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Breathing Underwater
With one word, Tess’s world could be completely undone:
Epilepsy.
Tess lives for swimming: the feel of the pool's rough edge on her toes, the snap of cold water on her skin, and the push of her limbs ever forward. In the water, she’s truly alive.
Until tragedy strikes. And Tess is left navigating a summer of doctor visits, missed swim practices, a newly distant best friend, and a job stuck behind a counter—not sitting high in the lifeguard chair like every season before.
Instead, her spot goes to new guy Charlie. Although his messy hair and laid-back demeanor catch Tess’s attention, this isn’t really the time. She’s got to focus on getting back in the pool—and on getting back to herself.
Lyrically and sensitively written, Breathing Underwater is a slice-of-life story with depth, exploring topics like epilepsy, inclusivity in student athletics, changing friendships, and the power of love and community. With warmth and wit, Abbey Lee Nash has crafted a moving portrait of a teen girl’s journey to self-acceptance and life on her own terms.
Named to the YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults List
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Epilepsy.
Tess lives for swimming: the feel of the pool's rough edge on her toes, the snap of cold water on her skin, and the push of her limbs ever forward. In the water, she’s truly alive.
Until tragedy strikes. And Tess is left navigating a summer of doctor visits, missed swim practices, a newly distant best friend, and a job stuck behind a counter—not sitting high in the lifeguard chair like every season before.
Instead, her spot goes to new guy Charlie. Although his messy hair and laid-back demeanor catch Tess’s attention, this isn’t really the time. She’s got to focus on getting back in the pool—and on getting back to herself.
Lyrically and sensitively written, Breathing Underwater is a slice-of-life story with depth, exploring topics like epilepsy, inclusivity in student athletics, changing friendships, and the power of love and community. With warmth and wit, Abbey Lee Nash has crafted a moving portrait of a teen girl’s journey to self-acceptance and life on her own terms.
Named to the YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults List
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2024
9 people are currently reading
4277 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 6, 2024
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“I’m a swimmer. I don’t know how to be anything else.”
Tess has always had one lifelong passion - swimming. It's in her blood, her soul, her entire life has revolved around swimming competitively and honing her skills. She doesn't have much time for anything else when she has only one goal in mind - winning Nationals in her senior year so she can get into the prestigious college offering her a scholarship - 'every win matters. Even a few added seconds can mean shattered dreams.' 🏊🏻♀️ But, when she's afflicted with an unprompted and unexpected seizure whilst in the water, she's not quite prepared for how difficult her life would suddenly become, and how she has to relearn what it's like Breathing Underwater.
“You’re going to get through this,” Dr. Cappalano says. “It’s hard, but it’s not hopeless.”
The writing was very clear and concise and the story solely focused on one thing - how Tess' swimming career faced a dramatic and drastic upheaval due to this sudden shift. I appreciated how the author showed the care and concern that her doctors and parents and Coach were treating it. 👍🏻 It's a gentle and soft reminder that it shouldn't be taken lightly, to be regarded with a lot of sensitivity and responsibility, especially when there's a risk of epilepsy happening in the future. It was not treated lightly and as much as it hurt them to see their star swimmer suffer, her health was their top priority - her safety was their utmost requirement. 😟
It was tough seeing how hard it affected her relationship with her best friend, Mac - how having her adjust to the changes made her cut off from her respective teammates and seen more as a burden rather than the spirited swimmer she was. It was a healthy and heartfelt portrayal of how friendships can suffer by it, but the way Tess fought to maintain her friendship was something that I respected and admired. I’m learning that so much about epilepsy is waiting and hoping and doing your best.' 😔 As she learns to cope with her new way of life, she starts to not see it as a burden, but as a part of her - and not let it defeat her dreams.
“I’m a swimmer,” I blurt. “Or I used to be. I guess my first seizure could’ve killed me, but instead I lost the sport I love.” A tremor creeps into my voice, and the room blurs.
“Sometimes, I’m not sure which one is worse.” It’s quiet for a moment. I stare at my hands, thumb away my tears.
“Dying,” Lisette says.
I look up at her.
“Dying would definitely be worse.”
Tess' thoughts and emotions were believable and valid; the frustration of not being part of a team again, the anger at missing out on practices, the embarrassment of the special treatment required at pools to guarantee her safety - 'the fastest you’ll ever see a fish swim is when it finally realizes it’s free.' 😥 The description of her swimming and her drowning - her time in the water and out of it - was compelling and alluring. It shows how viscerally swimming is ingrained in her system so much that she doesn't want to have a life without it - 'no dates, no real social life. Just swim, school, repeat.'
Her feelings emanated realistically enough for me to believe that this was a young girl - whose entire future plans were being flushed down the drain, and she didn't know how to stop it - how to control it or prevent it from slipping from her grasp. 'A seizure disorder is literally the worst possible thing that could happen to me. I want out, I want out, I want out.' 🥺 But, just as suddenly everything changed, just as slowly, the author gives her a chance to face the challenge head-on. She fought to cope and adjust and re-align her situation so that she could still swim and still not deny that she did have special needs, but she can learn to accommodate herself with treatment, medication and careful consideration of her health. That it's not entirely hopeless or necessary to give up the dream - that she shouldn't lose hope or faith that her dreams can still come true. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“As I ease into a familiar workout that leaves my heart racing with joy, I remember that the human body is 70 percent water, that we’re basically breathing underwater all the time. ”
Charlie, the love interest - the “non- athletic regular people” was alright, I guess - nothing too outlandish or significant about him that made his appeal any different than your typical YA love interest, complete with his own painful past that made him even more appealing. ' Messy, unmotivated, and clearly doesn’t care what people think about him' he was so very kind and sweet to her, someone Tess was immediately drawn to, that despite how she's never had time for a social life or boys, she's comforted by him and was happy that he cared for her, even after their small-lasting breakup. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
'You’re definitely a swimmer,” he says. “But you’re more than that, too.' I know it makes me sound bitter about their romance, but, maybe it would be an interesting trend where a guy can be introduced and they can just be friends till the end of the book - no boyfriend needed! I think it just made me feel that it took for her to come to a bad place to find a relationship with someone - something that she's never attempted to have because of her swimming career. 🫶🏻 Something like a hopeful belief that you really can have it all - the dream and the guy while still learning to cope with her new change of life. So, I guess, it is a nice hopeful note to end on for those who may have to face similar situations as Tess'. ☺️
And, on a last note, can I just say that if there were annual book awards held, I would totally nominate this as the most beautiful cover of the year. I'm honestly in awe of how visually striking it really is. 😍😍
*Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“I’m a swimmer. I don’t know how to be anything else.”
Tess has always had one lifelong passion - swimming. It's in her blood, her soul, her entire life has revolved around swimming competitively and honing her skills. She doesn't have much time for anything else when she has only one goal in mind - winning Nationals in her senior year so she can get into the prestigious college offering her a scholarship - 'every win matters. Even a few added seconds can mean shattered dreams.' 🏊🏻♀️ But, when she's afflicted with an unprompted and unexpected seizure whilst in the water, she's not quite prepared for how difficult her life would suddenly become, and how she has to relearn what it's like Breathing Underwater.
“You’re going to get through this,” Dr. Cappalano says. “It’s hard, but it’s not hopeless.”
The writing was very clear and concise and the story solely focused on one thing - how Tess' swimming career faced a dramatic and drastic upheaval due to this sudden shift. I appreciated how the author showed the care and concern that her doctors and parents and Coach were treating it. 👍🏻 It's a gentle and soft reminder that it shouldn't be taken lightly, to be regarded with a lot of sensitivity and responsibility, especially when there's a risk of epilepsy happening in the future. It was not treated lightly and as much as it hurt them to see their star swimmer suffer, her health was their top priority - her safety was their utmost requirement. 😟
It was tough seeing how hard it affected her relationship with her best friend, Mac - how having her adjust to the changes made her cut off from her respective teammates and seen more as a burden rather than the spirited swimmer she was. It was a healthy and heartfelt portrayal of how friendships can suffer by it, but the way Tess fought to maintain her friendship was something that I respected and admired. I’m learning that so much about epilepsy is waiting and hoping and doing your best.' 😔 As she learns to cope with her new way of life, she starts to not see it as a burden, but as a part of her - and not let it defeat her dreams.
