The Shell Collector by Hugh Howey

   This was suggested as our August book club selection as a beach read, but it turned out to be so much more.  Not only was it a great beach read, light, but enthralling at the same time, but it also had a more important and more hopeful message.  Naive perhaps, but hopeful.

The book takes place in the not so distant future, after the sea level has risen and because of  acidification, the ocean has undergone a massive extinction level event where many of the creatures which live in shells have become extinct.

Enter Maya Walsh, the intrepid reporter who wants to finally get the evil oil barren she believes is behind the ruination of the world - Ness Wilde.   For generations, the Wilde family has engaged in unfriendly environmental practices and profited from the destruction of the ocean.  Maya is an avid shell collector, who loves the ocean.  She wants people to know the truth....

Except the truth isn't always what it seems.   I loved the story.    I loved the premise and the reveal at the end though I find it overly hopeful and as I said earlier somewhat naive.  If you are looking for a beach read and want something just a little bit different - this was quick, easy and definitely entertaining.  I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.