“Drowning is Inevitable” is the debut novel of one of ULM’s very own. Shalanda Stanley’s young adult book published earlier in September left her students staying up all night to finish it.

The novel is about 17-year-old Olivia living in the shadow of her mother’s young suicide.

She drowned herself when Olivia was only three. In the small town of St. Francisville, everyone expects her to take after her mother.

Olivia’s bestfriend Jamie gives her a shoulder to lean on during tough times. In return, she vows to protect him after a fight between Jamie and his father turns deadly.

Olivia and Jamie grab their other friends Max and Maggie to escape St. Francisville.

And just like that Olivia, Jamie, Max and Maggie go from recent high school graduates to fugitives. They head to New Orleans in hopes to find help, but must avoid being noticed as their faces are plastered on all the news stations.

Stanley introduces side characters throughout the kids’ journey that leaves you wanting to know more about them. Should you be suspicious? Relieved?

There’s Luke who doesn’t know how old he is and doesn’t go in the kitchen, but that’s okay because he has a beautiful voice.

There’s also Steven who gives the kids a place to stay and hot food once they arrive in New Orleans, but everything comes with a price.

Stanley’s writing flows together in a way that every scene seems natural. Nothing feels forced and everything will take you by surprise .

When they get to New Orleans you’ll feel nervous with them and every time someone might recognize them your own heart will beat a little faster.

The descriptions of New Orleans paint a romantic picture of the old city and comforts the reader despite the situation the characters are in. It was exciting to read about places in our very own backyard.

Stanley has a way of writing things that are touching and heart-breaking without being too flowery or wordy. She gets to the point in her writing and that point will drive right through your heart.

One of my favorite things about this novel is the focus on friendship. Olivia and Jamie are inseparable, but not in a romantic way. There is no love triangle. It’s a pure friendship between a male and female who are willing to do anything for each other.

This novel is a beautiful tragedy in the best way possible.