Book Review: Underwater by Marisa Reichardt

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Underwater
Author: Marisa Reichardt
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: January 12th 2016
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux

 

Morgan didn’t mean to do anything wrong that day. Actually, she meant to do something right. But her kind act inadvertently played a role in a deadly tragedy. In order to move on, Morgan must learn to forgive—first someone who did something that might be unforgivable, and then, herself.

But Morgan can’t move on. She can’t even move beyond the front door of the apartment she shares with her mother and little brother. Morgan feels like she’s underwater, unable to surface. Unable to see her friends. Unable to go to school.

When it seems Morgan can’t hold her breath any longer, a new boy moves in next door. Evan reminds her of the salty ocean air and the rush she used to get from swimming. He might be just what she needs to help her reconnect with the world outside.

Underwater is a powerful, hopeful debut novel about redemption, recovery, and finding the strength it takes to face your past and move on.

Underwater was a fascinating story!

We follow Morgan and her self-imposed house arrest. What is Moran so afraid of?

Well, as a reader, we do not know the reason but we are given clues, comments and as the reader, it is your job to put the clues together.  Something I really enjoy doing. Yet, when you learn the truth, you feel the need to hug Megan. To tell her everything will be okay. Also, that life is too short to be afraid to enjoy it.

Seriously, as you read about the truth, how this tragedy has effected her so much, you can't bare to ease her guilt and pain.

When Morgan meets her new neighbor, she is intrigued by his present. From the very beginning, he ask her for a favor. Afraid to step outside her door, Morgan fibs. She tells Evan she is sick. But after meeting him, she is curious and wants to know him. And she start to feel like there is a need. A need to live life. That life has so much to offer and she cannot let her fear stop her from doing things.

With the help of her family and Evan, Morgan will take baby steps to conquer the world. Trust me, you will cheer for her.

This story feels real. Which is the reason why I enjoyed it so much. You feel like you know Morgan, like she is your best friend. With this fact, you want her to get well, to be that bubbly Morgan she used to be.

Learning the truth was not easy. As this tragedy is becoming common in the real world. It's scary to know kids are not safe in school. Yet we shouldn't let this fear stop us from enjoying the little things life has to offer us.

Underwater is truly a fascinating story. I would recommend this story to everyone, specially lovers of YA contemporary. Give this story a try. As Morgan is learning, she will teach you one or two things about life.