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Sound of Drowning, The
Meredith Hall has a secret. Every night she takes the ferry to meet Ben, her best friend and first love. Though their relationship must remain a secret, they’ve been given a second chance, and Mer's determined to make it work. She lost Ben once before and discovered the awful reality: she doesn't know how to be happy without him…
Until Wyatt washes ashore―a brash new guy with a Texas twang and a personality bigger than his home state. He makes her feel reckless, excited, and alive in ways that cut through her perpetual gloom. The deeper they delve into each other’s pasts, the more Wyatt’s charms become impossible to ignore.
But a storm is brewing in the Outer Banks. When it hits, Mer finds her heart tearing in half and her carefully constructed reality slipping back into the surf. As she discovers that even the most deeply buried secrets have a way of surfacing, she’ll have to learn that nothing is forever―especially second chances.
Until Wyatt washes ashore―a brash new guy with a Texas twang and a personality bigger than his home state. He makes her feel reckless, excited, and alive in ways that cut through her perpetual gloom. The deeper they delve into each other’s pasts, the more Wyatt’s charms become impossible to ignore.
But a storm is brewing in the Outer Banks. When it hits, Mer finds her heart tearing in half and her carefully constructed reality slipping back into the surf. As she discovers that even the most deeply buried secrets have a way of surfacing, she’ll have to learn that nothing is forever―especially second chances.
372 pages, Hardcover
First published April 9, 2019
8 people are currently reading
2549 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Fleet
3 books101 followersAfter a decade of living in the sunny Caribbean with her pilot husband and three amazing kids, Katherine Fleet has recently moved back to her hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland, the most easterly city in North America. In addition to adjusting to life back in Canada, she loves to write, read, travel, and embarrass her kids on social media. She is an active member of RWA and loves NaNoWriMo. The Secret to Letting Go (Entangled Teen, 2016) was her contemporary YA debut. Her latest contemporary YA, The Sound of Drowning, will release from Page Street Publishing in winter 2019. She is represented by Emily Sylvan Kim of Prospect Agency. You can connect with her at www.KatherineFleet.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 28, 2021
You know how all your cells are replaced every 7 years?
It's been 7 years since the last time I liked books with supernatural twists.
I liked We Were Liars, then I didn't like it, and the window closed.
So this was fine in many ways, but it also had a love triangle, and then the love triangle wasn't a love triangle because of a supernatural twist.
Mess on top of mess, for me.
Bottom line: A light nightmare scenario!
---------------
pre-review
that took a turn.
review to come / 2.5ish?
---------------
currently-reading updates
happy fourth! i'm going to spend mine reading a book with "drowning" in the title on the beach
---------------
challenging myself to read as many review copies as possible this month because i'm addicted to projects!
ARC 1: spaceman of bohemia
ARC 2: in search of us
ARC 3: aerialists
ARC 4: the sound of drowning
It's been 7 years since the last time I liked books with supernatural twists.
I liked We Were Liars, then I didn't like it, and the window closed.
So this was fine in many ways, but it also had a love triangle, and then the love triangle wasn't a love triangle because of a supernatural twist.
Mess on top of mess, for me.
Bottom line: A light nightmare scenario!
---------------
pre-review
that took a turn.
review to come / 2.5ish?
---------------
currently-reading updates
happy fourth! i'm going to spend mine reading a book with "drowning" in the title on the beach
---------------
challenging myself to read as many review copies as possible this month because i'm addicted to projects!
ARC 1: spaceman of bohemia
ARC 2: in search of us
ARC 3: aerialists
ARC 4: the sound of drowning
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2019
Some authors get better with each new book, and The Sound of Drowning is no exception. Loved the twists. The ocean is a beautiful and menacing force in this novel: almost like another character lurking in the background. The element of the supernatural, of a sort of "unseen, all-knowing powerful spirit" is certainly part of the culture in Newfoundland (where this author is originally from), so the magical element did not surprise me.
I won't say more for fear of spoilers. It took a while to get into the story, but once the author sets up the background detail, the action really takes off. Loved the wind-surfing descriptions - very visual and inspiring - made me want to hop on a board (for a minute or two)! Highly recommended.
I won't say more for fear of spoilers. It took a while to get into the story, but once the author sets up the background detail, the action really takes off. Loved the wind-surfing descriptions - very visual and inspiring - made me want to hop on a board (for a minute or two)! Highly recommended.
February 11, 2019
oh my God. This book. I want to list every single thing I love about it BUT I can only list like the first 5...because, spoilers. Spoilers that would ruin your reading experience (trust me)
1. Meredith: such a well-developed, beautifully broken character. My heart cracked for her all along the way, and I was so invested in her choices that I found myself thinking about her when I wasn't reading.
2. Ben. <3 perfection.
3. Wyatt. Damn. My kind of guy. (and I loved the glimpse into his motocross world. SO fun.)
4. Fleet's writing. I loved this author's debut, The Secret to Letting Go, and she has grown by leaps and bounds. This story is gripping and beautiful. I was immersed in the Outer Banks, and felt the quiet desolation and fickleness of the island of Ocracoke.
5. Family dynamics. Real, messy, believable. Raw. And so, SO satisfying in the end, that I was teary eyed.
I consider myself a pretty detailed reader. It takes a lot to throw me off, which can suck sometimes because isn't that half the fun of reading? but THIS BOOK THREW ME OFF IN THE BEST WAY. If you're not a fan of the love triangle "trope" (which admittedly, I have always loved, so I was happy to see that was a main theme, but I know a lot of people can be iffy about them) I would say don't let that stop you from picking up this book. Trust me. It's wayyy more than a love triangle.
1. Meredith: such a well-developed, beautifully broken character. My heart cracked for her all along the way, and I was so invested in her choices that I found myself thinking about her when I wasn't reading.
2. Ben. <3 perfection.
3. Wyatt. Damn. My kind of guy. (and I loved the glimpse into his motocross world. SO fun.)
4. Fleet's writing. I loved this author's debut, The Secret to Letting Go, and she has grown by leaps and bounds. This story is gripping and beautiful. I was immersed in the Outer Banks, and felt the quiet desolation and fickleness of the island of Ocracoke.
5. Family dynamics. Real, messy, believable. Raw. And so, SO satisfying in the end, that I was teary eyed.
I consider myself a pretty detailed reader. It takes a lot to throw me off, which can suck sometimes because isn't that half the fun of reading? but THIS BOOK THREW ME OFF IN THE BEST WAY. If you're not a fan of the love triangle "trope" (which admittedly, I have always loved, so I was happy to see that was a main theme, but I know a lot of people can be iffy about them) I would say don't let that stop you from picking up this book. Trust me. It's wayyy more than a love triangle.
March 14, 2019
Rating: 4.5 Stars
She betrayed her best friend and first love, and thought she had lost him forever. The guilt forced Meredith to isolate and abandon the things that brought her joy, until she met Wyatt. The exact opposite of Ben, Wyatt helped Meredith work through her pain, but will embracing her friendship with Wyatt result in betraying Ben?
• Pro: Fleet did a fantastic job laying this story out. She kept me reading, because I had to get to the truth, and she expertly meted it out to me, piece by piece.
• Pro: I thought I had the whole thing figured out. I believed the big THING was one of two options, and it was revealed, that I was right. And THEN, there was more revealed, which I wasn't shocked by, but didn't expect. And THEN, this third thing comes out of nowhere, which really surprised me. All I have to say is, well played, Katherine Fleet.
• Pro: We got to know Wyatt, who was fantastic, in real time, while we met Ben mostly during flashbacks. Fleet let me share so many beautiful, and sometimes, painful moments with Ben and Meredith, but I really could see why he was such an important person in her life.
• Pro: Back to Wyatt. He was such an interesting character. He seemed almost like a caricature, when I first met him, but then his deeper layers were revealed, and that made me really adored him.
