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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
I want to thank Sourcebooks for providing me with an early copy of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way influenced my opinion or review.
Blurb from Goodreads:
Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race.
But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.
"Breathe, Annie, Breathe is an emotional, heartfelt, and beautiful story about finding yourself after loss and learning to love. It gave me so many feels. Her best book yet." — Jennifer Armentrout, New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You
When I was at BEA, I spoke with one of the publicists from Sourcebooks about this book. I've been on a contemporary kick and I immediately loved the concept of this book. It was different from other contemporary books I have been reading and I really wanted to see how the author played it out. And with that blurb from Armentrout, I thought I was for sure going to absolutely love this one. I have not read any of the other books in this "series" so I'm not sure if they are connected in any way at all. I did read a few reviews that talk about having met the characters before, though.I can say that I wasn't lost during the course of this book, so I am guessing that there's no real need to have any background from the other books.
Annie is a character that I probably could have learned to love more if she wasn't presented as so flat. I had a really hard time connecting with Annie and having empathy for her over the loss of her boyfriend. I loved the fact that she was racing in his memory and that it was not easy for her. It was nice to watch her grow into her roll as a runner, with all the ups and downs it brings. I could relate to her on this level because I completed my first 10K last October and I NEVER thought I'd be able to do it. So emotionally, I definitely understood where she was coming from. I also understood her reluctance to let anyone in after the huge loss she suffered. But I really didn't feel the loss as much as I thought I should. I didn't get emotional when she was talking about Kyle or contemplating why she didn't want to get involved with Jeremiah. I didn't feel a gut wrenching loss when she closed herself off emotionally from those around her.
Jeremiah was just ok for me. I cannot picture him in my mind, except maybe his washboard abs that Annie talks about. I didn't love their first real intimate encounter, it just didn't jive for me at all. I also had a hard time understanding Jeremiah. We do slowly get his background and slowly understand why he's an adrenaline junky but there's no real emotion attached to it. I really can't say much more about him because I just wasn't able to connect with him on any level. I needed to feel more between him and Annie. I needed to feel their connection and how they were both a bit reluctant to move out of the friend zone, but it just was not there for me. I can honestly say I really disliked the two calling themselves friends all the time. It didn't feel real, like they were pushing to say it but not because they didn't want to admit that they really felt otherwise.
Overall I think the thing that did this book in for me was the writing. It was ALL telling and no showing. This made it very hard for me to connect with the main character or any of the other characters. I felt like the author was just describing the MC moving from one scene to the next. It was hard for me to picture any of the scenery or what was going on around the characters. I didn't get the emotional pull I was expecting from a story that should be heart wrenching. I wanted to understand the loss that Annie felt, but she was so emotionally disconnected I just didn't see it. And when I say this, I don't mean because the author was trying to make me feel emotionally disconnected, it just happened because of the way the author wrote the book.
The pacing for me was a bit slow. I was easily distracted by other things because the book really didn't keep me in its grips enough. And it ran in a lot of circles that annoyed me. I didn't like the dialogue. I felt like it was forced and didn't flow naturally for me. Plus the interactions between Annie and Jeremiah really didn't make me feel like they had a connection, it didn't feel genuine. Sure there was enough to show their attraction, but not to the point that I was routing for them to get together.
I can honestly say that I pushed myself to read and finish this book. At around 1/4 through the book I was contemplating putting it aside. at 50% I was already kind of invested enough that I really just wanted to push through to the end. I was intrigued enough to want to know how Kyle died and why Annie kept blaming herself. But once I got there I just didn't see it. Overall I wasn't really happy with the book. It was slow and the writing really needing some help. I'm not sure if I had read some of the authors previous works if I might have liked this one better. Contemporary fans may enjoy this enough to overlook the poor editing job and the fact that the entire book is the main character telling you all about things rather than showing you.
Blurb from Goodreads:
Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race.
But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.
"Breathe, Annie, Breathe is an emotional, heartfelt, and beautiful story about finding yourself after loss and learning to love. It gave me so many feels. Her best book yet." — Jennifer Armentrout, New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You
When I was at BEA, I spoke with one of the publicists from Sourcebooks about this book. I've been on a contemporary kick and I immediately loved the concept of this book. It was different from other contemporary books I have been reading and I really wanted to see how the author played it out. And with that blurb from Armentrout, I thought I was for sure going to absolutely love this one. I have not read any of the other books in this "series" so I'm not sure if they are connected in any way at all. I did read a few reviews that talk about having met the characters before, though.I can say that I wasn't lost during the course of this book, so I am guessing that there's no real need to have any background from the other books.
