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Learning to Breathe
Sixteen-year-old Indy struggles to conceal her pregnancy while searching for a place to belong in this stunning debut novel that’s perfect for fans of Amber Smith and Sara Zarr.
Indira Ferguson has done her best to live by her Grammy’s rules—to study hard in school, be respectful, and to never let a boy take advantage of her. But it hasn’t always been easy, especially while living in her mother’s shadow.
When Indy is sent to live with distant relatives in Nassau, trouble follows her. Now she must hide an unwanted pregnancy from her aunt, who would rather throw Indy out onto the street than see the truth.
Completely broke with only a hand-me-down pregnancy book as a resource, Indy desperately looks for a safe space to call home. After stumbling upon a yoga retreat, she wonders if perhaps she’s found the place. But Indy is about to discover that home is much bigger than just four walls and a roof—it’s about the people she chooses to share it with.
Indira Ferguson has done her best to live by her Grammy’s rules—to study hard in school, be respectful, and to never let a boy take advantage of her. But it hasn’t always been easy, especially while living in her mother’s shadow.
When Indy is sent to live with distant relatives in Nassau, trouble follows her. Now she must hide an unwanted pregnancy from her aunt, who would rather throw Indy out onto the street than see the truth.
Completely broke with only a hand-me-down pregnancy book as a resource, Indy desperately looks for a safe space to call home. After stumbling upon a yoga retreat, she wonders if perhaps she’s found the place. But Indy is about to discover that home is much bigger than just four walls and a roof—it’s about the people she chooses to share it with.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published June 26, 2018
38 people are currently reading
2860 people want to read
About the author
Janice Lynn Mather
7 books52 followersJanice Lynn Mather is a Bahamian writer with an MFA from the University of British Columbia. Her first novel, Learning to Breathe, was a Governor General’s Literary Award finalist, a BC Book Prize finalist, shortlisted for the 2019 CCBC Amy Mathers Teen Book Award, a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection, an Amelia Bloomer’s Top Ten Recommended Feminist Books for Young Readers pick, and a Junior Library Guild selection. Facing the Sun is her second novel for young adults. Janice Lynn lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her family and a growing collection of dust bunnies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
June 12, 2018
When you know a storm's coming, you can batten down and hide away, or you can try to outrun the rain. Or there's option three: stand your ground, face the weather, and hope your roots keep you in place.
How refreshing it is to dive into a book directed at Teens and YA that isn't a dystopian, a fairy retelling, and/or a teen romance where someone is going to die. Don't get me wrong, I lap those types of books up like they're chocolate, but every once and awhile I like something that is not any of the above. Leave it to me to seek out a challenging topic.
TW: Sexual Violence
Learning to Breathe isn't an easy novel to read. This is as the book synopsis reads a teenage girl who finds herself pregnant after being assaulted. Indira(Indy) finds herself so alone, apart from the grandmother that always protected her, and living with a relative that perceives Indy to be a "bad seed."
I absolutely loved Indy and felt anger towards many of the adults around her that seemed so blind to her situation. Especially that guidance counselor at school, what an idiot!
But I find myself reluctant to haul out the "big stars," on this one. First, the ending was rather rushed to conclusion and fit a perfect scenario of what we all hope would happen when anyone reports a sexual assault. Second, Indy makes a particular choice that impacts the rest of her life, yet, apart from a very brief conversation with her physician there isn't much explored on that situation. Third, the writing was a bit rough around the edges and I felt the characters were a bit stereotypical and one dimensional.
Still thinking on this one for a bit.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.
How refreshing it is to dive into a book directed at Teens and YA that isn't a dystopian, a fairy retelling, and/or a teen romance where someone is going to die. Don't get me wrong, I lap those types of books up like they're chocolate, but every once and awhile I like something that is not any of the above. Leave it to me to seek out a challenging topic.
TW: Sexual Violence
Learning to Breathe isn't an easy novel to read. This is as the book synopsis reads a teenage girl who finds herself pregnant after being assaulted. Indira(Indy) finds herself so alone, apart from the grandmother that always protected her, and living with a relative that perceives Indy to be a "bad seed."
