saralynnburnett's review against another edition
4.0
Rape and teen pregnancy is such a tough topic but this novel did it so well. In true YA fashion Mather sees Indy overcome the unthinkable, learn a new skill to help her on her journey (yoga), discover that families can be found, and start to move beyond the trauma that has occurred to her with a budding new romance. Another aspect I loved about this book was its setting in the Bahamas. Mather pulls the healing nature of the ocean, salty air, and island life in general (that ferry ride, all too accurate) into the narrative in beautiful ways.
tarabaharan's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
torrie_reads's review against another edition
4.5
Thoughts
From the very beginning I knew something was up and that it was going to be heartbreaking, and it was. This book is a tough one. However, it is really good.
I do think it would be great for a book club discussion because the ending could be very polarizing. But that is the beauty in reading, it's getting stories from perspectives that are different from our own. Or seeing the world through another person's lense.
This was just a beautifully told story that is heartbreaking and very real. I hope this book finds it's way into the hands that need it.
From the very beginning I knew something was up and that it was going to be heartbreaking, and it was. This book is a tough one. However, it is really good.
I do think it would be great for a book club discussion because the ending could be very polarizing. But that is the beauty in reading, it's getting stories from perspectives that are different from our own. Or seeing the world through another person's lense.
This was just a beautifully told story that is heartbreaking and very real. I hope this book finds it's way into the hands that need it.
_anjaliisingh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
ester_duraes's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
y_bookworm's review against another edition
5.0
Wow this book! I’m going to be honest when I first started to read this I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it! But this book is so real! **Full Warning rape sensitive **
A 16 year old girl raised by her Grammy in Africa because her mom was an addict and was a fast one in the streets as they say! Her grandma sent her to live with her uncle and aunt to try to have a better life but not knowing pure trouble will meet her there!
Indy has to learn how to live life in full defense, little sleep to protect herself from abuse, independence once she knows she is pregnant and betrayal by many she thought she can trust! Amazing book! Shows the reality of this world! But the strength of a women!
A 16 year old girl raised by her Grammy in Africa because her mom was an addict and was a fast one in the streets as they say! Her grandma sent her to live with her uncle and aunt to try to have a better life but not knowing pure trouble will meet her there!
Indy has to learn how to live life in full defense, little sleep to protect herself from abuse, independence once she knows she is pregnant and betrayal by many she thought she can trust! Amazing book! Shows the reality of this world! But the strength of a women!
chrissireads's review against another edition
3.0
I was immediately gripped by the synopsis of this book, so I put it on my Christmas wish list. I received a copy for Christmas and decided to get around to it ASAP. I’m pleased I did because although it didn’t blow me away, I thought it was a really interesting read. I will warn you though, it’s not an easy read. There’s sexual violence involved so proceed with caution.
Learning to Breathe follows Indy. She’s only just turned sixteen and finds herself pregnant after being assaulted. Indy now lives with her Aunt who couldn’t care less about her. She went from living with her dear Grammy who protected her, to someone who judged Indy on her mother’s reputation, which let’s just say, isn’t exactly glowing. Indy finds herself hiding the pregnancy, desperate to not be tarred with the same brush as her mother.
Indy is such a lovable character. I really wanted to reach into the story and protect her. I wanted to shake the adults in her life and get them to care more about the girl in front of them. I think the teachers at her school needed a good talking to as well. Completely useless!
This is Janice Lynn Mather’s debut novel and I think it shows a lot of promise. I did the feel like the pacing of the story was a little off. Sometimes it dragged and then the ending happened so quickly. The pacing of the story is what prevented me from giving this book 4 stars.
Learning to Breathe follows Indy. She’s only just turned sixteen and finds herself pregnant after being assaulted. Indy now lives with her Aunt who couldn’t care less about her. She went from living with her dear Grammy who protected her, to someone who judged Indy on her mother’s reputation, which let’s just say, isn’t exactly glowing. Indy finds herself hiding the pregnancy, desperate to not be tarred with the same brush as her mother.
Indy is such a lovable character. I really wanted to reach into the story and protect her. I wanted to shake the adults in her life and get them to care more about the girl in front of them. I think the teachers at her school needed a good talking to as well. Completely useless!
This is Janice Lynn Mather’s debut novel and I think it shows a lot of promise. I did the feel like the pacing of the story was a little off. Sometimes it dragged and then the ending happened so quickly. The pacing of the story is what prevented me from giving this book 4 stars.
novelswithnayo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
hidrnick's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25