What do you think?
Rate this book
Breathing Room
Evvy Hoffmeister is thirteen years old when her family brings her to Loon Lake Sanatorium to get cured of tuberculosis (TB). Evvy is frightened by her new surroundings; the rules to abide are harsh and the nurses equally rigid. But Evvy soon falls into step with the other girls in her ward. There’s Sarah, quiet but thoughtful; Pearl, who adores Hollywood glamour; and Dena, whose harshness conceals a deep strength. Together, the girls brave the difficult daily routines. Set in 1940 at a time of political unrest throughout the U.S. and Europe, this thought-provoking novel sheds light on a much-feared worldwide illness. Hundreds of thousands of people died each year of TB, and many ill children were sent away to sanatoriums to hopefully recover.
This is a masterful novel—both eloquent and moving—that gives voice to those who fought hard to overcome the illness.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2012
77 people are currently reading
1709 people want to read
About the author
Marsha Hayles
9 books34 followersMarsha Hayles is the author of many picture books and now a novel for young people. Her picture books frequently make use of rhyme and playful language, and range in topic from celebrating a day at the beach to suffering sore feet. Her novel Breathing Room is about girls suffering from tuberculosis at a sanatorium in 1940 and reflects her life-long interest in medicine, inspired, in part, by her childhood in Rochester, Minnesota, home to the world famous Mayo Clinic. Now she lives with her husband in the other Rochester—the one in New York.
A former English teacher with a Master’s Degree in English from Washington University, Marsha enjoys visiting schools to share her enthusiasm for reading and writing with children or to run writing and poetry workshops.
A former English teacher with a Master’s Degree in English from Washington University, Marsha enjoys visiting schools to share her enthusiasm for reading and writing with children or to run writing and poetry workshops.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
January 20, 2020
This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
Short and Simple Review
This was a wonderfully written book. Once I started reading it I couldn't stop and finished it very quickly. The book takes place in the 1940s and focuses on a 13-year-old year with TB as she spends her time in a sanatorium. I have only read one other fiction book about TB, Extraordinary Means, and that one was an alternate world rather than historical. We sometimes forget the fear of TB in the past and how common it sometimes was. This book very much felt based in history, but it read as a survival story of a young girl. It may sound strange to call this a survival story because we expect survival stories to have a lot of action, but that was what this was, it's just the kind of survival story we don't often get to see, the quiet kind. The story hurts, there are a lot of difficult moments, but I loved seeing Evvy strike up friendships with the other girls in the room. Overall, this was a great book.
Short and Simple Review
This was a wonderfully written book. Once I started reading it I couldn't stop and finished it very quickly. The book takes place in the 1940s and focuses on a 13-year-old year with TB as she spends her time in a sanatorium. I have only read one other fiction book about TB, Extraordinary Means, and that one was an alternate world rather than historical. We sometimes forget the fear of TB in the past and how common it sometimes was. This book very much felt based in history, but it read as a survival story of a young girl. It may sound strange to call this a survival story because we expect survival stories to have a lot of action, but that was what this was, it's just the kind of survival story we don't often get to see, the quiet kind. The story hurts, there are a lot of difficult moments, but I loved seeing Evvy strike up friendships with the other girls in the room. Overall, this was a great book.
December 21, 2012
Book buzz is a capricious thing. A book gets a starred review or two, a word from the right blogger, and suddenly it's the It Girl of Publishing Year 2013. Last year it was Okay for Now. This year it's Wonder. Sometimes they show up in the Newbery pantheon (oh lovely When You Reach Me), but sometimes the committee looks further afield (Moon Over what?). If this year's committee has been casting about for neglected titles (as well they should be), Breathing Room may be up for discussion.
Sam gave it a rave review, and Kirkus and Horn Book reviewed it quite favorably as well, but no one else seems to be talking about it. Personally, I don't think it's gold medal material, especially in such a strong year, but I think it's at least as good as Three Times Lucky and better than Summer of the Gypsy Moths. The writing is quietly elegant, and the story unfolds gracefully, holding my attention even as it (necessarily) lacks action. The sanatorium setting is vividly portrayed. The conflicts are all interior ones, but Evvy's development as a character is still believable and poignant.
There are flaws, of course. In a Goodreads review, one of my friends points out that some of the characters feel stock (the saintly sick girl, the rebellious sick girl, the young nice nurse, the old mean nurse, etc.). That's a fair critique, though I think they are more fleshed-out by the end. And there is the question of age level - Evvy is thirteen, and the coming-of-age narrative is pretty clearly YA - but it still falls within the Newbery range.
