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izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
4.0
4/5
Wow I really did enjoy this book. I loved how Verónica talked about how certain smells reminded her of certain events. Especially with the gum and anesthesia, personally I have had many surgeries in the past and there have been many instances where I have had a smell or taste remind me of going into surgery. The parents in the book were pushed to the background till the end, which I wish there was more of their relationship with Verónica. The Mermaid cove was so interesting to read on how she was to perform. The love interest was cute, but at times awkward.
Wow I really did enjoy this book. I loved how Verónica talked about how certain smells reminded her of certain events. Especially with the gum and anesthesia, personally I have had many surgeries in the past and there have been many instances where I have had a smell or taste remind me of going into surgery. The parents in the book were pushed to the background till the end, which I wish there was more of their relationship with Verónica. The Mermaid cove was so interesting to read on how she was to perform. The love interest was cute, but at times awkward.
kelsie17's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-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
3.25
sienna_canread's review
3.0
This book has a good story but I wish we spent more time at the mermaid cove and I’m kinda over realistic fiction books.
literatefox76's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
annamickreads's review
5.0
As someone who doesn't often read a lot of contemporary YA, I really, truly adored this book from the bottom of my heart.
"Breathe and Count Back from Ten" follows Verónica, a teen with hip dysplasia living in Florida. As the daughter of Peruvian immigrants, Verónica is under strict rules in her household with a weighty set of expectations on her shoulders. Her parents want her to get a "sensible" job, but all Verónica wants to do is get a job as a mermaid performer in the nationally-acclaimed Mermaid Cove, where swimmers perform beautiful underwater feats in glittery tails.
Meanwhile, Verónica is also navigating young love and trying to heal after her first romantic encounter not only goes south, but is interrupted by her highly disapproving father. Her passions don't align with her parents' vision for her future, and ultimately, she must find a way to marry her desires without hurting the family she loves dearly.
"Breathe and Count Back from Ten" follows Verónica, a teen with hip dysplasia living in Florida. As the daughter of Peruvian immigrants, Verónica is under strict rules in her household with a weighty set of expectations on her shoulders. Her parents want her to get a "sensible" job, but all Verónica wants to do is get a job as a mermaid performer in the nationally-acclaimed Mermaid Cove, where swimmers perform beautiful underwater feats in glittery tails.
Meanwhile, Verónica is also navigating young love and trying to heal after her first romantic encounter not only goes south, but is interrupted by her highly disapproving father. Her passions don't align with her parents' vision for her future, and ultimately, she must find a way to marry her desires without hurting the family she loves dearly.
lvca's review against another edition
3.5
a heart-warming ya with amazing representation. i'm especially fond of the depression rep, it hit me hard. also alex and verónica are the cutest
victoria_08's review
3.75
This book was great! I loved the characters and their dynamics, especially one between the MC and her parents. This was a really good way to open up a conversation about disability, and in a really realistic way. There's so much that this book dives into, in a really digestible yet complex way. It's perfect for the audience it's intending to reach. Also this book was incredibly atmospheric, and the writing was very easy to read and enjoy
juneil_morrow's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
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
4.75
This is one of the only times in my life that I read a book synopsis and knew that this was the book I needed right now, whether it was good or not. And I was not disappointed. I thoroughly loved this book, the main character is relatable and the side cast was well written and thought out. My only real critiques are that a couple of resolutions toward the end felt rushed, and out of order. Overall I would read this book again and probably recommend to most friends with joint-related disabilities.
tinysierra's review
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
4.75
“People act surprised by what I can do and surprised by what I can't, as if I'm supposed to exist in this narrow, static margin in between. But my body is a fluid thing. Sometimes it's complicated and inconsistent, but it makes sense because it's mine. My choices. My comfort. My decisions.”
Breathe and Count Back from Ten was a fun and beautiful read. I liked the flow of the story. I liked the references to Hans Christian Anderson’s Little Mermaid and the magic of the mermaid cove. I liked the definitions that Verónica came up with at the start of every chapter.
The romance was causal and low key. Unlike in rom coms where you see a lot of grand gestures, Alex and Verónica’s relationship felt down to earth.
Discussions about disability, bodily autonomy, depression, scars, being an immigrant family, heteronormativity.
“Somewhere on the opposite side of the glass, my parents are finally seeing me the way I want to be seen. No more hiding, no more pretending to blend in. Just a girl in an imperfect body, refusing to swim any further in shame. Telling the stories of her ancestors on new shores and in a new home. Telling legends of her own.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming
Minor: Sexual harassment