Reviews

How to Breathe Ash by Alex Nonymous

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sarahbayoumi's review

emotional sad

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

I felt so seen in this book. This book is so dear to me I couldn’t put it down unless absolutely necessary. As an Ace Autistic person I have never been able to see myself in books nor media the way that this book has done. I don’t feel like I am crazy when I have not cried for those that have passed. I loved everything about this book. I even ordered the paperback that is on the way so I can just hold this book forever and write all over it how much it means to me. Thank you for writing this.

sleebyy's review

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5.0

I received an early copy of this book and this review reflects that rather than the final version! I had such a wonderful time reading How To Breathe Ash, and the representation of disabilities/chronic illness was very refreshing to read :) I’m very excited to read the final version and update this review when it releases!

jakegreyxx's review against another edition

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4.0

This book follows an autistic MC trying to understand and process grief after both of her parents died
- also pan ace rep
- also her best friend has POTS
- also non-binary side rep
- also a mini cinderella sub-plot
Uhhh… sign me the heck up!
While it could do with a round of editing, this book was an incredibly beautiful read that had me constantly switching between laughing, crying, and begging for the MC to recognise the crush she was hiding from herself.
This book included a combination of flashbacks and dreams scattered through the chapters, and I loved the way these worked with the plot, often alongside it rather than remaining entirely separate. These sections worked to show that grief isn’t just about loss, that it can also be traumatic, and that can echo through in various areas of your life. It can be triggered not only by genuine reminders, but by other experiences, both positive and negative.
Trying to process grief in general can be difficult, but as an autistic person, there are extra barriers. And then we throw in all of the other things Eleanor is dealing with and processing all at once… that should be a sure sign you’re in for an emotional read.
There’s also a little romance subplot, and a little Cinderella kind of thing thrown in, but I don’t wanna spoil it. It’s all incredibly cute though.