The Mermaids of Lake Michigan Review & GIVEAWAY

The Mermaids of Lake Michigan

by Suzanne Kamata

Publication: February 14th, 2017 by Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing

Paperback, 176 pages

Elise Faulkner is more at home in the waters of her beloved Lake Michigan than on land where her beauty queen mom is always on her back about her lack of a social life; her sister is dating the boy of her dreams; her favorite pen pal--the one who wrote about mermaids in Ghana--has gotten married and ended their correspondence; and no one's allowed to talk about her glamorous great-grandmother, the deep-sea wreck diver. Elise is biding her time with books until she can flee. But then crazy Chiara Hanover pops into her life, as does Miguel, a mysterious carnival worker whose dark future has been predicted by a gypsy.

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This book is placed in the genre new adult fiction that is a newer genre of fiction with protagonists in the 18–30 age bracket which does not fit this book since the protagonist at the end might have reached 18. Consequently, it's more suitable for the young adult genre. The author does not convey to the reader when in time the story takes place or the protagonist's actual age. Nevertheless, it is after indoor plumbing, but before cell phones, my guess is the 70’s and/or the 80’s. I must admit I am a bit biased since most of it takes place in MI where I am from which is such a beautiful state. I took my time pulling on the fishnet stocking, scenting my wrists with Chanel No. 5 borrowed from mom’s vanity, shimmying into my dress. Chiara sat on the bed smoking a cigarette and tapping her foot. I only half-listened as she rattled off a list of places to visit. I was trying to imagine myself into a new persona - a city girl with sass, a Midwestern Dorothy Parker. The story is short, making it a quick read also the plot contains a pleasant flow. It is an interesting coming of age tale, learning life is not always as it seems to find out the individuals closest to you buried hurtful secrets and there is no such thing as a fairy tale ending. Furthermore, Elise seemed to me a strong willed girl who perseveres for what she desires never thinking of the consequences. Therefore, putting herself in difficult situations she glides right through the tough times such as how effortless it was for her to find the “Gypsy”. Occasionally, elements of the plot were left incomplete, leaving the reader to wonder what became of the situation. Anyhow, if you’re looking for a unique quick read grab a copy of THE MERMAIDS OF MICHIGAN I bet you will think it is groovy as I did.

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