This short, heady novel is about the contentious relationship between a diver father named Mitt and his son, who never measured up to his dad's expectations. Mitt is not happy with life on land and feels much more at home in the ocean. When he dies at sea, his body is never found, so his son Jay determines to find his father's bones in order to achieve some kind of closure for himself, his mother, and his sisters. But Jay is caught up in the tentacles of a huge octopus, pulled into the mouth of an enormous sperm whale, and swallowed. The novel is part emotional father-son drama, sci-fi thriller, wild adventure ride, spiritual experience, and coming of age narrative. While inside the belly of the whale, Jay is able not only to commune with his father but also to make very difficult decisions about what to do and how to escape this living prison in which he finds himself. Kris’ take - I have never read anything quite like this novel. It’s an easy read that made me want to continue turning the pages, not only to find out if Jay survives, but also to discover if he ever truly forgives his father and himself for their contentious relationship and finds some peace. I recommend it for those who love sci-fi thrillers and can really get into a book that explores what it means to come to grips with our flawed, imperfect lives and relationships.