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Blue Skin of the Sea

by Graham Salisbury (Goodreads Author)

3.57 · rating details · 92 ratings · 24 reviews

Eleven interlinked stories tell the tale of a boy coming of age in Kailua-Kona, a Hawaiian fishing village. Sonny Mendoza is a little different from the rest of the men in his family. Salisbury explores characters like Aunty Pearl, a full-blooded Hawaiian as regal as the queens of old; cool Jack, from L.A., who starts a gang and dares Sonny to be brave enough, cruel enough...more

Paperback, 224 pages

Published March 10th 1997 by Yearling (first published 1992)

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Feb 24, 2009

Jeanna rated it

· review of another edition

Eleven short stories follow Sonny’s life from age six to about 19. In the first, he is just learning to swim (after being called a pantie by his cousin Keo for not yet being able to swim). Through each story there runs a common thread—Sonny’s strange fear of the ocean. He does not understand it, and it bothers him immensely (as his family’s livelihood depends on the water). As he grows, he learns many things about himself, but he learns little about his father, and even less about his mother, wh...more

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Aug 05, 2011

Sara rated it

· review of another edition

I wasn't really looking forward to this one. I had been putting off reading it (I have to teach it this upcoming year) to the point where it is now late back to the library, but at least until about page 134 (when the story ‘The Boy in the Shadow’ started) I loved it! But then it all got a bit too morose for me.

I’m not a big fan of short stories (with the exception of Anthony Doerr’s collection called ‘The Shell Collector’ – which is a work of art) because as soon as I start to like ...more

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Mar 09, 2011

Devin rated it

· review of another edition

Blue Skin of the Sea
 
Reviewed by: Devin Boxey
(Posted to Good Reads)
I have to admit, Graham Salsbury is one of my favorite authors, but I was pretty disappointed when Blue Skin of the Sea turned out to be a downer. Honestly, the only point I got from the book was to tell the story about a young boy’s life that lived in Hawaii. The funny thing is, is that this boy is a fictional character, so no one really cares how he lived because he never did live! Compared to Grah...moreBlue Skin of the Sea
 
Reviewed by: Devin Boxey
(Posted to Good Reads)
I have to admit, Graham Salsbury is one of my favorite authors, but I was pretty disappointed when Blue Skin of the Sea turned out to be a downer. Honestly, the only point I got from the book was to tell the story about a young boy’s life that lived in Hawaii. The funny thing is, is that this boy is a fictional character, so no one really cares how he lived because he never did live! Compared to Graham’s other books that were based on a true event and people, this one was definitely my least favorite.
Blue Skin of the Sea takes place in a small fishing village in Hawaii where almost everyone there has a boat and is involved with the fishing industry. Another reason I didn’t like the book; I don’t like fishing! Sonny Mendoza and his cousin, Keo, are the two main characters that, and I quote, “grow up in a world of dazzling beauty, family ties, and vivid characters.” Yah right! I didn’t see any of that anywhere in the book! This book follows Sonny and Keo through 11 stories that all together tell the stories of their lives living in Hawaii.
Although this book sounds all bad, I guess there were a few redeeming moments. Sonny’s Uncle Raz and Uncle Harley make a bet on who weighs more; Aunty Pearl or Uncle Harley’s obese pig! One of the other stories talks about people who were shooting a movie, but Sonny and Keo think that the sharks they were using looked too fake. So, they tell the director to go to the fishing yard and use one of the real sharks instead of the “imposter” sharks! But, just because there were a few humorous moments in this book, it was still not entertaining enough for me to give it a higher rating.
I can’t even tell you what kind of personality Sonny has or how he looks. The only characters Salsbury described at all were Aunty Pearl, and Keo. Aunty Pearl is supposed to be a HUGE lady (which I am even surprised she was still living) who can barely walk, but had a soft and caring heart. Keo is a small, but a tough person who is envied by Sonny. Apparently, the ocean surrounding the island is supposed to be the most “memorable character” out of everyone. Maybe I just don’t understand it as well as some people, but, as far as I can understand, the sea had NOTHING to do with the story except for being a “house” for the fish!
If you are like me and don’t care for books like this one, don’t bother reading it. However if you are retired and have a lot of time on your hands, than maybe, just MAYBE, you can read this book. I gave Blue Skin of the Sea two out of five stars for a reason. This book contains typical characters, living in a typical village in Hawaii, that experiences absolutely NO excitement what so ever! Sorry Graham Salsbury, but this is NOT one of your best books by far!
(less)

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Sep 19, 2010

Aldrin Cedrick added it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 13, 2009

Asenath rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: ya-lit, in-my-classroom-library, realistic-fiction

This is a collection of short stories that tells the coming of age of Sonny Mendoza. All the stories have their own moral and life lesson that Sonny learns—the character of his uncle, young love, death, etc. All the stories are tied together by one common thread: bits of memories that continue to flash through Sonny’s mind, even though he cannot remember what the event was. In the end Sonny remembers and is able to come of age and decide on the path he wants his destiny to take. The imagery used...more

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Jul 12, 2011

Sara Cat rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, hawaii

A series of interconnected short stories about a boy coming of age in Hawaii. In and of itself, it was ok, but felt at times disjointed and lacking focus. Hawaii sure seems like a hard place to be, kinda rough, lots of machismo and fighting. I'd definitely look for another book by Salisbury, but wouldn't race to recommend this one. Some of the pieces make nice stand-alones, and in fact I think I did hear about this book when I read one chapter as a selection in a Hawaiian anthology.

