Float: A Heartfelt Dive into Summer Love and Self-Discovery
As someone who often finds solace in the pages of young adult fiction, Float by Kate Marchant immediately caught my attention. The premise of a teenage girl navigating the tumult of her parents’ divorce while spending a summer in Florida sparked my curiosity. Having grown up in a small town, the thought of being thrust into a vibrant beach culture resonated deeply with my own experiences.
Waverly Lyons, our protagonist, is a wonderfully relatable character: caught between her parents’ divorce and a world that feels foreign to her, transitioning from the cool climes of Fairbanks, Alaska, to the sun-soaked shores of Holden, Florida. Marchant masterfully captures Waverly’s awkwardness with humor and sincerity, instantly grounding readers in her emotional landscape. The hilarious inner monologues, filled with self-doubt, sarcastic observations, and teenage angst, had me laughing out loud. I found echoes of my younger self in Waverly’s struggles with confidence and identity.
The book unfolds as Waverly meets Blake, the charming boy next door, who, like a lighthouse, guides her through the choppy waters of summer friendships and burgeoning romance. The chemistry between them is palpable, yet it’s Waverly’s friendships with the Fletcher twins—Lena and Jesse—that steal the show. Their teasing yet loving sibling dynamic is refreshingly real, echoing the convoluted and wonderful relationships we often find in our own lives.
One memorable quote that had me nodding in agreement read: “The smallest gesture of kindness—common courtesy, really—from a hot boy was enough to soften me, and I hated myself for it.” This perfectly encapsulates the tangled emotions of being a teenager—vulnerable yet yearning for connection. Waverly’s evolution is marked not only by her relationship with Blake but also by her growing sense of self. No longer just a girl stuck in the shadows of her parents’ discord, she learns that belonging doesn’t always require changing who you are; it’s about embracing the person you’re meant to be.
Marchant’s writing style is fluid and engaging, making Float a quick, enjoyable read that flies by. The pacing is just right; any anxious energy from Waverly’s anticipated summer is mirrored in the rhythm of the narrative, keeping readers invested in her journey. The humor and levity balance the heavier themes of familial struggle and personal growth, allowing for moments of reflection nestled between lighthearted fun.
To Conclude
I wholeheartedly recommend Float to anyone seeking an escape into a heartfelt coming-of-age story rich with humor, relatable characters, and a touch of romance. Whether you’re a teen navigating your own turbulence or an adult reminiscing about those formative years, there’s something undeniably comforting about Waverly’s journey. It reminds us of the importance of friendship, identity, and the collateral beauty that emerges when we let ourselves be vulnerable.
In a world where we often feel pressured to fit neatly into a box, Float encourages us to embrace the messy, beautifully complicated process of growing up. So grab a copy, a cozy blanket, and get ready to lose yourself in Waverly’s summer adventure—you might just find a piece of yourself along the way.