The Ocean Witch by Katee Robert is a captivating tale that immerses readers in a world of magic, romance, and adventure. Set in the fictional island of Moonspell, this young adult fantasy novel follows the story of McKinley, a young woman with a dark secret. McKinley is known as the "ocean witch" due to her unique ability to control and communicate with ocean creatures. Despite being treated as an outcast by her village, she embraces her powers and uses them to navigate the treacherous waters surrounding Moonspell. However, McKinley's life takes an unexpected turn when she rescues a mysterious man named Uriel from a shipwreck. It soon becomes clear that Uriel possesses his own set of abilities, and his arrival in Moonspell brings forth a dangerous chain of events.

PERRY COMO MADE A LIFE OF BEING A NICE GUY

Maybe some nice guys finish last. Perry Como was not one of them.

Armed with a velvet baritone and a cardigan sweater, Como for almost 70 years offered a soothing pool of calm amid the turbulent seas of modern life.

So when he died Saturday at the age of 88, this television and recording star remained one of the best-loved entertainers of his generation, an immigrant’s son who for decades symbolized grace and class as a performer.

He used his success to buy himself a long, leisurely semiretirement with his wife of 65 years and a large extended family.

In fact, Como and his wife, Roselle, whom he met at a picnic when he was 16, had just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary when she died in August 1998.

Como died in his sleep at his home in Jupiter, where he had spent most of his time after his health began to fail several years ago. One of 13 children born to Italian immigrants in Canonsburg, Pa., Pierino Roland Como quit school at 11 to earn money by sweeping floors at a barber shop.

By 14 he owned his own shop, but he had also fallen in love with the easygoing vocal style of Bing Crosby. When he got an offer to sing with Freddie Carlone’s band in Cleveland in the early ’30s, he quit the barber biz.

In 1936, he started a six-year run as the vocalist for Ted Weems, and in 1943 he went solo. He made his television debut in 1948 on NBC’s Chesterfield Supper Club and two years later jumped to CBS for The Perry Como Show. He returned to NBC in 1955 and kept a weekly show until 1963.

On records and on television, he made it look much easier than it was, and while he was never the best in either field, he became very good at both.

From sentimental songs such as Prisoner of Love and Till the End of Time to finger-poppers (Catch a Falling Star) and novelty hits (Hot Diggity Dog Ziggity Boom), Como’s music offered first a continuation of the golden-age pop-song tradition and later an alternative, for many of his listeners, to the harsh new sound called rock ‘n’ roll.

But rock ‘n’ roll did squeeze him off the radio, and after his television show ended, he downshifted both careers. Still, he starred in regular specials on broadcast and public television into the ’90s.

He had a last round of pop hits in the ’70s with songs such as And I Love You So, and his records continued to sell steadily, particularly his Christmas albums. He was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors for performing artists in 1987, and he was co-host of a weekly radio show, Weekends with Perry, right up to his death.

His fellow entertainers mourned the singer Crosby once called “the man who invented casual.”

“In the times I was in his company, I found him to be a man who cared about listening to other people,” comedian Don Rickles said. “Perry was a special kind of guy whose charisma will never be matched.”

Comic Jack Swersie, who opened for Como during the singer’s last three tours in the early 1990s, said the singer was “simply put, the nicest person I have ever met and the greatest man I ever worked with.”

George Kalman, a longtime friend who produced Weekends with Perry, said that in private, Como “was a genuinely nice man. There was nothing phony about him, nothing show biz. He was a pleasure to work with and to know.”

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Perry Como

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• AllMusic - Biography of Perry Como
• Hollywood Walk of Fame - Biography of Perry Como
• The Kennedy Center - Perry Como

• Perry Como - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• AllMusic - Biography of Perry Como
• Hollywood Walk of Fame - Biography of Perry Como
• The Kennedy Center - Perry Como

• Perry Como - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Perry Como (born May 18, 1912, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.—died May 12, 2001, Jupiter, Florida, U.S.) American singer and entertainer whose mellow baritone voice and relaxed, easygoing manner—typified by his trademark cardigan sweaters—made him an audience favourite during a career that lasted over six decades and in which he sold more than 100 million records. For 15 years (1948–63) he hosted weekly television variety shows, winning Emmy Awards in 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1959, and his annual Christmas TV shows became a staple of the holiday season.

Como, whose parents had immigrated to the United States from Italy, was one of 13 children. Despite the family’s poverty, all the children received music lessons, and Como learned to play several instruments and to read music. He began working when he was about 10 years old, sweeping up in a barber shop, and by the time he was in his mid-teens, he was the owner of his own shop, where he sang while he worked. When he was about 20, Freddy Carlone, a bandleader in Cleveland, Ohio, offered him a position as vocalist, and encouraged by his customers and his family, he became a singer with that band in 1933.

In 1936 Como was signed by Ted Weems to sing with his orchestra. This orchestra, based in Chicago, also performed on the radio, increasing Como’s exposure. Como recorded and broadcast with Weems until that orchestra broke up in 1942. He had decided to return to his career as a barber to be able to spend more time with his family, but when he was offered a contract to record and appear on radio in 1943, he accepted. His first single, “Goodbye Sue,” was released later that year. Also that year, he signed a seven-year movie contract, though his film appearances were for the most part not notable.

