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A review by xangemthelibrarian
The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
This is such a short little audiobook, but such a sweet exploration of who Stevie is and is not attracted to. Stevie also deals quite a bit with anxiety. She has to know all the things, to be prepared for all the worst-case scenarios. While I think Stevie may benefit from therapy, right now her mom seems to be a very supportive person who is able to help her keep her anxiety under control. (Not me talking like these characters are real because they feel so real.)
I think what really made this book earn my prestigious Favorites Tag (only around 10% of the books I read earn that tag) was the librarian, Susan, and how the library was a safehaven for Stevie. When Stevie felt like she couldn't go to her mom, like her mom wouldn't understand, she went to the library: the place where she could learn all the things. Then Librarian Susan found her way in over her head in the history section, looking for the answers as to WHY she feels so fizzy and light around Chloe, and Susan helps her.
For me, it's the way Susan helps her that has me feeling so warm and fizzy myself. Susan realized Stevie was at the library without her mom knowing where she was. But Stevie obviously didn't want her mom to know. So, Susan had Stevie sit with her at her desk, gave her some tea, and gave Stevie the space to talk about why she was at the library without her mom's permission. When Stevie opened up to Susan about her confusion and worries, Susan did not shame her. She didn't tell Stevie she was wrong or bad for what she did. Susan came up with a plan to help. She did call Stevie's mom, but she also helped Stevie find the books she needed to help her realize that yes! Girls can like girls and she's a girl that likes girls! I think Susan handled the entire situation beautifully and Stevie ended up benefitting from Susan's help. Susan is the kind of librarian I aspire to be.
I think what really made this book earn my prestigious Favorites Tag (only around 10% of the books I read earn that tag) was the librarian, Susan, and how the library was a safehaven for Stevie. When Stevie felt like she couldn't go to her mom, like her mom wouldn't understand, she went to the library: the place where she could learn all the things. Then Librarian Susan found her way in over her head in the history section, looking for the answers as to WHY she feels so fizzy and light around Chloe, and Susan helps her.
For me, it's the way Susan helps her that has me feeling so warm and fizzy myself. Susan realized Stevie was at the library without her mom knowing where she was. But Stevie obviously didn't want her mom to know. So, Susan had Stevie sit with her at her desk, gave her some tea, and gave Stevie the space to talk about why she was at the library without her mom's permission. When Stevie opened up to Susan about her confusion and worries, Susan did not shame her. She didn't tell Stevie she was wrong or bad for what she did. Susan came up with a plan to help. She did call Stevie's mom, but she also helped Stevie find the books she needed to help her realize that yes! Girls can like girls and she's a girl that likes girls! I think Susan handled the entire situation beautifully and Stevie ended up benefitting from Susan's help. Susan is the kind of librarian I aspire to be.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders