Details: The Highest Tide, Jim Lynch, 2005

Categories: Fiction, YA

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In 15 words or less: Magic and mystery of adolescence lights up with the magic and mystery of the ocean

Yo for YA

One of the fun bonuses of being married to Marcella is that she’s a trained Children’s Librarian.

That means as well as the usual mix of business books, science books and grown-up fiction, I read the occasional “YA” (Young Adult) novel.

And it’s a bonus because almost inevitably, the books are fabulous - a delicious and gripping blend of imagination, character and observations on the absurdity and complexity of the adult world.

The Highest Tide is just such a mix, and one of the best reads I’ve had for ages.

Like a tangle of worms

It features Miles O’Malley, a 13 year old who’s passionate about the mudflats and ocean of his hometown Olympia, the scientist Rachel Carson … and his former baby-sitter.

One of the scenes of the book has Miles kayaking over to examine a phosphorescent display in the ocean. What he notices is a dramatic swarming tangle of sea worms, mating in a tangle of green and blue light.

Reading the book felt a little like that same tangle, with at least three great three themes tumbling and blending to make this such a delight.

1. Science

Lynch has ability to bring the science of the mudflats to life in a way that reminded me of Bill Bryson - full of awe, fun and humour and the ability to shine a light on the miracle of the everyday of life. By half way through the book I was filled with an urge to go poking around tidal pools.

2. Mystery

What is the mystery of the Highest Tide? Why do such inexplicable creatures start appearing? Things aren’t the same on the mudflats, and Miles is figuring out why - for himself and for us.

3. Love. Death. Friendship

The big themes which can feel SO hackneyed come alive through the wonderful characters Lynch creates: his best friend Phelps; his other best friend, the elderly Florence; former-baby-sitter now goth rock chic Angie; and a bunch of others.

And the theme I love most? Summed up in my favourite line of the book:

“I’m sorry for you, Miles, but I’m not worried about you because you don’t get in your own way. You never have, and believe it or not, that makes you extraordinary.”

If you like this, you might also want to look at:

The Hungry City Chronicles, Phillip Reeve. I’ve just finished the fourth and final the series - The Darkling Plain. The books are set in a future world where “traction cities” rule the world and war threatens the end of civilization. Not sure what Municipal Darwinism is? Your answer is here.

The Golden Compass, Phillip Pullman. The first of another epic series full of grand imagination and adventure. The movie is on its way with Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman. But it’s hard to imagine how it will compete with such a fantastic series of books.

A Series of Unfortunate Events, Lemony Snickett. This series of 13 books petered out a little towards the end - but the first bunch are a brilliant example of writing super smart, super funny, super non-patronising books for kids.

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