The Highest Tide is a debut novel of immense elegance and confidence For fans of David Guterson and Rachel Carson

'***** This novel is so very special. If you reach the last page without having laughed out loud, felt tears well up or at least once sat back in wonder at the extraordinary descriptions of the sea and its creatures, then you may, quite simply, be inhuman' Independent on Sunday 'The Highest Tide is a charming debut, a rare coming-of-age novel that manages to avoid cliche and deliver its truths about adolescent American males without resorting to the onanistic humour that frequently blights the genre. Even the most hard-hearted readers will finish this book wishing they had their own bay to explore' Matt Thorne, Sunday Telegraph 'Lynch has written a lyrical, lovely novel as luminous and sparkling as the ocean, as well as created an unlikely hero who sees things for what they really are' Time Out 'The Highest Tide is one of the best novels it has been my pleasure to read for many a day ... Buy it you should. It is lyrical, moving, funny and breathtakingly well written ... This is a great novel which you will want to reread' Susan Hill, Spectator

Jim Lynch is a journalist for the Oregonian. This is his first book.