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Every Breath I Take
What is the experience of a child with a life-threatening illness? It can be so hard for parents, family, and friends to understand, because the experience of serious illness is so hard to articulate. That’s why Claire Wineland’s memoir, Every Breath I Take, Surviving and Thriving With Cystic Fibrosis, is so important. With her co-author, Chynna Bracha Levin, Claire describes with precision, honesty, and a remarkable sense of humor just what it’s like to live with an illness that is so often fatal. The book is a must read for anyone who feels compassion for a child, a relative, or friend going through an intense or even life-threatening illness. Claire explains exactly what it’s like to live as normal a life as possible while taking care of a condition that requires constant treatment and frequent hospitalization. Yet there’s nothing grim about Claire’s journey as she describes it. Claire finds the sunny side of life and the spirituality of her experiences in ways that captivate and amaze the reader. It’s impossible to come away from the book without a renewed sense of compassion and sensitivity toward anyone suffering from a serious illness. The book is required reading for anyone—adult or child—who wants to understand how it truly is possible to survive and thrive, no matter what.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 27, 2018
“To be honest, I think that giving up—knowing that I could have tried a little harder but didn’t—would be much more difficult than making it through my tougher days.” I became fascinated with Claire about a year ago when her video “What it feels like to die” popped up in my YouTube recommendation and I decided to click on it. Her philosophy on life completely captivated me and I was fascinated with the way she thought and talked about death. Whenever someone asks me the question “if you could meet anyone living or dead, who would you meet?” I always answer Claire. About a month ago I learned that she had written a book, so of course I had to read it! I’ve got to say, I liked her video better than the book, but she was very young when she wrote the book so she’s matured a lot.
November 15, 2018
“Because when you have CF, you’re never sure how long that life is going to last.”
Two reasons why I picked this book up was 1, I have Cystic Fibrosis myself and 2, I recently heard of the passing of Claire and then found out she had written a book and was keen to read it.
This was quite a scary read for me. I’m always worrying about my CF and when things will get worse/really bad.
I loved Claire’s passion for living her life to the fullest and doing her best to not let her health get in the way. A true inspiration.
RIP Claire.
Two reasons why I picked this book up was 1, I have Cystic Fibrosis myself and 2, I recently heard of the passing of Claire and then found out she had written a book and was keen to read it.
This was quite a scary read for me. I’m always worrying about my CF and when things will get worse/really bad.
I loved Claire’s passion for living her life to the fullest and doing her best to not let her health get in the way. A true inspiration.
RIP Claire.
July 25, 2019
“Death is inevitable. Living a life we can be proud of is something we can control.”
I am so glad I discovered Claire’s book! About a year and a half ago I discovered Claire and her story by watching her episode of Justin Baldoni’s My Last Days docuseries. When watching it I really felt a deep connection with Claire. I don’t have CF but I do have a disability I was born with and have been in and out of the hospital all my life. She was such a wonderful role model for me and so many others. She had so much wisdom and positivity to share with the world. I loved this book so much. RIP Claire Wineland. ❤️
I am so glad I discovered Claire’s book! About a year and a half ago I discovered Claire and her story by watching her episode of Justin Baldoni’s My Last Days docuseries. When watching it I really felt a deep connection with Claire. I don’t have CF but I do have a disability I was born with and have been in and out of the hospital all my life. She was such a wonderful role model for me and so many others. She had so much wisdom and positivity to share with the world. I loved this book so much. RIP Claire Wineland. ❤️
September 27, 2018
So this book was written by a 15- year - old and in that sense it is not the best book I've read by any stretch. However, seeing this disease through the eyes of someone living it, like my Megan is, was endearing. I could literally see Megan writing a similar book. Knowing that Claire passed away after a double lung transplant - probably the first time she had hope in a long time is absolutely devastating and I cried alongside many others throughout the world. Rest in peace, Claire, your spirit lives on through the people whose lives you've enriched in one way or another.
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June 30, 2024"Anything in life is what you make of it, so no matter what comes your way, cherish it and make something amazing from it."
