A review by mehitabels
How to Breathe Underwater by Julie Orringer

5.0

Dear gods, this was crushing. Excellent, but crushing.

Nine short stories, mostly taking place from a young, teen girl perspective. Heartbreaking realization that teenagers really do go through some shite alone (and thank the gods I am well past that), and the uplifting spirit of strength and personality in each.

I read most of these while on various breaks at work, so that I usually returned with a stunned expression and once with tears in my eyes. But always with a new love in my heart, for another character that was so real and present that I am still expecting them to pass by my house or nod at me in the store.