The Sea of Tranquility: A Novel (A Coming-of-Age Novel) Paperback – June 4, 2013

[...]Once in a while, you'll find in your hands a book that transports you so completely into another life that you don't want to come back out. Every emotion, every thought becomes your own, until you begin to wonder where your feelings end and where the characters' begin. Reading "The Sea of Tranquility," Katja Millay's debut novel, is just like plunging yourself into a pool of inextricably complicated emotions of angst and love and hope and hate, and, at the same time, is like inhaling the freshest of air. I could go on and on about how amazing this book is, but, if I had to sum it all up in one word: breathtaking.It's been three years since Nastya Kashnikov lost everything: her music, her voice, her identity. Now, she only wants two things. First is to get through high school anonymously. The second is to make the boy who took away her life pay for what he did to her. Josh Bennett's story is no secret: every person he has ever loved was taken from him until, at seventeen years old, there is no one left. Everyone leaves him alone--everyone but the new girl at school, Nastya, who keeps showing up at his garage and won't go away until she has insinuated herself into every part of his life.There are so many things to talk about with this novel that I don't know where to begin... but I guess I'll start off with the storyline! The plot of "The Sea of Tranquility" is at once haunting and sweet, while remaining compelling throughout the novel. Ms. Millay packs a lot of punch in the 450ish pages, seamlessly combining realistic fiction, thriller and romance into a story that pulls you in and never lets go. From the very first page, you're introduced to Nastya's unusual and unfortunate predicament: she's been almost murdered by a boy, and she's bent on finding him and making him pay for what he's done to her. While, at first, it may seem like it could go in a purely thriller direction involving guns and revenge, the novel is really about the emotional journey a girl who has lost all her meaning in life goes through. "The Sea of Tranquility" is really an emotional sucker punch, one so rich and evocative that, even without the action movie-esque chase scenes and such, draws you in completely and utterly.I think now's a perfect place to talk about the main character of the novel, Nastya. Can I just say here, wow. Nastya is not your typical female protagonist. She's gritty, sarcastic and intentionally wears the tightest and shortest clothing, yet, under all of the black eyeliner and devil-may-care attitude, vulnerable, compassionate and, above all, broken. The complexity of Nastya's character is developed and fostered so intricately throughout the novel, opening your eyes to the truths in her emotions and thoughts. Her narrative voice is undeniably compelling, and Ms. Millay's incredible writing perfectly captures Nastya's tumultuous mental experiences while revealing things between the lines. One small critique I have is about a little quirk that Nastya's meant to have: her fascination with names and their meanings. This was revealed early on in the novel, but I felt like it was a little too forced and was kind of put there to make her even quirkier. I think if Ms. Millay had brought up names more throughout the middle portion of the novel, it would seem a lot more natural, but it can't be said that she definitely ties the whole name thing in nicely toward the end--very cleverly done!Josh Bennett is the other main character of "The Sea of Tranquility," one who is equally as compelling as Nastya. What makes the whole novel so interesting and so hauntingly real is how messed up both of them are. In fact, I'd say that pretty much all of the characters are, in some way or another and in varying degrees, just like how, in real life, nobody is perfect. Everyone has flaws. But back to Josh. Because of the aforementioned messed up-ness of the two characters, it's no challenge to see how Josh and Nastya are drawn toward each other from the start. But what really makes their relationship so refreshing and so intriguing is the way they both complement each other and become the other person's beacon of light and of salvation, yet resist each other and push love away. In fact, it's this that really makes the development of their relationship so real and so believable. You don't get any of that flash-bang insta-love here. And thank the heavens for that! Even after they finally get together, you don't get the perfect boyfriend-girlfriend romance between the two. Oh, no. I unquestionably adored reading about Nastya and Josh's relationship as it unfolded throughout the novel, even through its ups and downs.Even though we don't hear from the perspectives of the other characters in the novel, they are just as complex, dynamic and interesting as Nastya and Josh. Drew Leighton, Josh's best friend and the school's "man whore," is undeniably one of my favourite characters in the novel. At first, I admittedly thought he was just a flirty playboy, and I kind of dismissed him as simply that. But as I continued reading the novel and discovered more about his character, I ended up becoming invested in him as well, and really sympathized with the misconceived golden boy. I'd say more about him, but I want you to experience that change in perception of his character for yourself! There are many, many other characters in the novel that I could talk about, like Clay, Sarah, Tierney, Margot, Nastya's parents, etc., but this post would never end. Just trust me when I say that the characters are, in a word, amazing. Take my word for it!Overall, "The Sea of Tranquility" is an incredible breath of fresh air, with a gritty and compelling storyline, hauntingly beautiful writing, and a cast of complex, dynamic characters you'll end up falling in love with, flaws and all. This is undoubtedly one of the best books I've read in a while, and I know you'll enjoy it just as much as I did! Highly, highly recommended. Like, now.Rating: 5/5

