by Karina Halle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A new adult novel that perfectly captures the existential angst of your early twenties with raw wit, fresh insight, and true feeling from a critically adored USA TODAY bestselling author.
Joshua Miles has spent his early twenties spinning his wheels. Working dead-end jobs and living at home has left him exhausted and uninspired, with little energy to pursue his passion for graphic art. Until he meets Gemma Henare, a vivacious out-of-towner from New Zealand. What begins as a one-night stand soon becomes a turning point for Josh. He can't get Gemma out of his head, even after she has left for home, and finds himself throwing caution to the wind for the first time in his life.
It's not long before Josh is headed to New Zealand with only a backpack, some cash, and Gemma's name to go on. But when he finally tracks her down, he finds his adventure is only just beginning. Equally infatuated, Gemma leads him on a whirlwind tour across the beautiful country, opening Josh up to life, lust, love, and all the messy heartache in between. Because, when love drags you somewhere, it might never let go even when you know you have to say goodbye
This book was middle.
There are a zillion-thousand and one books out there, and Where Sea Meets Sky falls somewhere right smack in the middle. It was well written. It wasn't bad. It was good. But that is honestly where my review could end. Nothing really stood out.
I really don't mean for that to sound as harsh as it does. It is obvious that Karina Halle has a true talent. Her prose in depicting an adventurous road trip through New Zealand gave this story a realistic, almost tangible quality, but it was the plot that I found a little generic. There are so many books out there. I needed something that connected me with this book. These characters. Instead I found an extremely well written book, but one I set down several times only to return to later, and when I finished. It was over. No lingering feelings, or emotions.
My overall response could best be described as extremely linear. It was a book. I read it. It was good.
But like I said, with so many books out there, I need more.
Perhaps those who truly appreciate the artistry of a well written book, but don't necessarily want to spend days recovering from a book hangover should definitely give it a go. She really does do a beautiful job making the reader feel like they are actually on a road trip through New Zealand. Not to mention a pretty passionate scene involving a tree ;-)
READ ON!
- Atria Books |
- 384 pages |
- ISBN 9781476796437 |
- March 2015
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