• Pro: There were a lot of interesting details running in the background of this story. I loved the Outer Banks setting, and the way Fleet sort of made it another character in the book, and it had a big emotional impact on me. There was also: wind sailing, motocross, beach bowling, and The Yellow Rose Cafe were just a few of those little things that enhanced my enjoyment.
• Pro: The ending was bittersweet. Hopeful, but at the same time, a little sad.
Overall: A beautiful and heartbreaking romance, which was suspenseful and had me feeling all the feels.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
She betrayed her best friend and first love, and thought she had lost him forever. The guilt forced Meredith to isolate and abandon the things that brought her joy, until she met Wyatt. The exact opposite of Ben, Wyatt helped Meredith work through her pain, but will embracing her friendship with Wyatt result in betraying Ben?
• Pro: Fleet did a fantastic job laying this story out. She kept me reading, because I had to get to the truth, and she expertly meted it out to me, piece by piece.
• Pro: I thought I had the whole thing figured out. I believed the big THING was one of two options, and it was revealed, that I was right. And THEN, there was more revealed, which I wasn't shocked by, but didn't expect. And THEN, this third thing comes out of nowhere, which really surprised me. All I have to say is, well played, Katherine Fleet.
• Pro: We got to know Wyatt, who was fantastic, in real time, while we met Ben mostly during flashbacks. Fleet let me share so many beautiful, and sometimes, painful moments with Ben and Meredith, but I really could see why he was such an important person in her life.
• Pro: Back to Wyatt. He was such an interesting character. He seemed almost like a caricature, when I first met him, but then his deeper layers were revealed, and that made me really adored him.
• Pro: There were a lot of interesting details running in the background of this story. I loved the Outer Banks setting, and the way Fleet sort of made it another character in the book, and it had a big emotional impact on me. There was also: wind sailing, motocross, beach bowling, and The Yellow Rose Cafe were just a few of those little things that enhanced my enjoyment.
• Pro: The ending was bittersweet. Hopeful, but at the same time, a little sad.
Overall: A beautiful and heartbreaking romance, which was suspenseful and had me feeling all the feels.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
February 11, 2019
A five star review doesn't do this book justice. It deserves twelve stars. THE SOUND OF DROWNING is the first YA novel I've read since The Fault In Our Stars that's so gripping, so emotionally charged, and so boldly deals with difficult yet real-world issues. The ending was so unexpected and so wonderfully constructed that it had me weeping with both joy and sorrow.
This book if wonderful movie material.
Well done, Katherine Fleet. I can't wait to see what else springs from that magical imagination of yours.
This book if wonderful movie material.
Well done, Katherine Fleet. I can't wait to see what else springs from that magical imagination of yours.
February 12, 2019
Waves of emotion crashed over me while reading The Sound of Drowning. There were both sweet and heartbreaking moments. I got lost in the Outer Banks setting and felt connected to the characters. Mer's struggles broke my heart and Wyatt stole it. The ending was surprising and had me flipping the pages fast to finish. It was such a great read!
April 25, 2019
3.5 ⭐️ I was expecting a simple, cheesy contemporary YA romance when I picked this up. I was wrong about that. I enjoyed this read even though it’s moody and sad. The main character is unhappy and cynical and ultimately selfish. She kept alluding to a singular event that is responsible for why she is the way she is now but it doesn’t come until the end. I’ll be honest, once it was revealed, I was genuinely shocked. I usually find it a bit annoying when the main character keeps hinting at some big pivotal moment in their past. Like, JUST SAY IT ALREADY! This story started out that way but the information came in bits and pieces as it went, giving you just enough to keep going. And just when you thought everything was out in the open, the story hits with a final twist that I truly did not expect.
December 22, 2018
Romance and the Outer Banks, yes please! Meredith, Mer, pretends to be going to work nightly, but is sneaking to the beach to see her childhood friend turned boyfriend, Ben. As they rebuild their relationship, Mer’s devotion is pulled towards the new guy in town, Wyatt. Wyatt is the nod towards every girl’s bad boy. He’s handsome, cocky with a larger than life personality. All the girls want him, and he only has eyes for Mer.
This is hard book to review because of the way the story unfolds! One can’t say too much because it will spoil the book. I read it in a day, and didn’t want to put it down. At first, I was concerned about a clichéd plot with the love triangle and there some of those typical scenes, but there’s more to plot, which is worth the wait. I thought I had it all figured it out early on, but there were plenty of things I didn’t see coming.
If you are looking for a YA romance with a twist, read The Sound of Drowning.
You’ll see a character struggling with heavy, real issues, and the intense ending will engage many teens.
This is hard book to review because of the way the story unfolds! One can’t say too much because it will spoil the book. I read it in a day, and didn’t want to put it down. At first, I was concerned about a clichéd plot with the love triangle and there some of those typical scenes, but there’s more to plot, which is worth the wait. I thought I had it all figured it out early on, but there were plenty of things I didn’t see coming.
If you are looking for a YA romance with a twist, read The Sound of Drowning.
You’ll see a character struggling with heavy, real issues, and the intense ending will engage many teens.
February 23, 2019
I am not a huge YA reader and don't read this genre often. However, one of my closest book friend's told me it blew her away and I had to read it. I was in a huge book funk, so I ran to NetGalley to request a copy. THANK YOU Netgalley, Publisher and Author for the advanced copy and getting me out of my book funk!!
The Sound of Drowning is a book that will swallow you up completely. It will play with your heart, it will break your heart but it will open your eyes to so much more. This book has a deep message and will remain apart of me.
Mer, Ben and Wyatt are characters you will give your heart to freely, without a second thought! I just love everything about them. Their strength, determination, and being there when it matters the most to the people who need them.
This book kept me on the edge on my seat. I did not want to put it down. The suspense of trying to figure out what is going on and what Mer is hiding, had me devouring this book in less than 24 hours. I could go on and on about this book but you have to experience it for yourself. You won't see it coming! Have some tissues ready because you will need them!!
This was my first book by Katherine and I am already really excited to see where Katherine take us next. Her writing and storytelling is amazing. Now I am going to read her first book, The Secret of Letting Go!
The Sound of Drowning is a book that will swallow you up completely. It will play with your heart, it will break your heart but it will open your eyes to so much more. This book has a deep message and will remain apart of me.
Mer, Ben and Wyatt are characters you will give your heart to freely, without a second thought! I just love everything about them. Their strength, determination, and being there when it matters the most to the people who need them.
This book kept me on the edge on my seat. I did not want to put it down. The suspense of trying to figure out what is going on and what Mer is hiding, had me devouring this book in less than 24 hours. I could go on and on about this book but you have to experience it for yourself. You won't see it coming! Have some tissues ready because you will need them!!
This was my first book by Katherine and I am already really excited to see where Katherine take us next. Her writing and storytelling is amazing. Now I am going to read her first book, The Secret of Letting Go!
May 1, 2019
* Thank you Manda Group for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *
RATING: 4.5 stars
Meet Meredith Hall, a high school student who takes a ferry every night to visit her best friend, and first love, Ben. But after meeting Wyatt, a Texas newcomer with an accent and sweet heart, her heart begins to flutter for someone else. However, nothing is as it seems, and when secrets are revealed, Meredith's will have to fight for what she wants, and let the past go, if she wants to stay alive.
This novel is a whirlwind of emotions, with plot twists that keep coming. Contemporary fans will appreciate the romance in the novel, with a unique writing style that switches from past and present. The mental health in this novel was very well done, and offered a powerful voice in YA fiction regarding depression and other topics. I do not want to spoil anything, but I was so surprised with this novel, and highly recommend it.
RATING: 4.5 stars
Meet Meredith Hall, a high school student who takes a ferry every night to visit her best friend, and first love, Ben. But after meeting Wyatt, a Texas newcomer with an accent and sweet heart, her heart begins to flutter for someone else. However, nothing is as it seems, and when secrets are revealed, Meredith's will have to fight for what she wants, and let the past go, if she wants to stay alive.
This novel is a whirlwind of emotions, with plot twists that keep coming. Contemporary fans will appreciate the romance in the novel, with a unique writing style that switches from past and present. The mental health in this novel was very well done, and offered a powerful voice in YA fiction regarding depression and other topics. I do not want to spoil anything, but I was so surprised with this novel, and highly recommend it.
April 9, 2019
This book... it's everything! On one hand, I was left speechless once I finished it. On the other hand, I had all of the words to say about this book. Fleet has topped herself in this one! I loved her debut book, and this one surpassed it by a long shot!
I saw somewhere in a starred review that said, "A heartbreaking love triangle, for readers who can’t stand love triangles." It is the perfect embodiment of this story. Holy heck it is not the love triangle you are imagining in your mind. It's its own unique version of a love triangle that will blow your mind!
I am struggling for words right now. I can't really say all of the things I want to say. I don't want to spoil this book at all. It needs to be taken in page by page without any knowledge of what it really is.
What I can say is I cried. Legit, sobbed for about that last twenty percent of this book. Before that, I had a warm heart and a smile on my face more times than I can count. I do admit, I was torn for a bit. But then it happened... the turning point in this book that broke my heart and put it back together over and over again.
This book takes you through the earth shattering parts of love, loss, healing, and moving forward in such a way, you won't be able to tell what is up and what is down. The journey to heal is not pretty, but it will end beautifully.
I saw somewhere in a starred review that said, "A heartbreaking love triangle, for readers who can’t stand love triangles." It is the perfect embodiment of this story. Holy heck it is not the love triangle you are imagining in your mind. It's its own unique version of a love triangle that will blow your mind!
I am struggling for words right now. I can't really say all of the things I want to say. I don't want to spoil this book at all. It needs to be taken in page by page without any knowledge of what it really is.
What I can say is I cried. Legit, sobbed for about that last twenty percent of this book. Before that, I had a warm heart and a smile on my face more times than I can count. I do admit, I was torn for a bit. But then it happened... the turning point in this book that broke my heart and put it back together over and over again.
This book takes you through the earth shattering parts of love, loss, healing, and moving forward in such a way, you won't be able to tell what is up and what is down. The journey to heal is not pretty, but it will end beautifully.
January 11, 2021
This book was completely different than what I thought it would be about. I thought it was going to be the cliche story where the girl has to choose between the golden boy or the more rebellious and exciting guy. I thought that that was what the book's main focus was going to be on and that it would mainly be about school drama. This book turned out to be so much more. There were also many plot twists. When I thought the book's big plot twist had been revealed, there was actually a whole lot more to it later revealed and the final reveal was very shocking and heartbreaking. The whole plot and theme turned out to be a lot deeper and emotional than I ever predicted. I've read a book from this author before and I really like how from both books she has the main characters have a secret (having to do with the big plot twist) and for most of the book the reader doesn't get to know what it is. The character having a secret that has traumatized her and made her hide it from almost everyone made me want to read more and more to find out. This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions too. I would definitely recommend this book, it was really great!
January 1, 2019
I echo the other reviewers when I say I don’t want to reveal too much, but I loved the Outer Banks setting and the pace of the story and the real issues that face many teens. I would have taken a few swipes at the patriarchy, but Fleet presents some really tough issues in a very objective way. I thought I had this all figured out way before the halfway mark, but didn’t. I look forward to reading more reviews to see how others describe this story without spoilers.
January 20, 2019
I won an ARC of this book & I'm so thrilled that I did!!!! What can I say about this emotional rollercoaster of a ride?? Well it made me laugh & cry & feellllllll. I'm not going to give much away but WOW this book was absolutely Beautiful!!! I wasn't expecting the twist & turns but WOW surprise!!! This book holds a special place in my heart now I love it so much💜 If u get a chance please go get a finished copy on release day 3\12\2019.
August 3, 2019
Шикарная книга😍 Не понимаю, почему у нее так мало оценок. Она потрясающая. Чувствую, что этой книге просто не хватает рекламы.
Душераздирающая, вдохновляющая и цепляющая за душу история. Атмосфера острова и дождливой погоды поглотила меня с головой. Как по велению высших сил, за моим окном во время прочтения стояла такая же погода. Наверное, серебристые тучи и прохладная погода навсегда будут ассоциироваться у меня с этой книгой и Внешними Отмелями🚤
Финал же выше всяких похвал. Сказочный, немного мистический и заставляющий поверить в Бога и судьбу.
Душераздирающая, вдохновляющая и цепляющая за душу история. Атмосфера острова и дождливой погоды поглотила меня с головой. Как по велению высших сил, за моим окном во время прочтения стояла такая же погода. Наверное, серебристые тучи и прохладная погода навсегда будут ассоциироваться у меня с этой книгой и Внешними Отмелями🚤
Финал же выше всяких похвал. Сказочный, немного мистический и заставляющий поверить в Бога и судьбу.
Want to read
April 29, 2019I received this as an earc on netgalley for an honest review. I gave this book a 4.75/5 stars. I felt as though I could relate to the characters and how they were feeling about some things that occurred in this novel. Overall I just loved the characters and I didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend this one if you want a good ya novel to read.
June 23, 2021
This book was amazing! I definitely wasn't ready for the plot twists. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars was because a certain decision the character decided to make in the book but..... other than that, awesome book!!To sum it all up ..... I would say..... KATHERINE DID THAT !!!! Its worth the read I promise youuu!!!
December 25, 2018
I inhaled this atmospheric and surprising novel in a weekend. The well-drawn characters, the Outer Banks setting, the twists, and touch of magical realism all came together for an engaging, moving read. Well done, Katherine Fleet!
April 30, 2019
Really enjoyable book! I was a little meh at first, thinking this was going to be another over the top YA romance, but it’s not.
May 16, 2019
Well I certainly didn’t see THAT coming.
November 10, 2023
2.75 stars
May 29, 2019
Although my middle school self would have probably been completely obsessed with this tale of young love and heartbreak, my current self may have grown out of that obsession. I did not enjoy this book. The story line was beyond cheesy, which was honestly exacting what I was expecting from reading the title. The characters were annoying, predictable, and straight out of a Disney show. The only thing that compelled me to give this book two stars and kept me reading was the consistent anticipation, regarding a past experience, throughout the story. Besides that, I was cringing at most, if not all, of the plot.
May 1, 2019
This book was seriously not what I expected it to be at all! I was totally blown away by where the author went and how the story took a drastic turn. There was one plot development that I kind of predicted, and saw coming, but it helped develop the character and their struggle so much more. Seriously this author did an amazing job, and its was such a fun quick read. I almost started crying at one point in the story because Mer's pain just hit me so hard in the heart.
Young Adults are not normally the type of book I read, but I was so glad to have picked this for Words +Wine April bookclub!
Young Adults are not normally the type of book I read, but I was so glad to have picked this for Words +Wine April bookclub!
June 20, 2019
WARNING - SPOILER ALERT
Thought that Mer was an obnoxious whiner, who vacillated back and forth between two guys with little involvement of her brain cells. "Oh I love Ben forever." "Oh I can't resist kissing Wyatt" "Get away from me you dirtbag, I told you I have a boyfriend." Repeat ad nauseum.
Then the big reveal of her terrible betrayal is that she got an abortion without his permission? Hate to say it, but that's HER choice, not his. And she was definitive about it but he's the one who browbeat her into waiting to "think about it" and then ambushes her at home with his parents and a baby toy and a master plan of how they're going to get married and live with his parents and his mom will raise the kid so she can finish school and we'll all join hands and sing Kumbaya and...