In any case, whether or not the committee has taken up its cause, this is a book worth noticing (if nothing else, it will fill that huge "Tuberculosis Sanatorium Fiction" gap in your collection).
Sam gave it a rave review, and Kirkus and Horn Book reviewed it quite favorably as well, but no one else seems to be talking about it. Personally, I don't think it's gold medal material, especially in such a strong year, but I think it's at least as good as Three Times Lucky and better than Summer of the Gypsy Moths. The writing is quietly elegant, and the story unfolds gracefully, holding my attention even as it (necessarily) lacks action. The sanatorium setting is vividly portrayed. The conflicts are all interior ones, but Evvy's development as a character is still believable and poignant.
There are flaws, of course. In a Goodreads review, one of my friends points out that some of the characters feel stock (the saintly sick girl, the rebellious sick girl, the young nice nurse, the old mean nurse, etc.). That's a fair critique, though I think they are more fleshed-out by the end. And there is the question of age level - Evvy is thirteen, and the coming-of-age narrative is pretty clearly YA - but it still falls within the Newbery range.
In any case, whether or not the committee has taken up its cause, this is a book worth noticing (if nothing else, it will fill that huge "Tuberculosis Sanatorium Fiction" gap in your collection).
January 1, 2019
I learned a lot about tuberculosis and I was shocked at some of what the girls went through. Old forms of medicine consisted of risky surgical procedures. We should be truly grateful for the extent and power of medicine today. I loved the backdrop of WW2 and the elements of Judaism and fear, a nice opening into the past. I have not read many books like this one and I was captivated with the girls' journeys of getting better or getting worse. The book was sad and alarming. The book contains a great theme to always keep fighting for your life and always look ahead into the future and be positive. This is a unique read for girls of all ages! Read more of my review at http://pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com/...
February 1, 2018
Wow guys. I read this book twice in the last three years. The last time I read it was about a year ago and still, today after lunch my sister looks at me with a hollow look in her eyes and says "I can't believe Dina died."
And so together we suffered, still in denial.
I do recommend this book. Read it. :D
And so together we suffered, still in denial.
I do recommend this book. Read it. :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2019
Even though this is fiction, the book sheds light on TB and sanitarium’s in the 1940’s.
October 29, 2018
The young adult novel, Breathing Room, by Marsha Hayles takes place in a sanatorium during the 1940’s. The main character, Evvy Hoffmeister, was thirteen years old when her parents brought her to the Loon Lake sanitarium to heal from her tuberculosis. At Loon Lake, Evvy was placed in a teenage ward. Evvy had to adjust quick to the strict rules and schedule at Loon Lake. Scared and overwhelmed, she had to rely on the support of the other girls in her room: Pearl, Beverly, and Sarah, the shy Jewish girl who becomes Evvy’s best friend. Throughout her stay at Loon Lake, Evvy realizes that some patients leave healthy, but others never make it out. This true story tells about the tragic and empowering life of a young girl who fights tuberculosis with strength and grace.
The young adult novel, Breathing Room, was written with an abundance of detail that left the reader feeling engulfed in the story. Marsha Hayes used figurative language to give details in the story. For example Evvy said, “ My legs, which had felt fine in the car, now felt heavy, as if I had thick cough syrup instead of blood running through my veins”(9). While reading, I especially enjoyed the simplistic way the book was written. This writing style proved easy to understand and showed the innocent, childlike personality of Evvy. I found myself cheering for every obstacle Evvy passed, while feeling devastated every time something bad happened to her. For instance, when Evvy and Sarah were separated. This novel was based on a true story, and because of this, the plot kept me interiged as I could remember that the events in the novel actually occurred in recent history This story reminded me and other readers to be strong and never give up hope.
The young adult novel, Breathing Room, was written with an abundance of detail that left the reader feeling engulfed in the story. Marsha Hayes used figurative language to give details in the story. For example Evvy said, “ My legs, which had felt fine in the car, now felt heavy, as if I had thick cough syrup instead of blood running through my veins”(9). While reading, I especially enjoyed the simplistic way the book was written. This writing style proved easy to understand and showed the innocent, childlike personality of Evvy. I found myself cheering for every obstacle Evvy passed, while feeling devastated every time something bad happened to her. For instance, when Evvy and Sarah were separated. This novel was based on a true story, and because of this, the plot kept me interiged as I could remember that the events in the novel actually occurred in recent history This story reminded me and other readers to be strong and never give up hope.
