Jay Murchison believes he is a nobody at his high school in Oklahoma. Coming from a conservative family of affordable luxury, Jay has an overwhelming desire to become something great. After a mysterious girl in North Carolina mistakenly texts him, an unlikely relationship develops that affects Jay’s self-perception and influences the rest of his sophomore year. This correspondence leads him to a group of thrill-seekers who provide a grand departure from the quiet life Jay is familiar with and eye-opening experiences to witness first-hand the truth behind the loose morals his fellow classmates have come to know.
In a story filled with injustice, hope, hatred, love, grief, and understanding, readers will ask themselves what it truly means to hear the ocean sigh and learn of the dire consequences that come with its responsibilities.
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My Review
I received a free audio copy of this book for an honest review.
To Hear the Ocean Sigh is a coming of age story that starts out pretty slowly. Jay Murchison is 16 years old, shy, not popular, and lonely. When he mistakenly receives a text from Saphnie, a girl his age, they start texting back and forth and form a friendship. She suggests that he read a book, Rudderless at Sea, and because of that book, he ends up making some friends. The characters discussed Rudderless at Sea in depth and I felt lost when they did. It would have helped to have known a little more about that book.
The story picked up pace toward the end as relationships between the teens evolved or devolved. These are typical teens with typical teen behavior and relationships. The narrator was chosen well. He sounded like he was in his late teens and he was pleasant to listen to and easy to follow. To Hear the Ocean Sigh is well written and both adults and teens will be able to relate to the story.
About the Author
Bryant A. Loney is an 18-year-old growing up in the U.S. Heartland. You can follow him on Twitter (@BALoney) and visit his website at BryantLoney.com.
Bound 4 Escape