Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review an ebook copy of Underwater by Marisa Reichardt.
Underwater is about a girl named Morgan who after a tragedy has become an agoraphobe. She feels like she is underwater and she can't move on. She does school at home online and makes grilled cheese and tomato soup every day for lunch. But when a new neighbor, Evan, moves in next door he makes her want to go out of the house and do the things that she used to.
I don't think Underwater is a perfect book, but it was a really powerful book. It deals with some pretty heavy things such as anxiety, agoraphobia, and PTSD. The writing is so beautiful, honest, and well done on these difficult subjects.
I really loved Evan and how understanding he was with Morgan. I'm not sure how realistic that is of a high school boy, but the romance was super cute. I also enjoyed seeing Morgan progress throughout the book and begin to move on. I found the plot line to be pretty predictable, but the writing is so emotional and raw that it didn't really matter that I knew what was coming.
Overall Underwater is a spectacular debut by Marisa Reichardt and I think when it is published (January 12, 2016 is the expected publication date) it will be a big hit. I can't wait to read Marisa Reichardt's next novel.
I recommend this for fans of books about mental illness, contemporary YA fans, and for anyone looking for a book that has a powerful and beautifully written story.
Underwater is about a girl named Morgan who after a tragedy has become an agoraphobe. She feels like she is underwater and she can't move on. She does school at home online and makes grilled cheese and tomato soup every day for lunch. But when a new neighbor, Evan, moves in next door he makes her want to go out of the house and do the things that she used to.
I don't think Underwater is a perfect book, but it was a really powerful book. It deals with some pretty heavy things such as anxiety, agoraphobia, and PTSD. The writing is so beautiful, honest, and well done on these difficult subjects.
I really loved Evan and how understanding he was with Morgan. I'm not sure how realistic that is of a high school boy, but the romance was super cute. I also enjoyed seeing Morgan progress throughout the book and begin to move on. I found the plot line to be pretty predictable, but the writing is so emotional and raw that it didn't really matter that I knew what was coming.
Overall Underwater is a spectacular debut by Marisa Reichardt and I think when it is published (January 12, 2016 is the expected publication date) it will be a big hit. I can't wait to read Marisa Reichardt's next novel.
I recommend this for fans of books about mental illness, contemporary YA fans, and for anyone looking for a book that has a powerful and beautifully written story.
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"I don't think Underwater is a perfect book, but it was a really powerful book." I
ReplyDeletelove this line Erin because really, that is all that matters sometimes with reads like these!
Yes, that's exactly it! :D
DeleteAs someone who experiences levels of agoraphobia, this book has me curious. I like that it was powerful. Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteI think it did a really great job exploring the agoraphobia aspect. I think you would like it. :)
DeleteI'm really excited to read this book! I keep hearing how emotional and impactful it is as it talks about such difficult subjects that NEED to be discussed. I'm glad the writing is great yet sad that it's predictable. Great review!
ReplyDeleteA Perfection Called Books
It really is impactful. I loved it. As for the predictability, I don't like that in most books, but in this one it wasn't AS big of a deal. It's still worth a read for sure!! :)
DeleteI knew I was right to pick this up even though I tend to stay away from contemporary books, and especially issue books of any kind. I love that it's not perfect and I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it and I can't wait to see what you think.
DeleteI have this book on my TBR. I can't wait to read this. I love the powerful books. Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteI love powerful books too. :)
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