“I’m a swimmer,” I blurt. “Or I used to be. I guess my first seizure could’ve killed me, but instead I lost the sport I love.” A tremor creeps into my voice, and the room blurs.
“Sometimes, I’m not sure which one is worse.” It’s quiet for a moment. I stare at my hands, thumb away my tears.
“Dying,” Lisette says.
I look up at her.
“Dying would definitely be worse.”
Tess' thoughts and emotions were believable and valid; the frustration of not being part of a team again, the anger at missing out on practices, the embarrassment of the special treatment required at pools to guarantee her safety - 'the fastest you’ll ever see a fish swim is when it finally realizes it’s free.' 😥 The description of her swimming and her drowning - her time in the water and out of it - was compelling and alluring. It shows how viscerally swimming is ingrained in her system so much that she doesn't want to have a life without it - 'no dates, no real social life. Just swim, school, repeat.'
Her feelings emanated realistically enough for me to believe that this was a young girl - whose entire future plans were being flushed down the drain, and she didn't know how to stop it - how to control it or prevent it from slipping from her grasp. 'A seizure disorder is literally the worst possible thing that could happen to me. I want out, I want out, I want out.' 🥺 But, just as suddenly everything changed, just as slowly, the author gives her a chance to face the challenge head-on. She fought to cope and adjust and re-align her situation so that she could still swim and still not deny that she did have special needs, but she can learn to accommodate herself with treatment, medication and careful consideration of her health. That it's not entirely hopeless or necessary to give up the dream - that she shouldn't lose hope or faith that her dreams can still come true. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“As I ease into a familiar workout that leaves my heart racing with joy, I remember that the human body is 70 percent water, that we’re basically breathing underwater all the time. ”
Charlie, the love interest - the “non- athletic regular people” was alright, I guess - nothing too outlandish or significant about him that made his appeal any different than your typical YA love interest, complete with his own painful past that made him even more appealing. ' Messy, unmotivated, and clearly doesn’t care what people think about him' he was so very kind and sweet to her, someone Tess was immediately drawn to, that despite how she's never had time for a social life or boys, she's comforted by him and was happy that he cared for her, even after their small-lasting breakup. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
'You’re definitely a swimmer,” he says. “But you’re more than that, too.' I know it makes me sound bitter about their romance, but, maybe it would be an interesting trend where a guy can be introduced and they can just be friends till the end of the book - no boyfriend needed! I think it just made me feel that it took for her to come to a bad place to find a relationship with someone - something that she's never attempted to have because of her swimming career. 🫶🏻 Something like a hopeful belief that you really can have it all - the dream and the guy while still learning to cope with her new change of life. So, I guess, it is a nice hopeful note to end on for those who may have to face similar situations as Tess'. ☺️
And, on a last note, can I just say that if there were annual book awards held, I would totally nominate this as the most beautiful cover of the year. I'm honestly in awe of how visually striking it really is. 😍😍
*Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2024
*Reseña atrasada pq sí*
Bueno, primero que nada debo decir que la portada esta bien bonita, fue la única razón por la que lo leí, pero la historia si deja mucho que desear, especialmente porque todo carece de caracterización, los personajes están escasos de personalidad y la trama en sí no tiene sentido. Y hablo de los personajes porque de eso se trata toda la historia.
La protagonista es una chica llamada Tess, que practica natación como si su vida dependiera de ello, y tiene epilepsia, pero fuera de eso no hay nada más que llame la atención de ella, su personaje es muy plano, ni siquiera dentro de la narración se puede saber su personalidad, no se preocupa por morir de tanto andar entrenando en la natación y siento que su salud y epilepsia esta escrita de manera superficial. Aparte eso mismo hace que sus relaciones se vean tan simples y aburridas, no sentía ninguna interacción de manera natural.
Lo mismo pasa con los secundarios, Charlie no se queda atrás, deseaba que fuera un personaje que me gustara porque se veía simple y prometedor, pero este personaje solo está para ser el apoyo de la protagonista, literalmente no hay información de Charlie más allá de que se mudó por un problema de sus padres y un trabajo que tiene en la piscina donde asiste Tess, pero no hay más, el personaje se queda en segundo plano todo el libro, no aporta nada y es decepcionante.
Igual con la familia, el padre es un ex atleta que apoya a Tess y la madre se preocupa por su salud, pero la dinámica que tienen no está bien estructurada, en ciertos momentos yo pensaba que la estaban obligando a participar y que realmente le exigían de más, sobre todo el padre. La chica tenía epilepsia pero a él le importaba más que cumpliera con su responsabilidad en el deporte y no pensaba en más que en ello, amigo, ¿todo bien? La hermana no aporta nada, fijo que es tan irrelevante que ni siquiera recuerdo su nombre, siento que cualquier personaje hubiera funcionado en su lugar y no afectaría en nada la trama, es que no hay escena que sea importante donde aparezca, no tiene resolución y su personaje no resuena en nada. Los otros secundarios están tan aburridos que no entiendo nada, la amiga Mac de inicio resulta ser muy amigable y todo pero después la cambia por otra chica (que es un personaje muy contradictorio también y que no aporta absolutamente nada más que el estereotipo de todos esos clichés andantes de chica mala), su personaje carece de relevancia y personalidad, solo está ahí para demostrar que la protagonista no está sola y ya, mejor no hubieran puesto nada.
La narración está bonita y decente, la verdad la autora tiene talento y se demuestra porque, aparte, está basado un poco en su experiencia personal con la epilepsia, pero la ejecución de la historia la hace superficial, me hubiera gustado que no se centrará en eso para así poder hacer una historia un poco más entretenida y mejor llevada. Quizá es por esas pequeñas cosas que no disfrute el libro como deseaba, esperaba muchísimo pero terminé decepcionada, cosa que no es culpa de la autora, sino mía por crearme expectativas.
Igual el libro no es malo, realmente es interesante hasta cierto punto pero definitivamente no es para mí, siento que no soy el público al que apela. Pero la portada es de las más hermosas que he visto, a eso sí le doy un diez.
Bueno, primero que nada debo decir que la portada esta bien bonita, fue la única razón por la que lo leí, pero la historia si deja mucho que desear, especialmente porque todo carece de caracterización, los personajes están escasos de personalidad y la trama en sí no tiene sentido. Y hablo de los personajes porque de eso se trata toda la historia.
La protagonista es una chica llamada Tess, que practica natación como si su vida dependiera de ello, y tiene epilepsia, pero fuera de eso no hay nada más que llame la atención de ella, su personaje es muy plano, ni siquiera dentro de la narración se puede saber su personalidad, no se preocupa por morir de tanto andar entrenando en la natación y siento que su salud y epilepsia esta escrita de manera superficial. Aparte eso mismo hace que sus relaciones se vean tan simples y aburridas, no sentía ninguna interacción de manera natural.
Lo mismo pasa con los secundarios, Charlie no se queda atrás, deseaba que fuera un personaje que me gustara porque se veía simple y prometedor, pero este personaje solo está para ser el apoyo de la protagonista, literalmente no hay información de Charlie más allá de que se mudó por un problema de sus padres y un trabajo que tiene en la piscina donde asiste Tess, pero no hay más, el personaje se queda en segundo plano todo el libro, no aporta nada y es decepcionante.
