The Last True Poets of the Sea

Violet's self-destructive behavior in New York City leads her parents to send her to stay with her uncle in coastal Maine for the summer. While there, she begins researching her family history, particularly the shipwreck survived by her great-great-grandmother Fidelia. Working at the local aquarium, Violet meets Liv and Sam, who become her allies in uncovering the truth about Fidelia's story. The three teenagers form an amateur research team, exploring both the maritime history of their small town and their own developing connections to each other. The narrative moves between Violet's present-day experiences in Maine and the historical elements of her family's past, creating parallel stories of survival and identity. Her quest to understand Fidelia's shipwreck becomes intertwined with her own journey of self-discovery. This debut novel examines themes of family legacy, the impact of mental health across generations, and the ways people rebuild themselves after near-disaster. The story draws inspiration from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night while establishing its own distinct exploration of love, loss, and belonging.

Readers describe this YA novel as a slow-burning, character-driven story that handles themes of mental health, family relationships, and identity. Many note its loose connection to Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Readers appreciated: - Complex, well-developed LGBTQ+ representation - Authentic portrayal of anxiety and depression - Rich marine biology and shipwreck history details - Strong sibling relationships - Thoughtful exploration of grief Common criticisms: - Pacing too slow in the first half - Some found the protagonist initially unlikeable - Secondary characters could be underdeveloped - Romance subplot takes time to develop Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (6,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (150+ ratings) BookishFirst: 4.3/5 (80+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "The writing is beautiful without being purple prose. Characters feel real and messy in the best way." - Goodreads reviewer "Took a while to get into but the emotional payoff was worth it." - Amazon reviewer

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour A protagonist works through grief and family trauma while exploring first love and identity at a remote coastal setting.

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan After her mother's death, a teen travels to Taiwan to meet her grandparents and uncover family secrets while processing her loss.

Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno Magic, family legacy, and sisterhood intertwine on a remote island where a girl must confront her powers and her past.

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway Three siblings separated by adoption reconnect and navigate their relationships while uncovering truths about family and belonging.

Wild Blue Wonder by Carlie Sorosiak A girl grapples with guilt and grief at her family's summer camp in Maine, where past and present collide through memories and possible magic.

🌊 The book's story is a loose retelling of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," reimagined in modern-day Maine with themes of family, identity, and shipwrecks. 🎭 Author Julia Drake drew inspiration for the protagonist's name, Violet, from Viola in "Twelfth Night," maintaining the connection to music and performance. ⚓ The fictional town of Lyric, Maine, where the story takes place, was partially inspired by the real coastal town of Eastport, Maine, America's easternmost city. 🏊‍♀️ Swimming and marine themes throughout the book reflect the author's own experiences as a competitive swimmer in her youth. 🚢 The shipwreck story central to the plot was influenced by real historical shipwrecks off the coast of Maine, where over 1,000 vessels have sunk since colonial times.