Annie is a character that I probably could have learned to love more if she wasn't presented as so flat. I had a really hard time connecting with Annie and having empathy for her over the loss of her boyfriend. I loved the fact that she was racing in his memory and that it was not easy for her. It was nice to watch her grow into her roll as a runner, with all the ups and downs it brings. I could relate to her on this level because I completed my first 10K last October and I NEVER thought I'd be able to do it. So emotionally, I definitely understood where she was coming from. I also understood her reluctance to let anyone in after the huge loss she suffered. But I really didn't feel the loss as much as I thought I should. I didn't get emotional when she was talking about Kyle or contemplating why she didn't want to get involved with Jeremiah. I didn't feel a gut wrenching loss when she closed herself off emotionally from those around her.
Jeremiah was just ok for me. I cannot picture him in my mind, except maybe his washboard abs that Annie talks about. I didn't love their first real intimate encounter, it just didn't jive for me at all. I also had a hard time understanding Jeremiah. We do slowly get his background and slowly understand why he's an adrenaline junky but there's no real emotion attached to it. I really can't say much more about him because I just wasn't able to connect with him on any level. I needed to feel more between him and Annie. I needed to feel their connection and how they were both a bit reluctant to move out of the friend zone, but it just was not there for me. I can honestly say I really disliked the two calling themselves friends all the time. It didn't feel real, like they were pushing to say it but not because they didn't want to admit that they really felt otherwise.
Overall I think the thing that did this book in for me was the writing. It was ALL telling and no showing. This made it very hard for me to connect with the main character or any of the other characters. I felt like the author was just describing the MC moving from one scene to the next. It was hard for me to picture any of the scenery or what was going on around the characters. I didn't get the emotional pull I was expecting from a story that should be heart wrenching. I wanted to understand the loss that Annie felt, but she was so emotionally disconnected I just didn't see it. And when I say this, I don't mean because the author was trying to make me feel emotionally disconnected, it just happened because of the way the author wrote the book.
The pacing for me was a bit slow. I was easily distracted by other things because the book really didn't keep me in its grips enough. And it ran in a lot of circles that annoyed me. I didn't like the dialogue. I felt like it was forced and didn't flow naturally for me. Plus the interactions between Annie and Jeremiah really didn't make me feel like they had a connection, it didn't feel genuine. Sure there was enough to show their attraction, but not to the point that I was routing for them to get together.
I can honestly say that I pushed myself to read and finish this book. At around 1/4 through the book I was contemplating putting it aside. at 50% I was already kind of invested enough that I really just wanted to push through to the end. I was intrigued enough to want to know how Kyle died and why Annie kept blaming herself. But once I got there I just didn't see it. Overall I wasn't really happy with the book. It was slow and the writing really needing some help. I'm not sure if I had read some of the authors previous works if I might have liked this one better. Contemporary fans may enjoy this enough to overlook the poor editing job and the fact that the entire book is the main character telling you all about things rather than showing you.
Truth is, the more Miranda Kenneally's books Im reading the less I like them.
When I started this series I enjoyed them A LOT, then with time I opened my eyes to the fact that they're poorly written, the characters are neither likable nor unlikable - they're just meh.
Alsi, this cover (and title) doesnt match the rest of the series and it botheres ne nore than it should.
When I started this series I enjoyed them A LOT, then with time I opened my eyes to the fact that they're poorly written, the characters are neither likable nor unlikable - they're just meh.
Alsi, this cover (and title) doesnt match the rest of the series and it botheres ne nore than it should.
I love the way Kenneally does a clickbait slow reveal on whatever the drama backstory is for the book - and how she manages to find unique ones every time. This one was particularly emotional.
Breathe, Annie, Breathe begins with Annie training to run a marathon in six months. She hates running, but she's doing it because her boyfriend, who died, was suppose to run in this race but never got the chance. Now, Annie is determined to do it for him. She's fighting a whole slew of issues, while just trying to live day to day. But suddenly things get a little more interesting when she meets her trainers brother. He's different then her last boyfriend, but there's something about him that just pulls her to him. And that scares Annie more then anything.
This book was a very emotional read. I really loved it though. I loved getting to see Annie fight with grief, and how she's trying to move on. And it was also nice to see a little romance in this one too. This is probably my favorite Miranda Kenneally book so far. It was that good! The characters were very compelling, and the story just sucked you in and wouldn't let go.
The only thing I didn't like at times was the way Annie treated others. I understood she was just hurting, but I still got frustrated with her, but she eventually got better.
This book was a very emotional read. I really loved it though. I loved getting to see Annie fight with grief, and how she's trying to move on. And it was also nice to see a little romance in this one too. This is probably my favorite Miranda Kenneally book so far. It was that good! The characters were very compelling, and the story just sucked you in and wouldn't let go.