Well, by then it was a moot point and Ben's mom goes totally psycho and turns her back on her best friend (Mer's mom) because she supported her daughter. Really stable response!. Of course Mer showed off her complete stupidity by assuming that Ben would want to immediately go back to the way things were before she announced her pregnancy. Somehow she was shocked that he might be feeling somewhat pissed off about being 'betrayed' by her leaving him out of the decision after she'd promised to wait (even though his ham-handed sales pitch was hardly commendable).
But then we get to the end and that's when it came off the rails. SERIOUSLY? Yet another "this has all been a dream for the past year because Ben's really dead and I've just been imagining all the times we've gotten together since then" solution. This "she's been dreaming" scenario has been so incredibly overused as a plot device in the past several years. But then it turns into batshit crazy with the ghost/memory of Ben trying to encourage her to drown but Wyatt shows up to save the day (the opposite of their initial meeting) and time somehow reverses yet she remembers all the details of what's gone on between them. At least that part was original although totally illogical.
Thought that Mer was an obnoxious whiner, who vacillated back and forth between two guys with little involvement of her brain cells. "Oh I love Ben forever." "Oh I can't resist kissing Wyatt" "Get away from me you dirtbag, I told you I have a boyfriend." Repeat ad nauseum.
Then the big reveal of her terrible betrayal is that she got an abortion without his permission? Hate to say it, but that's HER choice, not his. And she was definitive about it but he's the one who browbeat her into waiting to "think about it" and then ambushes her at home with his parents and a baby toy and a master plan of how they're going to get married and live with his parents and his mom will raise the kid so she can finish school and we'll all join hands and sing Kumbaya and...
Well, by then it was a moot point and Ben's mom goes totally psycho and turns her back on her best friend (Mer's mom) because she supported her daughter. Really stable response!. Of course Mer showed off her complete stupidity by assuming that Ben would want to immediately go back to the way things were before she announced her pregnancy. Somehow she was shocked that he might be feeling somewhat pissed off about being 'betrayed' by her leaving him out of the decision after she'd promised to wait (even though his ham-handed sales pitch was hardly commendable).
But then we get to the end and that's when it came off the rails. SERIOUSLY? Yet another "this has all been a dream for the past year because Ben's really dead and I've just been imagining all the times we've gotten together since then" solution. This "she's been dreaming" scenario has been so incredibly overused as a plot device in the past several years. But then it turns into batshit crazy with the ghost/memory of Ben trying to encourage her to drown but Wyatt shows up to save the day (the opposite of their initial meeting) and time somehow reverses yet she remembers all the details of what's gone on between them. At least that part was original although totally illogical.
April 25, 2019
***SPOILERS*** I just finished this book and i’m a little lost. I don’t understand the ending. I fell in love with the first like 3/4 of it, but then stuff got confusing. It all got weird to me around the time of the dance. I can accept the fact that Ben died, and all the times in the book where Mer was with him, it wasn’t real or whatever. But then she goes into the ocean and I was so lost. At the hospital she has her hair all chopped off, but I thought it already grew back? And then her parents tell her Wyatt saved her and they acted as if they didn’t know him. WHAT HAPPENED HER HER JOB AT THE COFFEE SHOP??? OR THE SPRAINED ANKLE??? And then Wyatt’s mom acts like her and Mer are meeting for the first time. And she tells Mer that Wyatt isn’t a morning person. BUT SHE ALREADY SAID THAT IN THE BEGINNING WHEN THEY MET THE FIRST TIME. Did the motocross happen? I’m so lost. I never write reviews but I was so lost and I hope someone can explain it to me. Was it just super deep and I missed something? I know what the “broken promise” was. Did I just miss something super obvious/ important? Please. Someone. Explain. Because I loved the rest of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2019
I'm not really sure what to say about this book without giving too much away. I will say that I recommend going into this book blind.
Things I enjoyed:
*The emotions presented are powerful and realistic, and I could relate to Mer on so many different levels. The description of her feelings of trying to cope with her situation were authentic and relatable. I felt the darkness and struggle the Mer felt through the writing.
*I'm a sucker for a love triangle, and this one was believable and I found myself as conflicted as Mer as her relationships progressed with Wyatt and Ben.
*They mystery surrounding what happened that rocked Mer's world kept me engaged and wanting answers. Details surrounding it were revealed slowly but effectively.
Things that weren't my favorite:
*I loved the first 3/4 of the book, but the last 1/4 took it to a place I was hoping the foreshadowing would not go.
Overall, a compelling read that kept me up into the early morning hours to finish.
Things I enjoyed:
*The emotions presented are powerful and realistic, and I could relate to Mer on so many different levels. The description of her feelings of trying to cope with her situation were authentic and relatable. I felt the darkness and struggle the Mer felt through the writing.
*I'm a sucker for a love triangle, and this one was believable and I found myself as conflicted as Mer as her relationships progressed with Wyatt and Ben.
*They mystery surrounding what happened that rocked Mer's world kept me engaged and wanting answers. Details surrounding it were revealed slowly but effectively.
Things that weren't my favorite:
*I loved the first 3/4 of the book, but the last 1/4 took it to a place I was hoping the foreshadowing would not go.
Overall, a compelling read that kept me up into the early morning hours to finish.
February 24, 2020
To say this book was a roller coaster ride would be a MAJOR understatement. When I first started reading, I was intrigued by the premise, and thought I was going to get a fluffy version of Romeo and Juliet for teens. Very quickly, however, I became intrigued by Mer's dark secret, and wanted to know what she had done to cause such a rift between two previously close families. What I got was an emotionally devastatingly story about love, loss, and forgiveness that I wasn't expecting at all. WARNING: There will be spoilers in this review, so please don't read this if you have any intention of picking up the book!
The Sound of Drowning follows the story of Meredith Hall, a teenager with a big secret: almost every night, she takes the ferry to meet the love of her life, a boy named Ben Collins. Though Ben and Meredith have been best friends since childhood, their relationship has evolved over time from friendship to romance. Recently, however, Meredith broke Ben's trust in a major way, causing their once close families to fracture apart and forcing them to meet in secret. At the same time, a new and charming boy named Wyatt Quinn has moved with his mom from Texas, and the previously closed-off Meredith finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. Though she was once sure what she wanted, Mer finds herself torn between two people: the boy she has loved for most of her life, and the boy who makes her feel exciting and alive for the first time in her life.
I was not expecting to need tissues while reading this book, and I feel personally attacked by Katherine Fleet. Not since John Green's The Fault in Our Stars has a YA book impacted me this much emotionally, and I applaud (and curse) Fleet's ability to get me so entirely emotionally invested in these characters. From the very first chapter, I found myself wondering what Meredith had done to warrant such a severe rift in the relationship between two families, meaning Katherine Fleet had me hooked within a few pages. The novel is paced slowly, intermittently telling the story of Meredith's past as we read about what's currently happening. The secret is revealed painfully slowly, making it hard to wait to find out exactly what happened. I'll admit that, at one point, I couldn't wait anymore and read ahead, and the fact that the reveal STILL gutted me when I got to it is a testament to Fleet's writing ability.
First, I have to praise the twists in this book. I was honestly expecting a run-of-the-mill fluffy romance, but this book kept me guessing with every chapter. First, you find out that Mer and Ben had sex and that Mer ended up pregnant. Next, you find out that Mer decided to have an abortion behind Ben's back, making Ben feel extremely betrayed and hurt. Though the novel's first chapter leads us to believe that he eventually forgave her and began meeting her in secret, we eventually find out (WARNING: SPOILER AHEAD) that Ben has been dead for several months due to a boating accident, and that Mer began hallucinating him on the beach after trying to kill herself one night in her grief over his loss. As if all of this wasn't enough, we THEN find out that the present day events Mer has been experiencing are entirely in her head, as she has been in a medically induced coma for the entire book. At the end, she makes the choice to return to the world of the living, where she decides to start over again with Wyatt, who she feels she knows even though they haven't officially met yet.