I absolutely loved Indy and felt anger towards many of the adults around her that seemed so blind to her situation. Especially that guidance counselor at school, what an idiot!
But I find myself reluctant to haul out the "big stars," on this one. First, the ending was rather rushed to conclusion and fit a perfect scenario of what we all hope would happen when anyone reports a sexual assault. Second, Indy makes a particular choice that impacts the rest of her life, yet, apart from a very brief conversation with her physician there isn't much explored on that situation. Third, the writing was a bit rough around the edges and I felt the characters were a bit stereotypical and one dimensional.
Still thinking on this one for a bit.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2019
Wow!
That's it. That's my review.
Wow!
That's it. That's my review.
Wow!
July 19, 2018
3.5 stars
Read
March 6, 2018It took me a while to get into the flow of this one, but about mid-way through, all I wanted was a happy ending for Indy. Her happy ending, whichever way that would go.
This is a hard read about family, secrets, and assault.
This is a hard read about family, secrets, and assault.
June 21, 2018
MY RATING: 4/5 STARS
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
I went in with knowing extremely little about Learning To Breathe because it was sent to me unsolicited by the publisher and actually, it worked in my favor. Because I didn't know much about it except for the fact it's about a young girl who is trying her best to hide an unwanted pregnancy and dealing with society judging her, I enjoyed it more. The story was intense a lot of the times. A trigger warning for this book would include non-consensual sex so please skip this book if that is not your tea.
I walked in with an open mind about this book because it wouldn't typically be something I pick up. I usually read a lot of young adult romance and adult romance so reading a serious topic about an abused minor and her troubled teenage years involving pregnancy? Yeah, not necessarily the easiest story to digest. A big HOWEVER would be that this book was really easy to sink your teeth into. The pages flew right by and soon, I was already halfway through.
A little bit about this story is that Indy is sent to a different city or town to her hostile aunt by her drunk mother and her grandmother for a better education and possibly a better life. What they don't know is that they're actually sending her into the arms of prey. Her aunt isn't nicely the kindest towards Indy as she comes from a broken home. Indy's mother is a prostitute. Due to her mother's less than sparkling history, Indy is seen as a failure and someone who will most likely follow her mother's footsteps. She lives under the shame of her upbringing but she's so strong as a person. Indy felt like a brick wall to me. When everyone was pelting her with insults, she stood strong with her head held up all. She wasn't always like that because come on, even superheroes crumble too. But she'll only crack when it got really tough. When her family seemed really broken and when she seemed like she had no other choice in life.
I felt very intense emotions to this book because it was so realistic. I hated how Indy was stuck in this situation in her life where she can't escape. She wants to keep the baby but doesn't have money to raise it. She hates her aunt who despises her but she can't leave because she has nowhere else to go. Everyone is more disgusted by her when they realize she's pregnant but it's not even her fault! The injustice of it all made me angry! And that's when you know it's a good book. The ending was also so satisfying. I won't spoil it though!
There's also a sweet blossoming romance that happens between Indy and Crunchy! I loved my sweet boy who liked Indy even in her situation. Also, the strong bond of friendships in this book should be enough for you to check this one out!
MY RECOMMENDATION
If you're a fan of an intense raw emotional read then Learning to Breathe needs to be on your TBR. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys gritty and real YA contemporaries as opposed to lighter ones!
January 3, 2020
A hopeful and bittersweet YA novel about healing, teenage pregnancy, families, and finding community.
TW: Rape
I've been avoiding this book for a while because I didn't think I could read another book about a Caribbean girl being raped, but I'm glad the author crafted the story to focus on Indira's complex relationship with her mother and finding a supportive community. What could've been a traumatising book because of its subject, instead turned out to be one that centred healing and discovery. This book is largely character driven and I think that's where a lot of its strength shows. I really enjoyed characters like Churchy and Smiley, hated Gary, and had various feelings for Sharice as the book progressed. Indira's own growth, from someone who is very judgemental to empathetic. is subtle but remarkable, as well as her confidence in herself and identity. There were moments of laughter and explorations of girlhood that anyone who has lived on a small island or in a rural community can relate to and that I appreciated in between the heavier themes.