March 4, 2015
Breathing Room by Marsha Hayles
Evvy Hoffmeister is a 13 year old girl who is put into Loon Lake Sanitarium in Loon Lake, Minnesota during the beginning of WWII to be treated for Tuberculosis. At first Evvy is afraid of her new, unknown surroundings, but as time wears on, she becomes close friends with her roommates. The 4 girls she becomes very close with are: Dena, a strong harsh young lady who is really quite kind; Pearl, who Wishes to one day escape this sanitarium and become a Movie star; Beverly, a quiet farm girl; and Sarah, a smart, quiet girl who becomes Evvy's best friend. Together, these girls fight their own war against tuberculosis while the rest of the world fights WW II.
This book is fabulous! It is about finding friendship and the struggle to keep it alive. Even with strict rules to follow, such as no talking, the friends still found ways to communicate. And even when tragedy struck they bore it together.
One of the many reasons I loved this book was that it was in a time period of interest for me. The historical pictures Hayles found to include made the whole experience complete. I was also Interested to learn more about tuberculosis and the true reason for sanitariums, besides being good place for a horror film to take place.
Evvy Hoffmeister is a 13 year old girl who is put into Loon Lake Sanitarium in Loon Lake, Minnesota during the beginning of WWII to be treated for Tuberculosis. At first Evvy is afraid of her new, unknown surroundings, but as time wears on, she becomes close friends with her roommates. The 4 girls she becomes very close with are: Dena, a strong harsh young lady who is really quite kind; Pearl, who Wishes to one day escape this sanitarium and become a Movie star; Beverly, a quiet farm girl; and Sarah, a smart, quiet girl who becomes Evvy's best friend. Together, these girls fight their own war against tuberculosis while the rest of the world fights WW II.
This book is fabulous! It is about finding friendship and the struggle to keep it alive. Even with strict rules to follow, such as no talking, the friends still found ways to communicate. And even when tragedy struck they bore it together.
One of the many reasons I loved this book was that it was in a time period of interest for me. The historical pictures Hayles found to include made the whole experience complete. I was also Interested to learn more about tuberculosis and the true reason for sanitariums, besides being good place for a horror film to take place.
March 1, 2018
I really liked this short novel. It’s about a 13 year old girl who has been sent to a sanitarium because she has TB. We only see one side of the characters, for the most part since 99% of the book takes place in her room at the sanitarium. But what we see is heartbreaking, hopeful, beautiful, and human.
September 16, 2022
I haven't finished reading this book yet, but so far I have found it to be a lovely read. The story is about five girls who are struggling with the disease Tuberculosis in the 1940's. The girls find ways to make due with what they have and cling to the hope of being able to be released. It is a story of hope and loss, throughout the book you will find yourself rooting for each character.
October 26, 2017
I would give Breathing Room a 3.5. It was an okay book. The plot was very good, and I was very interested in the book in the beginning. But it then did not seem as interesting about halfway through. It was interesting to see this story from a girl's point of view though!
December 28, 2018
4.5 stars.
January 16, 2013
Eveleyn’s father drops her off at Loon Lake in May of 1940. Although she is thirteen, she is scared to be left at a sanitarium by herself. What is worse is that she is only allowed to bring a few items with her, and her stuffed animal gets taken away from her because it could contain germs. Evvy has tuberculosis and in order for her to get better she must be separated from her family and follow the rules. Because she has tuberculosis breathing isn’t easy. Being alone is hard too, and Evvy has trouble making friends. There are a few other girls in her room, but she is the youngest. Not to mention that the staff isn’t very kind to the patients. Imagine being exposed to the cold Minnesota air with only a water bottle to warm you up. As a treatment for tuberculosis, Evvy is exposed to lots of cold air to help her clear her lungs. Will Loon Lake help her to get better? Will she get see her brother, Abe, again? Will Evvy ever make some friends to make her days brighter? You will enjoy finding out what is in store for Evvy in this interesting historical fiction book for middle grade readers.
