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Readers,
Summer was a blur of lovely books and delightful sunshine. It felt marvelous to rekindle my love for reading, especially after the rut finals season had tossed me in. I was very glad to have kicked off summer at the pool with Out of the Blue in my hands. Since the first scene of the story similarly takes place at a smaller public pool, I felt truly immersed.

Out of the Blue by Jason June is a delightful summer read. However, with such powerful themes and enticing romance, I will readily recommend it for any time of year.

This book was light and refreshing, not just because of all the water cameos. It follows Crest, a non-binary merperson who must complete a compulsory journey if they would like to become an Elder under the water.

Years ago, drowning humans became the first merpeople. Ever since, as an homage, all young Merpeople must travel on land. As the moon waxes and wanes, they must find a suitable human to help. For some, it’s simple. For the pessimistic Crest, however, this proves to be a challenge.

If this task isn’t wrapped up before the moon cycle’s close, the merperson is stranded on land forever, and stuck as a human. Or, even worse in Crest’s eyes, the merperson might choose to stay on land rather than return to their home, the paradisiacal Pacifica. Only one mer has been fabled to do so, much to Crest’s astonishment.

After, well, landing on land..(ba dum tss), Crest is quite literally launched into the arms of Sean, a human lifeguard. After a brief spat, the two become fast acquaintances. Sean, who has recently been publicly humiliated and broken up with, recruits Crest’s help. In classic rom-com fashion, the two decide to “fake-date.”

Cliches aside, this story was much more than surface level. You could say its deeper meanings even hit the ocean floor. Okay, okay, I’ll stop with the puns. It explores more than fluffy teen love. I was impressed by the representation of LGBTQIA+ teenagers, as well as teenagers in general. Jason June truly nailed the messiness of teenage emotions. It’s a whirlwind, one that has been misrepresented time and time again.

It was fascinating to see humanity from a non-human’s eyes. One of the things that really stuck with me was Crest’s annoyment at the humans’ need to label everything and everyone. That was eye-opening.

This book could offer something to any type of reader. It is so varied, and so wonderful.

Content Warnings: misgendering, mild violence, infidelity.