Braided through the fascinating account...is Imbler’s own narrative.

Imbler mixes careful fragments of biography with selected bits of marine science to produce a unique and powerful debut, an alluring series of metaphors to describe what it means to be young and trans.

A writer with penchant for lyrical, almost poetic prose as well as a science journalist, Imbler’s hybrid approach of embedding science and reportage in personal narratives and queer storytelling gives them a singular, striking voice.

It is refreshing to be invited into the crafting of a narrative, to see how one can build upon a literature while acknowledging the need to move past it.

Imbler does an excellent job of making deep-sea creatures relevant in their memoir, a collection of ten essays connecting themes from their personal life to aspects of marine biology.

I was eager to get my own hands on Sabrina Imbler’s memoir...to see what all the excitement was about. I am here to vouch that all the fuss was totally justified.

Luminous.

Stunning and thoughtful.

Captivating.

In a book that is much more than an account of deep-sea creatures, journalist Imbler compellingly examines the parallels between the lives and priorities of people and aquatic animals. The author’s ability to locate connections across seemingly disparate topics...is both unique and engaging. Occasionally, Imbler’s juxtaposition of marine and human life feels forced, but the overall effect is heartening and encourages a reexamination of inherited ideas about family, community, and identity.