In 1944 Como had his first hit record, “Long Ago and Far Away,” and the first of his over a dozen million-selling hits, “Till the End of Time,” followed in 1945. Among his other hits of the 1940s and ’50s were “If I Loved You,” “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows,” “Hot,” “Temptation,” “ Papa Loves Mambo,” “Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes,” the first of his 14 number one records, and “ Catch a Falling Star,” for which he won a Grammy Award in 1958.

Between 1944 and 1950 Como starred in his own NBC radio show, The Chesterfield Supper Club, which from 1948 was also televised. By this time Como was one of the most popular singers in the country. The Perry Como Show, a 15-minute variety show, began appearing three times a week on CBS in 1950. When the show moved to NBC (1955–59) it became a one-hour weekly variety show. Opening with Como performing the theme “Dream Along with Me,” the show was also known for the popular “Letters, we get letters” segment, in which Como sang songs that his viewers requested.

Beginning in 1959 Como served as host of the Kraft Music Hall; he ended his weekly appearances in 1963. After that he hosted numerous seasonal specials, often several times a year. His Christmas specials, broadcast from various countries, were most popular. They were annual through 1986, with the final one recorded in Ireland in 1994. During the later years of Como’s career, he enjoyed such hits as “It’s Impossible,” “And I Love You So,” and “For the Good Times.” Como was awarded a Kennedy Center Honor in 1987, and he received a posthumous Grammy Award for lifetime achievement.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Pat Bauer.

Magic Moments Lyrics

Magic moments, when two hearts are caring
Magic moments, memories we've been sharing

I'll never forget the moment we kissed the night of the hay ride
The way that we hugged to try to keep warm while takin' a sleigh ride

Magic moments, memories we've been sharing
Magic moments, when two hearts are caring

Time can't erase the memory of
These magic moments filled with love

The telephone call that tied up the line for hours and hours
The Saturday dance I got up the nerve to send you some flowers

Magic moments, memories we've been sharing
Magic moments, when two hearts are caring

Time can't erase the memory of
These magic moments filled with love

(The way that we cheered whenever our team was scoring a touchdown)
The time that the floor fell out of my car when I put the clutch down

(The penny arcade, the games that we played, the fun and the prizes)
The Halloween hop when everyone came in funny disguises

Magic moments filled with love

Writer(s): ALEXANDER FRED JR, BEAVERS NORMAN PAUL
Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

It soon becomes clear that Uriel possesses his own set of abilities, and his arrival in Moonspell brings forth a dangerous chain of events. As McKinley and Uriel's paths intertwine, they are drawn into a battle against an ancient evil that threatens to plunge Moonspell into darkness. Along the way, they discover hidden truths about their pasts and a powerful connection that binds them together.

More from UK Number Ones 1958

Katee Robert masterfully weaves together elements of fantasy and romance, creating a spellbinding narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The Ocean Witch is not only a story about magic and adventure but also a tale about self-discovery and the power of love. With vivid descriptions and a richly developed world, Robert transports readers to Moonspell, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in this enchanting universe. The main theme of The Ocean Witch is the power of embracing one's true self and finding strength in one's differences. McKinley, despite facing rejection and isolation due to her abilities, remains true to herself and continues to fight for what she believes in. Through her journey, readers are reminded of the importance of accepting and celebrating their own unique qualities. Overall, The Ocean Witch is a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy. From its compelling characters to its heart-pounding plot, this novel offers a captivating reading experience. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary powers lie within ourselves..

Reviews for "Breaking the Waves: A Guide to Understanding the Unique World of "The Ocean Witch"

1. Jane - ★☆☆☆☆ - I was really disappointed by "The Ocean Witch" by Katee Robert. The story seemed promising, with its magical underwater world and potential for adventure. However, I found the writing style to be lackluster and the plot to be poorly executed. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to connect or care about their fate. Overall, I felt that the book failed to deliver on its promising premise, and I wouldn't recommend it to others looking for a captivating fantasy read.

2. Mark - ★★☆☆☆ - "The Ocean Witch" by Katee Robert fell short of my expectations. I was hoping for a thrilling and immersive experience, but instead, I found the pacing to be slow and the plot quite predictable. The romance element felt forced and cliché, taking away from the potential for a more unique and engaging storyline. Additionally, the world-building lacked detail, leaving me with a lackluster sense of the underwater realm the book was supposed to explore. In the end, I was left unsatisfied by the book and wouldn't recommend it to those seeking a captivating fantasy adventure.

3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆ - "The Ocean Witch" by Katee Robert didn't live up to the hype for me. The characters felt underdeveloped, and their actions often didn't make sense within the context of the story. The pacing was inconsistent, with slow sections that dragged on and failed to hold my attention. Moreover, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to fully engage with the interactions between the characters. While the concept of an underwater world was intriguing, the execution left much to be desired. Overall, I was left disappointed and wouldn't recommend this book to others.

Discover the Secrets of the Ocean with Katee Robert's Unforgettable Heroine