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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
Oh man, this is one of those books that's really hard to review for two reasons. One, I did not want to give away any of the mystery of the book and thus spoil it for someone. Two, I ABSOLUTELY FREAKING LOVED IT AND WRITING REVIEWS FOR BOOKS THAT I JUST WANT TO SHOUT LOVING THINGS ABOUT IT DIFFICULT.
I want to start by suggesting that you ADD THIS TO YOUR GOODREADS RIGHT NOW, PREORDER IT AND THEN START TO COUNT DAYS FOR JANUARY 12TH BECAUSE WITH THIS BOOK, YOU ARE IN FOR A TREAT.
I had heard good things about Underwater from some of my blogging pals, but I never expected it to be this good. And I am kind of happy I didn't, because though I generally do not like surprises, being surprised by a book is one of the best things I know.
Underwater focuses on Morgan who hasn't left her apartment for months. Instead of going to normal high school, she has spend most of the junior year taking online classes that allow her to stay inside in her pajamas. She has a rhythm - take classes, watch TV, eat tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches every day for lunch. Why does not Morgan go outside, you may ask? She is scared. She is afraid of losing control. She is terrified of the things that can happen to her if she leaves the protective walls of the apartment. She feels like danger lurks everywhere. No place is safe, expect her apartment. And going to a normal school, living normal life like she used to, feels like something she can never do again.
When Evan moves to the apartment next door, he brings with him the smell of ocean and sun. He reminds Morgan of the time before her life came crashing down. He gives her hope of maybe someday being okay again. But unlike Evan, Morgan cannot go outside, even if a part of her would want it. Morgan does not want to burden Evan with her reality, but at the same time she feels like Evan might be able to help her. And maybe Morgan can help Evan too, since she knows something about what happened to someone close to Evan.
There's much more to this book than the slowly budding relationship of Morgan and Evan. I loved the relationship between Morgan and Brenda, the therapist Morgan sees twice a week. This kind of patient-therapist relationships are extremely important because of the stigma that is still unfortunately present. I feel like too often relationships like this are portrayed without proper research and because of that they are flat, prejudiced and tend to support the stigmatized attitudes. Reichardt carefully and skillfully builds the relationship between Morgan and Brenda, showing the benefits of therapy and what goes into the process.
There's also wonderful family dynamics found from this novel. I loved the relationship between Morgan and her little brother who does not quite understand why Morgan is staying inside, but manages to provide her with support, love and distractions. The dynamic between Morgan and her mother is also extremely interesting, especially after Morgan's distant father is added to the mix.
Reichardt writes so well and in a way that made it impossible for me to put this book down. The way she writes the thoughts and feelings of Morgan is extremely touching and easy to connect with despite the fact that I have never experienced the things Morgan goes through. By the end of this book, I had tears in my eyes, because the power of Reichardt prose and characterization managed to take me by storm.
There was an element to this book that I did not expect at all. I don't want to spoil it to anyone because I loved the process of figuring it out, puzzling together the pieces of information Reichardt gives, but I can say that it has something to do with why Morgan is so afraid.
Though the subject matter of the book and the things Morgan goes through can get very dark, this novel has an incredible sense of hope and new changes that are up for grabs as soon as soon as Morgan feels like she's ready. Underwater is an incredibly promising, mind-blowingly good debut novel that makes me eagerly anticipate Reichardt's future as an author.
I want to start by suggesting that you ADD THIS TO YOUR GOODREADS RIGHT NOW, PREORDER IT AND THEN START TO COUNT DAYS FOR JANUARY 12TH BECAUSE WITH THIS BOOK, YOU ARE IN FOR A TREAT.
I had heard good things about Underwater from some of my blogging pals, but I never expected it to be this good. And I am kind of happy I didn't, because though I generally do not like surprises, being surprised by a book is one of the best things I know.