...more

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Apr 04, 2008

Tawny rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: sabina

Recommended to Tawny by: Dr. Keith Lawrence

Shelves: young-adult

Author: Graham Salisbury
Title: Blue Skin of the Sea
Genre: coming of age novel
Publication Info: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers, New York, 1992.
Recommended Age: 12 and older. There are a few spots where language is inappropriate and subject matter is deep, so I would not recommend the book to anyone still in grade school.
Plot Summary: Sonny Mendoza, a white boy living in a Hawaiian fishing village, goes through different experiences which lead him to un...moreAuthor: Graham Salisbury
Title: Blue Skin of the Sea
Genre: coming of age novel
Publication Info: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers, New York, 1992.
Recommended Age: 12 and older. There are a few spots where language is inappropriate and subject matter is deep, so I would not recommend the book to anyone still in grade school.
Plot Summary: Sonny Mendoza, a white boy living in a Hawaiian fishing village, goes through different experiences which lead him to understand and overcome his fears. He is a very sensitive boy, perhaps as a result of his mother’s death. He learns more about his distant father and tries to strengthen their relationship. Sonny struggles with issues of race, and then realizes he belongs in Hawaii just as much as anyone else. He stands up to bullies and rises above his suspicion of the sea. He begins to have feelings for girls. Sonny becomes strong through learning how to swim long distances, helping catch and kill a shark, viewing death and destruction, and learning a great deal about humanity and life in general. He grows apart from his best friend and cousin, Keo, because their interests, beliefs, and maturity levels differ.
Personal Notes: I would definitely read this book again. It is captivating and motivating. Sonny is a good role model for any young boys and girls. He demonstrates how to successfully work through problems with family and friends. Salisbury does a phenomenal job making the characters likeable and the plot believable. I would most likely recommend the book to individuals, especially if a particular student did not like reading. If we were doing a unit on family or racial differences, I would have the class read it together.
Evaluation: There is a recurring phrase which says, “Don’t ever do that again, boy.” Sonny hears this in his head and in his dreams, but does not know where he got it from. The phrase draws readers in and requires that they finish the whole novel simply to find out what that quote is really referring to. What makes this book unique is that each chapter moves on to a new experience. Sonny’s life appears to readers like a sequence of film strips. It is a series of stories which could truly stand on their own. Together, they form a wonderful description of what it is like for a boy to come to maturity. The novel reminds me of other coming of age stories. It was refreshing, however, to read one about a boy. It seems that most novels like this are written for and about girls. This one is good for both genders to read.
Other Comments: This would be a good book for anyone who comes from a broken home, feels like they do not fit in, is afraid of being alone, is having difficulty maturing, or does not have good self-esteem.
(less)

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Dec 18, 2008

Darlis rated it

· review of another edition

I read this many years ago and really enjoyed it. I liked the short story format that follow the characters as they grow up. I enjoyed the peek into Hawaiian family life and how people changed over their teen years. I even liked the personal reactions to the big events in the Islands. The stories have a flow that feels like being in Hawaii.
As a teacher, I even used some of the stories to show how other teenagers coped with crises in their lives. This is a wonderful book.

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Mar 20, 2009

Chad rated it

· review of another edition

I really liked this book. Salisbury put me right in Hawaii. I felt all of the characters. Being too short and softening the portrayal of characters at times leaves this book at a four. But definitely worth a read.

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Dec 14, 2007

Atomicgirl rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: hawaiian, young-adult

The word that comes to mind most when I try to describe this book is "sedate." The tone and the plot are gentle, like floating on the Pacific Ocean on a calm day. So, I wouldn't recommend this book to readers who appreciate thrillers and adventure stories.

Sonny is afraid of the water, and struggles to find his identity where the ocean features strongly in his and the lives of people around him. The author presents a story that urges the readers to go beyond the author's wor...more

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Jun 01, 2011

Kacky rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: high-school-boys-book-club-selectio

I liked this! Definitely more for high school age, than for middle school. It just sweetly broaches first love and first kiss from a boys' pov, very nice. I love the setting, Hawaii!

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Jan 10, 2012

Lehua Parker rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, hawaii-favorites

Wonderful! Salisbury understands Hawaii and knows how to connect with his audience by sharing just the right amount of detail and local culture without overwhelming the story.

