The Mermaids of Lake Michigan by Suzanne Kamata is about change, growth and reality. Set in the 1970s, this coming of age novel surprised me with its disconnect that connects.  The story itself reads like a journal, a memoir of sort that sees to the growth of our main character Elise. And because of that, it reads exactly like what it is, a teenager's journal, with added depth. Sometimes you see the development in Elise's character, and then the next, it reverts itself back to uncertainties. I had a hard time connecting with the characters. They were all too distinct with the stereotype they each played which gives way to understand where that character is coming from. However, it also doesn't seem to flow or connect with each other on an emotional level. Despite that, I am impressed by the fluidity of the author's writing style, as well as how she handled intimacy which was alluded and not expressive, matching the style we've come to expect.  It's surprising how as we near the end, how well executed all plot points were. Everything is full circle and everything had its purpose, creating that connection that I felt lacked in characters. Sometimes it's just a story, and this is Elise's story.