Review
WL Rating
By definition, coming of age stories are risky propositions. Many stories fall victim to romantic, self-indulgent visions of the past, wrapping events in a sickly sweet patina that leaves readers choking on the sentiment. But when they are done well, like in Tim Winton’s Breath, the results are wonderful to read. On a Wave, while not quite as good as Breath, is a simple, clean tale of the author’s surf-focused upbringing in early 1970’s Florida. On the heels of his parent’s divorce, Thad moves to Florida and immediately becomes smitten with the local surf scene. He begs his mother and stepfather for a board and the hook is set. The story then follows Thad through early adolescence into his experimental teen years as surfing provides the keystone for his sanity. While much of the book is, in fact, a sweet narrative on growing up surfing in Florida, Ziolkowski manages to avoid turning it into a cloying, sentimental journey. Instead, the book moves fluidly from chapter to chapter, gently pushing the reader along as the author matures and begins to find his place in the world. Ziolkowski begins and ends his book as an adult who, mired in his work, realizes that surfing may yet again provide solace for the daily rigors of life . For readers who have shelved their surfing identity in order to tend careers or family, Ziolkowski’s book may just provide the necessary push to get you back into the line-up. A light, enjoyable read. (February 2010)
On a Wave - Thad Ziolkowski
