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Sea #1
Sea
Still haunted by nightmares of her mother's death, fifteen-year-old Sienna Jones reluctantly travels to Indonesia with her father's relief team to help tsunami orphans with their post traumatic stress disorder-something Sienna knows a lot about. Since her mother's plane went missing over the Indian Ocean three years before, Sienna doesn't do anything if it involves the ocean or planes, so this trip is a big step forward.
But the last thing she expects is to fall for Deni, a brooding Indonesian boy who lives at the orphanage, and just so happens to be HOT. When Deni hears a rumor that his father may be alive, Sienna doesn't think twice about running away with him to the epicenter of the disaster. Unfortunately, what they find there could break both their hearts.
323 pages, Hardcover
First published June 10, 2010
32 people are currently reading
8270 people want to read
About the author
Heidi R. Kling
14 books457 followersHeidi R. Kling writes books about normal girls in fantastic situations.
Her debut novel SEA (Penguin/Putnam) was a finalist for Northern California Book of the Year," an IndieNext Summer Pick, Goodreads “Mover and Shaker," Scholastic Reading Pick, and Gateway Reader’s Award Finalist among other generous accolades. SEA, which launched June, 2010, is a bittersweet love story set in the aftermath of the devastating 2004 Indonesian tsunami, and is set to relaunch with Entangled Teen December 4 as WHERE I FOUND YOU (Sea series #1) with its sequel WHERE THE SEA TAKES ME out April, 2018!
After earning her MFA in Writing for Children from the New School in New York, Heidi returned to the Bay Area where she lives with her family in a tiny seaside village like the towns in her books.
She's also the author of the acclaimed PAINT MY BODY RED (for fans of Speak and 13 Reasons Why), bestselling romantic comedy NOT OKAY, CUPID and the Spellspinners of Melas County series about feuding witches and warlocks.
Please visit her on twitter (Heidi R. Kling) where she loves to live-tweet TV shows, overuse gifs and chat with her readers about books, love and travel. She's very fortunate to write stories for a living and is grateful to you for reading them!
http://heidirkling.com
Her debut novel SEA (Penguin/Putnam) was a finalist for Northern California Book of the Year," an IndieNext Summer Pick, Goodreads “Mover and Shaker," Scholastic Reading Pick, and Gateway Reader’s Award Finalist among other generous accolades. SEA, which launched June, 2010, is a bittersweet love story set in the aftermath of the devastating 2004 Indonesian tsunami, and is set to relaunch with Entangled Teen December 4 as WHERE I FOUND YOU (Sea series #1) with its sequel WHERE THE SEA TAKES ME out April, 2018!
After earning her MFA in Writing for Children from the New School in New York, Heidi returned to the Bay Area where she lives with her family in a tiny seaside village like the towns in her books.
She's also the author of the acclaimed PAINT MY BODY RED (for fans of Speak and 13 Reasons Why), bestselling romantic comedy NOT OKAY, CUPID and the Spellspinners of Melas County series about feuding witches and warlocks.
Please visit her on twitter (Heidi R. Kling) where she loves to live-tweet TV shows, overuse gifs and chat with her readers about books, love and travel. She's very fortunate to write stories for a living and is grateful to you for reading them!
http://heidirkling.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 381 reviews
December 2, 2009
What I Learned From This Book
1. A book takes a long time to write.
2. Most of writing is revising.
3. I'm grateful and happy I have a book coming out.
4. I hope people like it.
My rating system: A star for each year I worked on SEA: 2005-2010. =)
1. A book takes a long time to write.
2. Most of writing is revising.
3. I'm grateful and happy I have a book coming out.
4. I hope people like it.
My rating system: A star for each year I worked on SEA: 2005-2010. =)
November 29, 2010
"The seaweed is always greener in sombody else's lake, you dream about going up there but that is a big mistake. Just look at the world around you, right here on the ocean floor. Under the sea......."
And, here we have yet another book that 100% shocked me...
I thought this was going to be either:
a: a retelling of 'The little mermaid'
b: a cheesy love story envolving the ocean
c: or a combo of both
But, this was not even remotely any of those. This book was not really even about the ocean.
Sienna, a fifteen year old american girl who has recently lost her mother to a plane crash across the world in the indian ocean has been given a suprise ticket for her birthday. A plane ticket to Indonesia. She doesn't want to go at first, but she watches a video of all the orphaned tsunami victims that she could potentially help and she is compelled to go. She has to go. She needs to go. She goes.
She meets Deni, an orphan boy from a nearby island. They instantlly bond. The grow together. The heal and help each other. Typically not something I would think I would like to read, but this one was so heartfelt and emotional.... it was just so good.
Sidenote: I think the cover needs to be something different, more serious so it doesn't look like a romance novel. I think the cover is pretty and it's probably what made me pick this book up, but it makes the book look like something it's not...
And, here we have yet another book that 100% shocked me...
I thought this was going to be either:
a: a retelling of 'The little mermaid'
b: a cheesy love story envolving the ocean
c: or a combo of both
But, this was not even remotely any of those. This book was not really even about the ocean.
Sienna, a fifteen year old american girl who has recently lost her mother to a plane crash across the world in the indian ocean has been given a suprise ticket for her birthday. A plane ticket to Indonesia. She doesn't want to go at first, but she watches a video of all the orphaned tsunami victims that she could potentially help and she is compelled to go. She has to go. She needs to go. She goes.
She meets Deni, an orphan boy from a nearby island. They instantlly bond. The grow together. The heal and help each other. Typically not something I would think I would like to read, but this one was so heartfelt and emotional.... it was just so good.
Sidenote: I think the cover needs to be something different, more serious so it doesn't look like a romance novel. I think the cover is pretty and it's probably what made me pick this book up, but it makes the book look like something it's not...
June 27, 2010
"I wanted to tell him that you can meet someone and they can change your life forever, even if you have only known him for a short while, that when you leave, you're a different person than before you meet him....."
This is the story of Sienna who's mother disappeared in a plane crash overseas when doing relief work 3 years ago. Sienna is still greiving the loss of her mother and is haunted by nightmares. For her 15th birthday her Dad gives her a plane ticket to go to Indonesia to do relief work with him at an orphanage. Sienna relucantly goes despite her fears. When Sienna arrives she meets and is instantly drawn to Deni a 17 year old orphaned survivor of the tsunami.
Sea is a beautiful and breathtaking coming of age story that deals with loss and falling in love. This writing and plot captured my attention quickly and I read this book within 24 hours. Sometimes when you read a book that deals with loss you cry more than you smile but not with Sea. This book had the perfect balance . I also loved that most of the story was set in Indonesia. Even though it was sad to read about the devasting effects of the tsunami, I enjoyed learning about their culture.
This is a wonderful story that touched my heart. I can't wait to see what Heidi R. Kling writes next.
This is the story of Sienna who's mother disappeared in a plane crash overseas when doing relief work 3 years ago. Sienna is still greiving the loss of her mother and is haunted by nightmares. For her 15th birthday her Dad gives her a plane ticket to go to Indonesia to do relief work with him at an orphanage. Sienna relucantly goes despite her fears. When Sienna arrives she meets and is instantly drawn to Deni a 17 year old orphaned survivor of the tsunami.
Sea is a beautiful and breathtaking coming of age story that deals with loss and falling in love. This writing and plot captured my attention quickly and I read this book within 24 hours. Sometimes when you read a book that deals with loss you cry more than you smile but not with Sea. This book had the perfect balance . I also loved that most of the story was set in Indonesia. Even though it was sad to read about the devasting effects of the tsunami, I enjoyed learning about their culture.
This is a wonderful story that touched my heart. I can't wait to see what Heidi R. Kling writes next.
December 10, 2014
Very different from anything I've read! I only knocked a star off because it was a little bit angsty.
February 4, 2010
Heidi R Kling has written a breath-taking debut with Sea! Readers are plunged head first into a heartbreaking story of loss, hope, and new experiences. Sea is a book that speaks to everyone, but everyone can take something a little different away.
Sea is a touching story that helps a person connect with themselves. It is a book to make you think, and think deep. You look at the situation these characters are in, and it makes you look at the world around you in an entirely different way.
The characters were wonderfully written. I fell in love with Elli - I wanted to pull her off the page and just give her a hug. She was a little ball of sunshine even after all the horrors she had been through. Sienna was a wonderful main character. She was compassionate, and had drive - she had experienced horrors in her past and wanted to help others work through their horrors. She fit no cliches and was her own person. One of my favorite things about Sea was there were so many characters you may have only heard from once or twice, and they stuck with you throughout the entire book. And with all the characters, it almost seemed like you could hear their voices in your head.
