A review by bukolayemi
The Selfless Act of Breathing by J.J. Bola

inspiring reflective 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

4.75

The Selfless Act of Breathing 

By JJ Bola

With the opening line “I quit my job, I am taking my life savings - $9,021 - and when it runs out, I am going to kill myself.” JJ Bola had me captivated from the beginning. 

Michael is a young Black man living in London, he is originally from Congo. Michael is successful and loved but slighted unhinged, he does not feel he belongs on this earth and is determined to end it all. 

But first, travel! Michael is trying to transit borders both in body and soul. Physically he is going to America to enjoy his last days.   

The story goes back and forth between The States and London. All the while, his life savings is being counted down, is this the value of his life? The sum of his life?

While in London, he teaches young boys. Has a chance to influence and guide them. He has a mother who loves and cares for him and he has friends and a love interest.  

I loved the beautiful prose, the lyrical nature of the writing. The play on words that is the title and the message in this book. The twists at the end got me screaming “wait, what?”

I love literary fiction. I love books by poets. There are poems and letters in this book as well and lots of beautiful sentences. I’ll share a couple with you. 

“So, this is what love is, to be burdened yet weightless, to be bound yet free.”

“If love is a field, then romance is the rain that grows the flowers.”