Underwater focuses on Morgan who hasn't left her apartment for months. Instead of going to normal high school, she has spend most of the junior year taking online classes that allow her to stay inside in her pajamas. She has a rhythm - take classes, watch TV, eat tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches every day for lunch. Why does not Morgan go outside, you may ask? She is scared. She is afraid of losing control. She is terrified of the things that can happen to her if she leaves the protective walls of the apartment. She feels like danger lurks everywhere. No place is safe, expect her apartment. And going to a normal school, living normal life like she used to, feels like something she can never do again.
When Evan moves to the apartment next door, he brings with him the smell of ocean and sun. He reminds Morgan of the time before her life came crashing down. He gives her hope of maybe someday being okay again. But unlike Evan, Morgan cannot go outside, even if a part of her would want it. Morgan does not want to burden Evan with her reality, but at the same time she feels like Evan might be able to help her. And maybe Morgan can help Evan too, since she knows something about what happened to someone close to Evan.
There's much more to this book than the slowly budding relationship of Morgan and Evan. I loved the relationship between Morgan and Brenda, the therapist Morgan sees twice a week. This kind of patient-therapist relationships are extremely important because of the stigma that is still unfortunately present. I feel like too often relationships like this are portrayed without proper research and because of that they are flat, prejudiced and tend to support the stigmatized attitudes. Reichardt carefully and skillfully builds the relationship between Morgan and Brenda, showing the benefits of therapy and what goes into the process.
There's also wonderful family dynamics found from this novel. I loved the relationship between Morgan and her little brother who does not quite understand why Morgan is staying inside, but manages to provide her with support, love and distractions. The dynamic between Morgan and her mother is also extremely interesting, especially after Morgan's distant father is added to the mix.
Reichardt writes so well and in a way that made it impossible for me to put this book down. The way she writes the thoughts and feelings of Morgan is extremely touching and easy to connect with despite the fact that I have never experienced the things Morgan goes through. By the end of this book, I had tears in my eyes, because the power of Reichardt prose and characterization managed to take me by storm.
There was an element to this book that I did not expect at all. I don't want to spoil it to anyone because I loved the process of figuring it out, puzzling together the pieces of information Reichardt gives, but I can say that it has something to do with why Morgan is so afraid.
Though the subject matter of the book and the things Morgan goes through can get very dark, this novel has an incredible sense of hope and new changes that are up for grabs as soon as soon as Morgan feels like she's ready. Underwater is an incredibly promising, mind-blowingly good debut novel that makes me eagerly anticipate Reichardt's future as an author.
I immediately identified with Morgan. She has agoraphobia, I do too, at some points it was as bad as hers, so it's no big mystery why... but it made me like this book even more than I would have otherwise.
Everything about Morgan's mental health, panic attacks, PTSD, etc was incredibly well-written and thoughtful. Lord knows I can knitpick about the tiniest detail on such topics but I have absolutely nothing to complain about here. And I should say everything was well-written, period.
Then comes Evan... I was afraid it'd be yet another of those "boy shows up, instalove happens, girl is healed by the power of luuuv" storylines that I just cannot stand anymore. But, not really... Yes, Morgan does get better because and for Evan at first, but hey, it happens in real life, sometimes you get better for other people. Is it ideal? Hell, no, but what's ideal about agoraphobia anyway? And as long as, one day, you realize your recovery should be about you and not to please someone else, it's all good IMO. So, I'll take Evan!
I liked all the secondary storylines (little brother, veteran dad, etc), they were well-developed and as interesting as the main one, which I really appreciated.
Then, why don't I up this to five stars? I've been wondering about this for a while and I'm not sure... the "girl trapped at home" thing reminded me quite a lot of Everything, Everything and there was never any question of giving Everything, Everything any other rating than 5 shining stars... so, what's different here with Underwater? I think maybe this book is a little less dramatic and for that reason it was a less emotional read to me. Underwater feels more real, somehow, I could see that exact story happen in real life, which I'd never say of Everything, Everything, and really it should be a good thing, but there was a tiny little bit of "magic" (for lack of a better word) missing for me.
