Tides

Tides I am a 50 year old YA fan and regularly read YA new releases as well as having enjoyed many of the classic YA authors when I fit into the young adult category. This is a lovely tale set in the Isles of Shoals off the coast of ME and NH. The lyrical prose highlights the author's love of the ocean and compassion for all creatures. I first read this on my Kindle but I have also purchased the hardcover book, partly because the cover art by Jolene Monheim is gorgeous and so that I can share this book with others.There are two things that I especially appreciated about TIDES. The first is the idea that families are found in many different ways---we are born into a family but we also find the family we need at various times in our lives. We need to be open to the various ways we learn from and are supported by those around us---even those who seem quite different.The second is the theme of the 'inbetween' that resonates through the book. Noah is in that awkward time of life between adolescence and adulthood, dependence and independence, known and unknown. Mara struggles to define herself while meeting the needs of those she loves. Working on family issues, preparing for a career, forming new relationships and having some dreams shattered are daily fare for teenagers.The story arc builds gracefully to a dramatic confrontation. Secrets are revealed that bring the characters closer. Each member of the TIDES family learns the important lesson that, in the end,'love is love'. This book left me content but wanting to know what happens next.

I think Tides had many elements of a fantastic novel, but the characterisation felt a little flat and clichéd. WARNING: very mild spoilers ahead.First off, I love that two characters had a strong queer relationship. That’s lovely to see in YA! Also, this book touched on the pain of bulimia, which is a really rough and brave topic to explore, although I wish that storyline had been developed more.The bad parts: no member of the cast really sprung off the pages for me. Noah and Lo were given little glimmers of personalities, and that’s it. I wanted to learn more about Aine, the most interesting character, but we barely see her perspective; most of the book is devoted to a tired, chemistry-less romance between two teen characters. I honestly think it would’ve been much stronger if Lo had been the main character, not Noah, and she had developed a friendship with Mara instead of the rushed Mara/Noah love story which took centre stage. The writing veered between lyrical and stiff, like the novel wasn’t quite sure whether it wanted to be old-fashioned or modern.

I love selkies and have read many legends. This version is fine. My only complaint is that the protagonist is in college, but the book reads like Y.A. or elementary level fiction for most of the book. However, the kidnapping of the selkie and her abuse makes this an adult book. I felt like the audience was undefined. The story is engaging and the plot flows smoothly.

An extremely well written book that will appeal to young (and not so young) adults. The story line is captivating. The characters are brought to life by the author. She allows us to see through their eyes, and share their emotions. The book is set in the beautiful Isles of Shoals just off the the New Hampshire Seacoast, a perfect setting for the North American cousins of the selkies of Celtic legend. The magic and beauty of the selkies in that setting combined with heart warming themes of love, family and acceptance made this one of the most enjoyable books I have read in quite a long time. I would not hesitate to recommend it to my students or my friends. I sincerely hope there is a sequel in the not too distant future.

I enjoyed this book, and it made a good discussion for our book club. Since it was written for younger readers, some book club members found it predictable and simplistic. I found it light hearted and fun, as well as charming. I love the legend of the selkies.

I'm an adult who enjoys some young adult fiction, assuming of course that it is well written and have characters who's personalities are realistic. I loved the story arc, and the characters, as well as the obstacles they needed to overcome. I'm terrible at writing reviews, but I recommend this book to everyone, because it is awesome. Can not wait for the sequel!!!

A great young adult novel that isn't afraid to actually talk about what teenagers are dealing with and figuring out in their lives. Even if you don't care much for the supernatural or mythological aspects of the book, the depth and humanity of the characters really drives the story forward.

Wonderful book, I couldn't put it down. If you're interested in a novel that addresses lgbtq individuals, strong women, mystery, fantasy and a dash of young love, this is definitely for you.I can't wait for the next installment.

good quality supplied quickly but I'm sorry Betsy Cornwell it was a present so I can't comment on the content

A great little story!

Find the original review here: http://thisisthestoryofmyreadinglife.blogspot.ca/2014/04/tbr-jar-review-tides-by-betsy-cornwell.htmlOkay, so, I've never read a book about selkies. I don't really know anything about their folklore. So going into this book I thought it would be quite similar to a mermaid book/read. Well turns out I got schooled in the basics of selkie folklore. And from what I learned it's quite interesting. I'm now definitely interested in checking out more fiction books based in that world. That being said, Tides had some interesting bits, but for the most part I was just reading to get to the end.Noah and his sister Lo are spending the summer with their grandmother(Gemm) on her summer island. Noah will be interning at the local college in the marine biology department and Lo just needs to get away from her parents. She's been struggling with an eating disorder and this is her time to get strong again. So it's supposed to be a calm summer spending time with their grandmother and doing their own thing. Obviously that is not how things go down.Noah and Lo have grown up on tales of the selkies. Gemm seems to have an infinite knowledge of them. So this summer is no different, she's still telling the tales and the siblings still want to hear them. The only difference is Gemm has a friend hanging around that seems to be have very strong feelings throughout the tale. As the reader I think it's pretty obvious why the story is affecting her so much. And also what type of "friend" she is to Gemm. Anyhow, Lo is quickly caught up on Gemm's and Maebh's relationship.So we get three POV's; Noah, Lo and Mara, a selkie. Noah is starting his internship. It may not start exactly as planned because he ends up in the filing room. But he's determined. Lo is struggling with overcoming bulimia. You get the feeling that her dad has said some pretty nasty things to her in the past about her weight. And Mara is just discovering herself on land and in the sea.One day Noah happens upon Mara who he thinks is drowning and tries to save her. From there the strike up a different kind of relationship. Secrets start to get spilled. Stories start to come undone. And Noah, Lo, Mara, Gemm and Maebh's lives start to entwine together.I don't really have strong feelings either way about the characters. They were all alright. No stand outs. Noah is smart and awkward. Lo is frail but strong. Mara is feisty and confused. Gemm and Maebh just want to share their love and protect the children.Cornwell starts the book on a sad and grim note. But starts to build it up to include love and hope. As Tides progresses something terrible happens(I saw it coming, and I'm sure I'm not alone there) and you're supposed to feel the mystery and urgent-ness of the situation. but unfortunately that all feel flat for me. I was expecting it to happen. I knew who was involved and nothing came as surprise. So that was a little disappointing. Tides does end on a happy note and I can see why this story might hit some readers on a more personal level.I enjoyed the selkie folklore. I just wish I was more connected to the characters. In the end it was a decent read and anyone looking to get a start in the world of selkies would probably have a good start with Tides.