Review & Giveaway: The Summer I Learned to Dive By: Shannon McCrimmon

The Summer I Learned to Dive

By: Shannon McCrimmon

Pub. Date: May 7, 2012

Publisher: Self-Published

Pages: 198

Source: Author

Since the time she was a little girl, eighteen-year-old Finley “Finn” Hemmings has always lived her life according to a plan, focused and driven with no time for the average young adult’s carefree experiences. On the night of her high school graduation, things take a dramatic turn when she discovers that her mother has been keeping a secret from her—a secret that causes Finn to do something she had never done before—veer off her plan. In the middle of the night, Finn packs her bags and travels by bus to Graceville, SC seeking the truth. In Graceville, Finn has experiences that change her life forever; a summer of love, forgiveness and revelations. She learns to take chances, to take the plunge and to dive right in to what life has to offer.

The main reason I accepted to review The Summer I Learned to Dive was the cover. I absolutely loved the colors of the ocean. After I read the summary, I was excited to read a coming of age story, about a girl who is in search of who she really is.

The day that Finley "Finn" Hemmings graduates from high school, she learns that her mother has been keeping her grandparents from her. Finn's father died when she was very young, and for her whole life it has just been her and her mom. She thought her father's parents wanted nothing to do with her. Turns out they never gave up trying to contact her, even sending her a graduation present. That night, Finn does the first impulsive thing she has ever done, and goes to South Carolina to meet them.

I understood why Finn did what she did, but at the same time, I felt she was being a little dramatic. She should have talked to her mother about why she lied, instead of being impulsive and running away. I might not have agreed with her mothers reasoning, but Finn could have waited a few days, talked to her grandparents on then phone, and then planned a trip.

My other complaint was the relationship between Finn and Jesse, the young guy who works for her grandparents. He came off as a very flat, one dimensional character to me, and I just didn't feel any connection with them together.

Other then that, I enjoyed the story. The writing flowed nicely, and I liked the ending. The story was very predictable, but there is a sequel, so I am interested to see where McCrimmon will take us next into the lives of these characters.

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