When I first read this description of Sea and heard there was this relationship between Deni and Sienna I was excited. As I read, I found out Sienna would be in Indonesia only 2 weeks, and for a moment I remember thinking, "Oh no! Will that connection be real? I mean, can something that awesome believably build in that short of a time?" I was worried for a minute that that connection they had would fall flat, and not live up to my expectations, but Heidi R Kling left no room for doubts or anything with the strong connection Sea and Deni had. It was so intense and beautiful, you were simply drawn to it. Their relationship was so involved, and blew you away.
As you read, you get this feel of Indonesian culture. You saw the characters' struggles, and that presence of culture just intensified the reality of them. I also loved the setting - it was unique. I had never read a story in this setting, and everything was new. That made Sea a hundred times better, as you didn't just feel like you were along side the main character discovering this new world to them. In Sea you literally were along side Sienna discovering Indonesia and its culture.
When you are reading Sea, you would by no means guess that it is a debut novel. The story leaps off the page and speaks to you. It's a journey of the heart and emotions. Once I started reading, I had troubles putting it down. Sea is a book for all types of people, it is one you don't want to miss.
Sea is a touching story that helps a person connect with themselves. It is a book to make you think, and think deep. You look at the situation these characters are in, and it makes you look at the world around you in an entirely different way.
The characters were wonderfully written. I fell in love with Elli - I wanted to pull her off the page and just give her a hug. She was a little ball of sunshine even after all the horrors she had been through. Sienna was a wonderful main character. She was compassionate, and had drive - she had experienced horrors in her past and wanted to help others work through their horrors. She fit no cliches and was her own person. One of my favorite things about Sea was there were so many characters you may have only heard from once or twice, and they stuck with you throughout the entire book. And with all the characters, it almost seemed like you could hear their voices in your head.
When I first read this description of Sea and heard there was this relationship between Deni and Sienna I was excited. As I read, I found out Sienna would be in Indonesia only 2 weeks, and for a moment I remember thinking, "Oh no! Will that connection be real? I mean, can something that awesome believably build in that short of a time?" I was worried for a minute that that connection they had would fall flat, and not live up to my expectations, but Heidi R Kling left no room for doubts or anything with the strong connection Sea and Deni had. It was so intense and beautiful, you were simply drawn to it. Their relationship was so involved, and blew you away.
As you read, you get this feel of Indonesian culture. You saw the characters' struggles, and that presence of culture just intensified the reality of them. I also loved the setting - it was unique. I had never read a story in this setting, and everything was new. That made Sea a hundred times better, as you didn't just feel like you were along side the main character discovering this new world to them. In Sea you literally were along side Sienna discovering Indonesia and its culture.
When you are reading Sea, you would by no means guess that it is a debut novel. The story leaps off the page and speaks to you. It's a journey of the heart and emotions. Once I started reading, I had troubles putting it down. Sea is a book for all types of people, it is one you don't want to miss.
November 23, 2017
Sienna stopped living the day her mother died. She stopped loving everything and became distant from the life she once knew. On her birthday her dad gives her the opportunity to turn her life around and get back on track with her dreams. Her dream was to follow in her parents footsteps, but this is what lead to her mothers unfortunate departure. Sienna has to find the courage to find herself again and she could find so much more.
Where I found you takes us into a world many people can't even imagine. Sienna is given the opportunity to join her fathers team . They are spending the summer helping out with orphans who have lost everything in a tsunami.
Deni is the mystery boy she meets. He awakens Sienna in a way she had forgotten existed, but Deni is from a different walk of life. He has his own problems.
Where I found you is so much more than a romance novel. This book has so much culture and interesting facts as well as the storyline. I definitely learnt a thing or 2. There are some interesting characters that made me want to know more about them. It has a heartfelt storyline with an element of truth. It's about finding yourself and moving forward with life.
4 stars out of 5.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Book 2: Where the sea takes me is out 2nd April 2018.
Where I found you takes us into a world many people can't even imagine. Sienna is given the opportunity to join her fathers team . They are spending the summer helping out with orphans who have lost everything in a tsunami.
Deni is the mystery boy she meets. He awakens Sienna in a way she had forgotten existed, but Deni is from a different walk of life. He has his own problems.
Where I found you is so much more than a romance novel. This book has so much culture and interesting facts as well as the storyline. I definitely learnt a thing or 2. There are some interesting characters that made me want to know more about them. It has a heartfelt storyline with an element of truth. It's about finding yourself and moving forward with life.
4 stars out of 5.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Book 2: Where the sea takes me is out 2nd April 2018.
July 19, 2010
Sea is a story about a girl named Sienna Jones, once she lived her life large, but her mothers death made her fearful and so she became distant and lost.
Her father, who also feels the weight of lost wants to help others to feel useful again and wants Sienna to join him on Team Hope to Indonesia, to help the tsunami victims for two weeks.
Can a journey of love and hope make Sienna live and feel again?
This is just a beautiful written story filled with rich romance and an eye opener for everything that you hold dear.
This one really surprised me, I knew it was a love story, yes, but I didn't know it was going to take us to us to a place that holds tragic and despair but only when you really look we find compassion and hope. I found myself getting wrapped up in the these children and the love story between Sienna and Deni is so precious.
With wonderful amazing characters and great writing, Heidi Kling sets a gorgeous story of lost, letting go and moving on.
Touching, moving and memorable, Sea is a sweet gem and a fantastic debut!
Her father, who also feels the weight of lost wants to help others to feel useful again and wants Sienna to join him on Team Hope to Indonesia, to help the tsunami victims for two weeks.
Can a journey of love and hope make Sienna live and feel again?
This is just a beautiful written story filled with rich romance and an eye opener for everything that you hold dear.
This one really surprised me, I knew it was a love story, yes, but I didn't know it was going to take us to us to a place that holds tragic and despair but only when you really look we find compassion and hope. I found myself getting wrapped up in the these children and the love story between Sienna and Deni is so precious.
With wonderful amazing characters and great writing, Heidi Kling sets a gorgeous story of lost, letting go and moving on.
Touching, moving and memorable, Sea is a sweet gem and a fantastic debut!
May 19, 2010
Imagine, if you will, a book that will melt your heart simultaneously reminding you of a 1940s black and white film, despite it being set in the present. Are you picturing? Picture an exotic location, such as say, Indonesian. Now, add in a large smattering of romance and you have Sea by Heidi R. Kling.
Read the rest of my review here
Read the rest of my review here
November 26, 2010
I'm just having horrible luck lately. All these books I've been reading lately have been sub-par, and "Sea" was no exception. The cover and synopsis sounded promising and I had a friend pining to read it after me. Needless to say, I spared her the torment. I think, I need to stop reading about anyone under the age of sixteen. If you can't drive a car, you should have no opinion about romance. You are a brainless child still and shouldn't be running away with some strange boy in a foreign country, directly disobeying your father. RUDE! Have you gathered I'm not a fan of our protagonist? I couldn't even connect with the loss of her mother. She died on a tiny plane and Sienna won't even look at a massive jet. And the romance. You're fifteen - STOP. Plus, you barely know the boy, and you're leaving in a few weeks! I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I'm not a fan of "sideburns, scraggly goatee, and a limp". Oh yeah, he sounds sexy. I might have even gotten past all of that, but then she has to run away with him. After which, he promises to find her in America, but then he finds his long lost fiance, and oops, nevermind. Sienna is cool with that though because Spider (WTF??) is waiting to have a hot makeout session when she gets home. Oh and dad is totally forgiving of her running away. Ugh. This has turned into a rant, so let me get to the point.
1.5-stars. I'm feeling generous. Don't read this book unless you yourself are under sixteen and okay with stupid romance and immature behavior.
1.5-stars. I'm feeling generous. Don't read this book unless you yourself are under sixteen and okay with stupid romance and immature behavior.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2017
3.5 / 5 Fangs
I did not know what to expect going into this book, but I was pleasantly surprised! This story was full of romance, self-discovery, loss, angst, and hope. The author tied in so many different elements to this story, which kept the plot refreshing and interesting. The angst in this book was a little much at times, but it definitely kept the story moving!
