Amy Hill Hearth

Based on the true events that happened during the Summer of 1916, this fictional tale follows a doctor and several characters as they navigate through the attacks of a shark from the shores of New Jersey to the creek waters.

Prior to the 1916 attacks, sharks were not known to attack along the shores but this particular shark had possibly seen its meals frolicking in the waters unaware, and what hungry would not pass up such a delectable meal. No one actually knew what kind of shark it was and most were far too busy with the polio outbreak and the possibility of the United States entering into World War I. No one wanted to believe that a shark would set its sights on the human population. Unfortunately, they would learn how wrong they are as bodies begin to pile up from young adults to children playing in the creek. Out there is a sea monster that needs to be destroyed before it even thinks of claiming another victim.

I remember this story being told when the History Channel actually played historical events. I am not sure what the program was called but I remember the story played numerous times. Children and adults playing in the waters and creeks belonging to New Jersey. It would be one of the deadliest attacks to be marked during the first half of the new century. While most believe that it could be a great white, others believed that it could be a bull shark as those are the ones most likely to attack humans as food.

Although the author was meticulous in her research, I ended up skimming the last portions of the book. I did not feel like we needed backstories to come of the characters and most overstayed their welcome. I just could not find any connection with the characters like I had wanted. The dialogue felt forced and the characters were not all well-fleshed out. Some even went MIA afterward like their character had done its purpose and nothing more was needed from them.

Final Thoughts:

The events of 1916 would be the premise for Peter Benchley's Jaws. I will recommend this book if you want to see the backdrop to the events. The characters are just there to push the narrative along but they really don't seem to do much for the story.… (altro)