The only thing I didn't like at times was the way Annie treated others. I understood she was just hurting, but I still got frustrated with her, but she eventually got better.
I really enjoy reading the Hundred Oaks series by Miranda Kenneally,and when I heard there was another book, and that I was granted the opportunity to read it by the publisher (via Netgalley) in exchange for my honest review, I was over the moon.
cover56184-medium
Annie is insular, a trait amplified by the death of her boyfriend, Kyle. But, when she decides to run the marathon he was intending to run, she opens herself up to her coach and his brother, Jeremiah. Jeremiah turns from ‘stupid backwards running boy’ to something more—almost like Annie’s only friend. But Annie has a lot on her plate—including an afterschool job and getting ready for college after studying at night. Annie and Jeremiah keep it friendly, but as she gets to feeling more than friendly with Jeremiah, is she betraying Kyle and the memory of Kyle?
Annie is a complicated, but well-written character. Throughout the novel, readers are struck by her pain and her inability to reconcile her feelings for Kyle with what happened to him. Readers are lucky enough to be brought on board for the progression of how she feels, which is refreshing as a reader. It lends well to learning to care for the character.
I love that Miranda Kenneally keeps writing about the teens and community in Hundred Oaks. In each book, there are characters that overlap, so it’s really like visiting old friends and family. The world Kenneally has done over the course of these books is to be commended. Readers of the series may find it is fun to revisit the characters—especially Jordan, whom can continue to be a role model to young women by her occupation as the high school gym teacher and football coach.
Jeremiah is a great character, despite his addictions to adrenaline. He goes through the book and really matures—but definitely not overnight. He makes some headway, and makes some silly mistakes in a believeable way. At some point, Jere even begins to see that people need him as much as he needs people. And the chemistry between Jeremiah and Annie is palpable and fun.
Overall, I really enjoyed this Hundred Oaks novel; Miranda Kenneally’s writing feels like going home.
Breathe, Annie, Breathe is going to be available from your favorite retailer, in your favorite format on April 7, 2015.
cover56184-medium
Annie is insular, a trait amplified by the death of her boyfriend, Kyle. But, when she decides to run the marathon he was intending to run, she opens herself up to her coach and his brother, Jeremiah. Jeremiah turns from ‘stupid backwards running boy’ to something more—almost like Annie’s only friend. But Annie has a lot on her plate—including an afterschool job and getting ready for college after studying at night. Annie and Jeremiah keep it friendly, but as she gets to feeling more than friendly with Jeremiah, is she betraying Kyle and the memory of Kyle?
Annie is a complicated, but well-written character. Throughout the novel, readers are struck by her pain and her inability to reconcile her feelings for Kyle with what happened to him. Readers are lucky enough to be brought on board for the progression of how she feels, which is refreshing as a reader. It lends well to learning to care for the character.
I love that Miranda Kenneally keeps writing about the teens and community in Hundred Oaks. In each book, there are characters that overlap, so it’s really like visiting old friends and family. The world Kenneally has done over the course of these books is to be commended. Readers of the series may find it is fun to revisit the characters—especially Jordan, whom can continue to be a role model to young women by her occupation as the high school gym teacher and football coach.
Jeremiah is a great character, despite his addictions to adrenaline. He goes through the book and really matures—but definitely not overnight. He makes some headway, and makes some silly mistakes in a believeable way. At some point, Jere even begins to see that people need him as much as he needs people. And the chemistry between Jeremiah and Annie is palpable and fun.
Overall, I really enjoyed this Hundred Oaks novel; Miranda Kenneally’s writing feels like going home.
Breathe, Annie, Breathe is going to be available from your favorite retailer, in your favorite format on April 7, 2015.
This is one series I will never get tired of...
Summary: Annie is not a runner (just like me) and she hates it. But when her ex-boyfriend dies she feels it's her fault that he did and that he didn't get to run the marathon he worked so hard for. So she begins training to run that marathon for him and that's when she meets Jeremiah. The adrenalin junkie that's used to getting hurt. Annie likes him but she's scared to move on from her ex and she's also scared of losing someone else.
Character(s):All Miranda Kennally's characters are relatable. Even if you haven't gone through a situation like theirs you can find something about them that you can relate too. I'm glad Annie trained for the marathon to honor her ex-boyfriend because she did alot of things out of her comfort zone and it helped her grieved with losing him. She also met new people and fixed relationships with her family and friends.
Writing: I love how easy the writing is and how it all goes together. I'm not saying there aren't any errors with her writing but every since I first read a Kenneally story I can't remember finding any. I didn't get sick of the story and wanted to rush through it so as far as I'm concerned the writing is great!
Overall: This wasn't my favorite story of the series but I will never get tired of this series. As long as Miranda Kennally keeps writing stories like this I'm going to keep reading her books.