I loved how this book mainly took place in Indonesia. I have never been to Indonesia before or read a book set there, so it was so interesting to read about. I don't know a lot about their culture, but it seemed like the author researched their customs and tried to represent it as accurately as possible.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this book. Sienna, the main character, was a really inspiring girl. I felt her pain and anguish over the traumatizing events of her past. It was so wonderful to watch her overcome her fears and become a stronger person. Her growth throughout this story was one of the best parts of this book. There were also a lot of well developed side characters that added depth to the plot. The only characters I wish I could have seen more of were Spider and Bev. Bev was Sienna's best friends from the states, so we didn't get to see a lot of her throughout the book. I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will see more of her in book two! The relationship between Spider and Sienna left a lot of unanswered questions, so I am also hoping to see that addressed more in the sequel.
The romance in this book was full of passion and intimate moments. Deni said some corny lines, but I still swooned just like Sienna did. However, I was always a little wary of Deni though because I felt like he had some secrets he was hiding. There were a lot of obstacles that Deni and Sienna had to face, and I am intrigued to see how those obstacles will carry over into in the sequel. I truly did feel the connection between Deni and Sienna, even if their romance was a little rushed towards the end. I ship them SO HARD. I NEED ANSWERS ABOUT THEIR RELATIONSHIP AND I WANT THEM TO GET THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER.
Overall, I thought Where I Found You was an entertaining and memorable read. I am extremely excited to see what adventures the characters go on in the sequel!
3.5 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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I did not know what to expect going into this book, but I was pleasantly surprised! This story was full of romance, self-discovery, loss, angst, and hope. The author tied in so many different elements to this story, which kept the plot refreshing and interesting. The angst in this book was a little much at times, but it definitely kept the story moving!
I loved how this book mainly took place in Indonesia. I have never been to Indonesia before or read a book set there, so it was so interesting to read about. I don't know a lot about their culture, but it seemed like the author researched their customs and tried to represent it as accurately as possible.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this book. Sienna, the main character, was a really inspiring girl. I felt her pain and anguish over the traumatizing events of her past. It was so wonderful to watch her overcome her fears and become a stronger person. Her growth throughout this story was one of the best parts of this book. There were also a lot of well developed side characters that added depth to the plot. The only characters I wish I could have seen more of were Spider and Bev. Bev was Sienna's best friends from the states, so we didn't get to see a lot of her throughout the book. I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will see more of her in book two! The relationship between Spider and Sienna left a lot of unanswered questions, so I am also hoping to see that addressed more in the sequel.
The romance in this book was full of passion and intimate moments. Deni said some corny lines, but I still swooned just like Sienna did. However, I was always a little wary of Deni though because I felt like he had some secrets he was hiding. There were a lot of obstacles that Deni and Sienna had to face, and I am intrigued to see how those obstacles will carry over into in the sequel. I truly did feel the connection between Deni and Sienna, even if their romance was a little rushed towards the end. I ship them SO HARD. I NEED ANSWERS ABOUT THEIR RELATIONSHIP AND I WANT THEM TO GET THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER.
Overall, I thought Where I Found You was an entertaining and memorable read. I am extremely excited to see what adventures the characters go on in the sequel!
3.5 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
January 21, 2018
First things first: I received this book through NetGalley.
Where, oh where, do I start. I wasn't prepared for all the emotions that I would go through while reading this story. But I loved it. I truly loved the story and I loved that I got to feel all the feels.
Summary: After her mother's plane went missing over the Indian Ocean, seventeen-year-old Sienna Jones gave up everything she loved about living in California. No more surfing. No more swimming. No more ocean, period. Playing it safe, hiding from the world, is the best call.
Until her dad throws down the challenge of a lifetime: spend the summer with his humanitarian team in Indonesia, working with orphans who lost everything in a massive tsunami.
The day they arrive, Sienna meets a mysterious boy named Deni, whose dark, intense eyes make her heart race. Their stolen nights force her to open up and live in a way she thought she couldn't anymore. When she’s with Deni, she remembers the girl she used to be… and starts to feel like the woman he sees in her.
A woman he wants for his own.
Gulp.
But when Deni’s past comes looking for him, Sienna’s faced with losing another person she loves. She can’t do it. Not again.
Fortunately, this time, she has a plan.
**
I mean, the summary of the book pretty much tells you, that this won't be a cute read full of rainbows and unicorns. So I should have known. I didn't.
First of all, I loved the setting. This is the first time I ever read a story that is st around the work of a humanitarian team and the work they do for a country after a natural disaster hit. I loved the writing, it was real and didn't sugar coat anything, whilst also really bringing us (well, at least me) closer to a different culture. I loved that element of the book so much.
I loved the characters. Sienna, the main character. She's one of those characters, that I read a few lines about and that I love right away. Not saying, I was okay with all her decisions and okay with everything she was doing. Her backstory with her mother, the effects all of this still had on her, gave me all the feels right away. I pretty much loved everyone in this book, there wasn't one character that I just felt meh about whenever they showed up. I even really liked Vera, who maybe didn't seem as likeable from Sienna's point of view.
But let me tell you, the other character besides Sienna, that I loved the most, was Elli. Little Elli stole my heart in a matter of a few seconds. I loved her relationship with Sienna. I just loved that little girl so much. She deserves the world and all the happiness in it.
Of course there was this whole thing with Deni and Sienna and their relationship. I didn't care much for that and at the same time, I loved it. I love the non romantic part of their relationship, them talking to each other and getting to say things that they can't tell anyone else. Them, helping each other out, getting over things and moving on, even if it's tough as hell. I liked that part. I'm a bitter old lady at this point in my life, I don't get excited anymore about people getting together and being head over heels in love in the span of such a short period of time. I'm not saying it's not possible but you know, I don't feel it. I don't connect with that.
But I loved, LOVED, the story and would totally read it again, which is a feeling that I love. There is also going to be a second book coming out this year and I'm really excited for that.
Where, oh where, do I start. I wasn't prepared for all the emotions that I would go through while reading this story. But I loved it. I truly loved the story and I loved that I got to feel all the feels.
Summary: After her mother's plane went missing over the Indian Ocean, seventeen-year-old Sienna Jones gave up everything she loved about living in California. No more surfing. No more swimming. No more ocean, period. Playing it safe, hiding from the world, is the best call.
Until her dad throws down the challenge of a lifetime: spend the summer with his humanitarian team in Indonesia, working with orphans who lost everything in a massive tsunami.
The day they arrive, Sienna meets a mysterious boy named Deni, whose dark, intense eyes make her heart race. Their stolen nights force her to open up and live in a way she thought she couldn't anymore. When she’s with Deni, she remembers the girl she used to be… and starts to feel like the woman he sees in her.
A woman he wants for his own.
Gulp.
But when Deni’s past comes looking for him, Sienna’s faced with losing another person she loves. She can’t do it. Not again.
Fortunately, this time, she has a plan.
**
I mean, the summary of the book pretty much tells you, that this won't be a cute read full of rainbows and unicorns. So I should have known. I didn't.
First of all, I loved the setting. This is the first time I ever read a story that is st around the work of a humanitarian team and the work they do for a country after a natural disaster hit. I loved the writing, it was real and didn't sugar coat anything, whilst also really bringing us (well, at least me) closer to a different culture. I loved that element of the book so much.
I loved the characters. Sienna, the main character. She's one of those characters, that I read a few lines about and that I love right away. Not saying, I was okay with all her decisions and okay with everything she was doing. Her backstory with her mother, the effects all of this still had on her, gave me all the feels right away. I pretty much loved everyone in this book, there wasn't one character that I just felt meh about whenever they showed up. I even really liked Vera, who maybe didn't seem as likeable from Sienna's point of view.
But let me tell you, the other character besides Sienna, that I loved the most, was Elli. Little Elli stole my heart in a matter of a few seconds. I loved her relationship with Sienna. I just loved that little girl so much. She deserves the world and all the happiness in it.
Of course there was this whole thing with Deni and Sienna and their relationship. I didn't care much for that and at the same time, I loved it. I love the non romantic part of their relationship, them talking to each other and getting to say things that they can't tell anyone else. Them, helping each other out, getting over things and moving on, even if it's tough as hell. I liked that part. I'm a bitter old lady at this point in my life, I don't get excited anymore about people getting together and being head over heels in love in the span of such a short period of time. I'm not saying it's not possible but you know, I don't feel it. I don't connect with that.
But I loved, LOVED, the story and would totally read it again, which is a feeling that I love. There is also going to be a second book coming out this year and I'm really excited for that.
