Reviews

The Selfless Act of Breathing by J.J. Bola

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liajfoster's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

jenpaul13's review against another edition

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3.0

A self-chosen and finite timer of available money to spend counts down the days left in a man’s life as he goes on one last adventure in JJ Bola’s The Selfless Act of Breathing.

To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.

A well-liked teacher in London, a dedicated friend, and a caring son, Michael tries to help those around him better their lives; but seeing the constant suffering and injustices persist takes a heavy toll on him. Struggling in life with mustering motivation to keep completing the expected daily tasks and interactions and feeling like more of an observer than a liver of life, Michael becomes resolved to spend the remainder of his meager funds while exploring the freedoms of America before ending his life. Leaving his home for San Francisco to begin his last journey, Michael’s adventure across America places life in a different perspective, both for himself and those he meets along the way.

Splitting the narrative in a disjointed manner between Michael’s time in America and his time at home leading up to his departure, the story slowly pieces together some of the discontent and losses that drive him toward his decision. The writing is descriptive and flows well, making it nearly effortless to become swept up in the emotional state conveyed from Michael’s current frame of mind and perspective on life, though it can be difficult to fully connect with him as there’s a distance from his innermost thoughts and motivations – those whys that are vital to both character and story. The way that secondary characters were brought in made it seem as if they and his relationship with them wasn’t worth expanding upon, which it would have been to develop out Michael’s character more deeply.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

louiselee3396's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

moyecome's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-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

4.0

kwadwo_adu's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

zellreads's review against another edition

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4.0

I loved the dual storylines of this book, and thought the way they built to a mutual conclusion was beautiful. The back and forth was a little confusing at first but once I settled into it, it felt really natural and was a great way to tell Michael's story. I loved him as a character and thought the plot was beautiful. As far as a book about wanting to die goes, this is everything "The Midnight Library" wanted to be but wasn't able to.