Currently Reading
by Ashley Weeks Cart
Over the winter break, I had the luxury of catching up on my ever-growing reading list. Besides my monthly book club read, I rarely make the time to tackle more than one book a month. Thank you December for your grey, chilly days that prime a girl for a day spent curled under fleece blankets with a book and a cup of tea by her side!
First up, Immersion, a young adult novel by my talented friend and fellow Eph, M.J. Prest. M.J. self-published her debut novel this spring, and I must admit, I was sucked into a 24 hour literary black hole upon beginning this adventure. James, you may blame M.J. for my lack of attention to our dependents and household during that day of, well, Immersion.
The title of the novel so aptly suits the story on many levels, not the least of which is that it is the story of Atlantis weeks before its plummet into the Aegean sea. The lead character, Artemis, is a strong-willed, thoughtful 16-year old girl who I look forward to sharing with my daughters as they enter their teenage years. With novels like Twilight peppering the YA bookshelves, I’m relieved to have an option along the lines of a Hunger Games or Forest of Hands and Teeth for my daughters to enjoy as they navigate the growing-pains of their teenage years. Not only is the story exciting, complete with mermaids (and mermen!) and many sailing adventures, it tackles difficult issues of identity and class, and female empowerment and agency that my own girls will confront as they grow.
I particularly loved M.J.’s attention to the world of Atlantis. You are fully immersed in the sights and sounds and tastes of the island, drawing you closer to the story and its characters. Having experienced M.J.’s unbelievable talents in the kitchen, I was not surprised to find myself salivating at her detailed, delicious descriptions of the very food of Atlantis. Now I must convince her to cook some of those delicacies so that we may experience them firsthand.
Immersion is an exciting coming-of-age tale that you’re sure to enjoy as much as any Young Adult. A quick read (perfect for a vacation or plane flight!), and for only $2.99, it’s far too good to miss.
Immersion available here.