Reason to Breathe

Breathing, Book 1

By: Rebecca Donovan

Narrated by: Kate Rudd

Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Reason to Breathe is the first book in the million-copy bestselling Breathing Series.

“No one tried to get involved with me, and I kept to myself. This was the place where everything was supposed to be safe and easy. How could Evan Mathews unravel my constant universe in just one day?”

In the affluent town of Weslyn, Connecticut, where most people worry about what to be seen in and who to be seen with, Emma Thomas would rather not be seen at all. She’s more concerned with feigning perfection - pulling down her sleeves to conceal the bruises, not wanting anyone to know how far from perfect her life truly is. Without expecting it, she finds love. It challenges her to recognize her own worth - at the risk of revealing the terrible secret she’s desperate to hide.

Reason to Breathe is one girl’s story of life-changing love, unspeakable cruelty, and her precarious grasp of hope.

©2013 Rebecca Donovan (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Such a great story

If you could sum up Reason to Breathe in three words, what would they be?

Emotional, Romantic, Courageous

What was one of the most memorable moments of Reason to Breathe?

The very end. I don't want to spoil.

Which character – as performed by Kate Rudd – was your favorite?

Both Evan and Emma were great, but I love Evan's devotion.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Evan just holding her even when he didn't fully understand.

Any additional comments?

This is just an emotional journey but I loved every minute of it.

Young People-True Problem

What made the experience of listening to Reason to Breathe the most enjoyable?

The tight friendship that was shared between Emma and Sara.

What did you like best about this story?

I found that the topic of child abuse was very compelling. Emma was a stalwart young teen, who found the courage to survive under the hate, cruelty and pure evil of her Aunt Carol.

Which character – as performed by Kate Rudd – was your favorite?

Emma was my favorite character as performed by Kate Rudd. Emma was brought to life through Kate Rudd. I saw her grow from a very insecure, fearful teen into a young girl who knew and now understood that she needed to leave the home of her Aunt Carol and Uncle George, in order to stay alive. She could no longer fade into the background, trying to hide herself away from her own existence. Emma was attempting to live as a ghost but her Aunt Carol would always bring her back to the reality that a ghost, she was not.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I did have an extreme reaction to this book. Although this book was not written for an adult, I did continue to the end. However, there were quite a few very descriptive scenes of abuse. I will not describe them here, but know that I felt emotions that I have rarely felt. The anger was over-the-top and flowed into a soul filled with hate. That is such a strong word, I know. However, I have no other word to describe the anguish I felt in my soul. And, yes, there were tears. Listening to the words of hate that spewed from Aunt Carol to Emma, such as whore, unimportant, better to have never been born or to have died when born, spawned tears. The many times that Emma was slapped or punched are too numerous to account for. Emma didn't invoke any reason to be hit on her back with a metal spoon, except to be seen by the evil that lived in the soul of her Aunt Carol.

Any additional comments?

I realize now that this book was written for the 11 to 13 age group. I know, in my heart, that not all but most children that age, wouldn't be able to understand what was happening in this book. I would truly hope not but who am I, there may very well be many children who comprehended the words with full understanding. Having said that, choosing topics to write about have intertwined into the issues that are confronting the masses of today's world. Jodi Picoult, would be the author of adult books who deals with today's issues. These books evoke very strong emotions in my soul. I wish the ending could actually be wrapped up in paper and tied with a bow and the world would carry on. However, knowing that not to be true only makes me hope for the impossible dream, that the world and its people could live in peace.

I'm an OLD adult - still loved it

What made the experience of listening to Reason to Breathe the most enjoyable?

Somehow I have accidentally wandered into the young adult section once again. But this was a great story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Wow

Great book. Asks tough questions, fantastic conversation starter with your older kids. tough material though.

So Pleasantly Surprised!!

I got this book on sale and since it had so many great reviews, I bought it.
I have never been so pleasantly surprised with a book on sale before. Usually they are so so. I loved this story even though it was sad. Emma does frustrate you in this story but you eventually understand her. I don't like how they leave you hanging in the epilogue.
It isn't clear what happens. Good thing I can't wait to purchase the next book in this series. I couldn't put this one down. WOW!!

Reason to breathe

Easy read. The story and narrator take you along with Emma thru love and loss.

A tough read

This was a tough read. I really liked the characters as they were 3 dimensional. My heart broke for Emma and what she was going through. The ending was a surprise until I realized it continues in the next book.

loved this book! I didn't want to stop listening!

It's very hard for me to get into books but this one had me hooked almost right away. ai definitely encourage people to give it a read!

A Must Read for Lifetime Movie Lovers

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have already recommended this book to multiple people and my facebook friends!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I don't know that I can pick, Sarah I guess, it is my name and well, she is the friend we all strive to be.

Which character – as performed by Kate Rudd – was your favorite?

Evan, truly made me feel his emotion

Difficult to read

Well written and beautifully performed, but I have a very hard time reading anything that contains unspeakable violence towards children. The only reason I continue is for the hope of justice or vindication at the end. SPOILER ALERT HEREAFTER. I kept struggling through the book but that justice never came, and that left me so angry. The book ended out of the blue like the author ran out of ink in her pen or realized she had five minutes to wrap up the book. It was very unfulfilling and disappointing after the emotional investment of forcing myself to see it through and I don't know why she chose to do that. Others may feel differently, but that was MY take away. Definitely not a book for young readers or anyone else who has problems reading fiction about child abuse.