Breathing Room by Marsha Hayles is a wonderful book about a fantastic girl. Evvy has a quiet strength and she is brave even though she is fighting to stay alive. The characters in the story are all developed in such a way that I feel as if I know them. This is a super book for kids in fourth through eighth grade. Older readers will enjoy it as well! Be prepared to have history unfold for you as you read about Evvy’s experience. Adding to the scene are the old photographs that are included at the start of each chapter. I learned a lot about tuberculosis and the way it was, and still is, treated. At the end of the book, the author includes notes about her research. I liked reading the notes because it helped me to see what was real and what was made up. This story touched my heart. I look forward to reading more books by Marsha Hayles! Take a journey back in time with Evvy, and you will come back a little different.
Breathing Room by Marsha Hayles is a wonderful book about a fantastic girl. Evvy has a quiet strength and she is brave even though she is fighting to stay alive. The characters in the story are all developed in such a way that I feel as if I know them. This is a super book for kids in fourth through eighth grade. Older readers will enjoy it as well! Be prepared to have history unfold for you as you read about Evvy’s experience. Adding to the scene are the old photographs that are included at the start of each chapter. I learned a lot about tuberculosis and the way it was, and still is, treated. At the end of the book, the author includes notes about her research. I liked reading the notes because it helped me to see what was real and what was made up. This story touched my heart. I look forward to reading more books by Marsha Hayles! Take a journey back in time with Evvy, and you will come back a little different.
October 19, 2018
There are many horrible illnesses and one of the worse is TB. In the book, Breathing Room by Marsha Hayles the main character Evvy is suffering from TB. TB or Tuberculosis. TB is when you have a hard time breathing. It is the 1940s and a girl named Evvy is rushed to the hospital Loon Lake, and then put in a room with other girls. One named Dena, another named Pearl, and another named Beverly. They all do the same things together even though they are different ages. All those girls have two nurses, one, Nurse Marshal is strict and mean, but there other nurse, Nurse Gunderson is really nice, but is now suffering with some really bad sickness maybe TB. Now many people that Evvy knows is very sick with TB.
All the girls lives are now sitting in bed and reading there mail if they got something sent to them. It is really though for all of them to live their lives like this and it is especially tough for Evvy. She is having family problems like here mom is not sending her that many letters because she doesn't care about her that much and she is not getting a lot of letters from the person she loves the most, Abe. That's not the only problem people in her room are getting more sick.
This book is amazing because when I read it there where a lot happening and I never wanted to put the book down. At the beginning I immediately was in the book and at the end I wanted to keep on reading more. My favorite thing about the book is that it built great background on me and it made me to never want to stop reading. I recommend this book upper elementary class or middle school. It talks about the main character Evvy building empathy. Overall I think this book is an amazing book to read because it taught me so many things and It also made me want to read more.
All the girls lives are now sitting in bed and reading there mail if they got something sent to them. It is really though for all of them to live their lives like this and it is especially tough for Evvy. She is having family problems like here mom is not sending her that many letters because she doesn't care about her that much and she is not getting a lot of letters from the person she loves the most, Abe. That's not the only problem people in her room are getting more sick.
This book is amazing because when I read it there where a lot happening and I never wanted to put the book down. At the beginning I immediately was in the book and at the end I wanted to keep on reading more. My favorite thing about the book is that it built great background on me and it made me to never want to stop reading. I recommend this book upper elementary class or middle school. It talks about the main character Evvy building empathy. Overall I think this book is an amazing book to read because it taught me so many things and It also made me want to read more.
June 14, 2024
I adore this book. Let me just say, I make it a habit to re-read this book every summer. It is a wonderful plot and I love the author’s way of writing. I told my cousin to read this and she loved it, and she gave it to her friend and her friend loved it. This book makes me want to turn the pages and never stop reading. This book is very sad so if you’re looking for an uplifting book, this is not that book. This is one of my most favorite books⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 24, 2019
Set in the 1940’s, Evvy Hoffmeister catches Tuberculosis and is sent to a sanatorium in Minnesota. She has to leave behind her twin brother Abe, her father, mother and grandmother. These sanatoriums were centered around rest, and were the main treatment for TB before antibiotics were discovered. Evvy is placed in a room with a few other girls and makes a few good friends, but also loses a few too. The story also talks about the World events happening in the 1940’s like WW2. Evvy’s journey contains heartbreak, loss, overcoming weaknesses and gaining new strength.
Breathing Room is abundant with positive and uplifting themes. Evvy loses two friends but still healed and helped her friend survive. A theme is: despite afflictions you can still get better. Another one is: rest can heal the weary. Since Loon Lake, the sanatorium Evvy stayed at focused on rest, she was able to get better. It was definitely annoying at times since no one could talk, and it took a long time to gain privileges like walking without a wheel chair or attend classes.