If someone were to ask me who I admire the most, I'd say it's you, Claire.
The way you cherished life, how you always saw the bright side of things, your inner strength...
There is so much I would like to say, but it's not enough to express the gratitude and love I have for you.
Beautiful soul, I will always think about you!
If someone were to ask me who I admire the most, I'd say it's you, Claire.
The way you cherished life, how you always saw the bright side of things, your inner strength...
There is so much I would like to say, but it's not enough to express the gratitude and love I have for you.
Beautiful soul, I will always think about you!
September 24, 2018
Inspirational
Love this book. My sister died waiting on a lung transplant cos of c.f 16yrs ago and my daughter has c.f and is 23. Is so refreshing to see a young girl be so positive with a illness I know can be harrowing for all involved. Claire is truly a inspirational young woman that is truly showing everyone that a illness doesn't have to define you and to be proud of your life and what you do with it. A must read.
Love this book. My sister died waiting on a lung transplant cos of c.f 16yrs ago and my daughter has c.f and is 23. Is so refreshing to see a young girl be so positive with a illness I know can be harrowing for all involved. Claire is truly a inspirational young woman that is truly showing everyone that a illness doesn't have to define you and to be proud of your life and what you do with it. A must read.
May 18, 2020
I loved reading this. It was short but so sweet. I did have an emotional time reading knowing she is gone now and how lovely and inspirational she was. Her words and life stick with me. I'll remember Claire forever.
January 12, 2021
"To be honest, I think that giving up—knowing that I could have tried a little harder but didn’t—would be much more difficult than making it through my tougher days."
August 24, 2017
If you are looking for a good book to read, a book that shares illuminates the “never say quit” and “I am going to do something with my life despite an adversity” then “Every Breath I take: Surviving and thriving with Cystic Fibrosis” by Claire Wineland is the book you need to read!
In this book, written by teenager Claire Wineland, takes a good look at living her everyday life with CF.
Claire takes you into what it was like for her, including her memories and experiences, while she was in a coma.
Wineland talks openly about the challenges that kids and teens liker herself face with CF. She reminds us what we so easily take for granted can be a major challenge every day to a CF’er.
I fell in love with the teens; never give up spirit. In particular my two favorite quests for the book are:
“As strange as it sounds, CF itself has taught me so many things. I think of life as a toolbox filled with all kinds of “tools”—experiences, talents, and skills—that we collect along the way, and CF has filled my toolbox as full as it can possibly get. Despite what many people think about the disease, I consider that a blessing.”
And
“Although I’ve learned that sometimes I can’t control certain things in my life, I can make the decision to have power over how I live with CF. I can be an advocate, teach people, and give tips on how to live with the disease.”
The book also explains why she started her foundation to help other kids and families living with a diagnosis of CF. Clair also explains some of the goals of her foundation and where readers can learn more about the work her foundation does.
The book is a very irrational piece. It helped me understand what one of my best friends in high school went through every day that he battled CF. When I finished reading the book I had more respect and a better understanding of those who live every day with CF.
Be advised, this book is primarily written by a teenager girl. This is a good read, in my opinion, for teens as it will speak to them. For us adults it is still a good read, and if you do not have a teenager (as I do not) you get a peek into the world fof an awesome teenager!
In this book, written by teenager Claire Wineland, takes a good look at living her everyday life with CF.
Claire takes you into what it was like for her, including her memories and experiences, while she was in a coma.
Wineland talks openly about the challenges that kids and teens liker herself face with CF. She reminds us what we so easily take for granted can be a major challenge every day to a CF’er.
I fell in love with the teens; never give up spirit. In particular my two favorite quests for the book are:
“As strange as it sounds, CF itself has taught me so many things. I think of life as a toolbox filled with all kinds of “tools”—experiences, talents, and skills—that we collect along the way, and CF has filled my toolbox as full as it can possibly get. Despite what many people think about the disease, I consider that a blessing.”
And
“Although I’ve learned that sometimes I can’t control certain things in my life, I can make the decision to have power over how I live with CF. I can be an advocate, teach people, and give tips on how to live with the disease.”
