American Mermaid

I'm torn on this one. I really wanted to like it, because it had a lot of elements I enjoy—the movie industry, mermaids, and a fun approach to writing (in this case, a book within a book).

It was a lot of fun ideas. In fact, probably too many fun ideas. Some were executed well, others notsomuch. Personally, I wish the author would have decided to choose one or two and focused on them, instead of weaving thru several plot lines (many of which are dropped and don't come to any sort of conclusion).

It started as a fun summer read. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but then it slowly became more of slog. The clever descriptions and word play became exhausting to read and lead to more stumbling over, and the characters grew increasingly unlikeable (Including several, uncomfortable observations regarding minor children's bodies during puberty and the teen years).

Towards the end the idea of completing the book wasn't for a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, but more an urgency to move onto my next read.

That all said—it's a unique read that doesn't quite fit any genre perfectly. Worth checking out