This is going to be a long review, so prepare yourself now, but I need to express the amazingness of this book.If I could give this book infinite stars, I would. Heart-wrenching and beautifully written, Sea of Tranquility will completely blow you away, and bring tears to your eyes. This novel was one of the best books I have ever read, and plan to re-read over and over again. From the very first page, you know that you will be taken on an emotional journey that will be thought-provoking and resonate with any reader.I will say, this book does start off a little slow, and by a little, I mean you have to read a good 100 or so pages before you start realizing how utterly amazing this book is. You start to appreciate the subtlety and quiet way this book sneaks up on you, and before you know it, you are so invested in this book that you need to read it nonstop to see how it ends. This novel is so beautifully written that it's difficult to even put in words. There were times where I was on the verge of tears because I felt so connected to these characters, and my heart just broke for them.This book follows Nastya and Josh, both with their own share of tragedy that no teenager should ever face in life. Nastya is a character shrouded in mystery, and you need to keep reading to find out what exactly happened to her that made her the way she is today. And you know what, once you find out what happened, you can't blame her for picking up her life and starting over with a new personality and a new identity. Throughout the novel, Ms. Millay gives the reader little clues here and there about what happened, and you can guess, but I you won't have the whole story figured out. The thing I loved about Nastya was her resilience and tough-as-nails attitude to everyone else, but the reader knows her true fragile nature. Don't get me wrong, she is not frail in anyway, but she is broken in the ways that count. This makes her an easy character to relate and connect to. But she's also hilarious, sarcastic, and witty, and I just adored her character. Throughout the story, she develops relationships with 3 boys, Drew, Clay, and Josh. Each was perfect for her in their own way, and I loved what each guy brought out in her. Each guy helped bring back Nastya, whether she realized it or not. However, Josh was the ultimate person that helped her.Josh was a quiet, kinda-sorta loner that is caring and will fight to the end for the people he loves. He's protective and what every girl wants. However, the thing I loved the most about him was his treatment of Nastya. He allowed her to be her true self, not the person that she portrays at school. He respects her boundaries, and gives her a security that she hasn't felt in a long time. However, there was one point where I just hated him because of what he did after a certain thing happened between him and Nastya. I just wanted to scream and shake him because he acted just like his best friend, Drew. Nevertheless, I forgave him because technically he didn't do anything wrong, and I just loved him even more at the end.In my opinion, the relatable nature of the characters was one of the best things about this novel. Even if you never experienced something terrible in your life (and really, who hasn't), it's a good bet that you know someone who has. Ms. Millay has managed to capture every raw emotion and every thought that a person who has been dealt a hardship in life feels. I felt that I knew these characters as if they were close friends. While not every person (and not even most people) are faced with the same situations that both Nastya and Josh faced, many people can relate to Nastya because who hasn't wanted to pick up, and start over someplace else...with a new identity, and no one to recognize you. Similar with Josh, who hasn't thought that they are cursed in some way because of a certain event that happened, and in some ways you no longer think you are capable of love or being loved.The end of this novel was absolutely heart breaking, and I almost cried at every single page. However, it was also beautiful. The last two words will echo in your mind long after you close the book. I actually went back and re-read the last couple of pages because I just wanted to read the wonderful words one more time before I moved onto my next book. And let me tell you, just when your tears have finally dried, they come back as soon as you read those two words because of the meaning they have. Please don't spoil yourself and read the end for two reasons; one being the obvious, you'll spoil it for yourself and two, you won't actually understand the true meaning behind those words unless you read the full story.I'm going to warn you, this is a slow building story, and it is long, but the story has to be that way. Nothing is rushed, and it gives the story a true feeling to it, from the way Josh and Nastya's relationship develops to just the overall plot in general. Another thing that I want to mention is that this is in no way a tragedy; in fact, it's the opposite. It's about finding yourself and finding love. It's not hardcore romance, but it has romance in it. The author has an amazing writing style, and it is not to be missed. She is gifted, there is no doubt about that, and I am eager to read whatever else she writes. This book is truly unforgettable, and you need to pick it up right away!Just a side note...2 songs were on constant repeat in my head while I was reading this novel, "Demons" and "Every Night" by Imagine Dragons. Both of these songs fit perfectly with the storyline and the characters.

