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bibliobrandie's review
3.0
I think this would have been stronger if it would have just been Coral's story, the one who has to survive on an island after a huge wave out of nowhere caused her family's boat to capsize. Chapter two she is lost at sea (anxiety inducing) but by her next chapter she washes up on an island. The other point of view, her cousin Isa, just describes her mundane life as she waits for news on Coral. I don't think it added anything to the story.
thepetitepunk's review
4.0
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Harrowing but hopeful, Adrift alternates between the perspectives of two inseparable cousins, Isa and Coral. Although the two can barely stand the thought of being apart while Coral’s family goes on a sea voyage, things take a turn for the worst when the boat capsizes and Coral’s family is lost at sea. Coral, who washes up alone on an island, fights to survive while Isa, at home on Pebble Island, remains hopeful that her cousin is still alive.
I originally wanted to read this solely for the Filipino representation—which I did end up enjoying! However, there was so much more to this than I was expecting. Adrift still has the magic of a middle grade novel where it is curious, heartwarming, and highlights the bravery and faith that children exhibit, while also being dark, detailed, and honest. I loved the exploration of processing difficult emotions and events—such as grief, survival, and uncertainty—through Isa and Coral, which looked different in them than it did in the adult who lost hope much quicker for the sake of “reality.”
Beautiful writing, strong characters, and meaningful themes. The only thing I struggled with was the pacing; at some points, things were a little too slow and this therefore took me over a month to finish, but that wasn’t a huge deal. I recommend this one to anyone who likes middle grade books with themes of friendship/family but wants a plot that is a bit more dark and less common in middle grade fiction.
Harrowing but hopeful, Adrift alternates between the perspectives of two inseparable cousins, Isa and Coral. Although the two can barely stand the thought of being apart while Coral’s family goes on a sea voyage, things take a turn for the worst when the boat capsizes and Coral’s family is lost at sea. Coral, who washes up alone on an island, fights to survive while Isa, at home on Pebble Island, remains hopeful that her cousin is still alive.
I originally wanted to read this solely for the Filipino representation—which I did end up enjoying! However, there was so much more to this than I was expecting. Adrift still has the magic of a middle grade novel where it is curious, heartwarming, and highlights the bravery and faith that children exhibit, while also being dark, detailed, and honest. I loved the exploration of processing difficult emotions and events—such as grief, survival, and uncertainty—through Isa and Coral, which looked different in them than it did in the adult who lost hope much quicker for the sake of “reality.”
Beautiful writing, strong characters, and meaningful themes. The only thing I struggled with was the pacing; at some points, things were a little too slow and this therefore took me over a month to finish, but that wasn’t a huge deal. I recommend this one to anyone who likes middle grade books with themes of friendship/family but wants a plot that is a bit more dark and less common in middle grade fiction.
notmaddi's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-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? No
5.0
shandawarren's review
4.0
Why do I love stories of people left to survive alone? Especially children? I’m not sure what this says about me, but I guess if I had to psychoanalyze myself I would say I love rooting for someone in extraordinary circumstances where everything seems to mount against them. And this was all that. I was rooting for this main character as if she were my daughter. And thank God the dog is safe.
qanitaabg's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
charisma_reads's review
2.5
I wanted to like this and enjoy it. It felt like a middle grade version of cast away. But this book dragged severely. It could’ve been at least 150 pages and gotten the plot across just fine. But how can you drag on a child stranded on an island? Surely not 350 pages
niamwriter's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
andrewhatesham's review
Not very immersive or believable (I don't expect realism but believability is different), and I didn't care much for the characters. I think the beginning feels pretty rushed, so I didn't have time to get attached to the characters. I really wanted to like this, but the writing style didn't click with me.
Also, this is just a personal opinion but I find it very weird and uncomfortable that a set of sisters are married to a set of brothers and have children with them. Sister-cousins? Gives me the creeps lol. I know people do that in real life, but it's definitely not something I want to read about, especially in a book for a younger audience.
Also, this is just a personal opinion but I find it very weird and uncomfortable that
chrissiemwright's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-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? No
4.5