January 29, 2011
Sea is unlike anything else I've read this past year. The story is rich and unique--I can't fathom the amount of research that must have gone into this beautiful tale. The characters were compelling and believable--you could feel their emotions, feel their heartache, pain, and love. Seeing the intersecting journeys of healing (for several characters--Sea, Deni, her father) took hold of my heart, and I could not put this down until I knew how it ended.
And the ending? While it may not be what you expected, it was so satisfying. This is not a sad tale--it's a story of healing and redemption, of opening up your heart and finding yourself again after immense tragedy. It's a beautiful message of hope wrapped up in a beautiful cover.
And the ending? While it may not be what you expected, it was so satisfying. This is not a sad tale--it's a story of healing and redemption, of opening up your heart and finding yourself again after immense tragedy. It's a beautiful message of hope wrapped up in a beautiful cover.
June 4, 2018
I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book first! It definitely sets the stage for 'The Sea Takes Me' is an insightful look at how one teenage girl reacted to her mother's disappearance. When her father challenges her to spend part of her summer working in an orphanage in Indonesia she reluctantly agrees.
This is a thought provoking story with evocative descriptions of the conditions there, the treatment of the orphans and the trauma many of them have suffered after escaping the tsunami which together make it a graphic reading experience. Her budding romance with one of the orphans, Deni, and their interactions together with cultural insights make this a very different story and I look forward to reading the sequel next!
I requested and was given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
This is a thought provoking story with evocative descriptions of the conditions there, the treatment of the orphans and the trauma many of them have suffered after escaping the tsunami which together make it a graphic reading experience. Her budding romance with one of the orphans, Deni, and their interactions together with cultural insights make this a very different story and I look forward to reading the sequel next!
I requested and was given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
December 1, 2010
It's hard to believe that Sea is Heidi Kling's debut book. Sea is a richly written story that will capture the readers attention and pull them right into the wonderful world Heidi has created. It's both real and captivating. Woven with a beautiful, sweet summer love story, Sea is one read I highly recommend.
Fifteen year old Sienna Jones is still grieving over the death of her mother, when her father, a psychiatric Doctor surprises her for her birthday with a trip to go with his Team Hope back to Indonesia. Sienna's parents started Team Hope, to help bring relief to the orphans who are still grieving and coping from the traumatic tsunami that devastated Indonesia. In reluctantly going to Indonesia for two weeks, what Sienna doesn't expect to do is fall in love with the little girls she's there to help, discover the truth in her mother's death, and find love in an intense 17 year old Indonesian boy, named Deni.
Set in both Angel Miguel, CA and in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Sea's rich setting is both breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful. Heidi's vivid description of Indonesia made me feel like I was there with Sienna seeing Indonesia for the first time. From the way Sienna describes what she sees when they land, to the orphanage they are there to help out, to seeing the sites with Deni, everything about Indonesia's descriptions were beautiful, and delicately written. What I enjoyed most, is the relationships that Sienna made while there.
The characters and their relationships are real and their emotions so strong and engaging that my heart ached for them. Sienna and her father's relationship is a real father and daughter relationship. Their trip brings them closer together and brings some closure from the death of his wife and Sienna's mother. Like Sienna, I fell in love with the little girls at the orphanage as she formed a lasting bond with them. There to help them cope with their post traumatic stress disorder, Sienna finds they helped her, more than she has helped them. As Sienna was moved by their stories from when the waves hit, I found myself feeling the same ways she was.
The romance is beautiful and pulled at my heart strings as Sienna has to choose between the boy she's grown up with and the one she's grown to love and wants to help in Indonesia. The relationship Sienna has with her best friend back home is Ca, Spider, and the immediate connection she has with Deni, left me breathless. How do you choose when both are equally wonderful? Spider knows everything about Sea, and Deni has lost everything, but finds hope with Sienna. When Sienna decides to help Deni look for his father, who has been missing since the waves, she learns that love is also about letting go.
Sea truly had it all. Strong emotions, vivid descriptions, characters who I completely fell in love, and relationships that I want to see more of. The story is moving, and brilliant. I am looking forward to reading more about Sienna, Deni and Spider. Brilliantly written, moving and a captivating love story mixed in, this is a must read!
Fifteen year old Sienna Jones is still grieving over the death of her mother, when her father, a psychiatric Doctor surprises her for her birthday with a trip to go with his Team Hope back to Indonesia. Sienna's parents started Team Hope, to help bring relief to the orphans who are still grieving and coping from the traumatic tsunami that devastated Indonesia. In reluctantly going to Indonesia for two weeks, what Sienna doesn't expect to do is fall in love with the little girls she's there to help, discover the truth in her mother's death, and find love in an intense 17 year old Indonesian boy, named Deni.
Set in both Angel Miguel, CA and in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Sea's rich setting is both breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful. Heidi's vivid description of Indonesia made me feel like I was there with Sienna seeing Indonesia for the first time. From the way Sienna describes what she sees when they land, to the orphanage they are there to help out, to seeing the sites with Deni, everything about Indonesia's descriptions were beautiful, and delicately written. What I enjoyed most, is the relationships that Sienna made while there.
The characters and their relationships are real and their emotions so strong and engaging that my heart ached for them. Sienna and her father's relationship is a real father and daughter relationship. Their trip brings them closer together and brings some closure from the death of his wife and Sienna's mother. Like Sienna, I fell in love with the little girls at the orphanage as she formed a lasting bond with them. There to help them cope with their post traumatic stress disorder, Sienna finds they helped her, more than she has helped them. As Sienna was moved by their stories from when the waves hit, I found myself feeling the same ways she was.
The romance is beautiful and pulled at my heart strings as Sienna has to choose between the boy she's grown up with and the one she's grown to love and wants to help in Indonesia. The relationship Sienna has with her best friend back home is Ca, Spider, and the immediate connection she has with Deni, left me breathless. How do you choose when both are equally wonderful? Spider knows everything about Sea, and Deni has lost everything, but finds hope with Sienna. When Sienna decides to help Deni look for his father, who has been missing since the waves, she learns that love is also about letting go.
Sea truly had it all. Strong emotions, vivid descriptions, characters who I completely fell in love, and relationships that I want to see more of. The story is moving, and brilliant. I am looking forward to reading more about Sienna, Deni and Spider. Brilliantly written, moving and a captivating love story mixed in, this is a must read!
September 24, 2010
Between the fanatical reviews posted by several bloggers and Sea’s gorgeous cover, I had to have this book for myself. Even though I knew a large part of the plot was about tsunami relief, part of my brain expected this book to have lots of idyllic romantic scenes where the characters work through their emotional baggage while sitting on a beach. I have no idea where my brain got this idea, but Sea turned out to be much different, yet absolutely beautiful nonetheless.
Sea is a story that had me “Awwing” on one page, angry the next and even feeling a little queasy a few pages later. I didn’t particularly like Sienna or her traveling companions at first, but I began to like Sienna more throughout her time in Indonesia, and my feelings about her completely changed by the end of the book. She felt a lot of anger towards Vera and occasionally her father, which I loved, because if I’d been in her shoes, I’d have felt the same way. As for the love interests of this story, while I found Deni sweet and romantic, by the end I found myself very appreciative of Spider’s role in the story.
Kling is not shy about depicting cultural differences or the devastation caused by the tsunami. I wasn’t honestly sure how I would feel about Sea until I reached the end, however. I kept wondering how everything would tie together, would the reader feeling as though he or she had been deprived of a proper ending. To be honest, it was one small paragraph that made me fall in love with this book. One beautifully expressed, heartbreaking yet apt paragraph. That was when I realized that this is not just a book for victims of tsunami, or someone who has lost his or her parents. This is a book for anyone who has ever had to overcome loss, or anyone who has felt trapped within the confines of a broken heart, stuck in a state of static, yet unable to move forward.
I will not forget Sea or Sienna’s emotional journey any time soon. The last few chapters of this book had me in tears, but also left me thinking about what’s important when it comes to living life. Don’t less this book pass you by.
Sea is a story that had me “Awwing” on one page, angry the next and even feeling a little queasy a few pages later. I didn’t particularly like Sienna or her traveling companions at first, but I began to like Sienna more throughout her time in Indonesia, and my feelings about her completely changed by the end of the book. She felt a lot of anger towards Vera and occasionally her father, which I loved, because if I’d been in her shoes, I’d have felt the same way. As for the love interests of this story, while I found Deni sweet and romantic, by the end I found myself very appreciative of Spider’s role in the story.