Igual con la familia, el padre es un ex atleta que apoya a Tess y la madre se preocupa por su salud, pero la dinámica que tienen no está bien estructurada, en ciertos momentos yo pensaba que la estaban obligando a participar y que realmente le exigían de más, sobre todo el padre. La chica tenía epilepsia pero a él le importaba más que cumpliera con su responsabilidad en el deporte y no pensaba en más que en ello, amigo, ¿todo bien? La hermana no aporta nada, fijo que es tan irrelevante que ni siquiera recuerdo su nombre, siento que cualquier personaje hubiera funcionado en su lugar y no afectaría en nada la trama, es que no hay escena que sea importante donde aparezca, no tiene resolución y su personaje no resuena en nada. Los otros secundarios están tan aburridos que no entiendo nada, la amiga Mac de inicio resulta ser muy amigable y todo pero después la cambia por otra chica (que es un personaje muy contradictorio también y que no aporta absolutamente nada más que el estereotipo de todos esos clichés andantes de chica mala), su personaje carece de relevancia y personalidad, solo está ahí para demostrar que la protagonista no está sola y ya, mejor no hubieran puesto nada.
La narración está bonita y decente, la verdad la autora tiene talento y se demuestra porque, aparte, está basado un poco en su experiencia personal con la epilepsia, pero la ejecución de la historia la hace superficial, me hubiera gustado que no se centrará en eso para así poder hacer una historia un poco más entretenida y mejor llevada. Quizá es por esas pequeñas cosas que no disfrute el libro como deseaba, esperaba muchísimo pero terminé decepcionada, cosa que no es culpa de la autora, sino mía por crearme expectativas.
Igual el libro no es malo, realmente es interesante hasta cierto punto pero definitivamente no es para mí, siento que no soy el público al que apela. Pero la portada es de las más hermosas que he visto, a eso sí le doy un diez.
July 4, 2025
This is the best Y.A. book I’ve read in a long time! It checked all the boxes on what I love in a young adult novel:
Young girl with a fierce passion (in this case, being a swim team member).
Family members who are loving and supportive, but also very human (as in overprotective and/or goal oriented at different times).
Sweet, gentle teen romance (No graphic sex scenes, thanks!)
BFF relationships, with normal ups and downs.
Teen girl with life plans and goals that are hit by a dramatic health curveball, forcing difficult decisions to be faced (reminiscent of “Deenie” by Judy Blume, facing scoliosis after a hopeful modeling career); in this novel, epilepsy vs. professional swimming.
Humorous inner thoughts from the main character at key times!
In other words, I loved this book! Can’t wait to read upcoming novels by this author (hopefully soon!)
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.147)-“For the next five minutes, Mom and I learn about various types of seizure medications and their associated side effects. It feels a little like watching one of those commercials on TV: “One pill will cure your acid reflux. You may experience headache, erectile dysfunction, broken bones, eye explosion, or death by paralysis. Call your doctor if you can manage to get to the phone.”
Young girl with a fierce passion (in this case, being a swim team member).
Family members who are loving and supportive, but also very human (as in overprotective and/or goal oriented at different times).
Sweet, gentle teen romance (No graphic sex scenes, thanks!)
BFF relationships, with normal ups and downs.
Teen girl with life plans and goals that are hit by a dramatic health curveball, forcing difficult decisions to be faced (reminiscent of “Deenie” by Judy Blume, facing scoliosis after a hopeful modeling career); in this novel, epilepsy vs. professional swimming.
Humorous inner thoughts from the main character at key times!
In other words, I loved this book! Can’t wait to read upcoming novels by this author (hopefully soon!)
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.147)-“For the next five minutes, Mom and I learn about various types of seizure medications and their associated side effects. It feels a little like watching one of those commercials on TV: “One pill will cure your acid reflux. You may experience headache, erectile dysfunction, broken bones, eye explosion, or death by paralysis. Call your doctor if you can manage to get to the phone.”
May 23, 2025
Loved this YA story about a competitive teen swimmer who develops epilepsy. The author also has epilepsy, and I really appreciate the message about inclusiveness in sports. Great sports novel for middle and high school!
Source: school library hardcover
Source: school library hardcover
January 6, 2024
Okay, so I'll be as nice as I can while reviewing this book since it has a lot of the author's personal experiences with epilepsy.
There are three things that I didn't like about the story, and they're about as major to the book as they're intertwined: lack of character deepness, their relationships with each other and lack of lore.
I don't know Tess. Like, I know swimming is her life and that she's diagnosed with epilepsy and that she's going to Nationals and her future depends on how they go... but what else? I have nothing. I don't know what she likes beside swimming, I don't know how she spends her time when she's not swimming/sleeping, I don't know what she thinks period.
When doctors suspect she might have epilepsy her world crumbles for sure, but it's like... I don't know how to express myself on that one. Like her feelings are not really deep. She focuses on what that means to her swimming career and her future, sure, and I get since swimming is the most important thing for her right now the focus is on that, but I don't think she really thinks about her health realistically. Like, yeah, it sucks and you might not be able to swim in a competition ever again, but also you could like... die.
I didn't get Tess because of that. Her lack of deepness as a character made me realize I couldn't ever get her feelings towards the fact that epilepsy made her think only about her future in swimming competitions and not in like... the rest of her life.
But Tess isn't the only I didn't get. Charlie went from being the only one she could rely on, the only one that didn't tell her that everything's gonna be fine, that it's just a phase and she'll move on, etcetc to... exactly that. Literally. And it's super sudden because again, we don't know anything about Charlie. Sure, we know he just moved here since his parents got divorced, that he doesn't talk with him and that he got the job that was supposed to be Tess' at the pool. That's literally it. We also know a couple of things (like he's living with his aunt and that he likes rock music) that don't really mean anything to the story.
Tess and Charlie's relationship feels void because we don't know them. They go out for like two weeks and suddenly, when she sees him again, feels a lot of feelings as if she couldn't live without him. And that could 100% be a natural reaction to a teenage, new relationship, but feels fake because we don't really know these people.
The relationship with her family is also weird due to lack of deepness. I understand her relationship with her dad, also an athlete; I also understand the mother, worried sick for her daughter's health; and I also get her relationship with her sister, kinda the black sheep of the family... but I don't understand the family dynamics.
The only normal one is the mom: she's worried, she wants her to quit but when she doesn't she decides to support her even if she doesn't approve, making sure she's safe anyways. The dad's super weird; I get you're super supportive of her swimming career and that you're frustrated your own sports-related career ended early, but like... dude?? Your kid might have epilepsy?? Stop with the jock thing and like start to act like a supportive but responsible parent as your wife does?? Even when he cleans up his act it's still super weird and still pushes her daughter to swim. And I get it, okay? But at the same time I don't.
Ali (the sister) is another thing on its own. And with this (alongside Charlie's story and Mac and Tess' story) I open the whole lack of lore thing. Why is Ali there for? It could've been any other character and it'd have been the same. She's there because she apparently quit her job and went back to her parents' house, not wanting to go to college either. She gets an earful from her mom when she first appears and she drives Tess when she can't plus a couple of scenes in which she's there during family time, but that's it. She also doesn't get an ending... she's just there. Why did we have to know about her and her story? It doesn't lead to anything and that makes the character feel even more blank. If she were to stay and NY and FaceTime Tess all throughout the story (when the fist seizure happens, when she kisses Charlie for the first time, when she has to decide wether to stay on the team or quit forever, etc) she could've provided sooo much more to the story! Even more if she confessed to Tess that her job wasn't the best and that it's hard out there but she was following her dream and that's what counts yadda yadda... instead we got a watered down character that lacked lore and didn't get a proper ending.
Long story short: I really liked the plot but couldn't really enjoy the story due to these things. I'd still love to read more from Nash because I feel like she had a great idea to develop but the execution on this particular book wasn't my thing.
Thanks to Holiday House and Netgalley for the eARC!
There are three things that I didn't like about the story, and they're about as major to the book as they're intertwined: lack of character deepness, their relationships with each other and lack of lore.
I don't know Tess. Like, I know swimming is her life and that she's diagnosed with epilepsy and that she's going to Nationals and her future depends on how they go... but what else? I have nothing. I don't know what she likes beside swimming, I don't know how she spends her time when she's not swimming/sleeping, I don't know what she thinks period.
