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Okay… I might have found the perfect shipwreck story to launch your summer reading list!
I’m not sure where I got this book. Maybe a forgotten bookstore find or a recommendation I jotted down and eventually bought?
Either way, The Last True Poets of the Sea has been sitting on my shelf for years. I almost donated it. But something made me pick it up one evening… and I’m so glad I did.
This book turned out to be a moving, beautifully written story—and the perfect kickoff to my summer reading.
Written by Julia Drake, The Last True Poets of the Sea follows Violet Larkin, a funny, rebellious teen with a complicated past and a heart that’s trying to heal. After her brother Sam’s mental health crisis, Violet is sent to spend the summer in Lyric, Maine—a town tied to their family’s lore.
A century earlier, their great-great-great-grandmother survived a shipwreck and helped build the town. Violet and Sam had always dreamed of finding that lost ship, the Lyric. Now, Violet wants to honor that dream and find a sense of redemption by searching for the wreck herself.
Along the way, she meets Liv Stone, a local historian with her own quiet intensity, and a cast of kind, compelling friends who show up in exactly the ways Violet needs.
As the story unfolds, themes of identity, family, grief, queer love, and resilience emerge. It’s heartfelt without being heavy-handed, and hopeful without ignoring hard truths.
One of the things I loved most? The setting. I’ve come to realize I have a soft spot for stories set in the Northeast—especially in small coastal towns during the summer.
There’s something about rocky beaches, foggy mornings, and community theater in historic buildings that makes a book feel cozy and alive at the same time. Lyric, Maine, felt like a real place I wanted to visit.
I also loved the sea lore woven throughout. I’ve always been fascinated by shipwrecks and stories of survival. That thread of maritime mystery lent the book a sense of wonder, even as it addressed real and sometimes painful topics. It was the perfect balance.
The characters felt real, flawed, and likable. Violet is bold, chaotic, and deeply caring beneath her defenses. Liv is sharp and steady, the kind of character you quietly root for. And even side characters had enough dimension to make the town feel lived in.
If you like YA that leans into real emotions, LGBTQ+ stories, or books that explore mental health and identity through an empathetic lens—this one’s for you. Bonus points if you’re drawn to stories by the sea.
I’m so glad I gave this book a chance before passing it on. Sometimes the best reads are the ones you almost overlook.
TL;DR:
✔️ Queer coming-of-age
✔️ Small coastal town in Maine
✔️ Shipwreck lore + family mystery
✔️ Beautiful writing and hopeful tone
✔️ Perfect for fans of We Are Okay by Nina LaCour or I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Have you read The Last True Poets of the Sea? Or do you have a favorite book set in a coastal town? Let me know—I’m always looking to add more ocean-themed reads to my list. 🌊
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