This book delivers not one, but FOUR heart-pounding twists, meaning that once I reached the halfway point, it was impossible to put down. Fleet's twists honestly surprised me, and the plot never once felt predictable or overdone. In addition, the emotional impact of each reveal is extremely raw, and many moments in this book left me a sobbing mess in need of something light and happy to read. One such moment is the moment when Mer confronts Ben's parents for the first time since his death, apologizing for the choice that hurt them, but also insisting that it is wrong to blame her (and themselves) for his untimely death. Mer's words and the strong emotions in this scene had such a profound impact, and they really illustrated her character growth throughout the book.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book were the relationships between the characters. Not only are the romances sweet and believable (both with Wyatt and with Ben), but the familial relationships were extremely important as well. I felt a strange kinship to Meredith (even though she sometimes frustrated me), as my relationship with my mom is very similar to hers. We obviously love one another, but struggle to understand each other, often feeling as though we'll never be good enough for the other person. Mer and her mother struggle with this as well, and Mer beats herself up constantly for being a "failure child" to her parents. Other realistic and well-developed relationships include Mer and her sister, Wyatt and his dad, and the friendship between Ben's mom and Mer's mom. Every time these characters interacted, I felt like they were real people with real flaws, each of them hiding their pain behind big fronts or masks. I found myself rooting for them despite their flaws, and wanting things to end on a positive note for all of them.
I must admit, however, that I did find a lot of things about this book annoying at first. Weirdly, though I relate strongly to Mer's feelings of loneliness, isolation, and self doubt, she REALLY got on my nerves for the first half of the book. She's whiny, selfish, and deliberately sabotages her own happiness constantly. The most frustrating part was her flashback to the middle school dance, where she tears her expensive hairdo down and chucks the expensive dress she got for no apparent reason, leaving her date (Ben) as the only one dressed up for the event. I found myself saying, "Really? All of that money and effort and you just spit on it?" As I read on, however, I realized that Mer acts the way she does because she feels so profoundly uncomfortable in her own skin that she's constantly trying to be someone else, another thing I strongly relate to. My annoyances with Mer stem from my annoyances with myself, and I found myself really understanding that her "prickly" attitude and thick walls are her only way of emotionally protecting herself from a scary social climate.
Similarly, I felt that Ben's relationship with Mer was EXTREMELY unhealthy at first, with her basing all of her self worth and happiness on this one boy. By the end, however, you realize that this has been the entire point of the novel: Mer WAS putting too much of her self worth in Ben's affection, and not giving herself enough love or compassion. When she chooses to let Ben go and live for her family and friends at the end of the book, it seems that Mer has truly learned how to love herself and forgive herself for her mistakes. This is actually a huge theme in the book: both forgiving others and forgiving yourself after tragedy strikes. A large part of the grief process is shown in this book, and I think it could do wonders for anyone trying to heal after a significant and traumatic loss. As someone who has lost loved ones in the past, I found myself really relating to the devastation Mer felt, and I have also wondered how to get up and move on when stricken with impossible grief. This book takes something that seems extremely unhealthy and presents it as such, teaching the reader a lesson about self-worth, compassion, and moving on after loss. It's an extremely powerful message, and one that I think many people (especially teens) need to hear.
My one gripe with the book is how quickly and neatly everything is wrapped up. In real life, trauma, grief, and mental illness can sometimes take years of therapy to improve, but Mer's issues seem to be instantly resolved due to her few weeks of experiencing life while in a coma. Almost immediately after waking up, she's able to go to Ben's parents and explain that she's sorry, but not responsible for his death, and that they shouldn't project their grief and anger onto her. At the same time, she has suddenly realized her self worth and completely healed from her trauma, and seems to be entirely chipper and back to normal again. She even knows exactly what to say to Wyatt's mom about lying to him about his dad, and this struck me as being a little unrealistic. Real teens suffering from trauma and mental illness might feel bad after seeing how easily Mer is able to overcome it; it seems as though she snaps her finger and instantly becomes better at the end. Real trauma takes time to heal, and those negative thoughts we build up in our heads take more than just a few weeks to train away; I know this from personal experience. Though I liked the hopeful, positive ending, I would've liked to see Mer improve while still having work to do in regards to her mental health, which is always evolving as we grow and learn.
This book deals with a lot of themes that might be triggering to teens, but also highly empowering. Divorce, teenage pregnancy, abortion, and even suicide are explored, but in a way that promotes responsibility and dealing with grief in healthy ways. Though I felt a little icky about Ben and his family's reactions to the abortion (it was, ultimately, Mer's choice what to do with her body, and I felt that at LEAST the adults should have respected that), I liked that the author gave her the agency to make her own choice, and that the choice itself was something Mer didn't regret because it was the right one for her. This book isn't necessarily saying that abortion is the best option, but that each girl and woman should feel empowered to make the decision that is ultimately best for her. It also portrayed suicide in dark, gritty detail, showing the reader the absolutely devastating affects that even attempted suicide can have on loved ones. Mer realizes in the end that, despite her loss, she still has a lot to live for, and I like that message for teens who might feel similarly hopeless about their lives.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It has some flaws, but I really appreciated the characters, message, and engaging story. Any book that can make me cry over fictional characters is necessarily a winner, as I don't often feel profoundly moved when reading YA. Though there are subjects that might be triggering to some teens (grief, abortion, suicide, mental illness), I think this book begins really important conversations that could lead to healing and closure for many. I was very moved by this story, and though I've never heard of Katherine Fleet before, she is now very much on my radar due to this stunning work of fiction. If you're in the mood to read something that will break your heart in all of the best ways, I would definitely recommend giving this one a shot if you haven't already; it most certainly did not disappoint.
The Sound of Drowning follows the story of Meredith Hall, a teenager with a big secret: almost every night, she takes the ferry to meet the love of her life, a boy named Ben Collins. Though Ben and Meredith have been best friends since childhood, their relationship has evolved over time from friendship to romance. Recently, however, Meredith broke Ben's trust in a major way, causing their once close families to fracture apart and forcing them to meet in secret. At the same time, a new and charming boy named Wyatt Quinn has moved with his mom from Texas, and the previously closed-off Meredith finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. Though she was once sure what she wanted, Mer finds herself torn between two people: the boy she has loved for most of her life, and the boy who makes her feel exciting and alive for the first time in her life.
I was not expecting to need tissues while reading this book, and I feel personally attacked by Katherine Fleet. Not since John Green's The Fault in Our Stars has a YA book impacted me this much emotionally, and I applaud (and curse) Fleet's ability to get me so entirely emotionally invested in these characters. From the very first chapter, I found myself wondering what Meredith had done to warrant such a severe rift in the relationship between two families, meaning Katherine Fleet had me hooked within a few pages. The novel is paced slowly, intermittently telling the story of Meredith's past as we read about what's currently happening. The secret is revealed painfully slowly, making it hard to wait to find out exactly what happened. I'll admit that, at one point, I couldn't wait anymore and read ahead, and the fact that the reveal STILL gutted me when I got to it is a testament to Fleet's writing ability.
First, I have to praise the twists in this book. I was honestly expecting a run-of-the-mill fluffy romance, but this book kept me guessing with every chapter. First, you find out that Mer and Ben had sex and that Mer ended up pregnant. Next, you find out that Mer decided to have an abortion behind Ben's back, making Ben feel extremely betrayed and hurt. Though the novel's first chapter leads us to believe that he eventually forgave her and began meeting her in secret, we eventually find out (WARNING: SPOILER AHEAD) that Ben has been dead for several months due to a boating accident, and that Mer began hallucinating him on the beach after trying to kill herself one night in her grief over his loss. As if all of this wasn't enough, we THEN find out that the present day events Mer has been experiencing are entirely in her head, as she has been in a medically induced coma for the entire book. At the end, she makes the choice to return to the world of the living, where she decides to start over again with Wyatt, who she feels she knows even though they haven't officially met yet.