I'm looking forward to more books from Janice Lynn Mather.
I'd recommend this to people who enjoyed American Street by Ibi Zoboi and The Mothers by Brit Bennett.
TW: Rape
I've been avoiding this book for a while because I didn't think I could read another book about a Caribbean girl being raped, but I'm glad the author crafted the story to focus on Indira's complex relationship with her mother and finding a supportive community. What could've been a traumatising book because of its subject, instead turned out to be one that centred healing and discovery. This book is largely character driven and I think that's where a lot of its strength shows. I really enjoyed characters like Churchy and Smiley, hated Gary, and had various feelings for Sharice as the book progressed. Indira's own growth, from someone who is very judgemental to empathetic. is subtle but remarkable, as well as her confidence in herself and identity. There were moments of laughter and explorations of girlhood that anyone who has lived on a small island or in a rural community can relate to and that I appreciated in between the heavier themes.
I'm looking forward to more books from Janice Lynn Mather.
I'd recommend this to people who enjoyed American Street by Ibi Zoboi and The Mothers by Brit Bennett.
July 10, 2018
Learning to Breathe is the perfect novel for the #MeToo movement. It sucks you right into Indira's difficult life, which only becomes more challenging when her mom ships her off to her aunt's house in Nassau. The rich language and vivid description will take the reader on the painful journey Indira faces after she's rape. Despite the trials and tribulations, Indira's story is woven with beauty and respite.
This is so well done, it didn't feel like fiction. I couldn't put it down.
Highly recommend this #ownvoices YA contemporary novel!
This is so well done, it didn't feel like fiction. I couldn't put it down.
Highly recommend this #ownvoices YA contemporary novel!
December 24, 2018
This is one where the book would be so much stronger is the approach to storytelling was different. The disruptive non-linear sequences combined with the italicized sections make it hard to read and get into the flow.
Readers are in love and rooting for Indira especially with her “loose” mother who can’t give her the time of day, but a strong grandmother who tries to do what’s best for her when sending her to her Aunt Patrice’s but that’s when things go wrong. I adored Indy, but it was disrupted every few pages with the hopping and skipping back and forth!
The cover and the theme are superb but I don’t know how many students will have the patience to stick with the narrative once they start getting lost in the timeline. Yet they can certainly relate to Indy’s struggles to do the right thing but being stuck between a rock and a hard place- a universal and beautifully haunting theme.
Readers are in love and rooting for Indira especially with her “loose” mother who can’t give her the time of day, but a strong grandmother who tries to do what’s best for her when sending her to her Aunt Patrice’s but that’s when things go wrong. I adored Indy, but it was disrupted every few pages with the hopping and skipping back and forth!
The cover and the theme are superb but I don’t know how many students will have the patience to stick with the narrative once they start getting lost in the timeline. Yet they can certainly relate to Indy’s struggles to do the right thing but being stuck between a rock and a hard place- a universal and beautifully haunting theme.
June 8, 2020
Rape and teen pregnancy is such a tough topic but this novel did it so well. In true YA fashion Mather sees Indy overcome the unthinkable, learn a new skill to help her on her journey (yoga), discover that families can be found, and start to move beyond the trauma that has occurred to her with a budding new romance. Another aspect I loved about this book was its setting in the Bahamas. Mather pulls the healing nature of the ocean, salty air, and island life in general (that ferry ride, all too accurate) into the narrative in beautiful ways.
April 1, 2023
Thoughts
From the very beginning, I knew something was up and that it was going to be heartbreaking, and it was. This book is a tough one. However, it is really good.
I do think it would be great for a book club discussion because the ending could be very polarizing. But that is the beauty in reading, it's getting stories from perspectives that are different from our own. Or seeing the world through another person's lens.
