ARC from publisher.
After the event and the rescue it is apparent that what the media believes happened is not all that happened. A good look at PTSD as Avery tries to regain her life in the water and out. Her character is what drew me to this book, her character and all her doubts, faults and fears make her a very real person to relate to. Also, loved that not only was this an adventure story but a poignant one, showing how close a serious incident can draw people together for the longest time. Loved the ending and the peace she makes with herself and her fellow survivors. The ending a bit predictable but fitting after everything Avery goes through, A good first book and definitely a writer to watch.
ARC from publisher.
April 22, 2015
★★★★½
I have watched my fair share of movies featuring an airplane crash, Castaway and The Grey being ones that have affected me the most as a viewer. Those scenes and their aftermath scared me to death and rightfully so. Airline disasters are no laughing matter. But I had never read about one in a book, well not until now.
Girl Underwater is told through the perspective of nineteen-year-old Avery, who is one of five crash survivors who have become stranded in the wilderness. It is a story of the struggle to survive both physically and emotionally during and after trauma. Fortunately, the actual crash is not explicit, but the moments before and after take the reader right to the scene. Author Claire Kells writes alternating past and present scenes as the story progresses, so every step Avery takes in trying to emotionally recover brings the reader right back to the disaster that won’t let her go. I enjoyed the characters and the environment Ms. Kells presented, and I found the romance element (appropriate for young adults) to be an engaging addition to the story. In my opinion, Ms. Kells' writing style gives readers a glimpse of what it may possibly feel like to suffer from a trauma-related disorder like PTSD. Readers live flashbacks and trauma re-experiencing right along with Avery and it broke my heart.
I thought Girl Underwater was an excellent debut novel from an author I will be keeping my eye on. Just a heads up though: This novel ends without much closure; however, Avery’s future was hinted at strongly enough that, as a reader, I was left satisfied. I would recommend it. Give it a try!
My favorite quote:
“I spend the fading weeks of summer at my old desk, laptop cast aside, hands cramping despite the stress ball on the shelf. Two pens have already run out of ink. The stack of paper next to my weathered paperbacks dwindles by the hour. I write until dawn breaks over the city. I write until if feels like I can’t possibly write another word. I write until my sorrow turns to pain, and then I know I’m getting somewhere.”
I have watched my fair share of movies featuring an airplane crash, Castaway and The Grey being ones that have affected me the most as a viewer. Those scenes and their aftermath scared me to death and rightfully so. Airline disasters are no laughing matter. But I had never read about one in a book, well not until now.
Girl Underwater is told through the perspective of nineteen-year-old Avery, who is one of five crash survivors who have become stranded in the wilderness. It is a story of the struggle to survive both physically and emotionally during and after trauma. Fortunately, the actual crash is not explicit, but the moments before and after take the reader right to the scene. Author Claire Kells writes alternating past and present scenes as the story progresses, so every step Avery takes in trying to emotionally recover brings the reader right back to the disaster that won’t let her go. I enjoyed the characters and the environment Ms. Kells presented, and I found the romance element (appropriate for young adults) to be an engaging addition to the story. In my opinion, Ms. Kells' writing style gives readers a glimpse of what it may possibly feel like to suffer from a trauma-related disorder like PTSD. Readers live flashbacks and trauma re-experiencing right along with Avery and it broke my heart.
“Now everyone knows my secret. Everyone knows that I’m not ready. I’m not even OK. I’m still in that lake, searching for rescue.”Avery’s emotions are palpable and Ms. Kells shows how her ongoing response to this devastating experience impacts every area of her life, but I was happy to see the continued theme is in fact survival. She survived the crash, she survived the Rocky Mountains, but the question is if she will survive the very emotional journey of life following trauma.
I thought Girl Underwater was an excellent debut novel from an author I will be keeping my eye on. Just a heads up though: This novel ends without much closure; however, Avery’s future was hinted at strongly enough that, as a reader, I was left satisfied. I would recommend it. Give it a try!
My favorite quote:
“I spend the fading weeks of summer at my old desk, laptop cast aside, hands cramping despite the stress ball on the shelf. Two pens have already run out of ink. The stack of paper next to my weathered paperbacks dwindles by the hour. I write until dawn breaks over the city. I write until if feels like I can’t possibly write another word. I write until my sorrow turns to pain, and then I know I’m getting somewhere.”
October 27, 2016
Unreached Potential
Sports romance is one of my favorite genres, and swimming my favorite sport. I swam in college, and the sport has been a huge part of my life, influencing my personality, friends, and career. When I heard about this college swimming romance, I KNEW I had to read it.
But I feel let down for several reasons:
1) The minimal swimming details are not authentic. I realize most readers won't care about the inaccuracies, but I wish the author had beta readers or editors with more swimming experience because the implausible details took me out of the story. I later read that the author is a physician, and this is probably more of a medical story than a swimming one.
2) The pacing doesn't work for me. It's tricky line between building suspense and annoying the reader, and the scales tipped toward the latter for me. The heroine Avery avoids the hero Colin for most of the book, and I almost gave up before finding out why. Which leads me to my next criticism...
3) The lack of cohesive character motivation interferes with my connection to the characters. Why does Avery avoid Colin before the plane crash? I didn't get a good feel for why she struggles to be her own person. Her shameful belief about her actions after the crash didn't jive with me, either. Many survivors of trauma blame themselves, but there's no rational reason for her self-blame, even under the traumatic circumstances. And I had zero feelings for Avery's boyfriend, Lee. It probably comes down to me not relating to Avery very well.