I loved this book! All of the characters were lovable and understandable. Each sad moment in the story was heartbreaking. Marsha Hayles, the author, did a lot of research and it was evident while reading. She included many images that connected you with the time period. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes accurate historical fiction, lovely friendships and a good cry.
Breathing Room is abundant with positive and uplifting themes. Evvy loses two friends but still healed and helped her friend survive. A theme is: despite afflictions you can still get better. Another one is: rest can heal the weary. Since Loon Lake, the sanatorium Evvy stayed at focused on rest, she was able to get better. It was definitely annoying at times since no one could talk, and it took a long time to gain privileges like walking without a wheel chair or attend classes.
I loved this book! All of the characters were lovable and understandable. Each sad moment in the story was heartbreaking. Marsha Hayles, the author, did a lot of research and it was evident while reading. She included many images that connected you with the time period. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes accurate historical fiction, lovely friendships and a good cry.
May 13, 2020
This book even though it was fiction it has a lot of true facts in it which I appreciated.
I was not fully aware of what Tuberculosis symptoms were and how it affected a person
until reading this book it does seem to me in 2020 it has a evil fraternal twin that we are experiencing now.
I also became aware that some people are not aware that Tuberculosis still exists today.
In 2018 we had 10 million cases and 1.5 million people died from it.
Back in 1940's they were saying the same practices to do to not catch it as we are today in 2020 against it's evil fraternal twin. I was researching on the world health organization site to learn more please do more of your own research too.
It is mind boggling about TB and how it relates in a sense to what we are going through now.
Either way the story was pretty good and informative a fast read for me.
We have Evvy who has TB and is going to Loon Lake Sanatorium to allegedly get well.
Evvy meets Beverly, Pearl, Dena and Sarah while there and creates these odd friendships due to their illness. We walk through what happens to Evvy while she is in this Sanatorium and very small in sight to what it's like to have TB.
I am just in shock after so many years we haven't improved much.
Some people are asymptomatic and some people have to do a multiple drug regime because
TB and or their bodies become resistant to the drugs.
I just found it all very interesting.
I was not fully aware of what Tuberculosis symptoms were and how it affected a person
until reading this book it does seem to me in 2020 it has a evil fraternal twin that we are experiencing now.
I also became aware that some people are not aware that Tuberculosis still exists today.
In 2018 we had 10 million cases and 1.5 million people died from it.
Back in 1940's they were saying the same practices to do to not catch it as we are today in 2020 against it's evil fraternal twin. I was researching on the world health organization site to learn more please do more of your own research too.
It is mind boggling about TB and how it relates in a sense to what we are going through now.
Either way the story was pretty good and informative a fast read for me.
We have Evvy who has TB and is going to Loon Lake Sanatorium to allegedly get well.
Evvy meets Beverly, Pearl, Dena and Sarah while there and creates these odd friendships due to their illness. We walk through what happens to Evvy while she is in this Sanatorium and very small in sight to what it's like to have TB.
I am just in shock after so many years we haven't improved much.
Some people are asymptomatic and some people have to do a multiple drug regime because
TB and or their bodies become resistant to the drugs.
I just found it all very interesting.
October 30, 2013
Beautiful, moving, realistic. Breathing Room was perfect in pace, voice, and meaning. Hayles' demonstrates incredible skill for a first-time novelist in crafting her story to get a deeper meaning across. She used the word's of William Ernest Henley's Invictus to state that despite any higher forces, man is the captain of his fate: "It matters not how strait the gate / How charged with punishments the scroll / I am the master of my fate: / I am the captain of my soul.". This message was beautifully argued, a surprising content for a children's novel. Nonetheless, I couldn't help but think of rap artist Lecrae's words in his song Background which state "I had a dream that I was master of my soul / I was captain of my fate / Lost control and then I sank. / So I don't want to take the lead / Because I'm prone to make mistakes...". I only wish Evvy, Dena and the other girls could have had true reassurance because of belief in God, not left to be sadly struggling alone to steer their souls away from death and towards joy.
I didn't shift from the couch in the 2 hours I read it. It drew me in well, informed but didn't preach, felt realistic but not dismal, and hopeful but not falsely fluffy. I have no ill feelings towards this book and ones like it that argue a Godless world; only sadness for the characters inside. It was well worth my time.
