Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

Summary:
Miranda Merchant loves science and all things logical which doesn't make her much different from her Mom who is a doctor. That is until she spends the summer at The Mariner her grandmother's house on Selkie Island. Where Miranda discovers her mother's family history, especially her striking resemblance to her grandmother. Miranda tentatively arrives at Selkie Island because of it's mysterious surroundings and legends but as soon as she sets foot in the old dusty Mariner, her uncertainty is washed away by the sea salt air and clear breeze. The summer wouldn't be complete without a boy crush, and Miranda has her eye on Leo a sun drenched blond who meets her on the beach. Leo doesn't seem to be the typical boy, there is something about him that stands out? She notices the colors red and gold painted on his house, sea figures adorning his porch, and he seems to appear out of no where when Miranda is on the beach? All signs showing Leo might just be a merman? Can Miranda look past her hard science and logic and really believe in such creatures?

My Opinion:
I was very anxious to read "Sea Change", but unfortunately I was very disappointed with the story. "Sea Change" had a great underlying story of Miranda falling for a merman, this idea in itself was very original, but Friedman really didn't develop the plot any differently then the other bazillion teen love stories. I was teased a little too much as a reader. Miranda never finds out if Leo is truly a merman and for me this was a disappointment. I know that Friedman left this affirmation out for the readers own imagination to run with the idea, but I am the type that loves to get to know other worldly creatures during a story. I would have been more curious about the story if Friedman included more of the myths and history behind the oceanic creatures of Selkie Island. For instance Leo's character could have been more developed by elaborating on these myths and histories. Overall "Sea Change" did include an average coming of age story with Miranda going from a closed analytical responsible teen to an open, self aware teen, leaving Selkie Island a whole new girl. I enjoyed the relationship and bond that formed between Miranda and her mother. Because of their experience on Selkie Island they both softened and blossomed into tranquil women. Having Miranda and her mom share in this change created a life long bond that will always stay in their memory whether they are on Selkie Island or in their native New York City.