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The Art of Not Breathing
The Art of Not Breathing
Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 20, 2016
Review
Sixteen-year-old Elise is living in a family that is falling apart. Her twin brother Eddie disappeared off the Scottish coast five years ago and the chaos surrounding his disappearance bubble to the surface as she secretly takes up freediving, deep diving without oxygen. As Elise begins to identify truths and secrets that her younger self buried or did not understand, she navigates through her experiences with teen alcohol parties, stealing, pot, sex and a suicide dalliance. Elise's voice is raw and unadorned, providing a suspenseful and penetrating look at how a sibling's death affects each family member. The author is from London and the cultural references have not been Americanized. Refreshing.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Alexander, Sarah
Illustrator: ,
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: realistic fiction
Audience: grades 10-12
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: fair
ISBN: 9780544633889
Price: 17.99