The Sea of Tranquility

The debut novel by Katja Millay which I found un-put-down-able. I read it in less than a day. In it we are introduced to Nastya Kashnikov, who has just moved to a new town to make a new start. She is determined that no one know of the tragedy that befell her two and a half years before, making her feel half the girl she once was. She wants to get through high school, keep everyone at a distance, and nurse her rage. Yet she is, inexplicably, drawn to someone just as isolated as she. Josh Bennett could be a tragic figure, if he milked it more. At seventeen, his last family member has died, there is no one left. Everyone at school considers knowing him tantamount to a death sentence; they give him a wide berth. Except Nastya. Together, will the miracle of second chances find them?

This book was well plotted, the alternating viewpoints added much. My library copy had a reader's club guide in it which really made me think, as well (I read everything in a book). We are given bits and pieces of the story, a little at a time. Having it doled out like that really keeps you keen for the rest of the story. A great read. Highly recommended.