DNF ( )

teen fiction (dealing with childhood trauma, mental health issues including suicidal ideation, queer interest - author was close to someone with depression and got input from community viewpoints)

told from separate viewpoints of the three 18-y.o.'s in a love-hate-bestfriend-enemy romance triangle; all of these kids could use a lot of therapy, though I did enjoy the complexities in their characters. I was a little bit lost for the first chapter and a half, but it picked up after that and I was able to sort out the voices; overall the story felt a little unfinished (did NOT like the ambiguous ending) and like it could be polished/clarified a little more. I kept stumbling on confusing details, and then would have to go back and figure out what I missed--which I'll admit is partly my fault for not really paying close enough attention, but which isn't usually a problem when I speed read through teen lit (perhaps I should have treated this as a slow read, but didn't really want to spend that much time on it). ( )

This book and story are absolutely gorgeous! First, the cover art is stunning and will really draw you in. This is exactly what happened to me. I saw the cover and loved it so much. Next, you slowly get introduced to the characters and the small town in Maine, where this book is set, as you read and it really helps build a rapport with each character and the story as a whole. This is such a great way to write a story and share it with readers. It made me want to keep reading just to stay in the world with these characters. Next, the overall story is one focused on friendship, healing, and what a community does in times of crisis or turmoil.

This story also has a strong vein on environmentalism and I love how this is worked into the story in terms of the rising ocean and how we are able to read and experience climate change as a real character and see how it can or could directly affect a person. Overall, this story is one that I really loved and I can't wait to see what else this author writes in the future. ( )

If you are looking for a melancholy book, this is the book for you. It deals with so many serious issues including depression and suicide. There is a bisexual amputee among the mix of teenage friends. Their town of West Finch, Maine is being swallowed by the ocean. This is an admirable debut because of the variety of characters and the narration from different points of view. But all in all, such sad serious stories to speak to me the reader. ( )

This was such a dreamy read! This story takes place in a small town in Maine named West Finch. 16 year old Harlow Prout sets out on an adventure.. looking for anyone and everyone willing to help save her small hometown from falling into the sea. Storms and hurricanes of years past have damaged her town little by little. The book is heartbreaking at times but in a really beautiful way. There is a warning at the beginning of the book that alerts the reader to potential triggers to suicide and depression. Those sensitive to those topics should maybe steer clear of this read. The way the author describes Harlow’s town makes it so alive! I almost felt like it was another character in the book. You could almost hear the seagulls and the waves crashing into the shore. She had a wonderful way of writing that really makes you FEEL like you dove head first into the book. I am recommending this to all my friends and I’m doing the same to you! ( )