When doctors suspect she might have epilepsy her world crumbles for sure, but it's like... I don't know how to express myself on that one. Like her feelings are not really deep. She focuses on what that means to her swimming career and her future, sure, and I get since swimming is the most important thing for her right now the focus is on that, but I don't think she really thinks about her health realistically. Like, yeah, it sucks and you might not be able to swim in a competition ever again, but also you could like... die.
I didn't get Tess because of that. Her lack of deepness as a character made me realize I couldn't ever get her feelings towards the fact that epilepsy made her think only about her future in swimming competitions and not in like... the rest of her life.
But Tess isn't the only I didn't get. Charlie went from being the only one she could rely on, the only one that didn't tell her that everything's gonna be fine, that it's just a phase and she'll move on, etcetc to... exactly that. Literally. And it's super sudden because again, we don't know anything about Charlie. Sure, we know he just moved here since his parents got divorced, that he doesn't talk with him and that he got the job that was supposed to be Tess' at the pool. That's literally it. We also know a couple of things (like he's living with his aunt and that he likes rock music) that don't really mean anything to the story.
Tess and Charlie's relationship feels void because we don't know them. They go out for like two weeks and suddenly, when she sees him again, feels a lot of feelings as if she couldn't live without him. And that could 100% be a natural reaction to a teenage, new relationship, but feels fake because we don't really know these people.
The relationship with her family is also weird due to lack of deepness. I understand her relationship with her dad, also an athlete; I also understand the mother, worried sick for her daughter's health; and I also get her relationship with her sister, kinda the black sheep of the family... but I don't understand the family dynamics.
The only normal one is the mom: she's worried, she wants her to quit but when she doesn't she decides to support her even if she doesn't approve, making sure she's safe anyways. The dad's super weird; I get you're super supportive of her swimming career and that you're frustrated your own sports-related career ended early, but like... dude?? Your kid might have epilepsy?? Stop with the jock thing and like start to act like a supportive but responsible parent as your wife does?? Even when he cleans up his act it's still super weird and still pushes her daughter to swim. And I get it, okay? But at the same time I don't.
Ali (the sister) is another thing on its own. And with this (alongside Charlie's story and Mac and Tess' story) I open the whole lack of lore thing. Why is Ali there for? It could've been any other character and it'd have been the same. She's there because she apparently quit her job and went back to her parents' house, not wanting to go to college either. She gets an earful from her mom when she first appears and she drives Tess when she can't plus a couple of scenes in which she's there during family time, but that's it. She also doesn't get an ending... she's just there. Why did we have to know about her and her story? It doesn't lead to anything and that makes the character feel even more blank. If she were to stay and NY and FaceTime Tess all throughout the story (when the fist seizure happens, when she kisses Charlie for the first time, when she has to decide wether to stay on the team or quit forever, etc) she could've provided sooo much more to the story! Even more if she confessed to Tess that her job wasn't the best and that it's hard out there but she was following her dream and that's what counts yadda yadda... instead we got a watered down character that lacked lore and didn't get a proper ending.
Long story short: I really liked the plot but couldn't really enjoy the story due to these things. I'd still love to read more from Nash because I feel like she had a great idea to develop but the execution on this particular book wasn't my thing.
Thanks to Holiday House and Netgalley for the eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2024
"In the water, she's truly alive. Until tragedy strikes. And Tess is left navigating a summer of doctor visits, missed swim practices, a newly distant best friend, and her darkening thoughts."
A heartwarming story about self-acceptance, the protagonists' bounce-back ability, and the importance of love. The story revolves around Tess, a swimmer who is diagnosed with a medical condition and she's trying hard to adapt to this new reality as she sails through her life. The book is about how she finds ways to overcome challenges and highlights the importance of getting support from her friends & family.
"Grief is like breathing underwater; each breath feels heavy, each moment a struggle to rise above the surface." "I’m a swimmer. I don’t know how to be anything else.”
These two quotes almost summarize the whole plot, her struggles, maintaining relationships and fighting with her own inner thoughts.
I loved Tess, the author developed that character well and relatable. I find her journey both inspiring and heartbreaking. Her vulnerability and determination make her a compelling character to root for. The author's writing style is effective, capturing the protagonist's emotional struggles and experiences. Her writing style allows us to connect with the protagonist's overall life and struggles, rather than getting stuck down in medical terms. Overall an inspiring yet relatable read.
"Sometimes, it's in the silence shared with another that we find the loudest echoes of understanding."
A heartwarming story about self-acceptance, the protagonists' bounce-back ability, and the importance of love. The story revolves around Tess, a swimmer who is diagnosed with a medical condition and she's trying hard to adapt to this new reality as she sails through her life. The book is about how she finds ways to overcome challenges and highlights the importance of getting support from her friends & family.
"Grief is like breathing underwater; each breath feels heavy, each moment a struggle to rise above the surface." "I’m a swimmer. I don’t know how to be anything else.”
These two quotes almost summarize the whole plot, her struggles, maintaining relationships and fighting with her own inner thoughts.
I loved Tess, the author developed that character well and relatable. I find her journey both inspiring and heartbreaking. Her vulnerability and determination make her a compelling character to root for. The author's writing style is effective, capturing the protagonist's emotional struggles and experiences. Her writing style allows us to connect with the protagonist's overall life and struggles, rather than getting stuck down in medical terms. Overall an inspiring yet relatable read.
"Sometimes, it's in the silence shared with another that we find the loudest echoes of understanding."
April 10, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ever since I saw the description, I have wanted to read it. It’s rare that there is a book about a health-challenged protagonist who competes in sports. Especially since the sport was swimming, I was intrigued, and this book did not let me down.
Tess is a teenager who swims competitively at her school. She is one of the top swimmers on her team. However, when her frenemy invites her to a sleepover and Tess has a seizure, her life seems to go downhill. She is diagnosed with epilepsy and eventually begins to learn what is really important in life.
My favorite part about this book is that Tess finds a way to do what she loves—swim—in spite of the obstacles her epilepsy presents. I think that’s a really important message that people with health challenges can still do what they love and achieve their goals, even if it looks different.
I also liked that the novel gives a lot of information about epilepsy without sounding like a textbook. The information is presented through Tess’ experience, which was really interesting. The novel was educational for me because I didn’t know much about epilepsy before I read the book.
The information about epilepsy was also very well-written because the author has epilepsy herself.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves swimming; there were a lot of references to the sport included. This was an inspiring read and I’m glad I read it.
Tess is a teenager who swims competitively at her school. She is one of the top swimmers on her team. However, when her frenemy invites her to a sleepover and Tess has a seizure, her life seems to go downhill. She is diagnosed with epilepsy and eventually begins to learn what is really important in life.
My favorite part about this book is that Tess finds a way to do what she loves—swim—in spite of the obstacles her epilepsy presents. I think that’s a really important message that people with health challenges can still do what they love and achieve their goals, even if it looks different.
I also liked that the novel gives a lot of information about epilepsy without sounding like a textbook. The information is presented through Tess’ experience, which was really interesting. The novel was educational for me because I didn’t know much about epilepsy before I read the book.
The information about epilepsy was also very well-written because the author has epilepsy herself.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves swimming; there were a lot of references to the sport included. This was an inspiring read and I’m glad I read it.
February 11, 2025
super cute read! not a lot of ya books r light while talking about hard topics...such a hard thing to do honestly but the author did a great job. i also liked learning more abt epilepsy and how it changed tess' life, working past it, etc. i do wish the book was clear about tess' age tho (she's a senior i believe)
(watching star wars)
"Hey, are you even watching?" Charlie asks, bumping my arm with his elbow.
"Yeah," I lie, lowering my phone.
"Pop quiz: Who's Obi-Wan Kenobi?"
"Um. Is that the green guy?"
(watching star wars)
"Hey, are you even watching?" Charlie asks, bumping my arm with his elbow.
"Yeah," I lie, lowering my phone.
