I loved every minute of listening to this story about three teenagers during the summer before senior year. I almost felt like I knew them.

The sea is salt and so am I is set in a small town which is facing the risk of going under the ocean bit by bit with every storm. There live three teenagers - a pair of twin brothers (Ellis and Tommy) and their friend/acquaintance Harlow. The story is a roller-coaster ride of their relationship, dreams and life in general. The book opens with the two best friends, Ellis and Harlow witnessing what they didn’t understand to be a suicide attempt by Tommy. It spirals from there into many things, keeping the main focus on mental health, and the inter-personal relation of the characters. The characters behave like teenagers, they are confused but don’t know it, and they are messed up at lot of things. It’s relatable. Their relations are complex, which is nicely explored. The writing in itself is pretty good.

What didn’t work for me mainly is the length of the book. For a large part the story went on in a circle without really going anywhere. It needs a more editing to bring out the story well. Also, I wish the threat of the town going underwater was utilized better. Such a powerful element only remained in the background.

I listened to the audio version, and it’s really well narrated. Especially the narrator for Harlow’s voice is perfectly suited for a teenage girl.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley and RB media.

...wasn't for me.

I liked the atmosphere but other than that I only liked one main character, Tommy. The other two were generally unlikable and ones character development felt... rushed? The topics this book discusses are relevant and important but I don't think they were necessarily handled well with how in-the-mix they got with the "drama".

The Short Version: A character driven YA story about the people we choose to love, those we don’t, the ways we all fail at ever really coping with our tragedies and the tangled knot of relationships that make up small towns. The undertow of this book will drag you out above your head and pack punches as punishing as the worst New England squalls.

The Long Version: I got to listen to the audiobook of this title thanks to NetGalley and Recorded Books.

Very few things in this world sweeter than a diamond in the rough, and The Sea Is Salt And So Am I is certainly that. Prior to requesting this audiobook ARC, I had heard nothing about this title, and had not seen it on any upcoming release lists. As such, I worried this might not be a home run, but was pleasantly surprised to find this so enjoyable.

The story is about three teenagers living in the small town of West Finch, Harlow, Tommy, and Ellis. West Finch is suffering the effects of climate change and is in danger of washing away into the sea within the next few years. Harlow and Ellis have a plan to graduate and leave West Finch behind; Tommy does not. But when Tommy tries to commit suicide, The relationships between these three tangle, untangle, and re-tangle in a myriad of ways.

This story is told alternating between the three teenagers, and all three were exquisitely created. I loved them all, I hated them all, I wanted them to get everything they wanted, I wanted them to get everything they deserved. They were snarky, and petty, and funny, and illogical in all the right ways. You could really sense the authors deep caring for them as the narratives unfolded.

The plot of this story was interesting in that simultaneously it feels like nothing major is happening but also that there are tectonic shifts are occurring in the lives of these three. The novel delves into depression, and suicide and teenage love, and small town politics but sometimes draws just short of really getting waist deep into any of it. The pacing kept my interest and I didn’t have a moment where I felt the narratives sagging.

The writing in the book was top notch from start to finish. It was artistic without feeling stuffy, and mostly felt true to the teenagers who were narrating, though occasionally stepped its toe over the line into being too high brow before withdrawing it again. Occasionally there were lines like “How unfair that a person’s heart can be so full in ways we can’t measure but broken in all the ways we can.” that collide against my suspension of disbelief and made me keenly aware there was an author peering through the window into this world. It didn’t ruin the story, but occasionally it was noticeable.

The dialogue was punchy without drifting into unrealistic and it dripped with the subtext you’d expect between teenagers who’ve spent their whole lives together and know each other better than they know themselves.

The story is multi POV and both the male and female narrator do their part to enhance the experience of this audiobook. The male narrator, having to serve as the narrator for both Tommy and Ellis, succeed in making each of these twin brothers distinct and unique. Both narrators enhance the emotion of the story and made me feel the emotion of the characters they were narrating for, the only negative thing I’d say about the female narrator‘s performance, is her voice is a little cheery and sing-song. When she introduces each chapter, she sounds bright and ebullient, however sometimes the chapters start in very emotional or dark places which was slightly jarring.

There were a few things however, that nagging me a little bit, and kept me from giving this a five star review.