I didn't shift from the couch in the 2 hours I read it. It drew me in well, informed but didn't preach, felt realistic but not dismal, and hopeful but not falsely fluffy. I have no ill feelings towards this book and ones like it that argue a Godless world; only sadness for the characters inside. It was well worth my time.
February 23, 2020
When I read “Breathing Room” everything came to life and I could see it all play out in my mind. There is so much detail and structure to this book that once you finish it you want to read more. This book takes place in 1940 when a 13 year old girl named Evvy was placed in a sanatorium with the illness TB. This book had lots of details about the history and politics that were going on back then, but it also took you through the journey of Evvy fighting for survival from this disease. She makes new friends in the sanatorium that she is staying at. This book is sad, but also heartwarming. It causes a rollercoaster of emotions. Though some of the parts in this book do get a little dry and boring, once you get past those; the book is great. I like this book because it connects to the world by showing you what people had to go through back then when they had an illness. People today are also fighting for survival from the diseases they have. And it opens your mind up more. I rate this book a four out of five stars because the detail was good, for the most part the book had you hooked in, and you didn’t just go through the survival journey but you went through important events that happened during that time period. The reason why I don’t give it five stars is because some of the time it wasn’t as interesting as I would have wanted it to be.
June 29, 2020
This is the tale of a group of girls who have tuberculosis back in the 1940s. I liked the characters and their growth. The setting is bleak but realistic. Readers should also look at the author's notes at the end; there is some fascinating information about tuberculosis there.
This would be a good back to talk to 5th or 6th graders. It's an easy, fast read.
Book Description:
Evvy Hoffmeister is thirteen years old when her family brings her to Loon Lake Sanatorium to get cured of tuberculosis (TB). Evvy is frightened by her new surroundings; the rules to abide are harsh and the nurses equally rigid. But Evvy soon falls into step with the other girls in her ward. There's Sarah, quiet but thoughtful; Pearl, who adores Hollywood glamour; and Dina, whose harshness conceals a deep strength. Together, the girls brave the difficult daily routines. Set in 1940 at a time of political unrest throughout the U.S. and Europe, this thought-provoking novel sheds light on a much-feared worldwide illness. Hundreds of thousands of people died each year of TB, and many ill children were sent away to sanatoriums to hopefully recover.
Marsha Hayles' Breathing Room is a masterful novel―both eloquent and moving―that gives voice to those who fought hard to overcome the illness.
This would be a good back to talk to 5th or 6th graders. It's an easy, fast read.
Book Description:
Evvy Hoffmeister is thirteen years old when her family brings her to Loon Lake Sanatorium to get cured of tuberculosis (TB). Evvy is frightened by her new surroundings; the rules to abide are harsh and the nurses equally rigid. But Evvy soon falls into step with the other girls in her ward. There's Sarah, quiet but thoughtful; Pearl, who adores Hollywood glamour; and Dina, whose harshness conceals a deep strength. Together, the girls brave the difficult daily routines. Set in 1940 at a time of political unrest throughout the U.S. and Europe, this thought-provoking novel sheds light on a much-feared worldwide illness. Hundreds of thousands of people died each year of TB, and many ill children were sent away to sanatoriums to hopefully recover.
Marsha Hayles' Breathing Room is a masterful novel―both eloquent and moving―that gives voice to those who fought hard to overcome the illness.
December 10, 2020
Book - Breathing Room by Marsha Hayles
This book is based on a thirteen year old girl named Evelyn(Evvy) Hoffmeister. Evvy is confined to a tuberculosis sanatorium in minnesota. While in this hospital called Loon Lake Sanatorium, she develops inner strength as she copes with loneliness, loss and her life threatening disease. Loon Lake has a strict regimen of no talking, no visitors, bed rest, diet, and treatment. These rules cause Evvy to become overwhelmed until she later on makes friends with the other girls in her assigned ward. There was no real cure to this disease at the time. Evelyn was forced to watch her new friends fight and die as she was to fight for her own life as well.
I read this book for the first time in 5th grade and I have loved it ever since. It helps you understand the disease of TB and what it was like on people in the past. You see what people went through with this disease without knowing if they were to survive or to die.
There was nothing about this book that I didn’t like.
Overall, I think this book is really good. It is a really interesting book for people who want to learn about the history of illnesses and the suffering that people went through due to lack of medicines.