"Pop quiz: Who's Obi-Wan Kenobi?"
"Um. Is that the green guy?"
December 31, 2025
An incredibly heartfelt, relatable, moving YA novel about a competitive swimmer whose life gets turned upside down when she is diagnosed with epilepsy. The author does such a great job illustrating the FMC's journey to acceptance of her new condition and grief over the life she thought she would have. Highly recommended for readers of books like The electric life of Lavender Lewis by Kara Storti. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
November 29, 2023
75/100 or 3.75 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was better than I was expecting! I enjoyed the representation in the book, and it felt well done.
While the following critique isn't all on this book, it is in so many books and it grinds my gears.
Can we stop putting in dialogue that goes along the line of "oh this dessert is going to give me diabetes?" Like why in 2023 are books still putting in lines like this? I don't have diabetes and I don't know a lot about it, but I do know that is not how diabetes works. The books has this dialogue twice, and both times it annoyed me.
The romance was cute and the ending was not as cheesy as I was expecting. Decent Middle Grade story!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was better than I was expecting! I enjoyed the representation in the book, and it felt well done.
While the following critique isn't all on this book, it is in so many books and it grinds my gears.
Can we stop putting in dialogue that goes along the line of "oh this dessert is going to give me diabetes?" Like why in 2023 are books still putting in lines like this? I don't have diabetes and I don't know a lot about it, but I do know that is not how diabetes works. The books has this dialogue twice, and both times it annoyed me.
The romance was cute and the ending was not as cheesy as I was expecting. Decent Middle Grade story!
November 22, 2023
First off, this cover is super pretty and that's what drew me into this book. I don’t feel like I typically read slice of life novels so I was curious on how I’d enjoy this. Our main character Tess loves swimming and it's practically her entire life. She hopes to get a scholarship from this and make everyone around her happy since it's what they expect to happen. Unfortunately for Tess she has a seizure which throws everything she's dreamed and hoped for off track.
I enjoyed this book and how Tess handled her epilepsy. The author herself lives with epilepsy I’ve learned after going through her instagram and you can tell she really wanted to make people aware that although it roughly impacts your life, you don’t have to let it stop you from achieving your dreams. I learned a lot from this book. There was romance also and that was semi enjoyable for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Holiday House for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book and how Tess handled her epilepsy. The author herself lives with epilepsy I’ve learned after going through her instagram and you can tell she really wanted to make people aware that although it roughly impacts your life, you don’t have to let it stop you from achieving your dreams. I learned a lot from this book. There was romance also and that was semi enjoyable for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Holiday House for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2025
2.25✰
This book had great potential, but it's length is what hurts it in the end.
Breathing Underwater is REALLY short. Like, just over 200 pages short. If I hadn't started this really late at night and fallen asleep, I could've read this in one sitting.
The epilepsy storyline was interesting, and I won't say anything bad about it because I know the author based it off her own experiences with it. I love seeing epilepsy rep. This is the first time I've ever read about it, but I seriously think it's so important, because it isn't actually that uncommon. My grandma is an epileptic, and oddly enough, so was my childhood dog.
However, the characters ruined this one for me. Tess seemed kind of shallow and one dimensional. She's a swimmer and that's basically her entire personality. What else does she like? No clue.
Charlie also felt very one dimensional, He had a lot of potential with the stuff with his dad, but it was literally never expounded upon and we never find out what really went down or if he resolves any of it.
And what was the point of the sister? She would've been just as impactful to the story if she had stayed in New York. Why have her move back in? Why include her at all? Honestly, she could've been out out of the book entirely an nothing would have changed.
All in all, this was a quick read, but I cannot honestly say I liked it. I'll probably forget about it by next week.
This book had great potential, but it's length is what hurts it in the end.
Breathing Underwater is REALLY short. Like, just over 200 pages short. If I hadn't started this really late at night and fallen asleep, I could've read this in one sitting.
The epilepsy storyline was interesting, and I won't say anything bad about it because I know the author based it off her own experiences with it. I love seeing epilepsy rep. This is the first time I've ever read about it, but I seriously think it's so important, because it isn't actually that uncommon. My grandma is an epileptic, and oddly enough, so was my childhood dog.
However, the characters ruined this one for me. Tess seemed kind of shallow and one dimensional. She's a swimmer and that's basically her entire personality. What else does she like? No clue.
Charlie also felt very one dimensional, He had a lot of potential with the stuff with his dad, but it was literally never expounded upon and we never find out what really went down or if he resolves any of it.
And what was the point of the sister? She would've been just as impactful to the story if she had stayed in New York. Why have her move back in? Why include her at all? Honestly, she could've been out out of the book entirely an nothing would have changed.
All in all, this was a quick read, but I cannot honestly say I liked it. I'll probably forget about it by next week.
January 19, 2024
(3.25) Breathing Underwater is a short, slice-of-life story, following Tess, a swimmer, after her diagnosis with epilepsy.
This is a classic storyline with sports, and the author explores Tess’s love, sister, parents, and friends, all quite quickly in the novel. While the story is easy to read and quick-paced, the focus on Tess’s emotions and reactions meant that the rest of the characters weren’t that built up. I didn’t really feel the chemistry between her and her love interest. I didn’t see the rivalry between her and a swim mate. I didn’t see the break up and replenishing of her friends. That would have made the story for me.
This is a classic storyline with sports, and the author explores Tess’s love, sister, parents, and friends, all quite quickly in the novel. While the story is easy to read and quick-paced, the focus on Tess’s emotions and reactions meant that the rest of the characters weren’t that built up. I didn’t really feel the chemistry between her and her love interest. I didn’t see the rivalry between her and a swim mate. I didn’t see the break up and replenishing of her friends. That would have made the story for me.
April 24, 2025
Such a touching YA book that shows the behind the scenes battle that comes with having epilepsy as an athlete.
Tess is our main character who is a strong swimmer, ready to take on her last year at school. Discovering she has epilepsy is the worst thing that could have happened (in her 17 year old mind of course).
This book goes through what it means to be a friend, the power of risking it all, and letting go of worrying about the “what if’s”.
I breezed through this book in less than half a day.
Tess is our main character who is a strong swimmer, ready to take on her last year at school. Discovering she has epilepsy is the worst thing that could have happened (in her 17 year old mind of course).
This book goes through what it means to be a friend, the power of risking it all, and letting go of worrying about the “what if’s”.
I breezed through this book in less than half a day.
April 28, 2024
This was a pretty good book. The protagonist had good days and bad days, did some things right and some things wrong, and avoided the spotlight then used the spotlight for a good cause. I really liked the author's focus on change being hard but also a source of new opportunities--even if those opportunities aren't the ones you would have chosen in different circumstances.
May 13, 2024
Okay read
June 7, 2024
Literally so good
June 24, 2024
I don’t know much about competitive swimming, and what I do know is mostly from other books, like FLIP TURNS by Catherine Arguelles, so I can’t weigh in on the accuracy of the swimming components. They were engaging, though, and I liked the way the author used metaphors about swimming to show when Tess was feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Tess has a complicated relationship with some of her teammates, at first because she feels like another girl is stealing her best friend and later because a few girls on the team witness a traumatic moment in Tess’s life. Those relationships felt pretty real to me. The conflicts felt like the kinds of things that I experienced as a teenager. It was super relatable.
I can’t speak to the accuracy of the representation of Tess’s seizure and diagnosis, but I was really moved by the things Tess felt and went through. Her anxiety about getting back in the water. Her frustration with her parents over their fear and shifting boundaries. All that resonated with me.
Her relationship with Charlie was maybe the weakest pull into the story for me. I enjoyed the relationship between them, and I especially liked the lightness it brought. It just didn’t add the value to the book that I expected, I guess? I don’t know if that makes sense. I liked the arc of the relationship, though.
