Spotlight on: THE SUMMER OF CHASING MERMAIDS by Sarah Ockler

Check out the schedule of events for both
Don't miss a second of all the great stuff we have in store for you!
If you post about fairy tales online, share your link here!
Stop back for fun guest posts, exciting author visits, giveaways, reviews,
and more!

THE SUMMER OF CHASING MERMAIDS 
releases June 2, 2015.


Title: THE SUMMER OF CHASING MERMAIDS
Author: Sarah Ockler
Release Date: June 2, 2015
Publisher: Simon Pulse
 

I first heard about this one because it's inspired by The Little Mermaid.

The summary reminds me a bit of Alyssa Sheinmel's SECOND STAR, which takes the magic out of Peter Pan and sets the story in a contemporary world, only this time, the contemporary world is mimicking The Little Mermaid. The book has resemblance to the tale, but it's completely original and not a direct retelling!

I was lucky enough to read this one early, and there's so much to say about it. For one thing, this is a great addition in the Diversity in YA campaign, featuring a main character from the Carribean and an interracial couple! For another, I can't believe anyone found a way to literally bring the elements of The Little Mermaid together into a modern world. The reasons for Elyse losing her voice are tragic and sad. I'd never read a book by Sarah Ockler before, but had heard so many amazing things about her. Her writing style is quite gorgeous, and I'd like to try another book by her in the future.

I was really excited to read this, because I love fairy tales and I love The Little Mermaid. I had a really hard time liking the male love interest, however, which turned me off of so much of the story. The way the plot came together was intriguing, but I felt like the book could have been so much more.

THE SUMMER OF CHASING MERMAIDS is going to be hit-or-miss. I had super high expectations for this one that it didn't live up to, but I still found intriguing things about it. I had trouble connecting with one of the characters, and for me, when I struggle with that, I tend to disconnect. I want to try reading it again this summer when it comes out, though, because it is getting glowing reviews from everyone else on the blog-o-sphere!

If you like contemporary retellings, take THE SUMMER OF CHASING MERMAIDS to the beach with you when it comes out this summer!

SUMMARY: 

Sometimes, there are no words…

The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.

Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.

Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life.

When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them . . .

Are you excited about this upcoming retelling of The Little Mermaid?

Comments