This book delivers not one, but FOUR heart-pounding twists, meaning that once I reached the halfway point, it was impossible to put down. Fleet's twists honestly surprised me, and the plot never once felt predictable or overdone. In addition, the emotional impact of each reveal is extremely raw, and many moments in this book left me a sobbing mess in need of something light and happy to read. One such moment is the moment when Mer confronts Ben's parents for the first time since his death, apologizing for the choice that hurt them, but also insisting that it is wrong to blame her (and themselves) for his untimely death. Mer's words and the strong emotions in this scene had such a profound impact, and they really illustrated her character growth throughout the book.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book were the relationships between the characters. Not only are the romances sweet and believable (both with Wyatt and with Ben), but the familial relationships were extremely important as well. I felt a strange kinship to Meredith (even though she sometimes frustrated me), as my relationship with my mom is very similar to hers. We obviously love one another, but struggle to understand each other, often feeling as though we'll never be good enough for the other person. Mer and her mother struggle with this as well, and Mer beats herself up constantly for being a "failure child" to her parents. Other realistic and well-developed relationships include Mer and her sister, Wyatt and his dad, and the friendship between Ben's mom and Mer's mom. Every time these characters interacted, I felt like they were real people with real flaws, each of them hiding their pain behind big fronts or masks. I found myself rooting for them despite their flaws, and wanting things to end on a positive note for all of them.
I must admit, however, that I did find a lot of things about this book annoying at first. Weirdly, though I relate strongly to Mer's feelings of loneliness, isolation, and self doubt, she REALLY got on my nerves for the first half of the book. She's whiny, selfish, and deliberately sabotages her own happiness constantly. The most frustrating part was her flashback to the middle school dance, where she tears her expensive hairdo down and chucks the expensive dress she got for no apparent reason, leaving her date (Ben) as the only one dressed up for the event. I found myself saying, "Really? All of that money and effort and you just spit on it?" As I read on, however, I realized that Mer acts the way she does because she feels so profoundly uncomfortable in her own skin that she's constantly trying to be someone else, another thing I strongly relate to. My annoyances with Mer stem from my annoyances with myself, and I found myself really understanding that her "prickly" attitude and thick walls are her only way of emotionally protecting herself from a scary social climate.
Similarly, I felt that Ben's relationship with Mer was EXTREMELY unhealthy at first, with her basing all of her self worth and happiness on this one boy. By the end, however, you realize that this has been the entire point of the novel: Mer WAS putting too much of her self worth in Ben's affection, and not giving herself enough love or compassion. When she chooses to let Ben go and live for her family and friends at the end of the book, it seems that Mer has truly learned how to love herself and forgive herself for her mistakes. This is actually a huge theme in the book: both forgiving others and forgiving yourself after tragedy strikes. A large part of the grief process is shown in this book, and I think it could do wonders for anyone trying to heal after a significant and traumatic loss. As someone who has lost loved ones in the past, I found myself really relating to the devastation Mer felt, and I have also wondered how to get up and move on when stricken with impossible grief. This book takes something that seems extremely unhealthy and presents it as such, teaching the reader a lesson about self-worth, compassion, and moving on after loss. It's an extremely powerful message, and one that I think many people (especially teens) need to hear.
My one gripe with the book is how quickly and neatly everything is wrapped up. In real life, trauma, grief, and mental illness can sometimes take years of therapy to improve, but Mer's issues seem to be instantly resolved due to her few weeks of experiencing life while in a coma. Almost immediately after waking up, she's able to go to Ben's parents and explain that she's sorry, but not responsible for his death, and that they shouldn't project their grief and anger onto her. At the same time, she has suddenly realized her self worth and completely healed from her trauma, and seems to be entirely chipper and back to normal again. She even knows exactly what to say to Wyatt's mom about lying to him about his dad, and this struck me as being a little unrealistic. Real teens suffering from trauma and mental illness might feel bad after seeing how easily Mer is able to overcome it; it seems as though she snaps her finger and instantly becomes better at the end. Real trauma takes time to heal, and those negative thoughts we build up in our heads take more than just a few weeks to train away; I know this from personal experience. Though I liked the hopeful, positive ending, I would've liked to see Mer improve while still having work to do in regards to her mental health, which is always evolving as we grow and learn.
This book deals with a lot of themes that might be triggering to teens, but also highly empowering. Divorce, teenage pregnancy, abortion, and even suicide are explored, but in a way that promotes responsibility and dealing with grief in healthy ways. Though I felt a little icky about Ben and his family's reactions to the abortion (it was, ultimately, Mer's choice what to do with her body, and I felt that at LEAST the adults should have respected that), I liked that the author gave her the agency to make her own choice, and that the choice itself was something Mer didn't regret because it was the right one for her. This book isn't necessarily saying that abortion is the best option, but that each girl and woman should feel empowered to make the decision that is ultimately best for her. It also portrayed suicide in dark, gritty detail, showing the reader the absolutely devastating affects that even attempted suicide can have on loved ones. Mer realizes in the end that, despite her loss, she still has a lot to live for, and I like that message for teens who might feel similarly hopeless about their lives.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It has some flaws, but I really appreciated the characters, message, and engaging story. Any book that can make me cry over fictional characters is necessarily a winner, as I don't often feel profoundly moved when reading YA. Though there are subjects that might be triggering to some teens (grief, abortion, suicide, mental illness), I think this book begins really important conversations that could lead to healing and closure for many. I was very moved by this story, and though I've never heard of Katherine Fleet before, she is now very much on my radar due to this stunning work of fiction. If you're in the mood to read something that will break your heart in all of the best ways, I would definitely recommend giving this one a shot if you haven't already; it most certainly did not disappoint.
March 12, 2019
4.5 Stars
You guys my expectations for this book were so low. I've read some good books this year (2018 when writing this review), but overall I haven't read too many that knocked my socks off. More than anything most of the books I've read have just been okay. I've been in a bit of a slump since like August. Not a full slump, but enough of a slump to lower my expectations on just about every book I pick up. I've not read Katherine Fleet before. And I almost passed on this book due to the description. I'm so glad that I picked this up. The Sound of Drowning was probably the most surprising (in a good way) book that I've read in 2018--in large part because my expectations were so low.
It did take me about 10% to get into the story, but I was interested by that point, hooked by 30%, devouring by 50%, and unfortunately, I had to put it down at 90% which totally ruined my momentum as far as the emotion that I was feeling. The last 10% was still good for me, but I wish I'd been in a position to finish it while I was on a role. Real life folks.
I mentioned that I almost passed on The Sound of Drowning because of the description. That's because I have a fine line of preferences between enjoying books that are about characters moving from an unhealthy or immature relationship to a better fitting, healthier, more mature relationship and also hating cheating books. And sometimes it's hard to tell from a description which was which. I won't specifically mention which of these The Sound of Drowning was but I assume you can guess based upon my enjoyment of the book.
The Sound of Drowning is told in the present but also sections of flashbacks or memories Meredith has--usually revolving around Ben and their history together. Early in the story, Meredith alludes to lying to Ben that caused some damage to their relationship. The two have moved forward, but you can tell that the lie has caused damage between them. Figuring out what the lie was about was the biggest driving force for the first 50% of the book. I had the fleeting thought that we'd been given the information too soon in the story because it felt like this piece of information must have been linked to the biggest story conflict--and it was. Just not at all in the way I expected it to be. So my expectations of the major conflict and how it would be resolved changed. And then (I don't know what % because I began devouring so quickly that I didn't have a chance to look at my progress) a big old stinking plot twist happened that I didn't see coming at all. And you know what, even that plot twist wasn't the last of the twists to come. I think there were at least two more after that one. I'm trying to be vague but also show that The Sound of Drowning certainly kept me on my toes and ended up being completely different than I expected.