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Jun 30, 2011

Catherine rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: hawaii, short-stories

Kona, the setting of this "novel in stories", develops into its own character--this book is very much about place and how it shapes us. The stories get better, and I felt more involved with Sonny, as I read on. I look forward to teaching this one, and to visiting Kona.

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Oct 21, 2009

Jenna rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: hawaiiana

Hey, a book about Hawai'i that's a celebration of the land, not the sea. This isn't the greatest book ever, the most touching, or the most beautifully written, but it is a gentle and honest portrait of childhood - cruelties, contradictions, loyalties, adaptations. Sonny is a normal kid - he's not a prodigy or abuse victim, he doesn't have fourteen siblings or magic powers - and that's nice. His mother's dead and his father is somewhat removed, he's afraid of the water and struggles with racia...more

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Aug 28, 2009

Erin rated it

· review of another edition

I was surprised at how well written this book is. Excellent read for anyone, but I'd specifically recommend it to 11-15 year old boys. If I knew any.

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Mar 30, 2011

Ratherlargepenis rated it

· review of another edition

THIS BOOK SUCKED MY FAT CHODE

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Dec 10, 2010

Ryan Adams rated it

· review of another edition

One of my favorites as a preteen.

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Dec 27, 2011

Colleen added it · review of another edition

Shelves: ya

first book I read on the Nook

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Apr 21, 2008

Denise rated it

· review of another edition

A YA book by a well-respected author; coming-of-age tale that takes place in Kona in the 1960s. Very evocative of an earlier era in Hawaii; if you have been to Kona and liked it, you will enjoy this book.

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Jan 19, 2008

Erin rated it

· review of another edition

This book captures the colors, sounds and feelings of the islands. When I read this novel, I long to be walking along side my grandma in old Hilo bay at the farmer's markets, bartering on mangos and papayas.

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Nov 16, 2009

Andrew Arpasi rated it

· review of another edition

good

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Apr 11, 2009

Jacquelyn rated it

· review of another edition

It was an interesting book, with many stories put together as one, it didn't really have any sort of main conflict, but many in each chapter.

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Apr 12, 2008

Betsy Sieber rated it

· review of another edition

Collection of short stories with similar characters about growing up in Hawii during the 50's. Easy read, great imagry believable experiences.

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Mar 21, 2008

Christine rated it

· review of another edition

one my favorite books that i had to read for school. mr. clark's english class, 8th grade.

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Feb 06, 2012

Blaire rated it

· review of another edition

Jan 12, 2012

Jen Horan marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Dec 15, 2011

Marisa rated it

· review of another edition

Dec 07, 2011

Lafcadio marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: cascadia, hold, orbaw

Nov 21, 2011

Erica Fox marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Nov 13, 2011

Laura marked it as to-read · review of another edition

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About Graham Salisbury

Graham Salisbury comes from a 100-year line of newspapermen, all associated with Hawaii's morning paper, the Honolulu Advertiser. Although a career as a newsman could have been possible, Salisbury chose to imagine rather than report. "I enjoy writing about characters who might have been. To me, exploring fictional themes, situations, and lives is a quietly exhilarating experience. There are t...moreGraham Salisbury comes from a 100-year line of newspapermen, all associated with Hawaii's morning paper, the Honolulu Advertiser. Although a career as a newsman could have been possible, Salisbury chose to imagine rather than report. "I enjoy writing about characters who might have been. To me, exploring fictional themes, situations, and lives is a quietly exhilarating experience. There are times when completely unexpected happenings take place as my fingertips walk the keyboard, things that make me laugh or get all choked up or even amaze me."
Salisbury's drive to write about the emotional journey that kids must take to become adults in a challenging and complicated world is evident throughout his work. Says the author: "I've thought a lot about what my job is, or should be as an author of books for young readers. I don't write to teach, preach, lecture, or criticize, but to explore. And if my stories show characters choosing certain life options, and the possible consequences of having chosen those options, then I will have done something worthwhile."

His books -- Eyes of the Emperor, Blue Skin of the Sea, Under the Blood-Red Sun, Shark Bait, Jungle Dogs, Lord of the Deep, Island Boyz and his short stories, too -- have been celebrated widely with praise and distinguished awards. Graham Salisbury, winner of the PEN/Norma Klein Award, grew up on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii. Later, he graduated from California State University, Northridge, and received an MFA degree from Vermont College of Norwich University. In fact, he was a member of the founding faculty of Vermont College's highly successful MFA program in Writing for Children, now the Union Institute & University.

Other important things to know about this author: He worked as the skipper of a glass-bottom boat, as a deckhand on a deep-sea charter fishing boat, and as an Montessori elementary school teacher. His
rock-and-roll band, The Millennium, had a number one hit in the Philippines, which he composed. He once surfed with a shark, got stung by a Portuguese man-of-war (several times!), and swam for his life from a moray eel. Believe it or not, he didn't wear shoes until the sixth grade and never saw snow until he was nineteen. Graham Salisbury now lives with his family in Portland, Oregon.(less)

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