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.

Good

This book made me laugh, cry, angry, and happy. The ending was tough and then relieved.

Wow....just wow....

Would you listen to Reason to Breathe again? Why?

Absolutely

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did!

Any additional comments?

This was just the begining of a rollercoaster ride of emotions! Powerful topics in this series and it was a crazy trip. I wanted to strangle some people for being so cruel, some stupid decisions made me cringe, but some wonderful moments of bliss kept me listening. Loved it! Now on to the next!

Rebecca

I just loved this book. I could feel every emotion. Laughing, crying, being scared for her. I getting the whole series as we speak. This Arthur is a great writer. I will continue to read any book she writes. Excited to get started on the next books.

WOW!!!

A compelling story, well written and read. I couldn't wait to listen to the additional books in the series!

Best book

This was my first time hearing it on audio. My most favorite series! Looking forward to hearing the next one!

Difficult ending

Not what children should be exposed to. Ending is confusing. Did she or did she not survive.

This is for teenage girls

Was recommended because of my interest in crime thrillers. I should have read more reviews before purchasing. Not a terrible book, just not what I was expecting and not in what should be the target demographic.

5 Breathe Stars

So I am doing a re-read of all 3 only in audio this time. Again it’s a highly emotional book, look at the subject matter we are talking about. Physical and mental abuse from a parental type. Tears here, tears there, its unavoidable with this book.

“I took a deep breath and allowed a dull wash of nothingness to envelop me.” – Emma

Emma has one friend Sara, and Sara only knows “some” of what goes on in Emma’s house. Emma can’t tell anyone how her aunt treats her, and her uncle goes about his business like nothing is happening.

Emma can’t wait to be out of her own personal hell, she counts down the days. She has her head stuck in a book or on the soccer field or basketball court. Anything to be out of her house as much as she is allowed.

So much so she is oblivious as to the boys and girl of the high school who want to get to know her but stay away because she projects a stay away vibe.

Until Even Mathews come to town, and turns Emma’s world up sided down. But he also makes her learn to live. Something she doesn’t think she can or should do at this point of her life. Just surviving another day is all she is focused on.

“How could Evan Mathews unravel my constant universe in just one day?” – Emma

This is such a touching story, of strength and will. I don’t know who could live through what Emma has and still try to not let anger consume her.

The performance was utterly amazing, one of the best audio’s I have ever listen too. I can’t wait to start book 2.

*All my Reviews are 100% honest and my own.*

Surprisingly Good

This book is a YA listen which is not my usual choice. I thought I would give it a try as the book was recommended by a friend and the ratings it has recieved.
I really enjoyed this book though it was tough to read in parts due to the abuse that Emma suffered at the hands of her Aunt.

I felt that the author dealt with abuse in a fairly realistic way, though thankfully I have never suffered myself I have had friends who did.

I know some people felt that either Emma herself or one of her friends should have said something but it's not that easy.
Her aunt had her believing that she was so worthless & she also loved her cousin's & didn't want them to have to grow up without their parents as she had done.
And her best friend Sara did try to tell but Emma threatened to use info on her to stop her from doing so.

Evan was a great love interest, as he was new to the school he didn't have any experience with Emma's ways over the years. Often we have a girl who claims not to know how beautiful she is or why anyone would have any interest in her (which is very annoying IMO) but in this case because of the mental abuse she receives from her aunt it is believable. I love that he never gives up on her when trying to get to know her no matter how many times she rebuffs him.

On the downside I did find myself skimming on occasion as the author got overly descriptive in parts, it felt a bit like she was trying to fill out the book which I didn't feel was necessary.
I also never really understand why her aunt hated her soooo much & why she reacted in such a brutal way to her without any previous history of being violent, I could have done with a bit of back story on this. Also a bit more on George, did he know what was happening, if so did he not care or did he not want to believe it could happen.

If you find after you have read a few chapters that you are enjoying this book as much as I did, I would recommend you have book 2 Barely Breathing at the ready as this ends on a bitch of a cliffhanger.
Kate Rudd was outstanding in the delivery of the story.

Can't wait to read next book

Would you consider the audio edition of Reason to Breathe to be better than the print version?

Yes, because you get a real feel for the characters. When I read I imagine certain actors and actresses for each character but audio gives their roles more depth.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sarah, she is a true friend. Whether she was giving on what to wear, on love or life she was always there...well almost always there for Emma.

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

Jay he was such a lovable jerk, but whenever he spoke I knew it was him

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Life is for loving and living

Any additional comments?

Many serious topics were discussed. In the movie version this book would probably be rated a PG 13. Even though many of the topics are hard to discuss, they are too serious not to discuss with the youth of today. Abuse is real! Teacher, Counselors, and Doctors to name a few, are trained to observe the signs of abuse. The abusers have trained and honed the art of deception. The person being abused like Emma is often too afraid of life without the abuse.