Girl Overboard

Published as part of Penguin's Students across Seven Seas (S.A.S.S.) line, Girl Overboard by Aimee Ferris charts Marina's trip aboard a ship with kids from around the world. This book is not only about studying abroad, but about appreciating and protecting marine life. It touches on many other things, such as being away from home, relating to different cultures, even unmasking poachers. Much like the seas in which Marina swims, there's more to this book than meets the eye. The poacher storyline is handled well, and the creatures and facts sprinkled throughout the story are well-researched. The school-on-a-ship setting will appeal to teens who dream of traveling to other countries. I hope that readers start thinking about how they too can make conservation efforts.

This book was great!! I got it for my daughter and it inspired her to be a Marine Biologist(either that or a designer)!!! She loved this book and has now read it 5 times!! This book is about adventures of Marina a 17 year old girl who is leaving a smal town in vermont and a loved boyfriend to go chase her dreams of being a Marine Biologist. This book was not just inspiring and Educational it showed the journey of a teenage girl!! This book was superior! My daughter cant wait for Aimee Ferris to rigt the sequel!!! You should so buy this amazing book!

It seems to Marina like it should be a dream: six weeks on a luxurious ship, experiencing ocean life face to face as she's never been able to before, and the chance to further her goal of becoming a marine biologist. But she can't help worrying that she'll miss her long-time boyfriend, Damon, so much that the trip will become a nightmare. That's the basic premise of GIRL OVERBOARD, a fun, fast read that's easy to enjoy, especially if you share Marina's fascination with the ocean. Marina is a likable main character, with insecurities and doubts anyone can relate to as she struggles to figure out what she wants out of life. Her heart's in the right place, but she can't help taking a few missteps along the way, which just makes her all the more sympathetic. The other major characters -- flirtatious Link, bubbly Jeanette, thoughtful Ryan -- are colorful and distinctive. They also all prove to have more to them than Marina (and the reader) first suspects. The novel is most involving when dealing with Marina's oceanic studies. The author bio reveals that Ferris has spent many years in the Caribbean, and her experience shows in the vivid descriptions of the landscapes, animals, and island life, as well as the detailed procedures Marina participates in to try to preserve that environment. The reader feels right there with Marina, whether it's feeding a dolphin for the first time or diving with an enormous whale shark. It's clear why Marina loves this work so much, and anyone can understand why she's considering leaving everything she cares about back home to pursue her dream career. Where the novel falters a little is in Marina's romantic conflicts. Her realization of the differences between herself and her boyfriend develops gradually and realistically, and her attraction to Link, who shares many of her interests and values, seems only natural. Unfortunately, the problems that arise with both Damon and Link are resolved so easily there is hardly any tension at all -- Marina simply speaks her mind, and everything works out. While it's wonderful to portray honesty as a solution to problems, a few more complications would have made this part of the story more exciting and interesting. Nevertheless, the focus of the novel is more on the ocean and Marina's adoration for it than on the boys in her life. There, the novel succeeds completely. Whether as a beach read or a read for those who only wish they were down by the sea, it won't fail to entertain. Reviewed by: Lynn Crow

Seventeen-year-old Marina Grey has adored marine life since her first trip to Sea World back when she was eight-years-old, and she had the chance to be a part of the dolphin show. And, with a name like Marina, it's no question that she would want to devote her life to the ocean, dolphins, and marine biology, in general. Unfortunately, living in Stowe, Vermont isn't exactly the stepping stone she needs to launch her into the career of her dreams, considering the fact that everyone is bundled up in heavy coats, hulking boots, and enough knitwear to make you feel like a polar bear during a large part of the year. So when Marina learns about the S.A.S.S. (Students Across the Seven Seas) Caribbean Semester At Sea, she knows that it's an opportunity she can't pass up. After all, it's not often that a high school junior gets the chance to drop everything in her life, to spend a luxurious six weeks aboard a yacht, learning about everything from dolphins, to whale sharks, and even sea turtles. Not everyone is excited about Marina's semester abroad, however. Marina's boyfriend of three years, Damon, feels as if she's suddenly abandoning him in an attempt to follow her dreams, and Marina feels guilty to let him down. Over the years, Damon has grown to be more than just a boyfriend. He has been her best friend, confidant, and her rock. Even when Damon's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, he worked as a support system for her - not the other way around. It always seemed like their lives were going in the same direction. He would accompany her to the University of Hawaii after graduation, and they would live happily ever after. But, lately, their relationship has hit a few bumps in the road. Damon wants to continue skiing in Vermont after graduation, and wants Marina to stay by his side, attending the local community college - which is certainly not known for its marine biology program. Which is why Marina thinks that this is the perfect way to test their relationship. If they can make it through six weeks apart, maybe they are meant to be. But Marina realizes how difficult that is from the moment she steps off the plane at Miami International Airport. Everyone in her line of view is Abercrombie & Fitch-model worthy, namely her program advisor and instructor, Marco; along with the charming Australian player, Lincoln "Link," a white water rafting guide who seems completely interested in capturing Marina's heart over the next month and a half. Marina instantly knows that Link is one to stay away from at all costs. But that knowledge isn't enough to stop her from thinking about his ripped abs, mischievous smile, and gorgeous eyes. Even though he's a ladies man, Marina can't help but find herself drawn to Link. The fact that he shares her love of marine biology and the water only makes her like him more, and realize that the two of them are much better suited to be a couple than her and Damon. But with girls entering and exiting Link's life like a revolvin

I found Girl Overboard to be an awesome book, and it also scarily reminded me of my life! My initial reaction after reading was, "Wow, I'd love to do a cruise like this, it reminds me of a letter that my classmates and I received that discusses a trip to Australia, which would be fun if I could afford it." All my life, I have enjoyed the sea and marine animals and such, as one of the first careers I have ever considered is "dolphin trainer" which I can now convert to marine biologist. My other main interest is writing, which I have been told is by teachers and peers is a talent. The main character's old boyfriend in Vermont reminds me of my ex boyfriend, and although he was kind, he was basically trapped in one place, constantly at a computer. I have always wanted to explore the world, especially involving the ocean, animals, and something for college or career credit would be a large benefit as well. The story and characters were excellent and likable, I especially enjoyed the description of Lincoln (Link), and although I do not always like too much overconfidence, he seemed charming and sweet, not to mention his imaginable suave Australian accent. I also experience the same torn feeling as Marina, because though I want to explore the world and travel far, I am afraid of leaving my friends and loved ones behind. I usually don't completely enjoy "chick-flick"esque books, but Girl Overboard has a great, driving plot, interesting characters, and a wonderful writing style that made me feel like I was on the Students Across the Seven Seas program as well. This book was not only entertaining and a good read, but made me think of my future, as I am two years away from college and such. In fact, after reading this book, I became more interested in marine biology again, and have decided to take the Marine Science and Creative Writing Workshop classes during my high school years. I am grateful that I have read this book, and I wish the best of luck on Aimee Ferris' success.