This book is based on a thirteen year old girl named Evelyn(Evvy) Hoffmeister. Evvy is confined to a tuberculosis sanatorium in minnesota. While in this hospital called Loon Lake Sanatorium, she develops inner strength as she copes with loneliness, loss and her life threatening disease. Loon Lake has a strict regimen of no talking, no visitors, bed rest, diet, and treatment. These rules cause Evvy to become overwhelmed until she later on makes friends with the other girls in her assigned ward. There was no real cure to this disease at the time. Evelyn was forced to watch her new friends fight and die as she was to fight for her own life as well.
I read this book for the first time in 5th grade and I have loved it ever since. It helps you understand the disease of TB and what it was like on people in the past. You see what people went through with this disease without knowing if they were to survive or to die.
There was nothing about this book that I didn’t like.
Overall, I think this book is really good. It is a really interesting book for people who want to learn about the history of illnesses and the suffering that people went through due to lack of medicines.
June 12, 2022
I expected this to be a quick little read-and-release children's book, and was surprised by how thoroughly and effectively these girls latched onto my heart, and how much it hurt when not all of them survive. The writing is also impressively vivid at bringing to life what was (by design) a fairly dreary indoor setting most of the time, aided by the inclusion of photographs and other ephemera of the era at the start of each chapter. The fact that the book takes place in Minnesota is still a kick, though, so I had pretty good context for the geography and what was happening back at the girls' homes.
What really gives this book an edge are the over 30 pages of supplemental material (at least in the paperback version I have), covering everything from historical context and information about tuberculosis-- which I recommend reading first -- to an explanation of each photograph used, to discussion questions and a lengthy author interview, about both this book and her writing process/interests in general. I especially loved learning that not only is she a Minnesota native (Rochester, to be a specific, with a father who worked at Mayo), part of her inspiration from this book came from reading Betty MacDonald's memoir, The Plague and I. Now I REALLY have to get to that one...
What really gives this book an edge are the over 30 pages of supplemental material (at least in the paperback version I have), covering everything from historical context and information about tuberculosis-- which I recommend reading first -- to an explanation of each photograph used, to discussion questions and a lengthy author interview, about both this book and her writing process/interests in general. I especially loved learning that not only is she a Minnesota native (Rochester, to be a specific, with a father who worked at Mayo), part of her inspiration from this book came from reading Betty MacDonald's memoir, The Plague and I. Now I REALLY have to get to that one...
August 18, 2013
4.7 stars
Loved this book! It was so interesting! It's 1940, 13-year-old Evvy lives in Minnesota, and has tuberculosis. She spends time in Loon Lake TB Sanatorium in order to recover.
Sometimes people lived for years and years in the sanatoriums, and so many patients died. Evvy experiences the typical TB care of the time which included lots of rest, lots of food, and strict medical care.
She develops relationships with the other girls in her room, and not everyone has a happy ending.
Be sure and read the Appendix section. I didn't know that Eleanor Roosevelt died from tuberculosis! And Betty McDonald, the author of the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books, had TB as a child and wrote a memoir about her experiences in a sanatorium.
The book is a very fast read with short chapters. It has interesting historical images inserted throughout the book.
I remember liking the movie, The Nun's Story, with Audrey Hepburn years and years ago. She develops TB at one point and undergoes similar treatment---only it happens in Africa.
And then I think about the Brontes. Just about all of that family died from consumption (TB)!
Loved this book! It was so interesting! It's 1940, 13-year-old Evvy lives in Minnesota, and has tuberculosis. She spends time in Loon Lake TB Sanatorium in order to recover.
Sometimes people lived for years and years in the sanatoriums, and so many patients died. Evvy experiences the typical TB care of the time which included lots of rest, lots of food, and strict medical care.
She develops relationships with the other girls in her room, and not everyone has a happy ending.
Be sure and read the Appendix section. I didn't know that Eleanor Roosevelt died from tuberculosis! And Betty McDonald, the author of the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books, had TB as a child and wrote a memoir about her experiences in a sanatorium.
The book is a very fast read with short chapters. It has interesting historical images inserted throughout the book.
I remember liking the movie, The Nun's Story, with Audrey Hepburn years and years ago. She develops TB at one point and undergoes similar treatment---only it happens in Africa.
And then I think about the Brontes. Just about all of that family died from consumption (TB)!
