L. K. Madigan (1963–2011)

I found this to be a very unsatisfying book, because I feel totally at odds with how I suppose that the author expects me to react to her story, and I find that very jarring. I didn't find Lena engaging, although some of her adventures were intriguing I don't want to include spoilers. I wasn't all that invested in the story. It was interesting learning something about the surfing subculture, The mermaid world struck me as being a bit off kilter. The mermaids trying to comfort her mother seemed a bit ironic - they destroyed the life that she had chosen for herself and left her bereft.

There is nothing wrong with a story ending in tragedy, but it is unsatisfying to me when the author and I disagree about the how sympathetic or unsympathetic the characters, or what constitutes a happy or sad ending. Then the story doesn't pull together for me.

My main issue is that I think Madigan wanted the reader to feel that the ending was happy. Instead it seemed to me that Lena's journey to her identity created serious problems for some of the blameless people involved, and she mostly ended up where she was in the first place, except for her father returning to surfing. She appears pretty oblivious to what she left behind. I suppose that if I were an ardent surfer, that might be enough for me to find the story more upbeat.… (more)

I wish I could give this 3.5 stars but I can't so I will have to settle for 3. I loved the idea of this book. I loved how lovingly the author described the ocean. I loved the love between the family members.

I would give it 3.5 stars because of the way it was written. I liked that it covered a long period of time in the mermaid village, but did not cessation like how it jumped in time with no explanation of the In between. This may just be the perils of an adult reading a young adult novel though.

Overall I really enjoyed the story.… (more)

The writer, who wrote under a pseudonym, just died yesterday & only when I read her obituary in the Oregonian did I realize that she is a woman I worked with, knew & corresponded with for some years. I just ordered her book today.

I just finished this funny high school boy story about decisions both good and bad. I really enjoyed it, but found some of the latter part of the book a little farfetched--too many problems in too little space. That said, the author nails the voice--refreshing, candid and full of wit which would appeal to sophomores of all stripes.

For me, much of the joy in reading this book was in hearing an old friend's voice and humor brought forth in a published, awarded book. She was so justifiably proud.… (more)