The Selfless Act of Breathing by J.J. Bola

The Selfless Act of Breathing

J.J. Bola

224 pages • first pub 2021 (view editions)

fiction contemporary literary emotional reflective sad medium-paced
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A lyrical, slow-burn road trip across America follows a restless teacher chasing the mirage of reinvention while carrying the weight of every mile he’s already lived. For seekers who pack questions, not answers.

Description

Transcendent Kingdom meets A Man Called Ove in this heartwarming novel about a Congolese-British Londoner who decides to go on one last adventure in the United States, determined to end his life once his savings run out.As a charismatic teacher li...

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Community Reviews

3.61
based on 474 reviews

Moods

emotional: 85%

sad: 78%

reflective: 71%

dark: 57%

challenging: 29%

hopeful: 22%

tense: 13%

inspiring: 9%

adventurous: 3%

mysterious: 3%

Pace

8% of readers chose fast
62% of readers chose medium
29% of readers chose slow
fast
medium
slow

Plot or character driven?

18% of readers chose A mix
80% of readers chose Character
A mix
Character

Strong character development?

51% of readers chose Yes
34% of readers chose Complicated
13% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

Loveable characters?

43% of readers chose Yes
31% of readers chose Complicated
25% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

Diverse cast of characters?

92% of readers chose Yes
3% of readers chose Complicated
4% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

Flaws of characters a main focus?

77% of readers chose Yes
16% of readers chose Complicated
5% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

Content Warnings

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