Kling is not shy about depicting cultural differences or the devastation caused by the tsunami. I wasn’t honestly sure how I would feel about Sea until I reached the end, however. I kept wondering how everything would tie together, would the reader feeling as though he or she had been deprived of a proper ending. To be honest, it was one small paragraph that made me fall in love with this book. One beautifully expressed, heartbreaking yet apt paragraph. That was when I realized that this is not just a book for victims of tsunami, or someone who has lost his or her parents. This is a book for anyone who has ever had to overcome loss, or anyone who has felt trapped within the confines of a broken heart, stuck in a state of static, yet unable to move forward.
I will not forget Sea or Sienna’s emotional journey any time soon. The last few chapters of this book had me in tears, but also left me thinking about what’s important when it comes to living life. Don’t less this book pass you by.
January 26, 2010
I received this ARC from the publisher (quite a deal, too! I had requested an ARC of Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials but they had run out, and then I got a package in the mail containing a hardcover of that one, another hardcover and two ARCs including this novel and Restoring Harmony). I'm interested in Middle Eastern culture and the backdrop of the Indonesian tsunami was timely considering the chaos in Haiti right now.
Three years ago, Sienna's mother disappeared in a plane around the same time as the tsunami. Since then she has stopped surfing and stopped using her nickname "Sea." Then her father brings Sienna along to help tsunami orphans in Indonesia. Sienna is humbled by the perseverence of the children she helps at the orphanage, many of whom suffer from PTSD, and intrigued by a boy her own age, Deni, who seems to be a leader for the younger boys. Against all the warnings of her father, she begins spending more and more time with Deni.
I liked how the culture of Indonesia is present through the entire story and I learned quite a bit about their way of life. Sienna and Deni's romance seemed to happen a bit too easily, considering the restrictions placed on them, but the unexpected ending helped me forgive that. I was fearful for Sienna during parts of the novel having it drilled into my mind that young blonde girls are often targets for kidnapping into the sex slave market, but thankfully there was no hint of that in this novel. It was nice to read a novel that looked at a catastrophe like the tsunami and let people know that even three years later, there is still a lot of devestation and repercussions for the people there to overcome.
Three years ago, Sienna's mother disappeared in a plane around the same time as the tsunami. Since then she has stopped surfing and stopped using her nickname "Sea." Then her father brings Sienna along to help tsunami orphans in Indonesia. Sienna is humbled by the perseverence of the children she helps at the orphanage, many of whom suffer from PTSD, and intrigued by a boy her own age, Deni, who seems to be a leader for the younger boys. Against all the warnings of her father, she begins spending more and more time with Deni.
I liked how the culture of Indonesia is present through the entire story and I learned quite a bit about their way of life. Sienna and Deni's romance seemed to happen a bit too easily, considering the restrictions placed on them, but the unexpected ending helped me forgive that. I was fearful for Sienna during parts of the novel having it drilled into my mind that young blonde girls are often targets for kidnapping into the sex slave market, but thankfully there was no hint of that in this novel. It was nice to read a novel that looked at a catastrophe like the tsunami and let people know that even three years later, there is still a lot of devestation and repercussions for the people there to overcome.
October 31, 2015
Sea is a luscious, intriguing tale that was beautiful and dreamy. I was pulled straight under the waves from the beginning. It was expertly written and researched. Kling captured the allure and fascination of the Indonesian culture, and the desperation and tragedy of the tsunami perfectly.
Kling did a superb job at bringing her characters to life. They all seemed so real. Sienna was a wonderful character, (also love the name : ) Deni was really great, and the romance between the two was sweet. But honestly, I liked Spider better. Deni was super nice and quite romantic, and I could feel the love that he and Sienna shared, and I knew it was real, but I felt like the love between Sienna and Spider was stronger, like it meant more and could go farther. Although there was a lot more of Deni than Spider in the book, I felt more of a connection with Spider. I don’t know why, that’s just kind of how I felt.
I went into this story not expecting a happily ever after, because So I was very satisfied with the ending. It was sad, but also full of love and light as Sienna finally found where she belongs and realized that the trials she went through, and losing a first love was not a waste. Trials like that build us up, and help prepare us for what may happen in the future.
Sea was a fantastic novel. I loved taking the journey with Sienna as she discovered more about herself and what love is, and that love can be found in more than one place, with more than one person, and that perhaps you sometimes may have to have a lost love, before you find the one person you are truly supposed to be with.
Kling did a superb job at bringing her characters to life. They all seemed so real. Sienna was a wonderful character, (also love the name : ) Deni was really great, and the romance between the two was sweet. But honestly, I liked Spider better. Deni was super nice and quite romantic, and I could feel the love that he and Sienna shared, and I knew it was real, but I felt like the love between Sienna and Spider was stronger, like it meant more and could go farther. Although there was a lot more of Deni than Spider in the book, I felt more of a connection with Spider. I don’t know why, that’s just kind of how I felt.
I went into this story not expecting a happily ever after, because So I was very satisfied with the ending. It was sad, but also full of love and light as Sienna finally found where she belongs and realized that the trials she went through, and losing a first love was not a waste. Trials like that build us up, and help prepare us for what may happen in the future.
Sea was a fantastic novel. I loved taking the journey with Sienna as she discovered more about herself and what love is, and that love can be found in more than one place, with more than one person, and that perhaps you sometimes may have to have a lost love, before you find the one person you are truly supposed to be with.
October 6, 2009
I know this one will come as a shocker to most of you. What? I read a book that had no paranormal character in it whatsoever?? *pauses for your still processing brain to catch up*
I did. Furthermore, I gave it FIVE shiny stars. Pinky swear.
Until I read SEA, I'd forgotten what it was like to read a really, really good story without some mysterious boy popping up and using his magical powers to fight off a mythological monster. Yes, there's a mysterious guy. And yes, there's even a love triangle. But there is so much more.
You see, SEA is set in the aftermath of the Indonesian tsunami and Sienna and her father travel there to help out an orphanage with their children who are suffering from PTSD. Sienna is only fifteen and having survived her own mother's plane crash and resulting disapperance, she can relate to the trauma these orphans have suffered.
This is where Heidi's writing becomes so subtle because she never gets preachy about a very real and sensitive mission. Instead, the tsunami damaged orphanage becomes the backdrop for some unbelievably well constructed characters. The ring leader of the boys is Deni and Sienna's father asks her to get to know Deni a little bit better so that Deni can help them lend credibility to their therapy sessions and counseling methods.
I won't spoil this further so let's just say that a achingly lovely love story unfolds between Deni and Sienna. Two kids from such different worlds and yet with so many similarities. The very best part of the book is the ending. It made me think of all those summer moments of my teenage years. A stolen kiss. A crush. A first love.
Now go on and pick up SEA and enjoy a story that will remind you of all those moments before you file them back in your memory once more.
I did. Furthermore, I gave it FIVE shiny stars. Pinky swear.
Until I read SEA, I'd forgotten what it was like to read a really, really good story without some mysterious boy popping up and using his magical powers to fight off a mythological monster. Yes, there's a mysterious guy. And yes, there's even a love triangle. But there is so much more.
You see, SEA is set in the aftermath of the Indonesian tsunami and Sienna and her father travel there to help out an orphanage with their children who are suffering from PTSD. Sienna is only fifteen and having survived her own mother's plane crash and resulting disapperance, she can relate to the trauma these orphans have suffered.
This is where Heidi's writing becomes so subtle because she never gets preachy about a very real and sensitive mission. Instead, the tsunami damaged orphanage becomes the backdrop for some unbelievably well constructed characters. The ring leader of the boys is Deni and Sienna's father asks her to get to know Deni a little bit better so that Deni can help them lend credibility to their therapy sessions and counseling methods.
I won't spoil this further so let's just say that a achingly lovely love story unfolds between Deni and Sienna. Two kids from such different worlds and yet with so many similarities. The very best part of the book is the ending. It made me think of all those summer moments of my teenage years. A stolen kiss. A crush. A first love.
Now go on and pick up SEA and enjoy a story that will remind you of all those moments before you file them back in your memory once more.
August 16, 2013
Sea... I liked the story but there were also many things that bothered me in this book.
The number one being the major flaw of this book and that is the misconception of Buddha being an Indian. BUDDHA. WAS. BORN. IN. NEPAL Im a buddhist and a Nepali and I was greatly offended when Sienna started telling the story of Buddha and there was no mention of Nepal. :( :(
Besides this fact, I thought the story was okay. I found the tragedy caused by the Tsunami really heart breaking. Deni and Sienna were really sweet too. But..