Kudos to the author for getting her debut novel traditionally published, and it appears most readers enjoyed this more than I did.
Sports romance is one of my favorite genres, and swimming my favorite sport. I swam in college, and the sport has been a huge part of my life, influencing my personality, friends, and career. When I heard about this college swimming romance, I KNEW I had to read it.
But I feel let down for several reasons:
1) The minimal swimming details are not authentic. I realize most readers won't care about the inaccuracies, but I wish the author had beta readers or editors with more swimming experience because the implausible details took me out of the story. I later read that the author is a physician, and this is probably more of a medical story than a swimming one.
2) The pacing doesn't work for me. It's tricky line between building suspense and annoying the reader, and the scales tipped toward the latter for me. The heroine Avery avoids the hero Colin for most of the book, and I almost gave up before finding out why. Which leads me to my next criticism...
3) The lack of cohesive character motivation interferes with my connection to the characters. Why does Avery avoid Colin before the plane crash? I didn't get a good feel for why she struggles to be her own person. Her shameful belief about her actions after the crash didn't jive with me, either. Many survivors of trauma blame themselves, but there's no rational reason for her self-blame, even under the traumatic circumstances. And I had zero feelings for Avery's boyfriend, Lee. It probably comes down to me not relating to Avery very well.
Kudos to the author for getting her debut novel traditionally published, and it appears most readers enjoyed this more than I did.
February 10, 2016
"Of course not, I want to scream. That day was all of my worst fears wrapped into one harrowing moment of fear, pain and loss. It was about my old life and the new, the before and the after. Before I watched two hundred people scream and cry and pray to a god that had deserted them. Before my trust in air travel crashed and burned in an icy lake, shattering my ability to feel safe anywhere."
A fast paced book about survival and more.
Girl Underwater is effortlessly stunning. It follows the story of Avery Delacorte, a college swimmer who is one of the survivors of a terrible plane crash. The book is told from her alternating point of view between the past and present times.
Girl Underwater is an emotional read. Kells delivered a believable plane crash and survival story. She supplemented the book with genuine facts and emotion, that would make readers root for the characters. Aside from the survival aspect of the story, Avery’s state of being also played a huge role in the plot. How she’s coping after the plane crash, is she suffering PSTD? Girl Underwater managed that part very well with so much grace and accurate sentiment.
I guess Girl Underwater made such a strong impression on me because of these crucial things. First because the characterization of the main and secondary characters were crafted well. I’m in awe. I adore everyone. Second, there’s romance, but it is not the focal point of the story though it’s more than enough to make my blood pump faster. And lastly, the writing is simply enthralling. There’s something melancholy and nostalgic about it.
Highlight of the book for me:
A character who openly admits she’s terrified.
Girl Underwater is a magnificent debut. I’m very excited to see where Kells would go next.
Review also posted at Young Adult Hollywood.
July 6, 2017
4.5*
The first thing you need to know about this book: It isn't as much a story of survival as it is a story about surviving survival. Yes, the aftermath of the plane crash is a big part of the story, but more prominent is Avery trying to figure out what comes after making it out of a huge plane crash alive. The book is told through a series of present narratives and flashbacks. Clearly, she has survived the crash, and we know from the start who survived with her (and you know, it says so in the synopsis).
So, I really liked this book, though I fully admit it isn't perfect, which of course, I will talk about. But as always, let's start with all the good, enjoyable things, okay?
What I Loved:
The Characters: I have to disclose some biases: Avery is a collegiate swimmer. As was I. Avery made choices based on what everyone else wanted her to do. As did I. So I may not have always liked Avery, but I sure as hell understood her. And I most definitely sympathized with her, because my goodness, she went through a lot. I mean, how can you not have empathy for "girl in plane crash turned girl stuck in wilderness"? She is far from perfect, but she is working through a very real case of PTSD, as you would. And Colin... Colin is everything. He is like, my second-in-line book boyfriend. I adored Colin. He was kind of an old-soul type, and I just want one of him for myself.
The Relationships: There were many, many relationships in this book that were explored. From Avery's often strained relationship with her parents and brothers, to her newfound, fumbling relationship with the boys she helped rescue, to her college boyfriend Lee, to her very uncertain relationship with Colin, there was a lot of exploration into how these relationships changed as Avery changed. And really, that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Swimming: Like I said before, this has swimming in it, which admittedly is what drew me to it in the first place. Because swimming was my entire life for a good 14 years. And Avery's too, as it happens. The best part is, the swimming stuff is very accurate, which is super rare in books. Upon visiting the author's blog, I am not at all surprised that she swam too. (Since I am insanely devoted, and myself a distance swimmer, I do have to say- at the collegiate level, they'd be doing the 1650, not the 1500. But um, none of you will notice or care about that.) Anyway, the accuracy impressed me, but more importantly, it had me very much in the story, because I knew exactly how Avery was feeling. Down to that crappy moment when you have to get in the too-cold pool and would rather visit the dentist or something.
The Survival: I love a good survival show. Like ones on The Discovery Channel, where people somehow survive against all the odds? Yeah, that is what this is like. I mean, surviving a plane crash is impressive enough, but then to have to fend for yourselves (and your injuries) while you hope for rescue? Well, that is a whole new level of intense!
