Christa Comes Out of Her Shell a is author Abbi Waxman's latest title. I have previously read and loved her novel The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, which was a brilliant Book lovers story. I was hoping to have a great reading time with this one too; I'm happy to report it was indeed a pleasure to read this story.
Christa is a scientist, currently living on a remote island rich in marine life but less rich in the human population type of place. She is studying the purple snails living on the island, where she spends most of her non sleeping time on water away from people and technology. Back home in LA while her father was alive, she was 2 years old, all cute and most photographed kid of her famous children's show host father; whose love for animals and taste for fame made him a hot ticket at the time. However it all comes crashing down when her father goes missing on a trip to Alaska and after some time declared missing then dead.
In the aftermath of his disappearance,though Christa hardly has any memories of her father she goes through a rebel, troublesome teenage phase. To avoid being famous , which runs in the family, for all the wrong reasons in her case, she's shipped off to boarding school. Soon, she gets her act together, studies hard graduates, becomes a scientist is now busy living and studying her beloved snails on a remote island close to France.
Like all famous people dead or alive, her father too makes the news and she is rudely called back home to welcome her undead father.
Will it be a happy reunion or the family wish their famous birth giver go back to being dead. That's the question and the answer to it is a joyride generously sprinkled with fun facts of marine creatures, random facts, charming wit, sense of humour and more.
The story has everything that a good dramatic situation should have. It would make for a fun, humour filled, kick ass reality tv which will not make you cringe for the wrong reasons. Of course some shitty human behaviour is to be expected and the father in the story delivered that in spades. No matter how the narrative was twisted for him I have 0 sympathy for him, he's the type of guy you'll love to not love.
Christa, her sisters, mother, Christa's love interest Nate and the other people that make up their family are all kickass characters. They sisters and their mother are going or have been through therapy to deal with the whole being in public eye trauma and side effects. I had fun seeing how they portrayed this, it was dealt with a touch of wit, humour and totally like a confident boss babe.
The dynamic between Christa and Nate was amusing, hot and so so full of happy vibes, even their fights and all were charming.
The character of Christa is lovable and it's her tough act yet vulnerable but not fragile quality is what makes you root and cheer for her. She does herself beautifully. Her little quirks to deal with suppressed emotions and trauma is done nicely and is practically relatable. How she gets through her unresolved issues and stands up for herself was like seeing a butterfly born, it's a bit pun intended her which you'll get when you read the story and see how that's referenced.
I enjoyed reading about Christa's exploits from a terrible teenager to the quite, funny, strong scientist with a shining personality. She does come out of her shelf and takes a grand flight staying true to herself. It's what we always want for the characters we love and enjoy being a part of their journey.
The story is mostly set in LA and there's plenty of drama, paparazzi, sneaking off to private beaches, staring a media frenzy, swoony spicy scenes, sibling shenanigans and marine trivia for good measure. Pick up a copy you'll sure enjoy reading it on a slow Sunday or Monday to beat them blues.
After a tumultuous childhood, Christa Liddle has hidden away, both figuratively and literally. Happily studying sea snails in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Christa finds her tranquil existence thrown into chaos when her once-famous father—long thought dead after a plane crash—turns out to be alive, well, and ready to make amends. The world goes wild, fascinated by this real-life saga, pinning Christa and her family under the spotlight. As if that weren’t enough, her reunion with an old childhood friend reveals an intense physical attraction neither was expecting and both want to act on . . . if they can just keep a lid on it. When her father’s story starts to develop cracks, Christa fears she will lose herself, her potential relationship, and—most importantly—any chance of making it back to her snails before they forget her completely.
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