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Swimming Sideways: Cantos Chronicles 1 Paperback – March 31, 2020

by CL Walters (Author)

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What do you do when your world has fallen apart, and there doesn't seem to be a way to put it back together?

Abby Kaiāulu (Kaw ee aw oo loo) gets the chance to start over when her family relocates from Hawaii to a small town on the Oregon coast.

But she's hiding a secret.

Leaving the past and the cultural lessons of her Hawaiian grandfather behind, Abby redefines who she is to hide it. There's Good Abby - she makes and follows the rules - and there's Bad Abby - she always questions them. But both leave Abby wondering: which one is she really?

Her road of self-discovery takes her on a journey where she must discover the truth of who she is as a daughter, a sister, a woman, a Hawaiian and as a friend.

But just when she thinks her world might be coming back together, it falls apart all over again.

Print length

378 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Mixed Plate Press
Publication date

March 31, 2020
Grade level

5 - 7
Reading age

16 - 18 years
Dimensions

6 x 0.84 x 9 inches
ISBN-10

1734256826
ISBN-13

978-1734256826
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Swimming Sideways is one of those awe-inspiring reads that can draw you into another world with action and punch, yet at the same time gives you a feeling of warmth and nostalgia. Walters has worked magic in bringing us this saga." -Natalie Banks, best-selling author of The Canary's Song

"Well-written and nuanced, Swimming Sideways brought me back to those turbulent teenage years I am now far removed from with vivid clarity." -Sydney Mann, author of The Dark Wood

About the Author

CL Walters writes in Hawai'i where she lives with her husband and two children. She's the author of the YA Contemporary series, The Cantos Chronicles (Swimming Sideways, The Ugly Truth and The Bones of Who We Are), as well as the adult book, The Letters She Left Behind. The Stories Stars Tell is her fifth novel and releases October 2020. You can stay connected by signing up for her monthly newsletter. Visit her website at www.clwalters.net and follow her writer's journey on Instagram @cl.walters.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mixed Plate Press (March 31, 2020)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 378 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1734256826
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1734256826
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 16 - 18 years
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 5 - 7
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.22 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.84 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #3,471,113 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #239 in Teen & Young Adult Fiction on Marriage & Divorce
- #4,868 in Teen & Young Adult Coming of Age Fiction

Customer Reviews:
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C.L. Walters

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As a kid, CL Walters, world revolved around two things: stories and make believe. She's built a real life around those two things: a teacher of stories and a writer of make believe.

With four books now published, she's looking forward to her fifth release October 13, 2020, a YA Contemporary Romance called The Stories Stars Tell.

Sign up for her newsletter for news, goodies, and fun (www.clwalters.net)

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5

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Evy

Great YA Read

Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2024

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This book broke my heart in pieces. It’s beautifully written, full of drama and emotions. As soon as I finished this book started the second ASAP! This book touches important topics like Family, friendship, truth, forgiveness, bullying, etc. I totally recommend this one.

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M. Wish

This book took me on a journey of the heart!

Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2019

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Swimming Sideways review

I adore this book. I fell in love with the characters immediately- with Abby and her family, and the complicated history and relationships with Seth and Gabe.
I felt all the feels! Romance, heartbreak, anger, joy, you name it!

Walters tackles real, difficult issues and does it in a way that brought memories back to me I had suppressed from my own past. Tears spontaneously sprang to my eyes on multiple occasions when Walters shot straight me to the heart- and I’m not usually one to cry while reading books.

Walters uses care and sensitivity in her writing about the Hawaiian cultured but does not shy away from difficult topics. Her prose and description is beautifully written and poetic, and I found myself getting lost in it on multiple occasions. (In a good way!)

The pacing of the story is wonderful. I was never bored or lacking understanding, though I was definitely left wanting to know more about Seth and Gabe- which she dives into in the next two installments (“The Ugly Truth”, and “The Bones of Who We Are”).

The ending is satisfying in many ways, and yet theres a cliffhanger that makes me want to read book two, STAT!
Highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to read the next two!!

Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2019

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In the beginning I was impressed with the writing but unsure where the story would lead. As the story slowly took shape I found myself falling in love with the characters and I found myself rooting for both Gabe and Seth. Before I knew it I was pulled into the story unable to put the book down until I finished the last page. The book ended with a cliffhanger making me anxious to pick up the story again in book two. The writing is excellent, the storyline is interesting and the book keeps you turning the pages until the very last page. I would highly recommend this book.

Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2020

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Intriguing. There were many things I liked about this story, from Abby wrestling with her past, her parents’ marital issues, ties to her cultural roots, to the complex web that is Gabe and Seth. When you find out what happened between them and the reasons behind their character arches, it all ties in together nicely. I liked how Abby came to grips with the ghost that haunted her and stopped relying on “good” and “bad” Abby and came into her own, even able to defend herself and talk about some of the things that hurt her. This book was well written and I will definitely read the next one.

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Laurie Holbrook

Walters has writing an alluring story of teenage life!!

Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2020

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Swimming Sideways is a story of Abby, a teenager who has moved to Canto's from Hawaii. I loved the different aspects of her life; family, friends, and school. Abby has a past in Hawaii and is determined to leave it behind. The author has written a beautiful story of the life and struggles of teenage life. All the characters are popular, except for one, which is definitely my favorite. Good job Walters, you have written an alluring story.

I read her trilogy out of order, starting with The Ugly Truth. It didn't bother me any, it only made me want to go back and read it again! I cannot wait to read the final story of Gabe, The Bones of Who We Are.

Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2018

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This is a story of a girl with a secret, a boy with a secret, and another boy with a secret. Their experiences are different, but the struggles each has mirrors the others. While they have the capacity to help each other through, their complex and sometimes conflicting relationships can make it difficult. Abby is a relatable character trying to find her way as she and her family move from Hawaii to Oregon. I loved how she brought her connection to the islands to her new home, relying on what she learned from her past to shape her present as she puzzles through her new life.
So many times with this book I told myself “just one more chapter,” and ended up reading a couple more. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

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Amazon Customer

A Treat

Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2018

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Loved everything about this book. Abby and her life is described with great sensibility. Her thoughts and feelings, her experiences, familiar to many, are painted against the backdrop of her unique upbringing as a native Hawaiian child. The reader is treated to not only a great story, but also gains some insights and knowledge of Hawaiian culture and the importance of knowing and remembering one's origins. Loved this multifaceted story. Sorry, I have to make to short so I can go and order the sequel :) Great job, CL Walters!

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Mesagirl

Enjoyable, insightful

Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2019

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You won't be disappointed when reading this author. Characters are complex, believable and will grab your heart. I have enjoyed both offerings very much and can't believe I haven't ordered #3 yet...but I will...CL, keep up the good work.

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Top reviews from other countries

Rayna

Wow and just more Wow!

Reviewed in Canada on July 15, 2020

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For me, the book started a little slow. I thought eh, okay, another new kid in school, then BAM! As soon as the supporting characters were revealed they pushed the protagonist to a new level and I was hooked. The writing is outstanding, nothing cliché here. CL Walters weaves in a rich Hawaiian heritage packed full of life lessons—nothing preachy, just beautifully worded, relatable wisdom. The characters, Abby, Seth, and Gabe all have tough, real-life teen issues that are woven together in a way that packs a solid punch. This novel is part of a trilogy. The ending had me immediately downloading the next book, The Ugly Truth.

Paola

Simply great.

Reviewed in Italy on September 18, 2021

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I simply loved this book.
It's a great story about teenagers seeking acceptance from others and learning that in order to get it they have to accept themselves first.
The love triangle is well written in a non trivial way. The chemistry between the main characters is strong! Even though I am and always will be team Gabe, there's no denying that Seth becomes a very likable character when trying to conquer Abby's heart. I kinda wish there was an Abby for both of them.

Carrie

A book with true heart

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 30, 2019

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A teenage girl with a secret, a disintegrating family and a choice between two damaged guys. Sounds like a lot of books, right? So I was surprised how much I loved this one. Even more so, given that YA romance/contemporary is not my comfort zone, there's not a great deal of plot and the text has a few typo and formatting issues.
So why five stars? Because I couldn't put it down. Page after page turned because I cared about these characters and the book grabbed me by the heart and wouldn't let go.

TLawn

FINALLY

Reviewed in Canada on October 14, 2019

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This is what I’ve been looking for. I’ve been trying to read more Self-Published authors and finally C.L. Walters has provided me with a self-published book that, aside from a few more typos or missing word than a typical, traditionally published book, does not feel self-published.

This book came at me unexpectedly. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I know I didn’t think I’d find a book that I needed at seventeen. This book reached inside my heart and pulled out lessons about the nature of people and the lenses through which we view them that I’ve been discovering myself over the past few years. To have them echoed back at me through Abby was an affirmation of the lessons I’ve been collecting. The ideas about people not being good or bad but just everyone trying to make sense of life and do what they can with what they know.

I wouldn’t say Abby is a realistic depiction of a sixteen year old. In fact, I wouldn’t say anyone in this story is a realistic depiction. They’re all heightened. Better. They’re who we strive to be. They’re not perfect by a long shot, but they show inner wisdom, self-awareness, and growth that we usually need a lot of therapy to see. But that didn’t once put me off the story. Instead, I believe it provides a reflection to view ourselves in and see our potential.

Walters also manipulated my feelings expertly. I felt Abby’s inner conflict because, like her, I had no idea where I wanted the story to go. I could see the possibilities, but I was torn between those possibilities.

I truly attached myself to the characters and there were multiple chapters in a row where I was just full of tension, not wanting things to unravel. Holding my breath while reading as though I had any control to stop a negative outcome.

I will tell you now that im usually quite difficult to please. Oftentimes I dread reviewing indie authors because I pride myself on honesty, but also believe in encouragement. But I had no trepidation coming into this review because I genuinely loved this story. And I’m so glad I waited to start the trilogy until after the release of the third instalment because I don’t think I could have beaded to wait.

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