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Nightdivers
Nightdivers begins with swim coach, Mike Gorn, struggling to find his way with his young son with autism and a long history of failed ventures. He finds opportunity in his home town to help train a team of teenagers that have all lost their sight to a string of tragedies. When he was young, Mike lost his own sight and miraculously had it returned to him by an operation. A diverse group of young teens including a devout Christian, a transsexual, a boy who has lost his place with his family, and two young romantics bound to find each other, make up the swim team known as the Squirrels. Through this uplifting and inspiring journey they will all fine meaning in their new lives, and some will find redemption. As they learn to succeed, they must bond with each other to become nightdivers.
308 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2018
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November 18, 2025
Nightdivers is a profoundly inspiring and emotionally charged novel that explores resilience, connection, and the transformative power of belief both in oneself and in others. Mark Christopher Mathis delivers a heartfelt, cinematic story anchored by Mike Gorn, a swim coach wrestling with his own failures while raising his young autistic son. Mike’s vulnerability, determination, and quiet strength make him a protagonist readers immediately want to root for.
Where the story truly excels is in its unforgettable ensemble of blind teenagers who form the spirited swim team known as the Squirrels. Each character brings a compelling emotional narrative: a devout Christian seeking direction, a trans teen fighting for identity and acceptance, a boy yearning for belonging after losing his place in his family, and two young romantics whose budding connection adds warmth and tenderness to the story.
Mathis handles themes of disability, identity, and loss with sensitivity and depth. His portrayal of blindness is honest and empowering, focusing not on limitation but on creativity, adaptation, and inner courage. The training scenes are vivid, tense, and deeply motivating, capturing both the physical demands of swimming and the emotional stakes of learning to trust both water and each other.
As the Squirrels evolve into true nightdivers, the metaphor becomes a powerful symbol of bravery in darkness, unity through struggle, and the light found in unexpected places. This journey of healing and redemption is both uplifting and emotionally resonant, offering readers a hopeful reminder of the extraordinary strength within ordinary people.
Nightdivers is a moving, heartfelt novel perfect for readers who love inspirational contemporary fiction, stories about found family, and character-driven narratives that celebrate resilience. This book is touching, memorable, and beautifully human.
Where the story truly excels is in its unforgettable ensemble of blind teenagers who form the spirited swim team known as the Squirrels. Each character brings a compelling emotional narrative: a devout Christian seeking direction, a trans teen fighting for identity and acceptance, a boy yearning for belonging after losing his place in his family, and two young romantics whose budding connection adds warmth and tenderness to the story.
Mathis handles themes of disability, identity, and loss with sensitivity and depth. His portrayal of blindness is honest and empowering, focusing not on limitation but on creativity, adaptation, and inner courage. The training scenes are vivid, tense, and deeply motivating, capturing both the physical demands of swimming and the emotional stakes of learning to trust both water and each other.
As the Squirrels evolve into true nightdivers, the metaphor becomes a powerful symbol of bravery in darkness, unity through struggle, and the light found in unexpected places. This journey of healing and redemption is both uplifting and emotionally resonant, offering readers a hopeful reminder of the extraordinary strength within ordinary people.
Nightdivers is a moving, heartfelt novel perfect for readers who love inspirational contemporary fiction, stories about found family, and character-driven narratives that celebrate resilience. This book is touching, memorable, and beautifully human.
Displaying 1 of 1 review