First, the supporting characters, other than the dog, goose, felt a little like window dressing. The author gives them back stories, and introduces us to them, but considering how the story is about the tangle of relationships in small town’s, and how everyone is in everyone else’s business, I felt like we barely dip our toes into the lives of those supporting characters. This may be a little unfair, because to really get at the meet of the supporting characters, you would probably need 1000 pages or more, but I was just left wanting a little bit.

At times, the thin line between love and hate that pervades these relationships between Harlow, Tommy, and Ellis got a little old. They rapidly oscillate between the two poles and routinely question where their feelings really lie. It’s not so much that it’s unbelievable, it just got a little boring to have it happen over and over so often, to the point that at a couple places I was asking myself “Why do they keep interacting if this is how they feel?”

Lastly, the ending wasn’t all that I hoped it would be. Part of the problem is that there was so much for boating, so much hint of a catastrophe to come, that while there is tragedy in the ending, it didn’t hit the way I expected it to. I was planning to be decimated, but ultimately was not. In someways, at the ending, so much has happened, but then again, nothing has happened, which was also unfulfilling. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, which in some ways feels appropriate, but also in someways feels more suited for a movie, then this book. I don’t think the ending was poor, in many ways it makes perfect sense, I just wanted something different.

Overall a very strong 4 out of 5. I emphatically recommend for anyone who likes character driven YA stories and young readers looking to leave more fluffy, sugary, bubble gum YA behind.

Component Ratings
Concept/Idea: 3.5 out of 5
Main Characters: 4.5 out of 5
Supporting characters named Goose: 5 out of 5
Supporting characters not named Goose: 3.5 out of 5
Character Development: 4.5 out of 5
Plot: 3.5 out of 5
Pacing: 4.5 out of 5
Prose: 4 out of 5
Dialogue: 4.5 out of 5
Female Narrator’s Performance: 4 out of 5
Male Narrator’s Performance: 4.5 out of 5
Ending: 3 out 5

"One day at a time." From The Sea is Salt and So Am I

3 stars

Warnings: suicide, depression, self-injurious behavior, underage drinking, past alcoholism and infidelity, animal cruelty, animal death, violence, abuse, cancer (pet dog), death of a loved one

This book was a rollercoaster. It had beautiful writing, but it was a LOT. With a very somber overall tone. I could only take it in small doses. There was so much show not tell in the writing, that you almost wish some of the things were stated outright. For a YA novel, I think there are a bit too many examples of toxic relationships. Most of each point of view was telling you how much they can't stand the other two. It is more of a character driven book rather than plot, but all of them are pretty unlikable. Many plot points are left unresolved, which is one thing I personally don't like.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Once again, I was lucky to receive a copy of a book from NetGalley. Thank you.

The book is written from three different people's points of view: the girl, her best friend, and his twin brother, as they are struggling their way through High School.
Harlow and Ellis have it figured out: after school, they are going to attend the same college, Ellis through a running scholarship, and Harlow with her grades. But when Ellis's brother Tommy tries to kill himself, their plans start to change.
At the same time, their small town is falling apart - global warming is making the ocean rise, and soon everything they know will be washed away if they don't make some changes.

I love books about mental health, and the focus on it is just SO important. What Tommy goes through is very relatable to anyone who has experienced depression. It is evident that the author has some sort of experience of her own to write like this.
Tommy is also my favorite character in the story, and frankly, the only one worth listening to. The other two main characters are SO vain, selfish, rude, and completely self-centered. I did not like Harlow for one minute, and Ellis was also just too full of himself - and Tommy deserves better!
Unfortunately, this made it hard for me to enjoy significant parts of the book. I just struggled to connect with the story, and only when it was told from Tommy's point of view did I enjoy and relate.
The storyline itself was good, the views on global warming is relevant and also something we should talk about.

The book kind of reads in two different ways - its a easy read YA, with some hard topics, but it is also a way deeper story if you read between the lines, which is just beautyful. I Think it works really well in the end, my opinion on the characters ruined it a bit for me, but I still think it is a book worth reading! We need more books like this, sharing mental health awareness without making the character completly crazy.
I'm so happy to see more books like this on the YA shelves, and I personally would have found them so very helpfull when I was a teenager. Cassandra Hartt did a fine job portraying this dissorder, and her writing style worked perfectly for the theme.

