Rating: 3 stars

Summary:

Hailey and Claire are BEST friends, but their friendship is coming to an end. Claire is moving! (In the movie, Hailey is the one moving.) 

A mermaid named Aquamarine washes up in the Capri Beach Club's pool, and the two girls befriend her and set her up on a date with her crush, Raymond, before she has to go back to the sea. 

Making Aquamarine their pet project helps Hailey and Claire see the unbreakable bond of their friendship and the importance of letting go.

Review:

I don't know how long I've had this book on the book shelves in my room, but when I finally cleared some time for reading, I plucked it from its resting place and turned to the first page.

I've loved the movie for years, and my sister and I rewatch it every once in a while. I didn't feel old until I noticed that the book was published in 2001! The movie came out in 2006!

That means it's been a loooong while since it shined brand spanking new on the shelves. But I thought I'd bring it up in my book reviews.

Books shouldn't have a wild tour at their release and then dusty faces the rest of their lives, right?

I excepted Alice Hoffman's Aquamarine to be just like the movie - at least, in plotline. But it was more like a rough, vague, shortened version of the movie's story.

It was a fun read, though, but I did find myself missing the Mean Girls and all the funny scenes with Raymond and Aquamarine as they start to like each other (especially the Ben&Jerry/who-needs-Raymond scene).

I couldn't really connect with the characters as much as I did in the movie, but I may have come into it with a bias toward the movie. 

I will say, though, that it is great if you want a feel-good story to read to your kids! It would certainly make a cozy bedtime story. :)

I love the anticipation that comes with starting a new book from my TBR (to be read) list. Finally, I’ve found a chunk of time over the holidays to snuggle up under blankets and dissolve into reading.

This year, I began my holiday reading with Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games published by Scholastic Inc.

Before turning to the first page, I usually read the back cover’s description and quotes. It’s like the outer edge puzzle pieces that I can lock together before slowly filling in more information as the story starts.

On the back of The Hunger Games, three names stand out in cat-eye golden font: Stephen King, Stephenie Meyer, and John Green. All amazing authors.

Phrases from each of their quotes triggered a rush of recognition - what writers call le mot juste (the exact word!). Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly, said, “I couldn’t stop reading.” Should I admit to staying up until 5am reading it last night?

Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight saga, also found it alluring and suspenseful. She became “so obsessed with this book.” I’m surprised that I became obsessed with finding out what happened next and how Katniss would manage each problem.

I started out slow, reading the first few pages, but soon I clamped my hands on the book’s sides and refused to let go. Looking back, I find myself wincing at my complete disregard for sleep and daily life happening around me.

But The Hunger Games was a story that I needed to savor. Perusing my shelves of books, I can’t help but slide one finger fondly down the spines of my favorite books. Reading, for me, is like collecting stories.

As a writer, it’s important to learn from other writers. Suzanne Collins, I’d like to thank you for sharing your talent for plotlines and creating twists (“brilliantly plotted” as John Green said).

Perhaps I can apply that to my own writing and focus my attention on plotlines. What authors inspired you to improve your writing? What stands out to you most clearly from their theory of practice?