All in all, I liked the book. I think readers looking for books about sports, especially girls in sports, or books featuring a main character with a disability should check this one out.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
Tess has a complicated relationship with some of her teammates, at first because she feels like another girl is stealing her best friend and later because a few girls on the team witness a traumatic moment in Tess’s life. Those relationships felt pretty real to me. The conflicts felt like the kinds of things that I experienced as a teenager. It was super relatable.
I can’t speak to the accuracy of the representation of Tess’s seizure and diagnosis, but I was really moved by the things Tess felt and went through. Her anxiety about getting back in the water. Her frustration with her parents over their fear and shifting boundaries. All that resonated with me.
Her relationship with Charlie was maybe the weakest pull into the story for me. I enjoyed the relationship between them, and I especially liked the lightness it brought. It just didn’t add the value to the book that I expected, I guess? I don’t know if that makes sense. I liked the arc of the relationship, though.
All in all, I liked the book. I think readers looking for books about sports, especially girls in sports, or books featuring a main character with a disability should check this one out.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
April 24, 2024
The story is interesting enough; there's so much potential, but I desperately wanted more from the narration. And while I get that delving into a character's emotions isn't easy, it's so important since that's what gives more depth to the story and the characters. Without it, everything that happens feels sort of bland, underdeveloped, and unimportant.
I don't think I've ever known so little about the main character. Tess is a goody-two-shoes who loves swimming and… well, that's it. Where are her other interests? What are her thoughts on everything happening around her? What about her deeper worries regarding the diagnosis or her feelings about potentially losing her best friend? We barely saw any of it, and it drove me crazy.
On the other hand, Charlie is slightly more developed as a character and a main love interest. However, due to the limited insight into Tess's thoughts, I'm not convinced that she likes him as much as she says. Even their first kiss lacks the expected spark. Where's the slow build-up, the anticipation, the music swelling up in the background?
All in all, I just think if you're going to write from a first-person point of view, don't forget to include their point of view. Simply put, Breathing Underwater felt more like reading a screenplay than a novel.
#netgalley
I don't think I've ever known so little about the main character. Tess is a goody-two-shoes who loves swimming and… well, that's it. Where are her other interests? What are her thoughts on everything happening around her? What about her deeper worries regarding the diagnosis or her feelings about potentially losing her best friend? We barely saw any of it, and it drove me crazy.
On the other hand, Charlie is slightly more developed as a character and a main love interest. However, due to the limited insight into Tess's thoughts, I'm not convinced that she likes him as much as she says. Even their first kiss lacks the expected spark. Where's the slow build-up, the anticipation, the music swelling up in the background?
All in all, I just think if you're going to write from a first-person point of view, don't forget to include their point of view. Simply put, Breathing Underwater felt more like reading a screenplay than a novel.
#netgalley
January 4, 2024
*I've got the e-arc from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
The protagonist Tess is a competitive swimmer and the best in her team. She has a secure future with a sports scholarship on the horizon, but all of that seems to be on the brink after one night. Tess is diagnosed with epilepsy after multiple doctor visits and examinations. For the seventeen-year-old, a time filled with doubt begins - can she ever swim her best time again or compete in swimming at all?
The book had me captivated from the first page. Not only is the writing style light yet profound, but Tess is described in an incredibly relatable way, capturing her thoughts and emotions. I found her to be so likable and passionate about swimming. Since I have no personal experience with epilepsy, I learned quite a bit while reading. The author manages to describe in great detail, which might not be easy for some readers. In my opinion, it's just right, as the book also mentions that epilepsy can be an "invisible disability," and raising awareness is crucial to learn the right approach and to think and act more inclusively.
Furthermore, Tess's story provides so much courage and strength to pursue all goals! A clear recommendation from me.
The protagonist Tess is a competitive swimmer and the best in her team. She has a secure future with a sports scholarship on the horizon, but all of that seems to be on the brink after one night. Tess is diagnosed with epilepsy after multiple doctor visits and examinations. For the seventeen-year-old, a time filled with doubt begins - can she ever swim her best time again or compete in swimming at all?
The book had me captivated from the first page. Not only is the writing style light yet profound, but Tess is described in an incredibly relatable way, capturing her thoughts and emotions. I found her to be so likable and passionate about swimming. Since I have no personal experience with epilepsy, I learned quite a bit while reading. The author manages to describe in great detail, which might not be easy for some readers. In my opinion, it's just right, as the book also mentions that epilepsy can be an "invisible disability," and raising awareness is crucial to learn the right approach and to think and act more inclusively.
Furthermore, Tess's story provides so much courage and strength to pursue all goals! A clear recommendation from me.
March 25, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Holiday House for the ARC.
*3.75
Tess Cooper is a 17-year-old swimmer who has her future planned. Get a college scholarship through swimming. However, things suddenly change direction when Tess has a seizure, forcing her to rethink her future and choices.
Even with the first-person point of view, it seems that at no point do we get to know the MC. We know that she likes to swim, the job she has every summer, and a few other superficial things, but hardly anything about her inner thoughts and her character.
Some things that bothered me – besides the lack of depth in the characters – it was their relationships. It felt like Charlie and Tess ended things as fast as they started, and Mac and Tess, who could have a beautiful friendship throughout the book, were apart for most of it and then they apologized like nothing really happened.
I think the conflict between them could have been better worked on, as could Charlie's complicated relationship with his father (which was mentioned a couple of times and forgotten in the end).
Overall, it was a quick and interesting book that could have better character development, but it was an okay read.
*3.75
Tess Cooper is a 17-year-old swimmer who has her future planned. Get a college scholarship through swimming. However, things suddenly change direction when Tess has a seizure, forcing her to rethink her future and choices.
Even with the first-person point of view, it seems that at no point do we get to know the MC. We know that she likes to swim, the job she has every summer, and a few other superficial things, but hardly anything about her inner thoughts and her character.
Some things that bothered me – besides the lack of depth in the characters – it was their relationships. It felt like Charlie and Tess ended things as fast as they started, and Mac and Tess, who could have a beautiful friendship throughout the book, were apart for most of it and then they apologized like nothing really happened.
I think the conflict between them could have been better worked on, as could Charlie's complicated relationship with his father (which was mentioned a couple of times and forgotten in the end).
Overall, it was a quick and interesting book that could have better character development, but it was an okay read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2024
Breathing Underwater is a light and painful and harsh story about a girl named Tess who is a competitive swimmer who's dreams get derailed by her epilepsy diagnosis. She can feel her whole world crashing around but discovers that it was her own doing which I internalized this theme so deeply that it hurt and I learned something about myself and saw some lessons that I missed as a kid if that makes any sense. This story is about family, teen evolution, getting out of comfortable, failer, and of course love.
I really loved this story. I was rooting for the main character. I wanted to hit her, hug her, cheer and cuddle her. I loved all the characters and the story and the theme. Yes it was slightly cliche but in every wonderful way..
Very highly recommend if you are looking for all the feels.
I would like to graciously thank Netgally, the publisher and author for allowing me access to this ARC read.
I really loved this story. I was rooting for the main character. I wanted to hit her, hug her, cheer and cuddle her. I loved all the characters and the story and the theme. Yes it was slightly cliche but in every wonderful way..
Very highly recommend if you are looking for all the feels.
I would like to graciously thank Netgally, the publisher and author for allowing me access to this ARC read.
April 4, 2025
it’s actually really good.. dare i say giving Lynn painter? Well i do dare. Charlie is adorable and i love him. ugh this might be 5 stars ☝️😗
In my first draft of a review i was going off about “I’ve read 3 books this year with the same plot” blah blah but i was wrong and i just hadn’t finished the book yet. I do understand the way Tess is feeling.
Epilepsy and swimming don’t mix, she’s determined to get back in the water .. she’s not giving up.
but in the end she realizes that she can still be a great swimmer with the Epilepsy diagnosis.
This book was a moving story with a “Never back down” approach.
A debut novel from Abbey Nash. Perfect in every way
(4.5/5)⭐️🏊♀️
In my first draft of a review i was going off about “I’ve read 3 books this year with the same plot” blah blah but i was wrong and i just hadn’t finished the book yet. I do understand the way Tess is feeling.