Now as an audiobook the story also worked well!
They have used three voiceactors, which makes it very easy to keep up with who's point of view we are following. There was a bit with the sound though, as if it was turned up and down a few times - but nothing major.
The narrators did a good job, and I enjoyed listening.

Thank you to Netgalley and Roaring Brook Press for providing me with this audiobook.

I have very mixed feelings about this book, mostly because two out three povs were extremely difficult to read. Harlow and Ellis are terrible people, and even though they do go through a tiny bit of character development, they both treat Tommy (the third protagonist and the only character I did like) horribly throughout the entire book and I don't think it's properly acknowledged. It's very hard to root for a character who does terrible things and doesn't really seem to feel remorse or compassion.

That said, the author does manage to create an interesting atmosphere that really immerses you in this small town where everyone knows everyone and all of the mistakes they've made. The beginning of this book had potential and I did like how Tommy's depression was handled, but I just kept waiting for the characters to develop properly and they didn't, so the ending just left me confused and disappointed.

*2,5 stars*

Posted Reviews
goodreads: June 19, 2021
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4053967609?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
Storygraph: June 19, 2021
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/5f309a7c-4cd9-4585-b62a-b0981a7abe50
TikTok @meghanlew_: June 20, 2021

TW: Suicide, Depression, Self Harm, and Mental Illness

This book was so beautifully written that I truly felt every emotion that the 3 main characters were feeling. Even though this is a character driven book, the small plot that was there was useful to the characters and just interesting enough to keep reading. I will say that I felt the book dragged on longer than necessary and some of the characters actions really bothered me.

Overall each character is complex and interesting in there own way, and I think that most people will be able to find something that they relate too. Their inner thoughts really showcase how many young teens struggle with their mental health, with being accepted, and trying to do what they think is right.

I specifically listened to the audio book version of this and I enjoyed it a lot. There is a different narrator for each POV so I was never posted with who’s story I was listening too. This also made the flow of the audio book more enjoyable.

I will say that a good portion of the middle could have been cut out. At about half way through it was clear where the story was headed, so I wanted things wrapped up a little faster. Even though many of the main characters actions annoyed me, I found my self realizing that in high school many people do dumb things, but it takes a bigger and better person to admit their wrong doings in the end.

And for me that was my favorite part of this book was the end. It was perfect or clean cut in any way and that is exactly how life and growing up works.

THEY ALL NEED THERAPY!!!!
It's also gay, But the need for trauma and mental health therapy for these young adults is paramount.

This book does contain a content warning in regards to suicide and suicidal ideation.

This book will pull you in and throw you around. Much like the tumultuous sea depicted on the cover, it will pull you in and throw you around without any moment to relax. This feels way more like a piece of literary fiction that you would dissect in a class. Rather than a YA book, you pick up for a good time.

Hartt's depiction of mental illness resonated with me; I would say it is honestly the high note of this book. Tommy's growth in this book and watching him gain insight into his mental illness is significant.

Harlow has room to grow as a person, as expected for someone who is still in High School. But she tries hard at what she sets her heart on.

Honestly, I hate Ellis, and there is no excuse for him to be as much of an asshole as he is to both Tommy and Harlow.
Ellis is the Salt.

Rating: 3.5

I don't understand how Tommy put up with Harlow and Ellis. They were terrible to him. At least Harlow got better. And I don't understand why Harlow was friends with Ellis. He said a lot of terrible things to her and about her and he didn't want to be with her until she was with his brother. He might have been the worst character in this book. I liked the writing and the story and I loved Tommy and (his dog) Goose. If the characters have to be "likeable" for you to enjoy a book, then I don't recommend this. If you like small sea-side towns, books about mental health and realistic teenage characters, then I do recommend it.

The details of the suicide content matter in this book were just a hit too much for me! I'm usually a hit or miss as far as suicide content goes, but this one was just a bit too triggering for me to continue listening. From what I listened to, I really liked the narrator and thought they did a good job with voice acting.

