I just started reading Girl Overboard by Aimee Ferris.  I chose this book for many reasons.  The first reason why I chose this book was that it is about a girl, Marina, who is dreaming about becoming a marine biologist which is one of my ideal careers, so this book is relatable.  Another reason I chose this book is that it is about Marina, and a program which enables her to get some hands-on experience with fellow marine lovers, who are appearing to cause drama for the protagonist.  I also choose this book because, in the description on the back of the book, it seems to entail some romance issues. 
      One of the romance issues is that Marina has a boyfriend but doesn't know if she is willing to give up her other hopes and dreams to be stuck in her hometown, Vermont with him. Another issue is during her program, Students Across the Seven Seas or S.A.S.S. for short, she meets a handsome and romantic Australian boy, Link, who will be in the program with her.  She also meets  other girls who are quick to flirt with Link.  She also meets Link's roommate, Ryan, who is a shy photographer who spends a lot of time in the dark room, processing his pictures. 
       My prediction is that Marina will not fall for Link but rather his eccentric roommate and photographer, Ryan, and break-up with her boyfriend back home. I predict that they will be the perfect couple, but, I believe that at the end of the book, Marina will also give up Ryan in order to fulfill her career as a marine biologist.  I think that in the future, Marina will have a successful and joyful career, and will not worry about her choice to break-up with her old boyfriend or Ryan.

The Cranes Dance

In The Cranes Dance, the protagonist, Kate Crane changes over the course of the story.  At first, she is a social butterfly, sharing an apartment with both her sister, Gwen, and her best friend, Mara.  "Gwen was at the school and Mara and I were in the company and the three of us shared this apartment." (Howrey, 97). Through the course of the story, Kate becomes more secretive and shy around everyone, even her best friend.  She thinks that she is protecting herself and them from all thoughts of Gwen, but she is just burying herself deeper into Gwen's breakdowns and emotions.  This is shown on page 259, " 'And you shut me down every single time I try to talk to you about Gwen.' ... 'You know, I haven't really noticed that you've made some huge effort to reach out to me.'  'That's what I'm saying you make it impossible.' " (Howrey, 259).   This change in Kate advances the plot because it shows that she is starting to have mental issues like her sister.  She wants to be alone so that no one finds out something is wrong with her.  The plot changes and instead of her trying her hardest at ballet, she is more focused on her sister's breakdowns and how they are starting to make sense to her.  They breakdowns make sense to her because she has started to do the same things as her sister.






The Cranes Dance article is about Meg Howrey's use of syntax and diction to create a dazzling and captivating story.  It summarizes the book and how Meg Howrey uses her knowledge of ballet to convey an authentic story.  It also lists reasons why this particular critic loved the book and the main character. 




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The Cranes Dance Book Trailer