Review: Deep Water

Based on the author’s scuba diving experience, Deep Water is a case of “what if”. What if you were scuba diving and your boat got lost?  What would you do?  How would you handle it?  Watt Key asks the question.. will you Sink or Survive?

Julie and her dad run a scuba diving business in Alabama. They have an important client and his son to take on a dive, but dad falls ill once they are out on the water.  This means that Julie has to take over the dive, but things go downhill.

Almost before Julie and the divers know it they find themselves in major trouble. What will happen?  (sorry, can’t tell you or I’d have to issue a spoiler alert).

I found the characters well developed, though the character of Dad seemed a bit weak in the defining.  I enjoyed the story, it seemed quite plausible.  The characters were interesting, and a depth was shown that I didn’t expect. I disliked the stereotypical use of sharks, but otherwise found the book interesting to read and informative (never thought about sea lice before) or the difference in colour between deep ocean water and coastal water.  It’s good to learn while reading good fiction is it not?

My thoughts.

Do I think your middle schooler would like this book?   If they like adventure and seeing people do better than expected.. then YES!   If they like learning what happens in hard scenarios with some science behind it.. then YES! If they want to see hope and smart thinking in action… then YES!   If they want everything to turn out well for everyone at the end… perhaps not. It’s not all sunshine and roses.  Hard adventures are sometimes like that.  It was a good read and I’m glad I was introduced to this author….now to see if my lad will enjoy it!

Deep Water: Sink ... or Survive. Watt Key Farrar Straus Giroux Softcover, 265 pages, middle school Adventure, coming of age, divorce, Character Reviewed for: Raincoast Books. Where to Find: Amazon Link.