I’ve been looking forward to reading this book since I first heard about it. It was a breath of fresh air. A young adult book that was original, light, and fun to read. I love the way the main character, Charlotte, thinks and speaks and all of the other characters are able to stand on their own as well. Every one is so uniquely different which makes each character instantly likable, even on their not-so-good days.

While the book covers only a short time within Charlotte’s life, it’s a very important week that will change her life forever. It was a joy to read and breeze through, no need to over think anything or try to unravel any underlying messages. It was just the type of book I needed after being weighed down with so many life or death heavy paranormal books as of late. While there was one moment that got me upset with a few characters within the book, it was so realistic, it had to happen, and things had to be better in the end for it. A great read for anyone who’s ever dreamed of escaping! ( )

personal response: I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't quite what I initially thought it would be. I am a big fan of Maine so I grabbed it from the library not knowing what to expect. I enjoyed the humor and reading about the small town Maine life, but I couldn't really get into the story as I had a hard time identifying with the main character's struggles. I haven't really felt this way about a book before to the point where it was that apparent.
Grades 9 - 12

curricular connections:
Language Arts / English / Literature: group read and discussion. Complexities of character and similar experience ( )

Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com

Charlotte quits. Wants out. Wants to leave everything behind. She doesn’t want to have to be responsible for her brother and sister. She doesn’t want to be around her mom, who finds comfort in her pills, or her dad, who surrounds himself with everything healthy and natural. She can’t stand school or having to go back and forth on that stupid ferry.

Charlotte just needs time to think. To think about her longtime boyfriend, Noah, who is making her even more confused. To think about her friendship with Susannah; that is, if she is even her friend any more. To think about how she is leading her life and if her family is really there for support.

Charlotte thinks she has the answer: boarding school. But is it the right answer? Charlotte isn’t leaving right away, so she has time to think some more. Will this time help her decide who is really there for her and who isn’t? Or will it make the decision to leave even harder? Can she muster up the strength and courage to actually see what a new life would be like? At least she has those stupid ferry rides to use to think about it, especially with a little company from a certain someone that she never thought would be more than a friend.

A girl, a ferry, and a very important decision.

Three cheers for Charlotte, the perfect heroine for anyone who needs to make a big decision that will change their life and hopefully make it better. LOBSTERLAND was adorable, captivating, and completely real. The perfect read for those who need a character that kicks butt. ( )