Summary: Annie is not a runner (just like me) and she hates it. But when her ex-boyfriend dies she feels it's her fault that he did and that he didn't get to run the marathon he worked so hard for. So she begins training to run that marathon for him and that's when she meets Jeremiah. The adrenalin junkie that's used to getting hurt. Annie likes him but she's scared to move on from her ex and she's also scared of losing someone else.
Character(s):All Miranda Kennally's characters are relatable. Even if you haven't gone through a situation like theirs you can find something about them that you can relate too. I'm glad Annie trained for the marathon to honor her ex-boyfriend because she did alot of things out of her comfort zone and it helped her grieved with losing him. She also met new people and fixed relationships with her family and friends.
Writing: I love how easy the writing is and how it all goes together. I'm not saying there aren't any errors with her writing but every since I first read a Kenneally story I can't remember finding any. I didn't get sick of the story and wanted to rush through it so as far as I'm concerned the writing is great!
Overall: This wasn't my favorite story of the series but I will never get tired of this series. As long as Miranda Kennally keeps writing stories like this I'm going to keep reading her books.
Clearly, every book that I read in an afternoon is good. From 1 to 7pm, I read this book in its entirety and had a lot of fun. My mom is a runner and I worked for a triathlon team so reading about running in a marathon was something I could relate to and visualize. While I myself don't really like the sport, I can appreciate the strength that is needed to be able to run long distances. I always worry about how much sports content is in a book since my run in with horse novels when I was a kid, but [a:Miranda Kenneally|4506073|Miranda Kenneally|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1292869884p2/4506073.jpg] does an amazing job at balancing the contemporary elements and the sports elements in her books.
I really liked Annie, the main character. Her boyfriend died recently before he could finish the marathon he was training for. Annie decides that she wants to run the race for him for some kind of closure. I liked Annie because she is a logical person whose decisions and reactions were easy to understand. You know how sometimes you meet MCs who are irrational or terribly foolish. Annie felt very real and didn't feel like she was older or younger than she is.
I also really liked that this book takes place during the summer, but continues through to Annie's first semester at college. I'm in university now so I am really enjoying books with main characters that are my age. (Seriously, recommend me books with college aged people please!) I liked the fact she had an older boyfriend, who was in his twenties, and was in a fraternity. I've never read a book where the love interest is part of a fraternity, so that was a new experience for me. The portrayal of grief and adrenaline junkies was really well done as well.
I'd totally recommend this book to anyone up to read a contemporary novel about running and grief. You don't even have to like running to read this, [b:Breathe, Annie, Breathe|21996071|Breathe, Annie, Breathe|Miranda Kenneally|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412705212s/21996071.jpg|21823574] is in no way boring and is totally sweet.
I really liked Annie, the main character. Her boyfriend died recently before he could finish the marathon he was training for. Annie decides that she wants to run the race for him for some kind of closure. I liked Annie because she is a logical person whose decisions and reactions were easy to understand. You know how sometimes you meet MCs who are irrational or terribly foolish. Annie felt very real and didn't feel like she was older or younger than she is.
I also really liked that this book takes place during the summer, but continues through to Annie's first semester at college. I'm in university now so I am really enjoying books with main characters that are my age. (Seriously, recommend me books with college aged people please!) I liked the fact she had an older boyfriend, who was in his twenties, and was in a fraternity. I've never read a book where the love interest is part of a fraternity, so that was a new experience for me. The portrayal of grief and adrenaline junkies was really well done as well.
I'd totally recommend this book to anyone up to read a contemporary novel about running and grief. You don't even have to like running to read this, [b:Breathe, Annie, Breathe|21996071|Breathe, Annie, Breathe|Miranda Kenneally|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412705212s/21996071.jpg|21823574] is in no way boring and is totally sweet.
I really liked this book. Breathe, Annie, Breathe is a story that deals with loss and guilt and love and passion. It is about Annie and how she chooses to cope with her life after losing a significant person. Miranda Kenneally has written this book so beautifully that it is quite easy to read and yet the impact of it is in no way slight. It made me laugh out loud and tear up and cheer Annie. Go Annie Go!
I loved the fact that this book incorporated and stressed on the fact that one needs to be independent and have a life and friends apart from the boyfriend. The passages about balance especially appealed to me. Just like the ideas in the book, this book was a perfect balance of sadness and happiness and such good lessons in moving on and falling in love.
I loved the fact that this book incorporated and stressed on the fact that one needs to be independent and have a life and friends apart from the boyfriend. The passages about balance especially appealed to me. Just like the ideas in the book, this book was a perfect balance of sadness and happiness and such good lessons in moving on and falling in love.