Epilepsy and swimming don’t mix, she’s determined to get back in the water .. she’s not giving up.
but in the end she realizes that she can still be a great swimmer with the Epilepsy diagnosis.
This book was a moving story with a “Never back down” approach.
A debut novel from Abbey Nash. Perfect in every way
(4.5/5)⭐️🏊♀️
December 1, 2023
This slice of life book was very well written. The main character has a good balance of trying to fight for what she wants and has the fear of the unknown. I highly enjoyed reading about her journey to acceptance.
The author did a great job expressing the medical concern and and the complications of teenage love. I found that the author was very good at expressing the ups and downs of finding your self during a hard.
Love the end and that the situation was cared for but left it open to interpretation. Way to Rock it!
The author did a great job expressing the medical concern and and the complications of teenage love. I found that the author was very good at expressing the ups and downs of finding your self during a hard.
Love the end and that the situation was cared for but left it open to interpretation. Way to Rock it!
January 4, 2024
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Holiday House for this ARC!
I usually don’t read slice of life books, but occasionally I do and once again I was not disappointed.
I’ve been having trouble focusing on a book and actually being reeled into it but, this was really easy to get into, and so this is my first read of the year! I’m sure I would have read this in one sitting had I not started it so late.
It was nice to read how every one of the characters developed their personalities, ambitions and thoughts. I would definitely recommend everyone read this!
I usually don’t read slice of life books, but occasionally I do and once again I was not disappointed.
I’ve been having trouble focusing on a book and actually being reeled into it but, this was really easy to get into, and so this is my first read of the year! I’m sure I would have read this in one sitting had I not started it so late.
It was nice to read how every one of the characters developed their personalities, ambitions and thoughts. I would definitely recommend everyone read this!
July 27, 2024
As summer continues to unfold and the 2024 Olympics are upon us, it's a great time to read this new novel by Abbey Lee Nash, BREATHING UNDERWATER. I really enjoyed this book. It's a coming of age story about Tess, a competitive swimmer, who, in the summer before her senior year of high school, is faced with a health challenge that threatens to undo everything she's worked so hard to achieve. Tess is a very likable, relatable, inspiring character. As a 63 year old lady with Long Covid, I was inspired by the lessons she learned as she faced her health challenges. No matter your age, serious health problems take so much away from you. Like most of us, Tess doesn't handle things so well in the beginning, which makes her real and multi-dimensional. It was a pleasure to watch Tess grow as she grapples with this real life problem.
I knew the book would have a happy ending but I didn't know how Nash would bring it about. This kept me turning pages. No platitudes or easy wins here. No skimming over the surface. The whole novel is an underwater workout for Tess. Achievement and drive can have a dark underbelly and this story raises important questions. Is it possible to get what you want out of life without selling your soul, even to your own dreams? What happens when suddenly you can no longer give 150%? How do we find balance in a culture that demands perfection? In this summer of the 2024 Olympics when everyone is focused on the gold, Tess helps us broaden the definition of what it means to “win” and shows us how to win on our own terms. In the end, without giving away the details, Tess is still a fierce female whose disability only makes her more courageous and her life more meaningful.
As in her other novel, LIFELINE, Nash has such an authentic voice, both wise and humorous, with just the right amount of poetry—pitch perfect as both a writer and a human being. She is a master at capturing teenage banter and dialogue. Her love and respect for teens is palpable. Her water imagery throughout the novel is perfect, never heavy handed or overdone. And some of the race scenes are so exciting! One of them gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes!
My granddaughter is just turning 11 and just starting out as a competitive swimmer, so she is still too young for this book, but when she's a little older I will give her a copy with the confidence that she will love the story. And I will love that she is reading something so well written and that her point of view is being expanded as she follows Tess on her journey. I'm also going to recommend that my local library buys a copy for their teen collection.
I knew the book would have a happy ending but I didn't know how Nash would bring it about. This kept me turning pages. No platitudes or easy wins here. No skimming over the surface. The whole novel is an underwater workout for Tess. Achievement and drive can have a dark underbelly and this story raises important questions. Is it possible to get what you want out of life without selling your soul, even to your own dreams? What happens when suddenly you can no longer give 150%? How do we find balance in a culture that demands perfection? In this summer of the 2024 Olympics when everyone is focused on the gold, Tess helps us broaden the definition of what it means to “win” and shows us how to win on our own terms. In the end, without giving away the details, Tess is still a fierce female whose disability only makes her more courageous and her life more meaningful.
As in her other novel, LIFELINE, Nash has such an authentic voice, both wise and humorous, with just the right amount of poetry—pitch perfect as both a writer and a human being. She is a master at capturing teenage banter and dialogue. Her love and respect for teens is palpable. Her water imagery throughout the novel is perfect, never heavy handed or overdone. And some of the race scenes are so exciting! One of them gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes!
My granddaughter is just turning 11 and just starting out as a competitive swimmer, so she is still too young for this book, but when she's a little older I will give her a copy with the confidence that she will love the story. And I will love that she is reading something so well written and that her point of view is being expanded as she follows Tess on her journey. I'm also going to recommend that my local library buys a copy for their teen collection.
March 4, 2024
Breathing Underwater is a contemporary book about Tess, who is a swimmer hoping to obtain a college scholarship, when her life is upended by a series of seizures. Obviously, I am drawn to any swimming book. The author mentions that any errors are her taking creative license, which I really appreciated- sometimes it can take me out of a swimming book especially when there are errors, so I like that she said this! (In fairness, she did a pretty solid job with it!)
Obviously, you have to feel for Tess here. Putting myself in her shoes, I'd have been next-level devastated. But she is also determined not to let her epilepsy diagnosis totally railroad her life, which is admirable but also kind of scary- what if this is not the best option for her? She also has to work through relationships with her friends/teammates, a new potential love interest, and her parents, who are at opposing ends of whether she should get back in the pool.
I don't know how much this one will stick with me if I am being honest, but it was enjoyable to read and was a great spin on trying to navigate life and reevaluate your plans when a health condition derails them. Obviously, the scholarship angle is a big deal, but beyond that, no one really becomes a "professional swimmer". It just doesn't exist. People training for the Olympics usually have to have day jobs if they are out of college. There are a handful who get sponsored by Speedo and the like, but that's literally a one-in-a-billion, so I don't really think Tess is being realistic at points, but alas. Also, swimming scholarships are basically unicorns. She'd get some money if she was Olympic-level good, but usually swim teams get one or two full scholarships to divide, or give to one superstar I guess. Anyway, just some of the ways that women and non-ball athletes get shafted. Regardless, even if she wasn't going to be financially impacted by the epilepsy, it is still a huge personal toll, which I think I wish was explored just a little more, but overall, I really liked the story!
Bottom Line: A great sports-based story about a young woman having to overcome an unfortunate diagnosis.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
Obviously, you have to feel for Tess here. Putting myself in her shoes, I'd have been next-level devastated. But she is also determined not to let her epilepsy diagnosis totally railroad her life, which is admirable but also kind of scary- what if this is not the best option for her? She also has to work through relationships with her friends/teammates, a new potential love interest, and her parents, who are at opposing ends of whether she should get back in the pool.
I don't know how much this one will stick with me if I am being honest, but it was enjoyable to read and was a great spin on trying to navigate life and reevaluate your plans when a health condition derails them. Obviously, the scholarship angle is a big deal, but beyond that, no one really becomes a "professional swimmer". It just doesn't exist. People training for the Olympics usually have to have day jobs if they are out of college. There are a handful who get sponsored by Speedo and the like, but that's literally a one-in-a-billion, so I don't really think Tess is being realistic at points, but alas. Also, swimming scholarships are basically unicorns. She'd get some money if she was Olympic-level good, but usually swim teams get one or two full scholarships to divide, or give to one superstar I guess. Anyway, just some of the ways that women and non-ball athletes get shafted. Regardless, even if she wasn't going to be financially impacted by the epilepsy, it is still a huge personal toll, which I think I wish was explored just a little more, but overall, I really liked the story!