The number one being the major flaw of this book and that is the misconception of Buddha being an Indian. BUDDHA. WAS. BORN. IN. NEPAL Im a buddhist and a Nepali and I was greatly offended when Sienna started telling the story of Buddha and there was no mention of Nepal. :( :(
Besides this fact, I thought the story was okay. I found the tragedy caused by the Tsunami really heart breaking. Deni and Sienna were really sweet too. But..
January 31, 2010
I just finished this book. I am blown away. Heidi Kling wrote one of my favorite novels. Sea was thrilling, sweet, adventurous, while still having that feel where everything seems like it’s going to be ok. I fell in love with these characters, they were written wonderfully.
Some people think that the author chooses the book and some people think that the book chooses the author, in this case, Sea definitely chose Heidi. While reading it, I couldn’t help but think that this book was made for her to write. The love story in this book is unbelievable, it is short, yes. But you get so involved in it. Every page left me hanging, thinking to myself “What will happen next !?”
Every few pages I would talk to the book. No, I’m not crazy… but that shows just how much you will get pulled in when reading. I know this review involves a lot of fangirling. But, I am being completely honest. Sea will take you through an amazing, heartfelt story. You will laugh, you may cry, but one thing I am almost positive… you will love it.
Some people think that the author chooses the book and some people think that the book chooses the author, in this case, Sea definitely chose Heidi. While reading it, I couldn’t help but think that this book was made for her to write. The love story in this book is unbelievable, it is short, yes. But you get so involved in it. Every page left me hanging, thinking to myself “What will happen next !?”
Every few pages I would talk to the book. No, I’m not crazy… but that shows just how much you will get pulled in when reading. I know this review involves a lot of fangirling. But, I am being completely honest. Sea will take you through an amazing, heartfelt story. You will laugh, you may cry, but one thing I am almost positive… you will love it.
February 6, 2010
What a fantastic and original book! Addictive from the very first page, Sienna's story was one I could not get enough of. Her reluctant adventure into the aftermath of the 2004 Indonesian tsunami to try and help heal orphans who lost loved ones, ends up being a journey to her own healing. Sienna needs to find closure over the loss of her mother, who disappeared in a plane crash over the Indian Ocean years before though the wreckage has never been found. But to give up hope that her mother is some day coming home is a mountain that Sienna can't bring herself to climb. Sienna's heartache seems to transcend the pages of Heidi Kling's debut novel, and I stayed up many late nights to follow Sienna as she found a purpose in Indonesia, a mysterious boy named Deni to love, and ultimately a way to move on while still keeping her heart open.
Heidi Kling writes with such confidence and grace, I felt like I was solidly beside Sienna through the entire book. I can't wait for another novel from her!
Heidi Kling writes with such confidence and grace, I felt like I was solidly beside Sienna through the entire book. I can't wait for another novel from her!
August 9, 2014
I just couldn't get into this one...seemed more "teen-agey" than the other young adult books I read and love. The main character in Sea is super boy crazy, and it reminded me of my middle school years when every guy I met was a potential boyfriend! :) I decided not to waste any more time and returned it to the library after reading 4 or 5 chapters.
June 11, 2010
Sea was a fascinating little adventure/romance that I very much enjoyed. I applaud Heidi for writing it, and wanting to give the Young Adult world a different taste of literature, as its definitely unique. It was not my typical genre that I read, so for me to like it as much as I did was quite brilliant. I’m not much into reading adventure and journey’s or that kind of thing but this book still kept me going. Most of the fun in the book took place in the beginning in preparation and the first encounter of Sea’s journey to Indonesia. I laughed so much at everything that happened. Heidi did an awesome job telling this story of Sea’s experience in Indonesia, and it was inspired by Heidi’s husband’s real life experience, and I feel that it was something that, to her, was a very important realistic story to be told. Heidi wrote this book in a breezy little way from the perspective of a fifteen year old girl and her first experience and journey overseas to help and aid people affected by the real and tragic tsunami event that did occur and that's where the fun ends actually, but yes to hold the interest of romantic souls like me, she added young love drama as well. Heidi tugs at those emotional strings as well, probably more so for everyone else because Im not a huge crier in books. But in this book, there's one line that as a huge romantic, just tore me to pieces and it was something like"You have to forget about me." There was something about that one self-sacrificing quote that I couldn't bare.
I freaking loved Heidi’s main character, Sienna (Sea). My favorite part of the entire book is the relationship between Vera and Sea, who views Vera as stepping in on her dad. Sea doesn't like this and she feels that Vera's taking over her moms turf more or less, and their relationship was just so dang fun and enjoyable to read about in the book. Technically, I'm pretty sure there was a whole other story that could have been told there (perhaps in a companion novel, hint hint Heidi.) I liked Sienna so much because I was totally in sync with the girl's mind, in her thoughts and humor. I didn't care for Deni so much, but mainly because I struggled and didn't quite buy into the whole love at first sight thing with the Sea-Deni relationship, so I just wasn't a Deni fan, plus I was rooting for Spider all the way..lol.
Heidi’s writing was very up front in your face kind of thing. She seemed to have a lot of story to tell, so she kept her writing short and sweet and to the point. She was still sophicated and elegant but she didn’t adventure or stray into any complex writing, which with this kind of novel was probably the best thing. As that might have pushed the novel into a text booky boring kind of thing, so overall, the fun way Heidi told the story was perfect for what she was having to tell.
I freaking loved Heidi’s main character, Sienna (Sea). My favorite part of the entire book is the relationship between Vera and Sea, who views Vera as stepping in on her dad. Sea doesn't like this and she feels that Vera's taking over her moms turf more or less, and their relationship was just so dang fun and enjoyable to read about in the book. Technically, I'm pretty sure there was a whole other story that could have been told there (perhaps in a companion novel, hint hint Heidi.) I liked Sienna so much because I was totally in sync with the girl's mind, in her thoughts and humor. I didn't care for Deni so much, but mainly because I struggled and didn't quite buy into the whole love at first sight thing with the Sea-Deni relationship, so I just wasn't a Deni fan, plus I was rooting for Spider all the way..lol.
Heidi’s writing was very up front in your face kind of thing. She seemed to have a lot of story to tell, so she kept her writing short and sweet and to the point. She was still sophicated and elegant but she didn’t adventure or stray into any complex writing, which with this kind of novel was probably the best thing. As that might have pushed the novel into a text booky boring kind of thing, so overall, the fun way Heidi told the story was perfect for what she was having to tell.
July 16, 2010
Love, Love, Love it! I love books with romance, but sometimes the romance genre feels oversaturated with paranormal or new girl falls for hot guy who finally notices her storylines. Sea stands out among these romances and is a breath of fresh air. In Sea, you'll find a wonderfully lovely story about a normal girl-and this girl actually travels the world and helps people! Sure, she's reluctant to at first, but what I loved about Sienna is that she goes for it-she joins Team Hope and travels to Indonesia and steps out of her comfort zone. She made me want to jump on a plane and find a Team Hope of my own.
What really made Sea stand out for me though was that the unique storyline could have gotten very preachy about helping others, joining service projects and doing good. But it never does-this is more Sienna and Deni's story about finding and helping each other-and it just happens to be in a more exotic setting with a unique premise. This is much more than a contemporary love story-it's a story about two people thrown into hard situations and making it through and the healing that can come after tragedy. Even if you typcially shy away from books with romance, give this one a try-I think you'll be surprised!
I do wish we could have gotten more information on the orphange and Deni's concerns about the owner, but I do that stayed true to the fact that Team Hope was only there for two weeks-they couldn't change everything. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I have to say that I loved the ending-it was just right and I really loved how everything came full circle. Sometimes when an author tries to pull of an ending like the one in Sea, I want to throw the book across the room because it just doesn't work. But Ms. Kling makes it work and it left me happy and there was no book throwing-she pulled it off perfectly!
I stayed up late reading Sea because it was a book I couldn't put down. It starts out innocently enough and I thought "I'll just read one chapter"-but this one pulled me in and once I started reading, I couldn't stop. Sea ranks at the top of my debut book list for 2010 and should be added to everyone's must read list.