The Sea of Tranquility is seriously one of the most beautiful and heart breaking books I’ve ever read. Katja Millay takes us on such a journey through the psyche of a damaged group of teenagers and their path towards understanding and healing. Stunning and special

Honestly, I don't know how to review "The Sea of Tranquility" by Katja Millay.This book was so much more than I expected it to be. I had many people recomment it to me and yet, for the longest time I hesitated starting it - thinking to myself I don't want another romance with broken and misunderstood characters and the depth of a puddle.I couldn't have been more wrong. This book is extraordinary. It's deep and profound and rips out your heart in a very subtle way. At least that's what it did with mine.I was drawn in from the first few sentences and it kept me captivated throughout the whole book.Part of this was the writing that was extremely beautiful.Another part were some of the most likeable characters.There was Nastya, our heroine, whom I adored. She had issues, a lot of them, but despite the darkness she tried to project, her goodness, her inner beauty was shining through. I loved seeing the changes between her tough-as-nails persona, as well as her vulnerable and sweet side.I adore strong female characters and she was strong. Not because she didn't feel, or didn't despair or wasn't in pain. No, she was strong, because she also dared to be weak. She dared to be human and no matter what was thrown in her way, she was still standing. Was it tought? Yes. Did she want to give up? Sure. But she didn't. She kept going forward and honestly, after what she was through - that was the equivalent of giving fate the middlefinger and kicking it in the butt.And Josh - wow. Just wow. Finally, a male character who had his life fall to pieces and wasn't the typical broken, misunderstood jerk. He might've been broken in places, chipped and imperfect, but he wasn't a douchebag. He was guarded and maybe brooding and distant, but he was caring, polite and extremely likable. He didn't use his past as an excuse. In fact, he hated that others did. I loved his quiet nature, his maturity and his sweetness and vulnerability. His past made him older than his years, but it didn't manage to make him bitter or cynical.And as if that isn't enough character awesomeness, there is Drew. I loved Drew. I actually had a book boyfriend crush on Drew. He was a pig and a jerk at times, but with so much charme and cheekiness I couldn't help but like him. So I totally get why Nastya connected with him from the start.I'm not going to give much away about the story because it's something every reader should experience for themselves. But it's touching, at times unexpected and it's the low-key kind of story that worms its way into your heart and will live there forever.6 there-was-nothing-tranquil-about-my-emotions stars.

The style of writing is beautiful and like poetry almost . Very emotional too. Yeh narrative ,for me ,was quite drab . The pace of the story could've been faster ,the narrative could've been more complex . It sometimes felt forced to be made to appear 'intense ' and was very repetitive . It's still a decent one time read . Just not All the Rage that I expected it to be .