Bottom Line: A great sports-based story about a young woman having to overcome an unfortunate diagnosis.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
February 7, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Holiday House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
"Breathing Underwater" by Abbey Nash presents a poignant narrative centered around Tess Cooper, a 17-year-old swimmer whose swimming future (going to Nationals, getting a college scholarship, potentially even going to the Olympics) are abruptly challenged when she is diagnosed with epilepsy.
I enjoyed reading this book, specifically with how Tess was learning to navigate life without swimming as well as trying to still incorporate swimming in her new life. I thought the book was accurate in its portrayal of teenage life and the challenges of dealing with an unexpected life-altering diagnosis. I especially liked how Nash presented the differing perspectives of the other characters in Tess’s life, like her parents and her best friend. I did want to experience more of a profound exploration of Tess's internal struggles and the impact of her diagnosis on her relationships and sense of identity. Tess’s character felt a bit underdeveloped; her characterization feels one-dimensional, leaving me struggling to connect with her. There just wasn’t much shown of who Tess is outside of swimming, and since that is such a focal point of the story, this characterization needed to be explored more. For example, it’s mentioned that Tess likes to read, but this character trait is very superficial, like we don’t know what kinds of books she likes to read.
The romance in this book is very sweet, as I really like how Charlie, Tess’s love interest, is always there for her and encouraging her in little ways. Their relationship felt very authentic, though the romance aspect was a little rushed. The relationships between Tess and her best friend as well as with her sister were the highlights of the book. I love how the relationships weren’t perfect, but the characters were actively trying to grow and learn from each other.
Overall, "Breathing Underwater" is a light and engaging read, and I would recommend this book to those looking for an easy read. Those who have experienced the same challenges as Tess may be more receptive of the story and Tess’s character. I would rate this book 3.5 stars out of 5 (rounded up to 4).
"Breathing Underwater" by Abbey Nash presents a poignant narrative centered around Tess Cooper, a 17-year-old swimmer whose swimming future (going to Nationals, getting a college scholarship, potentially even going to the Olympics) are abruptly challenged when she is diagnosed with epilepsy.
I enjoyed reading this book, specifically with how Tess was learning to navigate life without swimming as well as trying to still incorporate swimming in her new life. I thought the book was accurate in its portrayal of teenage life and the challenges of dealing with an unexpected life-altering diagnosis. I especially liked how Nash presented the differing perspectives of the other characters in Tess’s life, like her parents and her best friend. I did want to experience more of a profound exploration of Tess's internal struggles and the impact of her diagnosis on her relationships and sense of identity. Tess’s character felt a bit underdeveloped; her characterization feels one-dimensional, leaving me struggling to connect with her. There just wasn’t much shown of who Tess is outside of swimming, and since that is such a focal point of the story, this characterization needed to be explored more. For example, it’s mentioned that Tess likes to read, but this character trait is very superficial, like we don’t know what kinds of books she likes to read.
The romance in this book is very sweet, as I really like how Charlie, Tess’s love interest, is always there for her and encouraging her in little ways. Their relationship felt very authentic, though the romance aspect was a little rushed. The relationships between Tess and her best friend as well as with her sister were the highlights of the book. I love how the relationships weren’t perfect, but the characters were actively trying to grow and learn from each other.
Overall, "Breathing Underwater" is a light and engaging read, and I would recommend this book to those looking for an easy read. Those who have experienced the same challenges as Tess may be more receptive of the story and Tess’s character. I would rate this book 3.5 stars out of 5 (rounded up to 4).
August 10, 2024
I really liked the writing in the story. You can tell the author made a point to try to tie water in thematically and stylistically, and there's an easy, inviting flow because of it. That's a lot of what gives it a 4 for me. As someone who has always been interested in medicine, and who has a few diagnoses myself, I'm also a fan of books that explore chronic illness and how to relearn who you are with a diagnosis that isn't going away.
But the critiques in the other reviews aren't wrong. I don't feel like I know much about Tess beyond the fact that she lives to swim. There were times when I was surprised by a decision she made because it wasn't obvious from what we knew so far that she'd do things that way, but that also didn't really contradict what we knew. There are some more egregious moments with Charlie when he genuinely acts out-of-character. For everybody else, I couldn't even say.
Her dad definitely seemed more focused on making sure she kept swimming than on making sure she didn't die, but I also think he was responding to her response. Outwardly, she presented as being pretty unbothered by it and determined to keep swimming, and I think her dad took that as a sign that she was handling it well and choosing to push through the challenge, rather than seeing that she was trying to fight against what was happening. It didn't seem like he didn't care, exactly, more that he was trying to be supportive but underestimated how difficult it would be and wasn't thinking about the possible consequences. And that fit with what we did see of his overall personality.
I don't really get the sister. I wonder if parts of her story ended up on the cutting room floor, so to speak, because she felt almost tacked on at times. The book could've shown how their parents were coping by illustrating the different ways they interacted with each daughter, or shown even the tiniest bit of how Tess's diagnosis would impact her sister, or some effect on the family dynamics, but it didn't really seem to do that.
The rest of the characters were all high school girls being high school girls. They felt realistic enough, I guess.
I still really liked the book. I felt totally drawn in by the writing and Tess's process of adjusting to the diagnosis and the loss of her life as she knew it. And this is Nash's first book! I really hope she writes more, because she has a lot of promise. She just needs to work on that middle area between the in-the-moment feelings (which she nailed) and the big, overarching focus, where the mundanity of everyday life experiences lives. What does Tess do when she's bored on a rainy Saturday afternoon? Does she like extra spicy buffalo wings, or thing pepper is borderline too much? What movie would she demand I see? If she can infuse her characters with that sort of thing, I can easily see 5 star books in her future. (I read a tip once, probably back in middle school, for writers to take personality quizzes from the perspective of their characters to get a feel for who they are. I feel like that's something that would really help here.)
But the critiques in the other reviews aren't wrong. I don't feel like I know much about Tess beyond the fact that she lives to swim. There were times when I was surprised by a decision she made because it wasn't obvious from what we knew so far that she'd do things that way, but that also didn't really contradict what we knew. There are some more egregious moments with Charlie when he genuinely acts out-of-character. For everybody else, I couldn't even say.
Her dad definitely seemed more focused on making sure she kept swimming than on making sure she didn't die, but I also think he was responding to her response. Outwardly, she presented as being pretty unbothered by it and determined to keep swimming, and I think her dad took that as a sign that she was handling it well and choosing to push through the challenge, rather than seeing that she was trying to fight against what was happening. It didn't seem like he didn't care, exactly, more that he was trying to be supportive but underestimated how difficult it would be and wasn't thinking about the possible consequences. And that fit with what we did see of his overall personality.
I don't really get the sister. I wonder if parts of her story ended up on the cutting room floor, so to speak, because she felt almost tacked on at times. The book could've shown how their parents were coping by illustrating the different ways they interacted with each daughter, or shown even the tiniest bit of how Tess's diagnosis would impact her sister, or some effect on the family dynamics, but it didn't really seem to do that.
The rest of the characters were all high school girls being high school girls. They felt realistic enough, I guess.
I still really liked the book. I felt totally drawn in by the writing and Tess's process of adjusting to the diagnosis and the loss of her life as she knew it. And this is Nash's first book! I really hope she writes more, because she has a lot of promise. She just needs to work on that middle area between the in-the-moment feelings (which she nailed) and the big, overarching focus, where the mundanity of everyday life experiences lives. What does Tess do when she's bored on a rainy Saturday afternoon? Does she like extra spicy buffalo wings, or thing pepper is borderline too much? What movie would she demand I see? If she can infuse her characters with that sort of thing, I can easily see 5 star books in her future. (I read a tip once, probably back in middle school, for writers to take personality quizzes from the perspective of their characters to get a feel for who they are. I feel like that's something that would really help here.)
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