You ever read a book and think I can't wait to tell someone else to read this. That's how I feel about Girl Underwater. It was brought to my attention from one of my friends who works in a library. I think I just read her review in Goodreads. Anyway we usually like the same books so I ordered this one from the library. I have to say I was impressed. It did just what I expect my books to do, take me away from where I am and transport me into someone else's situation. Make sure that situation is so involved that I can't leave. Paint a picture that keeps me pleasantly focused. When I return to reality, make me want to run back to my book because it's nicer there. When the situation comes to an end, make me want to return. Make me a little sad it's over.
Girl Underwater is a debut novel from Claire Kells. For her first one I think she did a good job. I have read a few critical reviews and I just smile. Some people spend way too much time thinking about what they read and what was wrong with it. My philosophy is to concentrate on what was right. It's probably because I watch a lot of television that I can accept flaws, and the unrealistic. I read and watch to get away from what I live. It's a small escape, so if it isn't perfect and may be a little unrealistic at times- all the better.
This book is about a college swimmer who gets in a plane crash. She survives alongside a fellow swimmer and three little boys. It's their story of survival that keeps the book moving. It does go back and forth between the crash and present day so I am not really spoiling anything for you. You will know right away she didn't die. This is a story of how she makes it back, from the tragedy that basically takes her life even though she lived through it. Critics will say the character's relationships are not developed enough. Avery and Colin are stuck together, and right from the beginning of the book you know she does not care for him. Through their time together she learns more about him. A great message for young readers about how you can't just judge a person from the few things you know about them.
The detail that describes the plane crash and the conditions the five survivors have to live in are great. I really felt like I could see and feel what they were going through. There were times when my stomach hurt because I felt so bad for them. Now there are a few parts where Avery and Colin make some terrible choices, but this is a terrible situation. Who knows what we would do when faced with this type of disaster. For some I think that's where the story becomes a little unrealistic, but for a person who reads alot- it's not a big deal.
Now I don't like fairy tale, and I don't do monsters, demons, vampires and werewolves, but I don't need everything to be researched fully so it mirrors real life. I also don't know everything about a character to like them, and if a plot point gets a little off point, I am okay with that too. Considering this is this author's first book, I can now understand why some of the things I thought I was going to learn more about were missing. So I will live with some unanswered questions. Avery talks about a big mistake she made, and how she lied, and feels terrible about it, but the author never really develops that point. When it is revealed, it's a bit of a let down. That's my only criticism. It's not worth passing up Girl Underwater.
If you are looking for something to read, this is the book you have been searching for.
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