The Plot in General: Yes, the survival aspect was great, but it was just a part of the plot. There was so much more, so much of Avery's evolution and recovery, so many lives impacted, so much that happens after the fact, that even though we know she makes it out of The Rockies, there's definitely plenty going on to keep the book interesting.
My one qualm:
Here's my only real problem with this book: The beginning felt a little rushed, and perhaps not as authentic as it could have been. I never got the emotion during the plane crash aftermath. I assume that during the actual crash, adrenaline takes over, so that isn't what I mean. I mean when that wears off, and the victims have time to process, and shock sets in. I guess I just kind of hoped to connect more to those scenes of the book, especially since they did set the stage for the entire thing.
Bottom Line: The initial problem aside, I really loved this book. Do I think it was partially because of my connection with Avery and swimming? Probably, but I do know that it certainly wasn't the only reason I loved this book. The obstacles, the relationships, the characters, the survival, and Avery's growth in general made this a book I absolutely couldn't put down.
**I received a copy from the publisher for review**
This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight
The first thing you need to know about this book: It isn't as much a story of survival as it is a story about surviving survival. Yes, the aftermath of the plane crash is a big part of the story, but more prominent is Avery trying to figure out what comes after making it out of a huge plane crash alive. The book is told through a series of present narratives and flashbacks. Clearly, she has survived the crash, and we know from the start who survived with her (and you know, it says so in the synopsis).
So, I really liked this book, though I fully admit it isn't perfect, which of course, I will talk about. But as always, let's start with all the good, enjoyable things, okay?
What I Loved:
The Characters: I have to disclose some biases: Avery is a collegiate swimmer. As was I. Avery made choices based on what everyone else wanted her to do. As did I. So I may not have always liked Avery, but I sure as hell understood her. And I most definitely sympathized with her, because my goodness, she went through a lot. I mean, how can you not have empathy for "girl in plane crash turned girl stuck in wilderness"? She is far from perfect, but she is working through a very real case of PTSD, as you would. And Colin... Colin is everything. He is like, my second-in-line book boyfriend. I adored Colin. He was kind of an old-soul type, and I just want one of him for myself.
The Relationships: There were many, many relationships in this book that were explored. From Avery's often strained relationship with her parents and brothers, to her newfound, fumbling relationship with the boys she helped rescue, to her college boyfriend Lee, to her very uncertain relationship with Colin, there was a lot of exploration into how these relationships changed as Avery changed. And really, that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Swimming: Like I said before, this has swimming in it, which admittedly is what drew me to it in the first place. Because swimming was my entire life for a good 14 years. And Avery's too, as it happens. The best part is, the swimming stuff is very accurate, which is super rare in books. Upon visiting the author's blog, I am not at all surprised that she swam too. (Since I am insanely devoted, and myself a distance swimmer, I do have to say- at the collegiate level, they'd be doing the 1650, not the 1500. But um, none of you will notice or care about that.) Anyway, the accuracy impressed me, but more importantly, it had me very much in the story, because I knew exactly how Avery was feeling. Down to that crappy moment when you have to get in the too-cold pool and would rather visit the dentist or something.
The Survival: I love a good survival show. Like ones on The Discovery Channel, where people somehow survive against all the odds? Yeah, that is what this is like. I mean, surviving a plane crash is impressive enough, but then to have to fend for yourselves (and your injuries) while you hope for rescue? Well, that is a whole new level of intense!
The Plot in General: Yes, the survival aspect was great, but it was just a part of the plot. There was so much more, so much of Avery's evolution and recovery, so many lives impacted, so much that happens after the fact, that even though we know she makes it out of The Rockies, there's definitely plenty going on to keep the book interesting.
My one qualm:
Here's my only real problem with this book: The beginning felt a little rushed, and perhaps not as authentic as it could have been. I never got the emotion during the plane crash aftermath. I assume that during the actual crash, adrenaline takes over, so that isn't what I mean. I mean when that wears off, and the victims have time to process, and shock sets in. I guess I just kind of hoped to connect more to those scenes of the book, especially since they did set the stage for the entire thing.
Bottom Line: The initial problem aside, I really loved this book. Do I think it was partially because of my connection with Avery and swimming? Probably, but I do know that it certainly wasn't the only reason I loved this book. The obstacles, the relationships, the characters, the survival, and Avery's growth in general made this a book I absolutely couldn't put down.
**I received a copy from the publisher for review**
This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight
April 26, 2015
This is a terrific debut novel about what it means to be a survivor and to struggle to return to a normal life after a traumatic event.
Nineteen year old Avery Delacorte, a member of an elite swim team at a college in California is on her way home to Boston for Thanksgiving when her plane crashes in a lake in the Rocky Mountains. From the outset of the story we know that Avery and another member of the swim team, star swimmer Colin Shea, and three little boys are the only survivors. However, once out of hospital and back home Avery is unable to overcome the trauma of the crash and near drowning as well as the days surviving in the wilderness. She exhibits all the symptoms of PTSD but doesn't want to talk about what actually happened during the days following their survival from the crash.
This is an excellent coming of age story written for young/new adults that will also appeal to older adults. The story is told from Avery's viewpoint with chapters alternating between her current struggle to find her feet again and the story of her survival. The author depicts the struggle Avery has not only with herself but in allowing her boyfriend Lee and her family to help her. Colin Shea is also a wonderful character, a gentle soul who is also struggling to re-find his place in the world. I highly recommend this thoughtful, emotive story with a touch of romance.4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of this book to read and review
April 22, 2015
This "new adult" debut novel by Claire Kells tells a story of survival resulting from a plane crash, the effects of PTSD and the romance and friendships that slowly develop afterward. While there were surprises and intense moments once on the ground, I was actually expecting more excitement and turmoil......particularly at the onset.
A bit predictable and far-fetched at times, but a fast, easy read that I zoomed right through and enjoyed nonetheless. Look forward to more from this new author.
July 15, 2015
I don't know how a book with a plane crash, bear attack, extreme survival, and PTSD could bore me but this one managed it.
August 14, 2022
I picked up this book to give me a break from some of the heavier non-fiction reading I've been doing for the Booktube prize. That and the audio was read by Julian Whelan one of my favorite audio book narrators. The story is about two college swimmers and how they manage to survive and heal after their plane crashes in the Rockies. I do love college sport stories and survivalist tales and even plane crashes stories so it has lots of elements. But my experience in the past reading these types of books has not been the best but the combination of elements always peaks my interest.
This was an interesting story with multiple timelines that made it difficult to follow at first. Four main were mixed in: before the crash, the plane ride and crash, surviving the crash (in the mountains) and healing from this event in the year following. Even among these there was some jumping around so it was a little confusing on audio.
In all I found the emphasis on what came after and how it affected the main characters the better part of the story. In all I felt it was a very good debut novel. A little unbelievable at times for sure but certainly page turning and one I was anxious to return to on my daily walks. It is a bit of a romance, a bit of coming of age, a bit of finding one's way back from a terrible event and just overall a good story read by an excellent narrator whose voice perfectly fit the main character.
This was an interesting story with multiple timelines that made it difficult to follow at first. Four main were mixed in: before the crash, the plane ride and crash, surviving the crash (in the mountains) and healing from this event in the year following. Even among these there was some jumping around so it was a little confusing on audio.
In all I found the emphasis on what came after and how it affected the main characters the better part of the story. In all I felt it was a very good debut novel. A little unbelievable at times for sure but certainly page turning and one I was anxious to return to on my daily walks. It is a bit of a romance, a bit of coming of age, a bit of finding one's way back from a terrible event and just overall a good story read by an excellent narrator whose voice perfectly fit the main character.
September 2, 2016
2.5 stars If you look on this story as a romance with a disaster rather than a survival story with romance, you might enjoy this a little more than I did, since I didn't read the blurb too carefully and expected the latter. This is a New Adult novel that feels mostly YA except for the age and medical experience of its protagonist, as well as some later developments.
This was fine overall, but not altogether as stirring or frightening or memorable as I would have hoped. (And so much less survival stuff than I like!) I did enjoy the audiobook narrator, however--she manages to make the narrative engaging, even when what's happening is somewhat predictable, although all of her male characters (with Boston accents) sound the same, as do all the kids she voices.
There was also one line of characterization I really liked, in reference to ; Tim's embarrassment at this small shame felt incredibly human and endearing. I would like to have seen more of that kind of quiet observation and feeling, as well as more character development overall. Still, I rather liked the ending--it ends just as you'd expect, but in a satisfactory way.
This probably would have been a decent three stars overall, had it not been for the fact that a pretty major thing that Avery is hiding for a long time finally comes out, and there doesn't seem to be that much impact after it's finally revealed. I'm fine with what happened, mind, just wished for more meat and discussion of consequences and emotion to come out of it. Everyone just kind of accepts this big secret, and the graveness of what happened is not adequately balanced by the amount of serious soul-searching, remorse, and forgiveness that it merited.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review.
This was fine overall, but not altogether as stirring or frightening or memorable as I would have hoped. (And so much less survival stuff than I like!) I did enjoy the audiobook narrator, however--she manages to make the narrative engaging, even when what's happening is somewhat predictable, although all of her male characters (with Boston accents) sound the same, as do all the kids she voices.
There was also one line of characterization I really liked, in reference to ; Tim's embarrassment at this small shame felt incredibly human and endearing. I would like to have seen more of that kind of quiet observation and feeling, as well as more character development overall. Still, I rather liked the ending--it ends just as you'd expect, but in a satisfactory way.
This probably would have been a decent three stars overall, had it not been for the fact that a pretty major thing that Avery is hiding for a long time finally comes out, and there doesn't seem to be that much impact after it's finally revealed. I'm fine with what happened, mind, just wished for more meat and discussion of consequences and emotion to come out of it. Everyone just kind of accepts this big secret, and the graveness of what happened is not adequately balanced by the amount of serious soul-searching, remorse, and forgiveness that it merited.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review.
May 13, 2015
I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately, and nothing on my TBR or waiting on my Kindle has really grabbed me. So, to shake myself out of it I decided to browse on Amazon for (1) a book and author I'd never heard of; and (b) a blurb that immediately grabbed me. The result, obviously, was this book.
The book seems to be classified as a 'new adult'. For me 'new adult' usually means a trashy YA read, but with sex, so I thought - despite the blurb - this would be a fairly light read. I was very much mistaken. This is a book with depth, with solid characterisation, and an author who is unafraid to keep her readers on the edge of their seats rather than bringing things together too neatly. It is no mean feat that despite the author letting us know within the first few chapters at everything turns out okay, that I was still in turmoil for much of the book desperate to know the characters would all be okay. I know it sounds silly, but there you have it. This is a skillful author.
This could easily have devolved into a 'romance', but the author resisted that. Whilst there was a romantic storyline, that was sidelined and the issue that had primacy was the main character's need to work through her PTSD following the crash. I started reading this book around 9:30pm at night, and I didn't go to bed until I had finished. That is the highest praise I can give to a book. And here, some three or so days down the track I am still thinking about this book. An intelligent and insightful book, it is one I highly recommend.
The book seems to be classified as a 'new adult'. For me 'new adult' usually means a trashy YA read, but with sex, so I thought - despite the blurb - this would be a fairly light read. I was very much mistaken. This is a book with depth, with solid characterisation, and an author who is unafraid to keep her readers on the edge of their seats rather than bringing things together too neatly. It is no mean feat that despite the author letting us know within the first few chapters at everything turns out okay, that I was still in turmoil for much of the book desperate to know the characters would all be okay. I know it sounds silly, but there you have it. This is a skillful author.
This could easily have devolved into a 'romance', but the author resisted that. Whilst there was a romantic storyline, that was sidelined and the issue that had primacy was the main character's need to work through her PTSD following the crash. I started reading this book around 9:30pm at night, and I didn't go to bed until I had finished. That is the highest praise I can give to a book. And here, some three or so days down the track I am still thinking about this book. An intelligent and insightful book, it is one I highly recommend.
August 6, 2015
A good plot idea and some likeable characters poorly executed. Had a YA feel to it and just didn't time line believably. The whole "love Colin, run away from him" never made sense and happened repeatedly. The big reveal...what happened to make Avery stay away from her fellow survivors and lie to the media ended up being ridiculous. She was ashamed but actually saved them all?? I didn't get it. I did read it through though so it had that. How did Colin survive plane crash where his leg was very damaged, a bear attack where his arm had to be practically sewn back on, an infection of that wound, all at Thanksgiving and then on New Years he was out of the hospital, at a bar, and driving? They all had frostbite but no one lost a toe or finger? No details of the rescue of the four boys? She was suturing her brothers when she was seven? Really? And every time they needed stitches? How many times could that have been? And then you have this:
"Our eyes meet at the same time". The very definition of "meet" is at the same time, right?
"Our eyes meet at the same time". The very definition of "meet" is at the same time, right?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 12, 2015I don't think I can rate this book. For me there were too many plot holes, too much time spent on the wrong things and not enough time on what I really wanted to know more about. The hero, Colin, seemed like such a good guy, but honestly it felt like he was barely in the book. And the heroine, Avery, I just wanted to smother her with a pillow. So many questionable actions, I just didn't connect with her at all. Sorry to say this just didn't work for me.
March 30, 2015
An exciting, suspenseful and emotional journey of a girl surviving a horrific trauma, and dealing with its devastating aftermath.
19 year old Avery is a sophomore in College, and is a dedicated and competitive swimmer. She has practically spent her life in the water, and is part of her school’s acclaimed swim team. She has a wonderfully supportive boyfriend, is close to her family, and is happy with her life. But everything changes when she is flying home for Thanksgiving break. Her plane crashes in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, and she is one of only five survivors, along with her teammate, Colin, and three young boys. For five days they battle the snowy wilderness before being rescued, and that is when Avery’s battle really begins.
Following Avery through the days, weeks and months after the crash, we watch her battle with her psychological trauma as she struggles to come to terms with what she has been through. The story flashes back to both Avery’s time in College, and her time in the mountains after the crash so we really get to know her and understand her situation, and it’s all so well written.
The scene of the crash and the immediate aftermath is horrific and I could feel the terror of the impending crash, the impact, and their desperate escape from the downed plane. That, and all that they go through afterwards just trying to survive is explained in graphic and emotive detail, and I could see it all unfolding like I was a part of it.
But it doesn’t overshadow the heart of the story, which is very much character driven, and the dynamics are really well written. Avery’s relationship with her family is fantastic, her boyfriend, Lee, wants nothing more than to be there for her, and then there’s Colin. Avery’s relationship with Colin is a conflicted one dating back to her first days at College. They haven’t had a lot to do with each other, and she isn’t happy when they are seated next to each other on the plane, but fate has tied them together, and each little moment between them is something really special. .
I really liked Avery as a character. She’s intelligent, strong and brave and very easy to relate to. She handles her situation incredibly but her biggest torment is what happened after the crash, and there is a big mystery about the ‘thing’ that happened out there in the wilderness. It’s the one thing she can’t bear to think about and the story builds up to the big reveal while she struggles to come to terms with it all.
This is a debut novel, and I am really impressed by Kells’ writing. The story is enthralling, with a great mix of drama, action/adventure, and emotion and it’s all balanced really nicely. There is some romance, but it’s definitely not a major part of the story, which is definitely focussed on Avery’s recovery after surviving such a horrific event. It’s a great story, which is well told, and I’m keen to check out more of this author’s work.
I really enjoyed it - 4 stars.
19 year old Avery is a sophomore in College, and is a dedicated and competitive swimmer. She has practically spent her life in the water, and is part of her school’s acclaimed swim team. She has a wonderfully supportive boyfriend, is close to her family, and is happy with her life. But everything changes when she is flying home for Thanksgiving break. Her plane crashes in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, and she is one of only five survivors, along with her teammate, Colin, and three young boys. For five days they battle the snowy wilderness before being rescued, and that is when Avery’s battle really begins.
Following Avery through the days, weeks and months after the crash, we watch her battle with her psychological trauma as she struggles to come to terms with what she has been through. The story flashes back to both Avery’s time in College, and her time in the mountains after the crash so we really get to know her and understand her situation, and it’s all so well written.
This is who I am now. Damaged. Traumatized. Lost.
Sometimes I wonder if I really survived anything.
The scene of the crash and the immediate aftermath is horrific and I could feel the terror of the impending crash, the impact, and their desperate escape from the downed plane. That, and all that they go through afterwards just trying to survive is explained in graphic and emotive detail, and I could see it all unfolding like I was a part of it.
But it doesn’t overshadow the heart of the story, which is very much character driven, and the dynamics are really well written. Avery’s relationship with her family is fantastic, her boyfriend, Lee, wants nothing more than to be there for her, and then there’s Colin. Avery’s relationship with Colin is a conflicted one dating back to her first days at College. They haven’t had a lot to do with each other, and she isn’t happy when they are seated next to each other on the plane, but fate has tied them together, and each little moment between them is something really special. .
I really liked Avery as a character. She’s intelligent, strong and brave and very easy to relate to. She handles her situation incredibly but her biggest torment is what happened after the crash, and there is a big mystery about the ‘thing’ that happened out there in the wilderness. It’s the one thing she can’t bear to think about and the story builds up to the big reveal while she struggles to come to terms with it all.
This is a debut novel, and I am really impressed by Kells’ writing. The story is enthralling, with a great mix of drama, action/adventure, and emotion and it’s all balanced really nicely. There is some romance, but it’s definitely not a major part of the story, which is definitely focussed on Avery’s recovery after surviving such a horrific event. It’s a great story, which is well told, and I’m keen to check out more of this author’s work.
I really enjoyed it - 4 stars.
August 28, 2021
This debut novel by Claire Kell is quite a wonderful start for her. I am a fan and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
It’s an interesting and painful premise and story. A large plane crashes in the Rocky Mountains with only 5 survivors: two athletes (woman swimmer and male swimmer) and 3 kids. I liked all of these characters, especially Avery and Colin.
They had to survive for 5 days in the wilderness and who knows what really happens between them. What happens in a plane crash, stays in the plane crash!?
I also love the outdoors and Claire Kell’s supplies it in wonderful ways in this mainly outdoor thriller.
Although it may have gone on a bit too long in a few places, it was well worth it. I also figured out or knew what was going to happen and that’s why I took one star off….4 ⭐️ instead of 5.
Read it!
It’s an interesting and painful premise and story. A large plane crashes in the Rocky Mountains with only 5 survivors: two athletes (woman swimmer and male swimmer) and 3 kids. I liked all of these characters, especially Avery and Colin.
They had to survive for 5 days in the wilderness and who knows what really happens between them. What happens in a plane crash, stays in the plane crash!?
I also love the outdoors and Claire Kell’s supplies it in wonderful ways in this mainly outdoor thriller.
Although it may have gone on a bit too long in a few places, it was well worth it. I also figured out or knew what was going to happen and that’s why I took one star off….4 ⭐️ instead of 5.
Read it!
April 6, 2015
I wish I hadn't bothered to finish this book. The beginning was okay, and then the middle and end were BORING. The main character was whiny, and I didn't understand her inner turmoil - even when the ending was revealed, it didn't make sense or ring true. And, I'm sorry, Colin was just too perfect. The characters were annoying, and the writing was overblown and wordy. Not recommended at all.
September 24, 2021
I’m not really sure how this one ended up on my shelf, but I’m writing this so it will not end up on yours. I usually give books more than two chapters before I abandon, but the amount of adverbs stuffed into each sentence warranted my emergency exit.
File Under: A cliche wrapped rapidly around a grumpy, beautiful, insufferable, athletic, insecure blonde protagonist who is probably going to swim her way into or out of something Bc the title mentions water.
SWIM AWAY, READERS!
File Under: A cliche wrapped rapidly around a grumpy, beautiful, insufferable, athletic, insecure blonde protagonist who is probably going to swim her way into or out of something Bc the title mentions water.
SWIM AWAY, READERS!
July 23, 2020
Highly recommend
This is a wonderful book! I felt compelled to leave a review for the first time after hundreds of books.
This is a wonderful book! I felt compelled to leave a review for the first time after hundreds of books.
June 18, 2018
This is the debut novel of this author. I liked the cover and the title. So immediately I was intrigued.
Her characters were likable, which is always a plus. I also liked her use of words. Some passages sounded well thought out. Unfortunately, I didn't get that feel all the way through.
The story included a plane crash, wilderness survival, a love story and the healing. I loved the premise, but it had a dream like feel that had me wanting it to be anchored down. The characters and the story line were a little vague but yet predictable. Some of this didn't seem like it belonged to the reality the story was given (it was out of the realm of possibility.) Some events, actions and characters qualities could have used more exploration to make this more believable and to give it more of an emotional impact.
Overall, I liked the characters and the story line had promise. So 3 stars.
Her characters were likable, which is always a plus. I also liked her use of words. Some passages sounded well thought out. Unfortunately, I didn't get that feel all the way through.
The story included a plane crash, wilderness survival, a love story and the healing. I loved the premise, but it had a dream like feel that had me wanting it to be anchored down. The characters and the story line were a little vague but yet predictable. Some of this didn't seem like it belonged to the reality the story was given (it was out of the realm of possibility.) Some events, actions and characters qualities could have used more exploration to make this more believable and to give it more of an emotional impact.
Overall, I liked the characters and the story line had promise. So 3 stars.
![Profile Image for ➺ kath [ia].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1761000250i%2F167355845._UX200_CR0%2C24%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 26, 2024
₊˚.༄ 5 stars
reviewed on may.02, 2024.
trigger warnings: ptsd, trauma, anxiety attacks, survival, etc.
first of all this review took way longer than it should've 100% 😭 this review marks one year since I first picked this up bc I thought the story of a swimmer's survival was interesting, and one year when I finished it, putting it down, and it changing my life.
꒰ 🌊⋆｡˚ characters. girl underwater is one of those books that words can't put it into perspective, or justice. it's about a girl who isn't perfect, isn't brave, isn't fearless, but is js like the rest of us; someone with hopes and dreams, confronts fears in her own way, and more than anything, fights for survival. she isn't supposed to be likable; she makes bad decisions she regrets, she hangs on a thread that is waiting to snap, and yet, that is what makes her so likable. bc she is us. if we were put in her position, we would react the same way and im so glad that the author portrayed avery delacorte so vulnerable and honestly.
colin shea. this man took my breath away. he's there to push Avery and let her make her own choices, and stands beside her when everyone else wants to shield her and stand in front of her. he challenges her, even before that flight, and helps her help herself. he's underestimated and resented for the choices he made, and yet the choices were so selfless they made me want to cry. he had so much depth to his character and he is the definition of a hero without a cape.
꒰ ⋅˚₊‧ ୨❄️🪡୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅storyline. the depth behind everything in here was insane. the tension radiated off the pages and I held my breath as I flipped each one, and it felt like I was there, with them. that I was the one in the life or death situation at hand and that I was the one that was faced with impossible choices.
it deals heavily with the trauma that Avery holds as a swimmer; it deals heavily with how the impact of her crash, impacted her entire swimming career. it challenged her in ways, and it made everything feel so so real. ptsd flashbacks felt so so genuine and raw felt.
꒰ ˚🎐｡⋆｡ ﾟconclusion. this book, even after a year of the last time I read it, left me with the same, life changing impacts, and the emotions that it had given me the first time. every single time I read it I feel like its a first time. it teaches a lesson about survival, and how everyone handles it differently, through trauma. this book has a special chest in my heart where its locked up and will remain forever <3
xoxo kath 💗
rating: 5/5
song: rescue me - onerepublic; wake me up - avicii
ages 12 and up
reviewed on may.02, 2024.
trigger warnings: ptsd, trauma, anxiety attacks, survival, etc.
˚˖𓍢ִִ໋˚˖𓍢ִ✧˚. ❝ The false promises of survival plagued him for months, the certainty of death right on the horizon. ❞
first of all this review took way longer than it should've 100% 😭 this review marks one year since I first picked this up bc I thought the story of a swimmer's survival was interesting, and one year when I finished it, putting it down, and it changing my life.
꒰ 🌊⋆｡˚ characters. girl underwater is one of those books that words can't put it into perspective, or justice. it's about a girl who isn't perfect, isn't brave, isn't fearless, but is js like the rest of us; someone with hopes and dreams, confronts fears in her own way, and more than anything, fights for survival. she isn't supposed to be likable; she makes bad decisions she regrets, she hangs on a thread that is waiting to snap, and yet, that is what makes her so likable. bc she is us. if we were put in her position, we would react the same way and im so glad that the author portrayed avery delacorte so vulnerable and honestly.
colin shea. this man took my breath away. he's there to push Avery and let her make her own choices, and stands beside her when everyone else wants to shield her and stand in front of her. he challenges her, even before that flight, and helps her help herself. he's underestimated and resented for the choices he made, and yet the choices were so selfless they made me want to cry. he had so much depth to his character and he is the definition of a hero without a cape.
₊˚ʚ ₊˚✧ ﾟ. ❝ Listen to me. You aren’t going to die.”
“We aren’t going to die."
Everything around us falls away. There is only him, just like we were on the plane. Arms wrapped around our knees, heads turned toward each other. Only you. ❞
꒰ ⋅˚₊‧ ୨❄️🪡୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅storyline. the depth behind everything in here was insane. the tension radiated off the pages and I held my breath as I flipped each one, and it felt like I was there, with them. that I was the one in the life or death situation at hand and that I was the one that was faced with impossible choices.
it deals heavily with the trauma that Avery holds as a swimmer; it deals heavily with how the impact of her crash, impacted her entire swimming career. it challenged her in ways, and it made everything feel so so real. ptsd flashbacks felt so so genuine and raw felt.
𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖ ❝ Avery—”
“Don’t say it. Not now.” I whisper against his lips, “Not ever.”