What really made Sea stand out for me though was that the unique storyline could have gotten very preachy about helping others, joining service projects and doing good. But it never does-this is more Sienna and Deni's story about finding and helping each other-and it just happens to be in a more exotic setting with a unique premise. This is much more than a contemporary love story-it's a story about two people thrown into hard situations and making it through and the healing that can come after tragedy. Even if you typcially shy away from books with romance, give this one a try-I think you'll be surprised!
I do wish we could have gotten more information on the orphange and Deni's concerns about the owner, but I do that stayed true to the fact that Team Hope was only there for two weeks-they couldn't change everything. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I have to say that I loved the ending-it was just right and I really loved how everything came full circle. Sometimes when an author tries to pull of an ending like the one in Sea, I want to throw the book across the room because it just doesn't work. But Ms. Kling makes it work and it left me happy and there was no book throwing-she pulled it off perfectly!
I stayed up late reading Sea because it was a book I couldn't put down. It starts out innocently enough and I thought "I'll just read one chapter"-but this one pulled me in and once I started reading, I couldn't stop. Sea ranks at the top of my debut book list for 2010 and should be added to everyone's must read list.
July 8, 2014
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
I had trouble putting my finger on it, but I finally figured out why I didn't enjoy Sea. First of all, there were no mermaids. I was expecting some. Yes, that's my own fault for being stupid and not thoroughly reading the synopsis (which doesn't mention mermaids at all), but still. One can't help but expect mermaids, looking at that cover and all. But that was a trivial thing.
No, the main reason I didn't like Sea was that many of the more important characters lacked common sense.
Ok, so the whole premise of the book never was really convincing. What parent brings their daughter with them to a foreign country after the girl's mother died in a plane crash near there? Without asking her before buying the plane tickets? Yes, relief work is very noble and admirable, but seriously? Just what kind of parent flies over the Indian Ocean with their fifteen year old daughter, when the mother died IN THAT SAME OCEAN only three years before?! That made me a tad angry, and so the book began on that note.
Secondly, what moron runs away with a boy she met only DAYS before in a foreign country after her father specifically told her NOT to leave?! Sienna, the protagonist, apparently. Even if she wasn't directly disobeying her father, it's still a stupid plan. There are too many things that could go wrong, and to risk everything for a boy you just met on the slim chance his father might be alive is beyond dumb.
I did not like the ending. Plain and simple. If I'm reading a romance, I want the couple to end up together. I like happy endings. I do not like it when a girl risks everything for the boy, and he chooses another girl anyway. And then she goes home and ends up with a random guy that was absent for most of the book. A random guy whose name is Spider. I hate spiders.
The only thing I did like about this book was that it took place in another country (Indonesia) and the author did a good job of including the culture and customs.
It wasn't completely terrible, so 2.5 stars. It's good if you're merely looking for some light reading. Don't expect anything amazing (and don't expect mermaids. Haha :)
I had trouble putting my finger on it, but I finally figured out why I didn't enjoy Sea. First of all, there were no mermaids. I was expecting some. Yes, that's my own fault for being stupid and not thoroughly reading the synopsis (which doesn't mention mermaids at all), but still. One can't help but expect mermaids, looking at that cover and all. But that was a trivial thing.
No, the main reason I didn't like Sea was that many of the more important characters lacked common sense.
Ok, so the whole premise of the book never was really convincing. What parent brings their daughter with them to a foreign country after the girl's mother died in a plane crash near there? Without asking her before buying the plane tickets? Yes, relief work is very noble and admirable, but seriously? Just what kind of parent flies over the Indian Ocean with their fifteen year old daughter, when the mother died IN THAT SAME OCEAN only three years before?! That made me a tad angry, and so the book began on that note.
Secondly, what moron runs away with a boy she met only DAYS before in a foreign country after her father specifically told her NOT to leave?! Sienna, the protagonist, apparently. Even if she wasn't directly disobeying her father, it's still a stupid plan. There are too many things that could go wrong, and to risk everything for a boy you just met on the slim chance his father might be alive is beyond dumb.
I did not like the ending. Plain and simple. If I'm reading a romance, I want the couple to end up together. I like happy endings. I do not like it when a girl risks everything for the boy, and he chooses another girl anyway. And then she goes home and ends up with a random guy that was absent for most of the book. A random guy whose name is Spider. I hate spiders.
The only thing I did like about this book was that it took place in another country (Indonesia) and the author did a good job of including the culture and customs.
It wasn't completely terrible, so 2.5 stars. It's good if you're merely looking for some light reading. Don't expect anything amazing (and don't expect mermaids. Haha :)
August 5, 2010
SEA is a wonderfully solid, emotional, and un-put-downable debut by a highly talented YA novelist.
Heidi Kling writes her characters with assured realness. Sienna thinks and sounds like a 15-year-old with a tragic past: she has the fears and (occasionally petty) concerns appropriate for her age and situation. Instead of finding her naivete annoying, then, Sienna’s (and, thus, Heidi’s) seamless teen voice completely won me over.
This is the first YA novel I’ve read that deals with the tragedy of the Indonesian tsunami, and it does it in an immersive, knowledgeable, and respectable way. Through Sienna’s eyes, we experience the strange and sometimes terrifying world of post-tsunami Indonesia without being overwhelmed or too emotionally distant. I loved the control that Heidi Kling has over her knowledge of Indonesian phrases, customs, and concerns. She writes these things—whether they be major scenes central to the plot, or simple details easily overlooked—with an appreciable confidence that makes us latch our trust securely on her as an author.
Perhaps more powerful in SEA, however, is the poignancy of the many different relationships within. With just a few lines of dialogue or description, each character wins us over. We are able to see Sienna’s father’s genuinely good intentions despite his being in the difficult position of being the father of a motherless teen girl. We understand Sienna’s trepidation at her father’s budding relationship with her former therapist. But most of all, we are completely able to believe Sienna’s relationships with two very different boys. To elaborate, Deni may be decidedly a guy who seems almost too perfect to be true, but the way his and Sienna’s romance unfolds has all the sweet subtlety of a truly sigh-worthy teen romance.
Sienna’s voice skews slightly more towards readers who enjoy a younger YA voice, but her experiences are anything but trite or age-limited. Read this, and I dare you to not in some way be affected Sienna’s unique and heartwrenching journey of discovery in Indonesia.
Heidi Kling writes her characters with assured realness. Sienna thinks and sounds like a 15-year-old with a tragic past: she has the fears and (occasionally petty) concerns appropriate for her age and situation. Instead of finding her naivete annoying, then, Sienna’s (and, thus, Heidi’s) seamless teen voice completely won me over.
This is the first YA novel I’ve read that deals with the tragedy of the Indonesian tsunami, and it does it in an immersive, knowledgeable, and respectable way. Through Sienna’s eyes, we experience the strange and sometimes terrifying world of post-tsunami Indonesia without being overwhelmed or too emotionally distant. I loved the control that Heidi Kling has over her knowledge of Indonesian phrases, customs, and concerns. She writes these things—whether they be major scenes central to the plot, or simple details easily overlooked—with an appreciable confidence that makes us latch our trust securely on her as an author.
Perhaps more powerful in SEA, however, is the poignancy of the many different relationships within. With just a few lines of dialogue or description, each character wins us over. We are able to see Sienna’s father’s genuinely good intentions despite his being in the difficult position of being the father of a motherless teen girl. We understand Sienna’s trepidation at her father’s budding relationship with her former therapist. But most of all, we are completely able to believe Sienna’s relationships with two very different boys. To elaborate, Deni may be decidedly a guy who seems almost too perfect to be true, but the way his and Sienna’s romance unfolds has all the sweet subtlety of a truly sigh-worthy teen romance.
Sienna’s voice skews slightly more towards readers who enjoy a younger YA voice, but her experiences are anything but trite or age-limited. Read this, and I dare you to not in some way be affected Sienna’s unique and heartwrenching journey of discovery in Indonesia.
July 18, 2010
It's funny, I find it really hard to write reviews of books that I enjoyed. In books that were just so-so, it's a lot easier because I can focus on both the good and the bad things, but books I like? I get a little fan-girly about them.
Sea was definitely one of those books. I read it in practically one sitting, only stopping to eat dinner and maybe Tweet just a little bit. My reading spot is really uncomfortable, actually - knees up on my bedpost, which always digs into my skin - so it's pretty rare that I sit and read for really long periods. I did, though.