October 30, 2019
I honestly am in love with this book. At first Evvy is just a scared a girl that was placed in this strange hospital , abandoned and alone to fight out this disease . But as the story develops , she makes friends : Dena which is this hard headed but in reality she's a nice person , Pearl who high key wants to leave the facility as soon as possible and become famous , Beverly the farm girl and Sarah which ends up being 3 best friend . This book describes each character like they're people I know in real life and it leaves such an intimate mark on me because I'm a survivor of asthma and pneumonia so every obstacle that they overcome , it feels like a personal victory . It makes me really upset though not Evvy not receive any letters or love from her loved ones like her mother . This story hits really close to home although it takes place in the 1940's . 10 / 10 recommend .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2014
Fascinating account of a young girl in 1940 rural America with tuberculosis, who goes to a sanatorium designed to help TB patients. Thank heaven we have passed the day when it was considered part of the treatment of patients to be harsh with them! (Thanks, Patch Adams, NOT part of this story, for your help in that direction!) Part of this story is how kindness went a long way with these already depressed patients, kindness from a nurse, a doctor, roommates, friends...and even how cruelty can actually kill.
I loved the use of poetry in the character development; I believe that is where poetry has it's greatest influence - on the heart that needs it.
Quick, but valuable read. Would be excellent for junior high and slightly younger readers.
I loved the use of poetry in the character development; I believe that is where poetry has it's greatest influence - on the heart that needs it.
Quick, but valuable read. Would be excellent for junior high and slightly younger readers.
February 9, 2017
A well-written look about life with TB in the '40s. Wasn't overly impressive in terms of characterizations, but it did give you an excellent feel for what it must have been like living with 'the white death'.
October 28, 2014
I thought this a fantastic book and immediately wanted to know if the author had written other books. I listed it as a four star only because I really cannot be called a young adult. But I found it so interesting. It comes in the voice of a child, and explores a time in history not remembered in society. The author covers all aspects and although the novel is fiction, it reads as non-fiction. As a side note--my daughter is learning all about metaphors and onomonopias, and I thought we could go through this book again and identify all these different techniques used to bring this story flavor and substance.
December 21, 2023
WOW. Incredible. 11 out of 10 stars.
Evvy is the perfect protagonist: quiet and trying to adapt to a new environment. I experienced her emotions so wholly and so did she. Wonderful job.
I also liked how Hayles portrayed the relationships between the girls. It was magical and made the story altogether more rich and deep. Incredible.
The plot seemed to be internal, that is, with the additions of external setting and events.
The setting was the 1940s in a sanatorium. It was an interesting perspective to see the risks the patients took for the sake of medicine.
Overall, Incredible book! Wow Wow Wow.
This has been: rants and raves by Eilee!
Evvy is the perfect protagonist: quiet and trying to adapt to a new environment. I experienced her emotions so wholly and so did she. Wonderful job.
I also liked how Hayles portrayed the relationships between the girls. It was magical and made the story altogether more rich and deep. Incredible.
The plot seemed to be internal, that is, with the additions of external setting and events.
The setting was the 1940s in a sanatorium. It was an interesting perspective to see the risks the patients took for the sake of medicine.
Overall, Incredible book! Wow Wow Wow.
This has been: rants and raves by Eilee!
April 17, 2013
This was such a good book! Part of the reason I liked it so much is probably because I'm an RT...But even without that, it was still good. I even learned some new things about TB! Like...I had no idea they used to give TB patients pneumos on purpose, to rest their lungs. Weird. The book was a little slow, but it wouldn't have fit the story if it wasn't. It was a short, easy read, so that made up for the slowness. I also really enjoyed all the old pics. There was a few a tear jerker moments, but overall had a happy ending :)
October 9, 2015
Breathing room by Marsha Hayles is a very interesting book. It is about a young girl named Evvy who is battling tuberculosis (tb) in the year of 1940. She is faced with many problems and situations. I thought that this was an interesting book, because it had a different perspective on the tb outbreak of the 1940s. I would recommend this book to others that are interested in history.I liked that there were lots of major events in the book.Some were unexpected,but also some parts that could have been better and a little more exciting.Overall, I thought that this was a pretty good book.
December 6, 2023
I am a 10 year old girl who absolutely LOVED this book! Normally I don’t read historical fiction in fact I pretty much hate historical fiction but this book was something else! It’s a 220 page book which I read in 2 days (that’s quick for me) I could not put down this book! I loved the characters and everything in it! Like I said I hate historical fiction but, I can’t even believe I’m saying this but this was my FAVORITE ebook ever. Ever. Yup I said it. So whoever is reading this. READ THIS BOOK!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews