Author Michael Buckley has created a dystopian Coney Island in “Undertow” (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $18.99, ages 16 and up), his first young adult novel. It is a story of friendships and love in a xenophobic world where violence is rampant and acceptance is scarce.
Buckley’s main character, 16-year-old Lyric Walker, witnesses the arrival of an undersea species, the Alpha, on the beach of Coney Island. The Alpha are seen as a threat, and the area turns into a war zone under martial law. When six Alpha teens are forced to attend her high school, Lyric is assigned to befriend their crown prince, Fathom. This leads to an unlikely and dangerous attraction that could jeopardize a family secret. It may also be the only hope of survival against a much greater enemy.
“She is not typical. She is a little bit wild,” Buckley said of Lyric in a recent interview. “There is a natural confidence about Lyric. … There is also vulnerability. She is really destined for greatness.”
But a secret holds her back. Once a "wild thing," Lyric has had to conform to society. She is sassy and strong-willed and questions authority, but to keep herself and those she loves safe, she molds herself to not stand out, to not be noticed and to not matter.
“She has had to tap down the best part parts of her,” said Buckley, whose previous books for middle grade readers have been on the New York Times best-seller lists. “If that secret gets out, it puts everybody in danger.”
Lyric’s best friend, Bex, short for Becca, is the funny sidekick. Bex also has a secret, and her larger-than-life personality is just a cover. Beneath the smiles and sarcasm is a lot of heartbreak. Together, Lyric and Bex form a friendship that is unbreakable.
Buckley noted that the most important dynamic of the novel is the family that Lyric chooses for herself.
“Despite the monsters and mayhem in 'Undertow,' the book is really about two young women who choose to be responsible to one another, to be the safety net for the other, to provide the love and support that the other needs no matter what,” Buckley said. “For me, the family you choose is often the most important one of your life.”
The characters and relationships vary in “Undertow,” which was released May 5. The relationship between Lyric and her parents is very loving though riddled with normal teen drama. Bex comes from a troubled family. Fathom is the son of the Alpha Prime, who rules the nation as a heartless dictator and treats his son no better.
Buckley hopes that Fathom’s loyalty and attitude will send a good message to readers.
“It's really a person's attitude that makes for a happy life, and every parent is a good example. It's just sometimes they are a good example of how not to live your life,” Buckley said.
Buckley identifies with some of the issues his characters experience, which gives the book an honest though sometimes heartbreaking and frustrating feel. His ability to relate to readers of young adult books makes for empathetic, realistic and likable characters, even if their family situations are not ideal.
“I think it's a simple truth that some kids don't get the perfect family,” Buckley said. “They are put into households that are complicated, unsafe and sometimes impossible.”
Buckley’s “Undertow” characters are more complex than those of his other series, The Sisters Grimm and N.E.R.D.S. He did a lot of research to create believable characters and real-life situations that teens face. Buckley felt he had to “up his game” for the young adult crowd. He succeeded in his goal to find the right language to paint the emotions of heartache, fear and joy.
Many of the issues in “Undertow” are issues that the United States has faced in the past and present. Themes of immigration and borders are woven throughout the novel. The hostile reception the Alpha receive as they are integrated into the school is not unlike events during the civil rights movement of the ’50s and ’60s.
Buckley hopes readers will recognize these scenes mirror actual historical events.
“Maybe they will read the book and think, ‘I can find answers to make sure that does not happen again,’” said Buckley, whose first visit to Utah will be this week for a book signing in Salt Lake City. “It is a lofty dream, but wouldn’t that be nice if that happened?”
The book contains teenage slang and swearing along with derogatory remarks. It also includes difficult themes such as bullying, racism, physical abuse, alcohol abuse, racial injustice and child abuse. The violence is generally described and the sexual content includes kissing and some lewd comments.
The publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, has provided an educator’s guide to present discussion questions and other activities designed to meet Common Core State Standards.
The second book in the Undertow trilogy, “Raging Sea,” will continue the journey of Lyric and company as they search for missing family and end up imprisoned. It is scheduled to be released in February 2016.
If you go ...
What: Michael Buckley book signing
When: Tuesday, May 12, 7 p.m.
Where: The King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Web: kingsenglish.com, undertowtrilogy.tumblr.com, michaelbuckleywrites.com
Note: Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of the featured book from The King's English.
Email: caresa.randall@gmail.com