Outro dia navegando pela internet me deparei com este livro. A quantidade de resenhas positivas era tão grande que fiquei me perguntando como eu havia deixado ele escapar da minha prateleira por tanto tempo. Após ler algumas páginas eu já estava completamente envolvida na estória.A narrativa começa com um intrigante e curto prólogo, que atiça instantaneamente nossa curiosidade, mas que só é realmente explicado mais para o final da estória. Nós então somos levados à vida atual de Nastya, uma menina de dezessete anos que está recomeçando sua vida em uma nova cidade e uma nova escola aonde ninguém conhece a sua história e consequentemente os trágicos eventos que mudaram a sua vida . Ela mora com a sua tia Margot e se veste com roupas curtas e decotadas, saltos incrivelmente altos e maquiagem pesada. Mas, ela não é nada do que o seu exterior demonstra. Na verdade, a sua aparência provocante é apenas uma armadura, uma estratégica para afastar as pessoas. Ela não quer fazer amigos e muito menos ser amada.Quando Nastya conhece Josh Bennet, o mundo seguro e impenetrável que ela criou em torno de si começa a desmoronar. Josh a intriga. Ele, que sofreu grandes perdas em sua vida, aparenta ser tão perdido e atormentado quanto ela. A impressão que ele passa à Nastya é de há um campo de força ao seu redor impedindo que pessoas indesejáveis se aproximem dele.Tanto Nastya quanto Josh possuem suas válvulas de escape para lidar com as tragédias de suas vidas. Nastya corre. Obsessivamente. E Josh pratica carpintaria. Ofício que ele aprendeu quando criança com seu pai e que preenche as suas noites. Certa noite, Nastya sai para correr e se vê perdida a poucos metros da casa de Josh. A partir deste dia, aos poucos ela vai se infiltrando no mundo dele. A amizade e o amor entre eles é engenhosamente e lentamente construído. Aqui não há insta-love (*ainda bem!*). Juntos eles irão aprender que apesar das tragédia e desafios impostos pela vida, sempre há a esperança de uma segunda chance. E este é o fio condutor da estória que fala sobre a vida e sobre a morte, sobre como chegar ao fundo do poço e se erguer, sobre perdão e sobre o milagre de uma segunda chance.Eu poderia escrever uma resenha com maiores detalhes da estória, mas eu sinto que se assim o fizesse, estaria quase que traindo os leitores. Porque não há nada como saborear aos poucos o desenrolar desta linda estória.The Sea of Tranquility é escrito de forma magistral. É difícil encontrar autores como Millay que são capazes de criar um universo tão intenso e dramático, com personagens tão complexos em um enredo tão belamente escrito e desenvolvido. Sem dúvidas, você irá terminar de ler o livro com a impressão de que os personagens são reais. O enredo irá partir seu coração, brincar com a sua mente, te fazer suspirar e te deixar tonto com o turbilhão de emoções que você experimentará.Eu tenho ótimas notícias para aqueles que preferem ler em português. A Editora Arqueiro comprou os direitos de publicação do livro no Brasil e deverá ser lançado ainda este ano!

Review as seen on goodreads.Let me start by telling you that this is a love story. But it's not your typical love story because it's about a girl. A girl in love with a book......Now onto the review of a book that deserves all the stars in the sky.When god blesses someone with a gift as he did Ms. Katja Millay, you don't ignore it, you pay homage to it. This novel is a stunning form of artistry. It spoke to every part of my being, and between my heart, my head and my soul, nothing was left untouched. I wanted to finish it while at the very same time, I didn't want it to end. I was absolutely lost in this novel and would have been glad to stay there if I hadn't been so anxious to see how it would all turn out. I mean some of the descriptions were heartbreaking but so beautifully written.Example (excerpt from the book):"That's the irony of Josh and me, and it shames me every time I think about it. He has no family. No one to love him. I'm surrounded by love and I don't want any of it. I piss all over what he would thank God for, and if I needed more proof that I have no soul, then there it is."Now after reading that, I ask you, did I lie or can this woman put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and throw down some amazing writing? How the characters felt about themselves and each other, it was sad and at times so hopeful. The characters had so much depth to them and were so multifaceted, that for me, it was a truly beautiful read. Each time we stripped off a layer, there was another one underneath breathing life into the very essence of these characters. To say that I loved Nastya/Emilia and Josh is an absolute understatement but the problem is that I can't seem to find a word that properly expresses my adoration for them, so love will have to do. I loved their development, I loved their story, I loved this book. The end.