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132minutes's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.25
bibliobrandie's review against another edition
1.0
While I think teen depression is a very important topic, this book frustrated me. Thirteen-year-old Olivia tries to help her older sister Ruth who is struggling with depression. They are on a cross country trip with their family friends (her's mom's cousin, actually, but who they describe as like an aunt and uncle) and Olivia is trying to recreate a Treasure Hunt she and Ruth had done year before Ruth's depression (if I had a penny for every mention of “something old/new/magic,” or “treasure hunt,” I’d be all set). A couple of things don’t ring true for me. Ruth is struggling with very severe depression (which Olivia refers to as The Pit) but is sent on a road trip (another RV book!) with family friends and her mom and dad are okay letting her go because everyone is on high alert to keep an eye on Ruth. That seems like too much responsibility for everyone involved. Ruth is just so mean and miserable it’s hard to believe her parents would make anyone else responsible for her. Olivia especially has Ruth under a microscope and reads something into every one of her actions to determine if this is “Healthy Ruth or Sick Ruth.” She really describes her in that way:
“And tonight, at this restaurant, I’m hopeful. It’s sometimes a struggle for Sick Ruth to muster energy or interest in what’s going on, even when it’s something Healthy Ruth normally likes, so I’m taking her investment in the meal and the conversation as some good signs, and I relax a little.”
It really feels like an obsession the way that Olivia is monitoring Ruth’s every emotion, it feels like way too much for a 13 year old (and at times I have a hard time believing that Olivia is 13 because she reads like a much younger character). Throughout the entire book you just feel like you are reading a play by play of Ruth’s actions, which isn’t great reading.
“Even Ruth manages a short snicker, and I’m glad. Maybe she’s just been tired or fighting off a summer cold or something like that. I’m still not exactly sure where the signs are pointing--normal blahs, virus, bad day, or something else. I’m still watching the signs.”
And that’s all she does besides take a few photos and obsess about the treasure hunt, she watches the signs. Even the songs that Ruth chooses to listen to on her iPod are either a good sign or a bad sign. Would a 13 year old really do that, I have to wonder? Her one and only concern is Ruth’s happiness and wanting Ruth to like her. If somebody makes Ruth laugh, Olivia thinks it’s “unfair” that other people can get to Ruth when she can’t. She puts her own interests aside to try to please Ruth.
There is some learning on Olivia’s part in the few days they are on the road about how she can’t be responsible for someone else’s happiness, but it’s clunky. We need more books about depression for young people, but this is not the book.
“And tonight, at this restaurant, I’m hopeful. It’s sometimes a struggle for Sick Ruth to muster energy or interest in what’s going on, even when it’s something Healthy Ruth normally likes, so I’m taking her investment in the meal and the conversation as some good signs, and I relax a little.”
It really feels like an obsession the way that Olivia is monitoring Ruth’s every emotion, it feels like way too much for a 13 year old (and at times I have a hard time believing that Olivia is 13 because she reads like a much younger character). Throughout the entire book you just feel like you are reading a play by play of Ruth’s actions, which isn’t great reading.
“Even Ruth manages a short snicker, and I’m glad. Maybe she’s just been tired or fighting off a summer cold or something like that. I’m still not exactly sure where the signs are pointing--normal blahs, virus, bad day, or something else. I’m still watching the signs.”
And that’s all she does besides take a few photos and obsess about the treasure hunt, she watches the signs. Even the songs that Ruth chooses to listen to on her iPod are either a good sign or a bad sign. Would a 13 year old really do that, I have to wonder? Her one and only concern is Ruth’s happiness and wanting Ruth to like her. If somebody makes Ruth laugh, Olivia thinks it’s “unfair” that other people can get to Ruth when she can’t. She puts her own interests aside to try to please Ruth.
There is some learning on Olivia’s part in the few days they are on the road about how she can’t be responsible for someone else’s happiness, but it’s clunky. We need more books about depression for young people, but this is not the book.
booksrule1's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
lily_cak3's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ryodragon20's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Sibling relationships are complicated. They're even more so when yours is going through something that pains them, worries the whole family, and turns your beloved brother or sister into someone you don't always recognize. I've been through that so I found Olivia's situation very relatable and heart-wrenching. The way she cycles through emotions—concern, fear, regret, anger, guilt, etc.—felt authentic to me. Olivia's story will make anyone who's felt pressured to be extra obedient or perpetually positive to compensate for a sibling's poor behavior, special condition, or personal challenge will feel seen.
Although there's nothing super original or absorbing about the plot of BREATHING UNDERWATER, I found the story compelling enough to keep turning pages. Olivia is easy to root for and, by the end of the book, I felt satisfied that she had reached her story goal, even if things didn't go quite according to plan. The tale's a bit predictable, but overall, I found it to be a smooth, hopeful read that addresses some important topics and teaches valuable lessons about family, strengthening relationships, and being there for one another, no matter what.
Although there's nothing super original or absorbing about the plot of BREATHING UNDERWATER, I found the story compelling enough to keep turning pages. Olivia is easy to root for and, by the end of the book, I felt satisfied that she had reached her story goal, even if things didn't go quite according to plan. The tale's a bit predictable, but overall, I found it to be a smooth, hopeful read that addresses some important topics and teaches valuable lessons about family, strengthening relationships, and being there for one another, no matter what.
okiegirl4's review
4.0
Sisters! You can't live with them and you can't live without them.
Breathing Underwater is a great book about sisters, Olivia and Ruth, who are on a road trip back to California where they have buried a time capsule. But the story is really not about the time capsule but the trip itself. Olivia loves taking pictures and she wants more than anything to make her sister smile.. Ruth is suffering from depression and seems to be getting worse.
I really loved the relationship between the two sisters as well as the aunt and uncle. This book explores depression, relationships and love very well.
Breathing Underwater is a great book about sisters, Olivia and Ruth, who are on a road trip back to California where they have buried a time capsule. But the story is really not about the time capsule but the trip itself. Olivia loves taking pictures and she wants more than anything to make her sister smile.. Ruth is suffering from depression and seems to be getting worse.
I really loved the relationship between the two sisters as well as the aunt and uncle. This book explores depression, relationships and love very well.
miszjeanie's review against another edition
5.0
Breathing Underwater is a beautifully written, moving middle grade novel about sisterhood, art, and loving a sibling with a mental illness. This book portrays depression realistically, showing the highs and lows, while reminding loved ones that sometimes loving people the way you know how to is the best you can do. Fans of books about road trips, family stories or emotional stories will love this quiet middle grade novel.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
kbucheit's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
rjlavender's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
A great Middle-grade book that characterizes depression and mental health in an accessible way. The view is from a youthful perspective throughout in a well-crafted story. I felt like I was going on this trip too!