My favorite thing about this book, was, first of all, the main character. She was kind of a brat in the beginning and I rolled my eyes at it at first, but then I realized - Wow, she acts like a real 15-year-old! She isn't wise beyond her years or has a huge vocabulary, which I'm so used to in books nowadays. The narrators I write are too mature for their peers because I've always felt a little more serious and motivated than mine. But Sienna, she was so relatable. And she totally grew on me. Her character development was spot-on, but also so gradual that the reader didn't really notice (at least I didn't), until she pointed out that she was getting a lot more fearless.
Deni and Sienna's scenes were awesome. There's this kind of thing that happens to me, when there's a good first kiss in a book - I get butterflies if it's good enough. I definitely got butterflies with this one and most of the ones that followed!
I really loved this book. I love juxtaposition of the backdrop - the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami - with something so innocent as first love. It made Sienna see that her problems and fears weren't really anything compared to the children orphaned by the tsunami, when all she's lost was her mother.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this! I'd say maybe for 13-15yr-old range, if only because Sienna may be a little too immature for older readers.
Sea was definitely one of those books. I read it in practically one sitting, only stopping to eat dinner and maybe Tweet just a little bit. My reading spot is really uncomfortable, actually - knees up on my bedpost, which always digs into my skin - so it's pretty rare that I sit and read for really long periods. I did, though.
My favorite thing about this book, was, first of all, the main character. She was kind of a brat in the beginning and I rolled my eyes at it at first, but then I realized - Wow, she acts like a real 15-year-old! She isn't wise beyond her years or has a huge vocabulary, which I'm so used to in books nowadays. The narrators I write are too mature for their peers because I've always felt a little more serious and motivated than mine. But Sienna, she was so relatable. And she totally grew on me. Her character development was spot-on, but also so gradual that the reader didn't really notice (at least I didn't), until she pointed out that she was getting a lot more fearless.
Deni and Sienna's scenes were awesome. There's this kind of thing that happens to me, when there's a good first kiss in a book - I get butterflies if it's good enough. I definitely got butterflies with this one and most of the ones that followed!
I really loved this book. I love juxtaposition of the backdrop - the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami - with something so innocent as first love. It made Sienna see that her problems and fears weren't really anything compared to the children orphaned by the tsunami, when all she's lost was her mother.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this! I'd say maybe for 13-15yr-old range, if only because Sienna may be a little too immature for older readers.
June 30, 2010
I first noticed this book on a lot of people’s book blogs. It has rave reviews so without really knowing that much about it I added it to my wish list to be brought at a later date. However I kept seeing this book everywhere! So intrigued I decided to read what it was about and after finding out I ordered this book straight away because it felt a little bit like fate that I kept crossing paths with it.
Still haunted by nightmares of her mother’s death, fifteen-year-old Sienna Jones reluctantly travels to Indonesia with her father’s relief team to help tsunami orphans with their post traumatic stress disorder—something Sienna knows a lot about. Since her mother’s plane went missing over the Indian Ocean three years before, Sienna doesn’t do anything if it involves the ocean or planes, so this trip is a big step forward.
But the last thing she expects is to fall for Deni, a brooding Indonesian boy who lives at the orphanage, and just so happens to be HOT. When Deni hears a rumour that his father may be alive, Sienna doesn’t think twice about running away with him to the epicenter of the disaster. Unfortunately, what they find there could break both their hearts.
A compelling summer romance, Sea marks the arrival of a stunning new voice in YA.
This book is about PTSD and fears which is something I myself have been diagnosed with, so I related to this book in so many ways and I absolutely loved it one of my very favourites so far this year. It’s rich with culture. It’s well written, and is original and beautiful. I read some parts with tears in my eyes and I loved watching Sienna grow through out the book. The way everything tied in with the sea I thought was very clever and I will be recommending this book to everybody this summer. I’ll definitely be looking out for more of Heidi’s work. 5 stars
Still haunted by nightmares of her mother’s death, fifteen-year-old Sienna Jones reluctantly travels to Indonesia with her father’s relief team to help tsunami orphans with their post traumatic stress disorder—something Sienna knows a lot about. Since her mother’s plane went missing over the Indian Ocean three years before, Sienna doesn’t do anything if it involves the ocean or planes, so this trip is a big step forward.
But the last thing she expects is to fall for Deni, a brooding Indonesian boy who lives at the orphanage, and just so happens to be HOT. When Deni hears a rumour that his father may be alive, Sienna doesn’t think twice about running away with him to the epicenter of the disaster. Unfortunately, what they find there could break both their hearts.
A compelling summer romance, Sea marks the arrival of a stunning new voice in YA.
This book is about PTSD and fears which is something I myself have been diagnosed with, so I related to this book in so many ways and I absolutely loved it one of my very favourites so far this year. It’s rich with culture. It’s well written, and is original and beautiful. I read some parts with tears in my eyes and I loved watching Sienna grow through out the book. The way everything tied in with the sea I thought was very clever and I will be recommending this book to everybody this summer. I’ll definitely be looking out for more of Heidi’s work. 5 stars
Read
July 8, 2010The story begins with Sienna’s birthday when she receives a plane ticket as a gift from her father to Indonesia, but Sienna has a fear of flying and the water since her mother’s airplane disappeared over the Indian Ocean three years ago. Despite her fears, Sienna sets out to spend two weeks at an Indian orphanage with her father to help children dealing with PTSD from surviving the 2004 tsunami. While at the orphanage, Sienna immediately connects with the mysterious Deni, an orphan who believes his father is still alive. Together, they go on a hopeful quest to find Deni’s father.
I can’t decide if this novel is more bitter or more sweet. It’s a story about loss and the importance of grieving and the question of when does hope become detrimental to our mental health. It consists of heartbreaking romance and beautiful friendships that help us through our tragedies and about the people who stick with us when we finally make it out of our own grief. The setting was fantastic, too: the heat, humidity, storms, poverty, and wreckage all made for a turbulent setting and a great summer read that made me want to dip in a pool (and be glad that I’m privileged enough to have a nice house that has one).
I would have loved some more flashback in this story or more insight to the friendship between Spider and Sienna, along with Sienna’s relationship with her mother. I wish I could have also been inside Deni’s mind and know all that he’s gone through. But I guess it’s better to want more from a book than to find it lacking. Overall, I thought it was a stunning story.
I can’t decide if this novel is more bitter or more sweet. It’s a story about loss and the importance of grieving and the question of when does hope become detrimental to our mental health. It consists of heartbreaking romance and beautiful friendships that help us through our tragedies and about the people who stick with us when we finally make it out of our own grief. The setting was fantastic, too: the heat, humidity, storms, poverty, and wreckage all made for a turbulent setting and a great summer read that made me want to dip in a pool (and be glad that I’m privileged enough to have a nice house that has one).
I would have loved some more flashback in this story or more insight to the friendship between Spider and Sienna, along with Sienna’s relationship with her mother. I wish I could have also been inside Deni’s mind and know all that he’s gone through. But I guess it’s better to want more from a book than to find it lacking. Overall, I thought it was a stunning story.
May 9, 2010
Sienna "Sea" Jones lost her mother to a plane accident three years ago. Her father, a psychiatrist who does relief work in underdeveloped countries, decides that maybe a trip to Indonesia to help with children victims of the Tsunami will help her heal from her own loss.
I have to say I truly loved this book (and that is saying a lot since I really prefer fantasy/paranormal books). I really liked Sienna and all the other characters in the book. I felt like the relationship Sienna had with her dad was well portrayed. And the journey Sienna make personally and emotionally is mirrored through the physical journey of the plane ride to Indonesia and throughout her experiences there and then Sienna's return to California. And for those who like a little romance...that is there too (Ah, Deni! Ah, Spider!)
The shortish chapters, and easy writing style will make this book something that even reluctant readers can quickly get into. It would work for tweens or teens and even students of various cultural backgrounds will find ways to relate to Sienna's story.
What a fantastic debut novel from Heidi R. Kling. I look forward to future books by her.
I have to say I truly loved this book (and that is saying a lot since I really prefer fantasy/paranormal books). I really liked Sienna and all the other characters in the book. I felt like the relationship Sienna had with her dad was well portrayed. And the journey Sienna make personally and emotionally is mirrored through the physical journey of the plane ride to Indonesia and throughout her experiences there and then Sienna's return to California. And for those who like a little romance...that is there too (Ah, Deni! Ah, Spider!)
The shortish chapters, and easy writing style will make this book something that even reluctant readers can quickly get into. It would work for tweens or teens and even students of various cultural backgrounds will find ways to relate to Sienna's story.
What a fantastic debut novel from Heidi R. Kling. I look forward to future books by her.
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