The book also explains why she started her foundation to help other kids and families living with a diagnosis of CF. Clair also explains some of the goals of her foundation and where readers can learn more about the work her foundation does.
The book is a very irrational piece. It helped me understand what one of my best friends in high school went through every day that he battled CF. When I finished reading the book I had more respect and a better understanding of those who live every day with CF.
Be advised, this book is primarily written by a teenager girl. This is a good read, in my opinion, for teens as it will speak to them. For us adults it is still a good read, and if you do not have a teenager (as I do not) you get a peek into the world fof an awesome teenager!
June 17, 2025
Claire, what an incredible young woman you are. Something sat on my conscious as I went out near the hospital my best friend died in a year ago, something about her reminded me of your spirit. But mostly : you remind me of myself , your endless kindness , your fierce warrior spirit , your leadership : there’s a reason God chose you in your life time , all those near death situations you survived , each time you went out people noticed you. Recently I had buddhists pray over me and I remembered you because I remembered you were a Buddhist : so peaceful with yourself and others , a different kind of anointing : a wisdom that can’t be taught at schools. At the age of 15 you were getting up to preach to the people to teach high schoolers wisdom when you had not attended High-school yourself yet. That is how God chose you : your fiery empathy and sense for life and zest for life , the way you were so giddy to travel and the way you always saw purpose in everything : the way your purpose guided and shaped your spear headedness with your goals : oh you knew God had a calling for you with that determination, all the pain you felt you re purposed into strategy for others. You made sure that you touched the world and left your foundations right behind you , chased your passion, travelled , became an author, even the drs knew your light , I remember watching you as a teen clutching onto my phone at night seeking your inspiration from your brave Ted talk and the documentary where all the staff knew your light because you refused misery because that’s just who your soul is , you turned the hospital to a home and your hospital room into your own creative manifestation as I look at your iridescent smile now I can see you are now where my best friend is and where you belong, with our most kind God that is the source of my light and yours and where I will meet you and my bestfriend one day. Congratulations Claire, you really became an author at 15
May 27, 2021
Considering the fact that I have been following Claire for 5 years it is an outrage that I did not know she had written a book before now.
That being said this is a very sweet and very innocent account of one girls life with Cystic Fibrosis. Claire was only 15 when she wrote this book, so obviously the writing isn't going to be flawless but it's pretty good for a 15 year old! You can see all the hope and wonder that she has for the world in her writing and that's a really precious thing for me.
I still vividly remember the day I found out she had died. Naively enough I thought she would make it because, hey! It's Claire! If anyone was going to make it it would be her. Unfortunately the reality of CF is a lot more brutal than that.
In her 21 years Claire touched so many lives and spread so much joy and positivity. I do not have CF but I have also missed out on a lot of the more "normal" things that life has to offer due to a genetic condition. Claire is a huge inspiration to me and the person who has helped me the most after my diagnosis and throughout the past 5 years. Everything that Claire says and stands for, even when she was just 15 years old, resonates so strongly with me. Her biggest philosophy has always been that "living a life we can be proud of is something we can control." Many times throughout this book she explains how frustrating and painful life with CF can be yet through it all she was never bitter or resentful. She took a harsh reality and made something beautiful of it. Even though she died almost three years ago now her foundation is still very much active and has changed the lives of so many families affected by CF.
Claire was a remarkable human being and if I live to be half the woman she was I will call that a success.
That being said this is a very sweet and very innocent account of one girls life with Cystic Fibrosis. Claire was only 15 when she wrote this book, so obviously the writing isn't going to be flawless but it's pretty good for a 15 year old! You can see all the hope and wonder that she has for the world in her writing and that's a really precious thing for me.
I still vividly remember the day I found out she had died. Naively enough I thought she would make it because, hey! It's Claire! If anyone was going to make it it would be her. Unfortunately the reality of CF is a lot more brutal than that.
In her 21 years Claire touched so many lives and spread so much joy and positivity. I do not have CF but I have also missed out on a lot of the more "normal" things that life has to offer due to a genetic condition. Claire is a huge inspiration to me and the person who has helped me the most after my diagnosis and throughout the past 5 years. Everything that Claire says and stands for, even when she was just 15 years old, resonates so strongly with me. Her biggest philosophy has always been that "living a life we can be proud of is something we can control." Many times throughout this book she explains how frustrating and painful life with CF can be yet through it all she was never bitter or resentful. She took a harsh reality and made something beautiful of it. Even though she died almost three years ago now her foundation is still very much active and has changed the lives of so many families affected by CF.
Claire was a remarkable human being and if I live to be half the woman she was I will call that a success.
January 18, 2025
📖 this book talks about claire’s experiences with her cystic fibrosis — everyone has a different story to tell with this disease. it’s full of complications!
➕ it’s informative for people who don’t know much about cystic fibrosis or those of us WITH cystic fibrosis who didn’t know about her ‘project’.
🫧 there were some things we have in common and some things i learned that were new to me..
❤️🩹 there’s also some things that have been ingrained in my life since birth and throughout my journey to making it to THIRTY THREE years with this progressive disease. i was told i wouldn’t make it to graduate high school. yet, here i am.. not by happenstance.. but by fighting for every moment i get.
✍🏻 i would love to write my story and reading this? i’ve been re-motivated to share my story. 🥹
❤️🩹 most importantly, i want to send all of my love and light to claire’s family and friends as she had passed in september of 2018.
bonus nugget : 🫁 my emergency double lung transplant related to cystic fibrosis happened in december of 2018.
➕ it’s informative for people who don’t know much about cystic fibrosis or those of us WITH cystic fibrosis who didn’t know about her ‘project’.
🫧 there were some things we have in common and some things i learned that were new to me..
❤️🩹 there’s also some things that have been ingrained in my life since birth and throughout my journey to making it to THIRTY THREE years with this progressive disease. i was told i wouldn’t make it to graduate high school. yet, here i am.. not by happenstance.. but by fighting for every moment i get.
✍🏻 i would love to write my story and reading this? i’ve been re-motivated to share my story. 🥹
❤️🩹 most importantly, i want to send all of my love and light to claire’s family and friends as she had passed in september of 2018.
bonus nugget : 🫁 my emergency double lung transplant related to cystic fibrosis happened in december of 2018.
February 1, 2026
Book Rating :- ★★★★★
Sadness Rating :- ★
Spice Rating :-
This Book was such a Good Read & So Educational on Living with Cystic Fibrosis
After Looking Claire up after reading her Incredible Story & Journey with CF I was saddened to learn she had sadly passed, I'm very sad that she wont be Writing anymore Books as when I was Reading her words & Humour on Dealing with her illness it felt so Relatable
Thats something even the best Author's can't do sometimes, I would defiantly Recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Cystic Fibrosis and what it means for people living with it. ! Five Stars & Nothing else !
September 17, 2018
Such an inspiration
Having a chronic illness myself it was interesting to read about how someone younger than myself deals with the situation there in and yet remain so positive about it. Claire's take on her dealing with C.F. is not only interesting but inspiring considering she's only in her teens. 👍 book, light hearted as well
Having a chronic illness myself it was interesting to read about how someone younger than myself deals with the situation there in and yet remain so positive about it. Claire's take on her dealing with C.F. is not only interesting but inspiring considering she's only in her teens. 👍 book, light hearted as well
February 21, 2019
This book is short, sweet, and anything but simple; a lot like the author’s life. Claire is one of 3 YouTube-ers I subscribe to. I find her to be inspirational and such a beautiful example of how to live life when faced with life-threatening illness. It is so damn sad that she passed away at only 21. I feel that she had so much more to do.
March 26, 2020
I don’t want to write a negative review, but this book really isn’t worth the money. She had a story to tell, but she should’ve worked with a professional author. My hopes for this book was to learn more about how life is for someone with cystic fibrosis. You’ll learn more about cystic fibrosis from the perspective of a patient by browsing reddit.
May 12, 2020
I really loved Claires videos and just found out today that she has published a book and I started reading it almost immediately.
