Sharks & Boys

VOYA - Alissa Lauzon

Enid is devastated when her boyfriend announces that he wants to take a break as he, her twin brother, and their other friends from their twin studies program take a road trip to Maryland for a party. Afraid that he intends to cheat, Enid takes a road trip herself and ends up sneaking onto the boat where the boys continue the party. A major storm sinks the boat and strands the teens with no food, no water, and major injuries while sharks circle their raft. Tracy's attempt to craft a chick-lit wilderness survival tale fails to fully realize its potential. The dynamics in the relationships between the four groups of twins are never fully explored—to the detriment of what is really at the heart of this story: a group of friends fighting for their lives and forced to face hard truths about themselves and their relationships with others. The story is hindered by a slow start, as well as stereotypical characters: clingy, insecure girl; strong, dependable brother; cheating boyfriend; meat head; brainy geek; and party boys. The story of survival is harsh, gritty, and intense, and readers who make it two-thirds of the way through will not want to put it down until they reach the disappointing end. All of the turmoil that readers are put through is abruptly cut off with the teens' rescue (with the required one last close call with the sharks for dramatic effect), which leaves many plot elements unresolved. Reviewer: Alissa Lauzon

VOYA - Mary Boutet

Enid is stereotypically insecure and has a completely twisted view of herself and her relationship. The interactions between the characters and the changing group dynamic while they are on the raft are the best parts of the book. The romantic element between Wick and Enid, however, is annoying and unnecessary. There is also a bizarre and pervasive focus on the differences between men and women. It is constantly mentioned that Enid is the only girl and that men think totally differently than women do about everything. Even at the end, when they are being rescued, Enid's surprise at the Coast Guard's female pilot is pointed out. Overall this book is readable, but this reviewer does not agree with a lot of what is said. Reviewer: Mary Boutet, Teen Reviewer

School Library Journal

Gr 6–9—When Enid's boyfriend, Wick, decides to go to an out-of-town party against her wishes and declares that he wants "to take a break," jealousy overcomes her. The eavesdropping 15-year-old overhears the name "Gretchen" and ditches her mother during a catering job to tail her ex, his friends, and her own twin brother, Landon, over 500 miles from Vermont to an Annapolis marina. Enid discovers that the boys plan a nighttime cruise on the Gretchen, a boat owned by Skate and Burr's parents, who have recently died in an airplane explosion. While the boys continue drinking beer, Enid stows away and a storm sinks the boat, leaving eight teens clinging to a small life raft. Enid's dating insecurities, partly fostered by an absentee father, is just one contrivance that sets the stage for the survival tale. Despite the obvious dangers, including sharks, dehydration, and hypothermia, the plot revolves around the relationship among the four sets of twins. More is learned about the psychological testing that brought them together as friends, and some inborn weaknesses that ultimately lead to disaster. Enid and Landon come to terms with their own strained relationship and Enid struggles to trust Wick again. While it may be difficult for picayune readers to believe that they all had cut communication with friends and family, or that heavily traveled waters near Annapolis wouldn't have spotted the group for days, it will not detract from a tension-filled climax and satisfying ending.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Kirkus Reviews

Thoughtless teen behavior leads four sets of twins on a deadly adventure in a horribly realistic but often very funny survival tale.

These eight teens have been part of a research study and know each other all too well. Enid, the only girl (she is a fraternal twin), is on a break from dating Wick, whose brother conspired to diss her in a zine co-authored by Burr and Skate,twins whose parents have just died in an accident.Narrator Enid isn't funny on purpose, but her angst and stalker behavior are hilarious, as she abandons her responsibilities and drives five hours to eavesdrop on the guys, who are partying. The boys head to the Gretchen, a boat owned by Burr and Skate, for a slightly tipsy outing on the high seas, and Enid follows, sure that Gretchen is female andpossibly a stripper. She ends up hiding on board in the head.When the boat goes down and they are left with only a plastic raft, the reality turns increasingly deadly as the often-fortunate coincidences of survival tales don't help these kids out.As Enid names a few of the circling sharks, their increasingly dire situation reveals more about all eight twins, with twins Munny and Sov, who've seemed vulnerable, exhibiting unsuspected strength.

William Golding updated with humor. (Adventure. 12-17)