Content Warning for Suicide

This is a realistic fiction story told from 3 points of view- 3 teens that live in a remote Maine town. Harlow is determined to save her small Maine hometown. If only she could stop getting in her own way and find someone, anyone, willing to help. She wants to fix everyone's problems.Ellis “fixes” problems by running away from them―including his broken relationship with his twin brother, Tommy. And Tommy’s depression has hit a new low. I found this realistic and sad and sometimes sweet, and I liked how it showed multiple perspectives how to approach with someone struggling through mental illness- some want to do something to "fix" it, some want to cover up with smiles, and some wanted to ignore it.

I also appreciated that the teens were saying "I'm not sure what I want." I thought that was a realistic feeling for many high school students.

And towards the end, Ellis says to Harlow, "You look at him like he's cured and he thinks he is. Do you know how dangerous that is?" Harlow wants to be so helpful to Tommy, but there are times when she does things that had negative effects.

Overall, this was really well-written, and I would recommend this to students that liked Turtles All the Way Down.

Thanks to Netgalley and RB Media for the audioARC of this in exchange for my honest review.

A lot of TWs for this one: depression, suicide attempts, death of a loved one, doggie cancer, and I'm sure there were others.

4.5 stars! This gave me a lot of feels. All the characters were kind of trash babies, but I think that they interacted with each other in such flawed, but realistic ways. There's a very enemies to lovers progression to the main characters relationship, and I liked that. Especially as Harlow and Tommy grow to care for each other, and we see that their feelings don't "fix" his mental illness, which I thought was a really important point. Harlow and Ellis are very co-dependent and damaging to each other, but they can't help but pull each other back in. I know that I don't always love character driven books, but this one really sucked me in, maybe because the characters were so well written and so flawed, I just couldn't look away from their train wreck.

I liked all of the narrators, and thought the audiobook was well done!

Ok so if I'm being honest I didn't care for the actual book!
But I enjoyed the audio version of it!
I'm not sure what it was but I waa hooked once I started listening to to the book.
It was fun, engaging, the writing was great. And the narrator simply amazing!

Thank you NetGalley, RB Media and author for this great audio book!

I have complicated feelings about this book.
When it comes to the characters I absolutely loved Harlow and Tommy with all their flaws, and the other characters throughout the book were absolutely superb. I DID NOT, repeat NOT, like Ellis AT ALL. I believe the book would have been better without him, and I defiantly skipped every single chapter of his. It's probably why I enjoyed the book so much. And when I shit about the ending it's not really about the actual ending, it's about the second to last chapter of the book. Because I actually liked the ending, it's because of Ellis and certain unbelievable, out of nowhere, downright disgusting things he says in the second to last chapter that made me want to throw my phone across the room. I must also admit that some of my Ellis hate may stem from the fact that I never really bought his and Harlow's best friendship at any point in the book. But despite that I think he is an emotionally immature child who also happens to be a selfish prick.
But stepping away from the Ellis bashing I did really enjoy the book (like slept at sunrise listening to it enjoyed the book) and would recommend it (though you may want to skip the second to last chapter) I also highly recommend the audio book and skipping EVERY SINGLE ONE of Ellis POV chapters in solidarity with me. For a debut, this book is impressive and I will definitely look out for more from this author.

Harlow and Ellis have been BFFs since her family came to down to study coast erosion. They've grown up, quite platonically, together. Ellis has a twin brother, Tommy, who's never been a part of their friendship and has felt disconnected from Ellis since Harlow became such a big part of his life.

Harlow witnessed the accident that ended up with Ellis losing a the lower part of his right leg when they were young. Elli hasn't let that stop him though. His family has pushed and supported him to pursue his dreams in The Plan. Namely, excel at track, get a scholarship to a faraway college and do big things. All with Harlow.

Harlow seems to be quite the busy body. She's always making plans, arguing for what she thinks is right and trying to fix things. Even things that shouldn't be hers to fix.

Tommy is battling depression and suicidal thoughts. Art used to be his solace but medication and depression ruin it. A beloved neighbor saves him after an attempt, and then Harlow sets her sights on him as something to fix.

How will this trio make it through high school, or even summer? Will their friendships survive? Will love blossom? Can brothers reconnect?

The narrators bring the characters to life. I particularly like the flat affect of Ellis and Tommy's mom. She seems so done with the stress life has thrown at her.