Or maybe it's just my current subdued mood preventing me from giving 5 stars to anything. Could very well be.
I'd still recommend Underwater to anyone who likes contemporary YA, especially if they have an interest in mental health.
Everything about Morgan's mental health, panic attacks, PTSD, etc was incredibly well-written and thoughtful. Lord knows I can knitpick about the tiniest detail on such topics but I have absolutely nothing to complain about here. And I should say everything was well-written, period.
Then comes Evan... I was afraid it'd be yet another of those "boy shows up, instalove happens, girl is healed by the power of luuuv" storylines that I just cannot stand anymore. But, not really... Yes, Morgan does get better because and for Evan at first, but hey, it happens in real life, sometimes you get better for other people. Is it ideal? Hell, no, but what's ideal about agoraphobia anyway? And as long as, one day, you realize your recovery should be about you and not to please someone else, it's all good IMO. So, I'll take Evan!
I liked all the secondary storylines (little brother, veteran dad, etc), they were well-developed and as interesting as the main one, which I really appreciated.
Then, why don't I up this to five stars? I've been wondering about this for a while and I'm not sure... the "girl trapped at home" thing reminded me quite a lot of Everything, Everything and there was never any question of giving Everything, Everything any other rating than 5 shining stars... so, what's different here with Underwater? I think maybe this book is a little less dramatic and for that reason it was a less emotional read to me. Underwater feels more real, somehow, I could see that exact story happen in real life, which I'd never say of Everything, Everything, and really it should be a good thing, but there was a tiny little bit of "magic" (for lack of a better word) missing for me.
Or maybe it's just my current subdued mood preventing me from giving 5 stars to anything. Could very well be.
I'd still recommend Underwater to anyone who likes contemporary YA, especially if they have an interest in mental health.
Opening line: I just moved. Not from one town to another, but from one end of the couch to the other end.
Book Title: Underwater
Author: Marisa Reichardt
Genre: Realistic Fiction, YA
Setting: Pacific Palms, California
Source: Kindle eBook (Library)
⇝My Thoughts⇜
That's what Morgan has written down and hung on her wall, right where she can see it, in case of an emergency.
Anxiety is it's own kind of monster…one that brings you down and doesn't let you up. The only way to conquer it…well…facing it, and staring it down on your terms, at your own pace, no matter how hard it is. Also, I have to say that sometimes having a little help in the form of an understanding and guiding professional can help too. For this story; that's Brenda, and she rocks. This book, for me, portrays anxiety in a very honest style. With a real, heartfelt story, genuine characters, and a easily imagined (despite not wanting to imagine it) storyline, this book really resonated with me. I actually have found myself really clicking with the realistic fiction genre, lately.
⇝Ratings Breakdown⇜
Plot: 4.7/5
Main Characters: 5/5
Secondary Characters: 5/5
The Feels: 4.5/5
Addictiveness: 4.3/5
Theme or Tone: 5/5
Flow (Writing Style): 5/5
Backdrop (World Building): 4.3/5
Book Cover: 4/5
Ending: 4.7/5
Will I read more from this Author? Yeah.
⇝Book Theme Song⇜ (this link will take you to my tumblr post with video) Drowning (Face Down) by Saving Abel --Obviously, this song goes with the cover and title of the book, but it also has lyrics that really embody this story.
Book Title: Underwater
Author: Marisa Reichardt
Genre: Realistic Fiction, YA
Setting: Pacific Palms, California
Source: Kindle eBook (Library)
✧✧✧OVERALL RATING✧4.7/5 STARS✧A✧✧✧
⇝My Thoughts⇜
That's what Morgan has written down and hung on her wall, right where she can see it, in case of an emergency.
Anxiety is it's own kind of monster…one that brings you down and doesn't let you up. The only way to conquer it…well…facing it, and staring it down on your terms, at your own pace, no matter how hard it is. Also, I have to say that sometimes having a little help in the form of an understanding and guiding professional can help too. For this story; that's Brenda, and she rocks. This book, for me, portrays anxiety in a very honest style. With a real, heartfelt story, genuine characters, and a easily imagined (despite not wanting to imagine it) storyline, this book really resonated with me. I actually have found myself really clicking with the realistic fiction genre, lately.⇝Ratings Breakdown⇜
Plot: 4.7/5
Main Characters: 5/5
Secondary Characters: 5/5
The Feels: 4.5/5
Addictiveness: 4.3/5
Theme or Tone: 5/5
Flow (Writing Style): 5/5
Backdrop (World Building): 4.3/5
Book Cover: 4/5
Ending: 4.7/5
Will I read more from this Author? Yeah.
⇝Book Theme Song⇜ (this link will take you to my tumblr post with video) Drowning (Face Down) by Saving Abel --Obviously, this song goes with the cover and title of the book, but it also has lyrics that really embody this story.
♫I think I'm drowning
Can someone lend a hand?
Can someone save me?
'Cause I don't think I can♫
I'm not sure if it's enough to be triggering, but trigger warning: Morgan went through a school shooting and was the last person to see the school shooter before he shot himself, which we see in one flashback. There are a few flashbacks to the morning of the shooting, before anything happened. Otherwise references to the shooting are more general. (Interesting note, there are a couple instances in which something is triggering for Morgan herself and the utter confusion over what is happening her loved ones display is more or less how I feel trying to guess whether something could be triggering in a book.)
This book, is about the long, slow, back-sliding of recovery and healing, but it's not a slog to read. I enjoyed the way Marisa Reichardt focused not on the discovery of the problem but the recovery and living with it.
I really appreciated that though our protagonist's recovery was partially inspired by a new boy, he disappeared for much of the recovery itself and it felt clear to me that it was a greater support network and a desire to rejoin her life as a whole that pushed Morgan to actively pursue incremental improvements with her therapist.
I also felt like the therapists role in the novel was very well done.
Morgan's extreme anxiety is triggered by a specific event, but it's clear that her life involves other challenging and triggering events and circumstances, and I appreciated that Morgan was learning not just how to deal with that single event but how to deal with future destabilizing events.
This book is pretty quiet, but I loved how hopeful it was, and how relatable Morgan's struggle felt even though our lives are actually quite different. I appreciated the window into what anxiety can feel like when it is debilitating. I also really liked how different people's reaction to the same single event was and how no single reaction was seen as normal or right.
I'm not sure if this review is helpful at all, but please feel free to ask e questions about the book if you're on the fence about reading it or if you have read it and interpreted it differently.
This book, is about the long, slow, back-sliding of recovery and healing, but it's not a slog to read. I enjoyed the way Marisa Reichardt focused not on the discovery of the problem but the recovery and living with it.
I really appreciated that though our protagonist's recovery was partially inspired by a new boy, he disappeared for much of the recovery itself and it felt clear to me that it was a greater support network and a desire to rejoin her life as a whole that pushed Morgan to actively pursue incremental improvements with her therapist.
I also felt like the therapists role in the novel was very well done.
Morgan's extreme anxiety is triggered by a specific event, but it's clear that her life involves other challenging and triggering events and circumstances, and I appreciated that Morgan was learning not just how to deal with that single event but how to deal with future destabilizing events.
This book is pretty quiet, but I loved how hopeful it was, and how relatable Morgan's struggle felt even though our lives are actually quite different. I appreciated the window into what anxiety can feel like when it is debilitating. I also really liked how different people's reaction to the same single event was and how no single reaction was seen as normal or right.
I'm not sure if this review is helpful at all, but please feel free to ask e questions about the book if you're on the fence about reading it or if you have read it and interpreted it differently.
Ini bukan buku pertama yang aku baca tentang ketakutan keluar dari rumah, tapi buku inilah yang paling 'ngena' untukku. Bukan hanya menikmati ceritanya, tapi aku juga suka perasaan-perasaan dan pikiran-pikiran yg timbul saat aku sedang membacanya. Hit right at home.