This was a very easy read and gives you an insight on the perks of having this illness but also on the tough and hard side of Cystic fibrosis.
Claire Wineland was, is, an amazing soul and she died way too soon.
RIP angel♡
This was a very easy read and gives you an insight on the perks of having this illness but also on the tough and hard side of Cystic fibrosis.
Claire Wineland was, is, an amazing soul and she died way too soon.
RIP angel♡
Read
April 23, 2025i’ve known about claire and watched her videos for years now, but she’s so awesome. love hearing about her perspective despite everything, and it makes me so sad that she’s gone
ik she died from a blood clot following a lung transplant, but still makes me sad knowing that trikafta came out the year after she passed :(
ik she died from a blood clot following a lung transplant, but still makes me sad knowing that trikafta came out the year after she passed :(
December 25, 2018
Claire died after lung transplant in September 2018. I had discovered her through youtube, and her message is very empowering. So I absolutely needed to read her book. It was as inspiring and empowering as her speeches. I 200% recommend reading it. RIP, wonderful Claire.
March 6, 2026
This is a short but moving book about a teenager who had to deal with Cystic Fibrosis her entire life. Every breath I take didn't feel like a girl who was talking about her disease stricken life but felt like a book written by a girl in spite of her condition wanted to look at life as a blessing.
November 7, 2018
Absolutely inspiring and what a strong person Claire is. RIP.
October 16, 2022
Honest and open just as Claire speaks
I read this book after watching Claire's TED talk and it is just as endearing and engaging as her speeches. Highly recommend it.
I read this book after watching Claire's TED talk and it is just as endearing and engaging as her speeches. Highly recommend it.
April 13, 2026
ever since watching her youtube videos and knowing she worked closely with the cast for five feet apart, i've wanted to read this and i'm so glad i finally had the chance
October 9, 2023
‘’To be honest, I think giving up - knowing that I could have tried a little harder but didn’t - would be much more difficult than making it through my tougher days’’
Wow, Claire described having CF perfectly. It’s a short book but I cried a lot. She said some things that are exactly what I am thinking. She was such a lovely person, she always will be one of my inspirations. She was so optimistic but still acknowledging the reality.
‘Because when you have CF, you’re not sure how long life is going to last’.
but I’m going to make the most out of it.
Wow, Claire described having CF perfectly. It’s a short book but I cried a lot. She said some things that are exactly what I am thinking. She was such a lovely person, she always will be one of my inspirations. She was so optimistic but still acknowledging the reality.
‘Because when you have CF, you’re not sure how long life is going to last’.
but I’m going to make the most out of it.
March 13, 2021
Brečím. Miluju knížky, které mě dokážou ovlivnit, i když mají jen pár stran. A tahle 70 stránková novela to dokázala. Claire jsem již dříve sledovala na yt. Tahle knížka má podobnou atmosféru jako její videa. Zároveň vám pomůže aspoň trochu pochopit svět z pohledu člověka, který trpí nemocí jako je cystická fibróza.
September 15, 2015
OK, I'm not good at writing reviews but I will try because this book deserves it ...
In February 2015 I discovered an amazing YouTuber : The Clairity Project a.k.a Claire Wineland .
This book is really good, close to amazing, truly moving and on top of everything, it teaches us one of the most important lessons :
This Young women is one of the bravest and most inspiring people I ever came across in my life …
This book is a Need to read for everyone because it is truly a beautiful lesson …
Go watch videos on her channel : it’s everything :
click here to go to her channel
#TheClairityProject
In February 2015 I discovered an amazing YouTuber : The Clairity Project a.k.a Claire Wineland .
This book is really good, close to amazing, truly moving and on top of everything, it teaches us one of the most important lessons :
" Everything in life is what you decide it to be so, no matter what comes in your way, cherish it and make something amazing from it "…
This Young women is one of the bravest and most inspiring people I ever came across in my life …
This book is a Need to read for everyone because it is truly a beautiful lesson …
Go watch videos on her channel : it’s everything :
click here to go to her channel
#TheClairityProject
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews