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Tossed by the Waves
The ocean carries everything that it sees: the aftermath of a date gone haywire, an epic noodle debate, countless late-night bonfires, love at first sight. It holds memories, experiences, picturesque sunsets. For Elliana and Nell, it holds answers.
Elliana is a perfectionist. She attends St. Jane's, a private high school on the coast of North Carolina, where straightened hair and ironed uniforms are the norm. Though she has a knack for basketball, she prefers to remain on the sidelines, a habit that—as her best friend often points out—has made its way into her everyday life.
Nell, on the other hand, has just returned home from her sophomore year of college only to be thrust into her responsibilities as the maid of honor in her brother’s wedding. She’s bent on making sure that everything runs smoothly, though her plans to reunite with an old friend might get in her way.
Elliana often feels nothing, while Nell is certain that she feels far too much. Though they seem like complete opposites, the two of them have one thing in common: they’ve both come to the ocean in search of the same person, but only one can find her.
Elliana is a perfectionist. She attends St. Jane's, a private high school on the coast of North Carolina, where straightened hair and ironed uniforms are the norm. Though she has a knack for basketball, she prefers to remain on the sidelines, a habit that—as her best friend often points out—has made its way into her everyday life.
Nell, on the other hand, has just returned home from her sophomore year of college only to be thrust into her responsibilities as the maid of honor in her brother’s wedding. She’s bent on making sure that everything runs smoothly, though her plans to reunite with an old friend might get in her way.
Elliana often feels nothing, while Nell is certain that she feels far too much. Though they seem like complete opposites, the two of them have one thing in common: they’ve both come to the ocean in search of the same person, but only one can find her.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2022
22 people are currently reading
717 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 2, 2023
new year’s day BANGER. this book is so so incredible and had me crying by the end. the presence of a healthy, non-toxic friend group 🫶🏻 queer coming of age story 🫶🏻 self discovery 🫶🏻 grow as we go by ben platt playing on repeat
June 4, 2023
A really beautiful book about friendship, second chances, and overcoming fear. I related a lot to the main character and was rooting for her the whole time. I like slice of life stories that feel authentic, and this was definitely one of those books. It did take me a while to get into, and there some parts I felt went on just a little too long, but that didn't take anything away for me. I loved how realistic the characters and situations were, and it was a truly enjoyable read.
December 25, 2022
It was only fitting to read this book by the beach, I thought I’d only read a few chapters but five hours and many tears later I finished the book. So beautiful and pure, I loved everything about it. Definitely worth a read!
October 28, 2022
TOSSED BY THE WAVES by Erin Reilly is a coming-of-age novel about a close-knit friend group as they grapple with going away to college, life’s hardships, romance, and how they want to show up in the world. Though it’s a feel-good contemporary story, the way it’s structured makes it suspenseful and mysterious, and at the same time, deeply wistful and melancholic. It’s the perfect read for someone who really wants to sit in their feelings, and in many ways, it’s the literary counterpoint to Taylor Swift's music. It evokes the same kind of tone as albums such as Evermore and Folklore.
Major plot twist aside, what I really love about this book are the characters. They may be idealized humans, but they’re people readers will easily want to be friends with, each with a unique personality and reason for being in the story. I often found myself longing for the sense of community and belonging the characters have with each other. It’s certainly a beautiful example of how special and rare it is when you find people you mutually connect with, and is a fantastic example of what found family can mean.
Along those lines, the book in many ways made me nostalgic for experiences I’ve never had, as well as places I’ve never been. That being said, beach towns all share a similar spirit, and I so enjoyed the ocean as a backdrop for the characters’ experiences. I can relate to needing to sit in the sand and listen to the waves in order to process life as it happens. I also always wanted to live right on the beach, so in that aspect, as well as others, I was living vicariously through the characters.
TOSSED BY THE WAVES is a summer bonfire of a read, set at the ocean, surrounded by warmth and loved ones. The message of the book is simple: the best person you can be is yourself.
Review originally published on YA Books Central: https://www.yabookscentral.com/tossed...
Major plot twist aside, what I really love about this book are the characters. They may be idealized humans, but they’re people readers will easily want to be friends with, each with a unique personality and reason for being in the story. I often found myself longing for the sense of community and belonging the characters have with each other. It’s certainly a beautiful example of how special and rare it is when you find people you mutually connect with, and is a fantastic example of what found family can mean.
Along those lines, the book in many ways made me nostalgic for experiences I’ve never had, as well as places I’ve never been. That being said, beach towns all share a similar spirit, and I so enjoyed the ocean as a backdrop for the characters’ experiences. I can relate to needing to sit in the sand and listen to the waves in order to process life as it happens. I also always wanted to live right on the beach, so in that aspect, as well as others, I was living vicariously through the characters.
TOSSED BY THE WAVES is a summer bonfire of a read, set at the ocean, surrounded by warmth and loved ones. The message of the book is simple: the best person you can be is yourself.
Review originally published on YA Books Central: https://www.yabookscentral.com/tossed...
September 28, 2022
Amazing book! Make sure you have time to read it because when you start you will not put it down! Make sure you read it before it hits the big screen here. You don’t want to be behind and miss out so pick up the book now!
January 15, 2023
A masterpiece that balances the love you feel for others and the love that you feel for yourself. I didn’t want it to end and feel as if I found a piece of my soul as the main character found herself. A must read
February 22, 2023
It was a cute book, I was a little lost at the beginning, but it blended together. that may have just been my impatience. I found out about the book through a tik tok the author posted. it’s a lesbian love story which was great, but I wish the ending was extended on.
July 22, 2024
I absolutely loved this book as a bisexual girl. Really pulls on your heartstrings with a slow burn romance. I found this book through tiktok, so my only thing I have to say is I thought the blurb could’ve incorporated that it is an lgbt book!
October 6, 2024
easy read and so well written!
The close knit family and friends is something to treasure especially during formative school years as you are trying to figure out who you are or might be and having all that support, friendship and love. Beautifully written 💞
The close knit family and friends is something to treasure especially during formative school years as you are trying to figure out who you are or might be and having all that support, friendship and love. Beautifully written 💞
February 22, 2025
this book was incredible. it took me a couple of chapters to understand what was going on but once I did I couldn’t put it down. such a great wlw storyline, honestly the best I’ve read so far. absolutely loved it. It deserves way more attention!!
February 20, 2023
If I could give this 10 stars I would have.
December 12, 2023
Confused me a little in the beginning but everything falls together as it should. So cute and I loved it. Found family type of friend group and adorable romances. This book deserves to be more known!
December 31, 2022
Very enjoyable, friends sitting around a beach talking about their lives to come sort of vibes. I enjoyed the device used to connect the two chapter POVs (which I won't spoil because it's quite well done and interesting), and the themes of being unsure of yourself and finally learning how to be more comfortable in your own skin.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews