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mandajanex's review against another edition
5.0
I love love love this book!!! If I could list all the perfect ingredients for the perfect book, this is it. It hits so many good notes in one book and I just want to be a Sea-Gal and swim with these ladies. Give this book a read and you won't regret it!
gwenchen's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Beautiful and well written
sallyc23's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
magpiegem's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
cristinaelenalaaa's review
4.0
“Lifesaving for Beginners” is a contemporary novel which focuses around the events triggered by the disappearance of Maddy’s son (Jamie). Told from multiple points of view, the novel follows Claire, Dominica, Helga, Maddy, and Tor, as they bond during their swimming sessions in the sea and learn from each other how to deal with the effects of time on their relationship with their spouses, family, and the effect of time on their own bodies.
As the story develops and each of the narrators starts to take their life in their own hands, I found myself rooting for all of the “Sea Gals” to find their happy ending. Each of their stories are so full of emotions and drama that it is really hard not to get attached to the characters. While emotion is the key element of the novel, the element of surprise is not that strong and I found myself predicting most of the scenes, which is also why I felt that it took me a long time to finish the book.
Having listened to the audio version, I also found it surprisingly good how narrator Lucy Scott found a way to give each character their own voice through emotions.
Special thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK Audio, HQ, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.
If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!
#LifesavingforBeginners #NetGalley
As the story develops and each of the narrators starts to take their life in their own hands, I found myself rooting for all of the “Sea Gals” to find their happy ending. Each of their stories are so full of emotions and drama that it is really hard not to get attached to the characters. While emotion is the key element of the novel, the element of surprise is not that strong and I found myself predicting most of the scenes, which is also why I felt that it took me a long time to finish the book.
Having listened to the audio version, I also found it surprisingly good how narrator Lucy Scott found a way to give each character their own voice through emotions.
Special thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK Audio, HQ, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.
If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!
#LifesavingforBeginners #NetGalley
flowerpowerdower's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
tonyatemplar's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved it
oneaboutsue's review
5.0
I picked this up at our local library yesterday and finished it the same day! A lovely story of how a hobby can unite people whose paths would otherwise not cross. The number of main characters was confusing at first, but I soon got my head around who was who! The group reminded me of some very special friends, although the Sea Gals were missing my role (someone who sits and watches and never ever goes in, and never ever will) It was clear the author knows the sea/wild swimming community well from the detail she includes, and that made this a joy to read.
Still not convinced me to get off the bank though :-)
Still not convinced me to get off the bank though :-)
fenchurch42's review against another edition
4.0
So nice to read a character with rheumatoid disease.
junereadsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This book is so uplifting and honest at the same time! Even though I don't particularly appreciate reading about the pandemic (we have enough living through it) I enjoyed reading about how these characters got along and changed as time went on. All so different but so relatable at the same time. There are a few triggers so do your research before reading!
The only downside of this book for me, as with many books, is that it seems there have to be love interests at some point of the story when someone is single or newly single (it was pretty predictable). Other than that, it was a great read!
Josie has a unique manner with words and I am glad I found her writing in her previous book, which I loved! Not going into the cold sea anytime soon, though.
The only downside of this book for me, as with many books, is that it seems there have to be love interests at some point of the story when someone is single or newly single (it was pretty predictable). Other than that, it was a great read!
Josie has a unique manner with words and I am glad I found her writing in her previous book, which I loved! Not going into the cold sea anytime soon, though.