The Weight of Water is a haunting and heartfelt young adult novel that follows Sailor Byrd, a teen grappling with overwhelming guilt and grief after the tragic drowning of her younger sister, Beth. Set against the backdrop of a coastal town, the story unpacks themes of loss, mental illness, isolation, and the often-messy journey toward healing. As Sailor navigates a world that’s suddenly foreign and full of blame—both self-inflicted and external—her dream of freedom on the ocean collides with harsh emotional realities. The novel doesn’t shy away from trauma, instead diving deep into it, portraying the complexities of familial relationships, friendship betrayals, and internal battles with raw honesty.

Deene writes with an intensity that sometimes left me breathless. Her prose, simple but emotionally sharp, feels like reading someone’s private journal, filled with real pain and confusion. I especially appreciated the contrast between Sailor’s dream of a life at sea and the suffocating weight of her grief. Every page feels soaked in sorrow, but there are glimmers of warmth and memory that keep it from drowning in darkness. The way Beth was written, her quirks, fears, and the bright yellow she clung to, is unforgettable.

The pacing slowed at times, especially during Sailor’s more introspective moments. While those sections reflect the real heaviness of grief, they sometimes felt a bit repetitive. A couple of side characters, like Mya and Sam, weren’t as deeply developed, especially in how their distance and betrayal were portrayed. But maybe that was the point. When you’re grieving, people can feel unfamiliar, even unreal. Through it all, Sailor’s voice remained strong and steady, anchoring the story in a way that kept me turning the pages, even during its heavier moments.

The Weight of Water is a powerful read. It’s not for the faint of heart—it deals openly with death, trauma, and depression—but if you’ve ever lost someone or felt like you were drowning in emotions, it hits close to home. I’d recommend it to teens and adults who don’t mind sitting with discomfort and are looking for an honest portrayal of grief. It’s painful, yes. But it’s also quietly beautiful. And healing, in its own way.

Pages: 240 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F6Q1L2VV