Underwater

After a tragedy she feels like she''s stuck underwater.On October fifteenth everything changed. That was the day that Morgan tried to do something kind―and inadvertently played a role in a deadly tragedy. Before Morgan loved the beach and the smell of the ocean breeze. Before Morgan competed on the school swim team and savored the rush she would get from being underwater. Now Morgan can’t move on. She is unable to even move beyond the front door of the apartment she shares with her mother and little brother. Morgan feels like she’s underwater unable to surface. Unable to see her friends. Unable to go to school. The only person she interacts with besides her family is Brenda her psychologist. “Breathe” Brenda tells her but Morgan doesn’t feel like she can. Before Morgan can step outside she must find the courage to forgive--first someone who did something that might be unforgivable and finally herself. Underwater is a powerful hopeful young adult debut novel by Marisa Reichardt about redemption recovery and finding the strength it takes to face your past and move on. “Debut author Reichardt doesn’t oversimplify: Morgan isn’t saved by love; rather new neighbor Evan reminds her of life and what it’s like to have a friend. As Evan who has his own connection to the shooting tells her what he likes about Morgan is that she’s real and that’s exactly what readers will appreciate about this book. --Publishers Weekly starred review“A moving reflective exploration of grief trauma and how individuals find their paths toward resilience.” --Kirkus ReviewsDebut author Reichardt smartly reveals the source of Morgan''s agoraphobia--a school shooting--very gradually which along with the sweet romance with Evan urges the plot forward. --Booklist