Reviews

Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester

Only show reviews with written explanations

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

Go to review page

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

Go to review page

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

Go to review page

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