Guest Book Review: A Drop in the Ocean

By Caryn Strean

Fans of Lisa Genova who are eagerly waiting for her to publish a new book, I have the perfect read for you. Jenni Ogden's debut, A Drop in the Ocean, tells the story of Anna Fergusson, a woman who has spent the better part of her years alone, interacting with only the research assistants in the lab she runs researching Huntington's disease. On her 49th birthday when she finds herself suddenly without a job, she wonders what she could possibly do with herself.

Quickly she seizes an opportunity to move to Turtle Island in Australia's Great Barrier Reef and where she meets the friends who become family and opens her mind and heart to the opportunities before her.

For those of you with a sense of wanderlust for the ocean, you will be impressed at the picture Ogden paints. I've never been one to scuba dive or snorkel, but the descriptions had me believing I was underwater with the characters as they explored the Reef. Another central theme to this story is the plight and life of sea turtles, and as Anna learns about their nesting habits and lifestyle, the reader does too without the heavy factual writing.

Ogden's psychology degree helps her develop characters that feel like family in the story but to the outside reader too. They are all fully formed, each with their own backstory, especially Tom, the younger turtle tagger who Anna quickly develops feelings for. Will her heart or her mind win out in her choices?

This would make a great book to toss in your beach bag for the warmer months as the beach setting makes for a lighter read. But those looking for a little more depth to their stories will enjoy it as well, as Ogden's background in research and psychology add intelligence to chick lit.

Thanks to Caitlin Hamilton Marketing for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Caryn Strean is a mom by day and reader by night. Asking her to name her favorite book is like asking her to choose a favorite child. Her friends call her The Book Whisperer. Caryn can be reached on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.