“I won’t,” he says, his voice breaking as he removes my gloves. He fumbles with them—the left, then the right, and then his own, until it’s just us, skin touching skin, my hands in his. He’s warm, so warm. He rests his forehead against mine, and for a rare, stolen moment, it feels like we’re breathing for each other. ❞
꒰ ˚🎐｡⋆｡ ﾟconclusion. this book, even after a year of the last time I read it, left me with the same, life changing impacts, and the emotions that it had given me the first time. every single time I read it I feel like its a first time. it teaches a lesson about survival, and how everyone handles it differently, through trauma. this book has a special chest in my heart where its locked up and will remain forever <3
xoxo kath 💗
rating: 5/5
song: rescue me - onerepublic; wake me up - avicii
ages 12 and up
May 14, 2015
I was so intrigued by the cover of this book and the concept behind it, that I couldn't wait to start. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me on several levels. The book kind of had ADD...it was ALL over the place. I love a past to present story, but this one was not executed well in my opinion. There were so many plot holes that I started to become extremely distracted. Also, the grief throughout the story I thought was handled very poorly and seemed very unrealistic. Many of my friends have loved this one, so I may be in the minority, but it was definitely a 2-star for me.
September 8, 2015
I heard great things about this book so I was excited going in. The story unfolds in a back and forth format flashing between the past, the crash, and the present. The best part of the ride is in way that the author leaves the air of mystery AND the slow burning flame of the 2 main characters. The author does such a great job of putting you right in their situations - the emotions, the setting, the struggles - Loved this book. It is a breezy 4 to 5 hour read!
August 23, 2022
To say this book was just about a plane crash would be like calling the Sea Of Tranquility a book about a goth chick. Those that know me know that this example is a telling one: The Sea of Tranquility is in the top 10 favorite books I have ever read in my life. I now have one more.
This book is so much more than surviving a plane crash. It is the aftermath of surviving the trauma of surviving a plane crash and the myriad of emotions experienced as a result.
Avery is a collegiate swimmer who, along with four other people, are the sole survivors of a plane crash in the Rocky Mountains. In this book, as a reader we experience first hand the levels she and her teammate will go to protect and nurture eachother and three small children.
It was perfectly written and is definitely in my top books I've read this year, probably ever. Read this book. Do yourself a favor and put down the regular and typical stuff you read and give this a chance. It stays in your heart and head long after.
This book is so much more than surviving a plane crash. It is the aftermath of surviving the trauma of surviving a plane crash and the myriad of emotions experienced as a result.
Avery is a collegiate swimmer who, along with four other people, are the sole survivors of a plane crash in the Rocky Mountains. In this book, as a reader we experience first hand the levels she and her teammate will go to protect and nurture eachother and three small children.
It was perfectly written and is definitely in my top books I've read this year, probably ever. Read this book. Do yourself a favor and put down the regular and typical stuff you read and give this a chance. It stays in your heart and head long after.
July 24, 2022
4.5 stars
Such a good read and rec from my buddy Steph. I love survivor stories and nothing about this book disappointed. I've never read on in the NA age range and it was thoroughly enjoyable. The chapters went from the traumatic incident to the aftermath and that worked really well. There was so much to pull on the heartstrings with the kids that were involved. Finally, this wrapped up just beautifully.
Such a good read and rec from my buddy Steph. I love survivor stories and nothing about this book disappointed. I've never read on in the NA age range and it was thoroughly enjoyable. The chapters went from the traumatic incident to the aftermath and that worked really well. There was so much to pull on the heartstrings with the kids that were involved. Finally, this wrapped up just beautifully.
August 7, 2024
I came across this book while searching for available audiobooks narrated by Julia Whelan (my favorite narrator) on Libby and it did not disappoint! Gives you all feels! Also makes me want to study and learn about all things survival/emergency related! 🤪
March 29, 2015
Story: This book was fantastic and would make an awesome movie!
Compelling, engrossing and heart-wrenchingly romantic, GIRL UNDERWATER is a story of survival, strength and hope. (Colin Shea is one of the best book guys you'll ever meet.) It unfolds through alternating chapters of "Now" and "Then" which are seamlessly woven together, giving readers the complete picture by book's end. I spent the last 1/4 of the book with my heart lodged in my throat, but that epilogue made it all worth it.
One of the most enjoyable things about GIRL UNDERWATER is it's crossover appeal. Avery is 19, putting her in the New Adult category, BUT this story could easily be read---and enjoyed---by readers of upper YA and Adult.
READ. IT.
Audiobook: I began this book on audio and while I thought Julia Whelan did an okay job, it was not my favorite. I'm glad I had a physical copy to fall back on.
Compelling, engrossing and heart-wrenchingly romantic, GIRL UNDERWATER is a story of survival, strength and hope. (Colin Shea is one of the best book guys you'll ever meet.) It unfolds through alternating chapters of "Now" and "Then" which are seamlessly woven together, giving readers the complete picture by book's end. I spent the last 1/4 of the book with my heart lodged in my throat, but that epilogue made it all worth it.
One of the most enjoyable things about GIRL UNDERWATER is it's crossover appeal. Avery is 19, putting her in the New Adult category, BUT this story could easily be read---and enjoyed---by readers of upper YA and Adult.
READ. IT.
Audiobook: I began this book on audio and while I thought Julia Whelan did an okay job, it was not my favorite. I'm glad I had a physical copy to fall back on.
Read
December 3, 2015Graded By: Poshdeluxe
Cover Story: Watercolor
BFF Charm: Let Me Love You
Swoonworthy Scale: 8
Talky Talk: Now And Then
Bonus Factors: College, Swimming
Relationship Status: A Pool Of Emotion
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Watercolor
BFF Charm: Let Me Love You
Swoonworthy Scale: 8
Talky Talk: Now And Then
Bonus Factors: College, Swimming
Relationship Status: A Pool Of Emotion
Read the full book report here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,232 reviews