At the 55% mark my heart broke. But this wasn't so much for Meredith exactly. My heart broke for Meredith's mother. See Meredith and her mother don't have the closest relationship. Usually, I'd see this from the daughter's perspective, but since becoming a mother, I can't help but view things from that perspective as well--often times my primary perspective. My heart broke knowing that Meredith's mother likely wanted a better relationship with her daughter but didn't know how to achieve it. Meredith always had a great relationship with her father. And I know my daughter is only three but this is currently how things are with us. My daughter all but worships her father. And I don't begrudge them that relationship, but it wouldn't break my heart if she and I had a better relationship as well. All of that to say that I felt like I could relate to Meredith's mother. And then Meredith drops this bomb on her and I couldn't help but think how I would feel if my daughter were Meredith and she came to me about a similar situation. Oh, I got teary during this section. And this wasn't the last time that I felt for her mother just as much if not more than Meredith.
Aside from putting myself in Meredith's mother's shoes, Meredith herself has a heartbreaking situation and her decision would spark much debate. Oh, the things I want to say but can't because of spoilers. And then Meredith's sweet little sister, Rachel, too. Hugs to her also.
Favorite quotes:
I also want to say that there was one part that I was shocked with one of the twists and thinking that it meant my hopes for the ending might not be possible. But then when they still were possible it almost felt too cheesy. I couldn't decide if I was fully happy that I still got the ending I was rooting for or if I was disappointed. In the end, I decided not to overthink it.
The Sound of Drowning ended up being such an unexpected and pleasant surprise. It was emotional. It was fun. It was gripping. I related to multiple characters. I want to say more, but I really think you should just check it out for yourselves. The Sound of Drowning gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read The Sound of Drowning? What did you think? Let me know!
You guys my expectations for this book were so low. I've read some good books this year (2018 when writing this review), but overall I haven't read too many that knocked my socks off. More than anything most of the books I've read have just been okay. I've been in a bit of a slump since like August. Not a full slump, but enough of a slump to lower my expectations on just about every book I pick up. I've not read Katherine Fleet before. And I almost passed on this book due to the description. I'm so glad that I picked this up. The Sound of Drowning was probably the most surprising (in a good way) book that I've read in 2018--in large part because my expectations were so low.
It did take me about 10% to get into the story, but I was interested by that point, hooked by 30%, devouring by 50%, and unfortunately, I had to put it down at 90% which totally ruined my momentum as far as the emotion that I was feeling. The last 10% was still good for me, but I wish I'd been in a position to finish it while I was on a role. Real life folks.
I mentioned that I almost passed on The Sound of Drowning because of the description. That's because I have a fine line of preferences between enjoying books that are about characters moving from an unhealthy or immature relationship to a better fitting, healthier, more mature relationship and also hating cheating books. And sometimes it's hard to tell from a description which was which. I won't specifically mention which of these The Sound of Drowning was but I assume you can guess based upon my enjoyment of the book.
The Sound of Drowning is told in the present but also sections of flashbacks or memories Meredith has--usually revolving around Ben and their history together. Early in the story, Meredith alludes to lying to Ben that caused some damage to their relationship. The two have moved forward, but you can tell that the lie has caused damage between them. Figuring out what the lie was about was the biggest driving force for the first 50% of the book. I had the fleeting thought that we'd been given the information too soon in the story because it felt like this piece of information must have been linked to the biggest story conflict--and it was. Just not at all in the way I expected it to be. So my expectations of the major conflict and how it would be resolved changed. And then (I don't know what % because I began devouring so quickly that I didn't have a chance to look at my progress) a big old stinking plot twist happened that I didn't see coming at all. And you know what, even that plot twist wasn't the last of the twists to come. I think there were at least two more after that one. I'm trying to be vague but also show that The Sound of Drowning certainly kept me on my toes and ended up being completely different than I expected.
At the 55% mark my heart broke. But this wasn't so much for Meredith exactly. My heart broke for Meredith's mother. See Meredith and her mother don't have the closest relationship. Usually, I'd see this from the daughter's perspective, but since becoming a mother, I can't help but view things from that perspective as well--often times my primary perspective. My heart broke knowing that Meredith's mother likely wanted a better relationship with her daughter but didn't know how to achieve it. Meredith always had a great relationship with her father. And I know my daughter is only three but this is currently how things are with us. My daughter all but worships her father. And I don't begrudge them that relationship, but it wouldn't break my heart if she and I had a better relationship as well. All of that to say that I felt like I could relate to Meredith's mother. And then Meredith drops this bomb on her and I couldn't help but think how I would feel if my daughter were Meredith and she came to me about a similar situation. Oh, I got teary during this section. And this wasn't the last time that I felt for her mother just as much if not more than Meredith.
Aside from putting myself in Meredith's mother's shoes, Meredith herself has a heartbreaking situation and her decision would spark much debate. Oh, the things I want to say but can't because of spoilers. And then Meredith's sweet little sister, Rachel, too. Hugs to her also.
Favorite quotes:
-"I know it because I see how strong and amazing you are. And even if you get too tired to keep trying, I won't let you go under."
-"...before I talk to you, I go over every conversation a million times in my mind I evaluate different approaches, come up with contingencies, and you still surprise me. Every time, you leave me feeling unprepared and unequipped. I feel like I fail more times than I succeed."
I also want to say that there was one part that I was shocked with one of the twists and thinking that it meant my hopes for the ending might not be possible. But then when they still were possible it almost felt too cheesy. I couldn't decide if I was fully happy that I still got the ending I was rooting for or if I was disappointed. In the end, I decided not to overthink it.
The Sound of Drowning ended up being such an unexpected and pleasant surprise. It was emotional. It was fun. It was gripping. I related to multiple characters. I want to say more, but I really think you should just check it out for yourselves. The Sound of Drowning gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read The Sound of Drowning? What did you think? Let me know!
May 15, 2019
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an early review, which I was disappointed not to get a chance to read until I came home for the summer, since things were really chaotic at school. However, in May, I finally got a chance to sit down and read this book while I was recovering from dental surgery, and I'm really glad that I did, because I got sucked into the story and really enjoyed every minute of it. So without further ado, let's get into my review!
As the summary explains, Mer is secretly taking the ferry every night over to a neighboring island to see her boyfriend, Ben. They used to be together out in the open, but then something really bad happened, and they know their families wouldn't approve if they remained together. But then she meets Wyatt, a handsome, flirty, confident boy that is making her feel in ways that she doesn't usually experience with Ben. But Ben is supposed to be her forever...but how can they make their relationship work if it always has to be done in secret? It's a lot for Mer to figure out and unpack, among the constant stirring up of her feelings.
I really enjoyed reading this book. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about Mer because she seemed really combative and very closed off, even to the reader, and a lot of secrets are teased that you don't get the full story about until later on, so it was a bit frustrating in the beginning because so much was being alluded to that I had no idea about yet. However, that quickly started to change, and I found myself being more and more sucked into Mer's story, always wanting to read the next chapter to find out what else was going to happen. I'm a sucker for stories set in sleepy beach towns, and this one was the perfect fit, especially since I was reading it during a series of rainy, cold, gray days that matched the weather in the book perfectly.
My favorite character in this story was definitely Wyatt. Even though he was really cocky and overconfident sometimes, he was really charming, and I found myself swooning over him pretty easily, just like Mer did. He was always there for her and her companion through things, even when she was really closed off and still didn't want to talk to him about a lot of stuff. He just seemed really loyal and sweet, and he was even battling some demons of his own, but he still managed to be there for her in the process, which made him grow on me pretty quickly!
Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Sound of Drowning. This emotional, gripping book took me on an adventure that both squeezed and also healed my heart, and the journey it took me on was one that I really appreciate. If you're looking for a book to settle in with during a rainy weekend and you'd like a few shocking surprises along the way, then I'd definitely recommend this one!
As the summary explains, Mer is secretly taking the ferry every night over to a neighboring island to see her boyfriend, Ben. They used to be together out in the open, but then something really bad happened, and they know their families wouldn't approve if they remained together. But then she meets Wyatt, a handsome, flirty, confident boy that is making her feel in ways that she doesn't usually experience with Ben. But Ben is supposed to be her forever...but how can they make their relationship work if it always has to be done in secret? It's a lot for Mer to figure out and unpack, among the constant stirring up of her feelings.
I really enjoyed reading this book. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about Mer because she seemed really combative and very closed off, even to the reader, and a lot of secrets are teased that you don't get the full story about until later on, so it was a bit frustrating in the beginning because so much was being alluded to that I had no idea about yet. However, that quickly started to change, and I found myself being more and more sucked into Mer's story, always wanting to read the next chapter to find out what else was going to happen. I'm a sucker for stories set in sleepy beach towns, and this one was the perfect fit, especially since I was reading it during a series of rainy, cold, gray days that matched the weather in the book perfectly.
My favorite character in this story was definitely Wyatt. Even though he was really cocky and overconfident sometimes, he was really charming, and I found myself swooning over him pretty easily, just like Mer did. He was always there for her and her companion through things, even when she was really closed off and still didn't want to talk to him about a lot of stuff. He just seemed really loyal and sweet, and he was even battling some demons of his own, but he still managed to be there for her in the process, which made him grow on me pretty quickly!
Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Sound of Drowning. This emotional, gripping book took me on an adventure that both squeezed and also healed my heart, and the journey it took me on was one that I really appreciate. If you're looking for a book to settle in with during a rainy weekend and you'd like a few shocking surprises along the way, then I'd definitely recommend this one!
September 29, 2019
THE POWER OF LOVE, FATE, AND THINGS WE CAN’T EXPLAIN
“I promise to always like you best”
Are there people put in our lives to save us from ourselves? From drowning under the weight of our emotions? Sometimes drowning can bring the greatest clarity. Emotionally evocative, thought-provoking and memorable … these are the words that come foremost to mind after finishing this deeply profound book. My own arrogance led me to believe that I was being led down an enjoyable, but predictable, path. But I was wrong. Instead, I went on an emotional journey of characters that touched my heart and soul, with personal situations and troubles that resonated down deep. I literally stayed up through the night to finish this page-turning YA story of love, loss, regret, forgiveness, and enlightenment … because I COULDN’T put it down. My fingers, as they flew over each page, simply wouldn’t let me. Enraptured from the very first scene, the book held me spellbound and wouldn’t let go.
THE SOUND OF DROWNING (what IS the “sound” of drowning?) is a fantastic, life-affirming and mind-bending concept, much like the Zen phrase “one hand clapping”, which is a Buddhist aid to enlightenment and refers to a question that has no answer. What are the answers to the questions in this book? TSOD may be one of the most unusual romantic triangles/coming of age/family dramas you may ever read. It takes place in the Outer Banks, where island life is small, isolated, intimate, and different than the mainland.
Meredith Hall (17), nicknamed Mer for her love of the sea, has had some tough months and she is drowning in so many ways. Something bad happened between her and her lifelong friend-turned-boyfriend Ben. They’re not together anymore, which Mer blames on telling him a lie for which she can’t forgive herself. Lately, there’s been a reconciliation of sorts, and she meets him secretly in the early evenings at their favorite place on the beach, though nothing more comes of it. Meanwhile, their breakup caused a rift between both families, and Mer’s family is seriously worried about her state of mind. Isolated and with a much different look than she had before, Mer has given up on everything that matters … including her love of windsurfing and a professional sponsorship she long craved, but intends to turn down. Amidst all this drama in her personal life and at the end of the school year, a new person bulldozes into Mer’s life. A handsome, cocky boy and Texas transplant named Wyatt Quinn (18) --who happens to be a famous motocross racer -- comes to the island with his divorced mom and shakes up Mer’s broken world. He’s got problems of his own, but fate keeps throwing them together whether Mer wants it or not. How is she supposed to reconcile her feelings for this boy against her forever love for Ben (who promised to always like her best) BEFORE all the drama in their lives finally comes to an unavoidable, emotional collision? Who will save whom, and are there things more mysterious in life than we fully understand?
By the end of this book, I was upended by coincidental intersections of lives that made me think about and cherish many things -- the importance of friends and family, living in the moment with truth and honesty, never taking a single moment of life for granted or losing one’s true sense of self, the wonderment of fate (or kismet), and the nebulous inexplicable ways that life works – especially when we can’t explain what is real or not. Incidents and characters are not as they seem and the story ultimately took me to a place I never imagined. It moved and changed me with a message of the heart and soul that will last with me always. Long after other stories fade from my memory, this one will remain.
“I promise to always like you best”
Are there people put in our lives to save us from ourselves? From drowning under the weight of our emotions? Sometimes drowning can bring the greatest clarity. Emotionally evocative, thought-provoking and memorable … these are the words that come foremost to mind after finishing this deeply profound book. My own arrogance led me to believe that I was being led down an enjoyable, but predictable, path. But I was wrong. Instead, I went on an emotional journey of characters that touched my heart and soul, with personal situations and troubles that resonated down deep. I literally stayed up through the night to finish this page-turning YA story of love, loss, regret, forgiveness, and enlightenment … because I COULDN’T put it down. My fingers, as they flew over each page, simply wouldn’t let me. Enraptured from the very first scene, the book held me spellbound and wouldn’t let go.
THE SOUND OF DROWNING (what IS the “sound” of drowning?) is a fantastic, life-affirming and mind-bending concept, much like the Zen phrase “one hand clapping”, which is a Buddhist aid to enlightenment and refers to a question that has no answer. What are the answers to the questions in this book? TSOD may be one of the most unusual romantic triangles/coming of age/family dramas you may ever read. It takes place in the Outer Banks, where island life is small, isolated, intimate, and different than the mainland.
Meredith Hall (17), nicknamed Mer for her love of the sea, has had some tough months and she is drowning in so many ways. Something bad happened between her and her lifelong friend-turned-boyfriend Ben. They’re not together anymore, which Mer blames on telling him a lie for which she can’t forgive herself. Lately, there’s been a reconciliation of sorts, and she meets him secretly in the early evenings at their favorite place on the beach, though nothing more comes of it. Meanwhile, their breakup caused a rift between both families, and Mer’s family is seriously worried about her state of mind. Isolated and with a much different look than she had before, Mer has given up on everything that matters … including her love of windsurfing and a professional sponsorship she long craved, but intends to turn down. Amidst all this drama in her personal life and at the end of the school year, a new person bulldozes into Mer’s life. A handsome, cocky boy and Texas transplant named Wyatt Quinn (18) --who happens to be a famous motocross racer -- comes to the island with his divorced mom and shakes up Mer’s broken world. He’s got problems of his own, but fate keeps throwing them together whether Mer wants it or not. How is she supposed to reconcile her feelings for this boy against her forever love for Ben (who promised to always like her best) BEFORE all the drama in their lives finally comes to an unavoidable, emotional collision? Who will save whom, and are there things more mysterious in life than we fully understand?
By the end of this book, I was upended by coincidental intersections of lives that made me think about and cherish many things -- the importance of friends and family, living in the moment with truth and honesty, never taking a single moment of life for granted or losing one’s true sense of self, the wonderment of fate (or kismet), and the nebulous inexplicable ways that life works – especially when we can’t explain what is real or not. Incidents and characters are not as they seem and the story ultimately took me to a place I never imagined. It moved and changed me with a message of the heart and soul that will last with me always. Long after other stories fade from my memory, this one will remain.
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