This was just a beautifully told story that is heartbreaking and very real. I hope this book finds its way into the hands that need it.
From the very beginning, I knew something was up and that it was going to be heartbreaking, and it was. This book is a tough one. However, it is really good.
I do think it would be great for a book club discussion because the ending could be very polarizing. But that is the beauty in reading, it's getting stories from perspectives that are different from our own. Or seeing the world through another person's lens.
This was just a beautifully told story that is heartbreaking and very real. I hope this book finds its way into the hands that need it.
October 30, 2022
If you enjoyed Hurricane Summer, then this should be your next read.
Trigger warnings: sexual abuse against a minor, rape, homelessness, teen pregnancy, bullying, alcohol abuse.
This book was beautifully written yet heartbreaking at so many moments. Then when I thought that in reality 80% of women who are raped are raped by someone they know, I realized that this book speaks to the lives of so many girls and women. The sad truth is that most of this story is many peoples reality. The generational trauma and how to break generational curses is the highlight of this book.
I was so mad at Gary the nasty older cousin and the Aunt who knew but acted like she didn’t and the Uncle who was so blind and always gone. The girls at school who were so mean to her when they found out, I just wanted to slap them all. I was mad at the mom for not knowing how to love herself or Indy enough and the grandma for letting Indy go. I loved Smiley for standing by her cousin and not turning her back on her. Churchy, Joe and Dion and everyone else at the Yoga retreat were God sends and reiterate the fact that family can also be those you choose.
I loved how island life (The Bahamas) and Yoga intertwined with Indy’s healing process as many turn to Yoga for healing. Learning to breathe when silence can be deafening and speaking your truth to heal all while being calmed and soothed while breathing in fresh island ocean air is powerful. In the end Indy found her peace and that made my heart smile. It also made me want to do Yoga again (I stopped because some of those positions are a killer 😩)
I would definitely recommend this book and am going to look for more by this author.
Trigger warnings: sexual abuse against a minor, rape, homelessness, teen pregnancy, bullying, alcohol abuse.
This book was beautifully written yet heartbreaking at so many moments. Then when I thought that in reality 80% of women who are raped are raped by someone they know, I realized that this book speaks to the lives of so many girls and women. The sad truth is that most of this story is many peoples reality. The generational trauma and how to break generational curses is the highlight of this book.
I was so mad at Gary the nasty older cousin and the Aunt who knew but acted like she didn’t and the Uncle who was so blind and always gone. The girls at school who were so mean to her when they found out, I just wanted to slap them all. I was mad at the mom for not knowing how to love herself or Indy enough and the grandma for letting Indy go. I loved Smiley for standing by her cousin and not turning her back on her. Churchy, Joe and Dion and everyone else at the Yoga retreat were God sends and reiterate the fact that family can also be those you choose.
I loved how island life (The Bahamas) and Yoga intertwined with Indy’s healing process as many turn to Yoga for healing. Learning to breathe when silence can be deafening and speaking your truth to heal all while being calmed and soothed while breathing in fresh island ocean air is powerful. In the end Indy found her peace and that made my heart smile. It also made me want to do Yoga again (I stopped because some of those positions are a killer 😩)
I would definitely recommend this book and am going to look for more by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2018
Learning to Breathe is the debut YA novel by Janice Lynn Mather. It is a beautifully written and completely engrossing coming-of-age novel. Although it deals with some very tough and emotionally charged issues including sexual assault, Mathers treats them with sensitivity and empathy while providing a story that is unputdownable. And much of this is down to Indy, the sixteen-year-old protagonist who is strong, resilient, and most of all likable making the reader care deeply about what happens to her. The story is aimed at 14 and up but it is the kind of book that adults can appreciate. However, due to some of the content, I would suggest it might not be suitable for younger children.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
December 19, 2019
Indy is 15 years-old and has spent her life in a small community that judges her for her mothers behaviors and for the size of her chest. But she’s too smart and sweet to let all of that get in her way, especially since the love and care of her grandmother keeps her warm. But then Indy is sent to Nassau to live under the care of her aunt, and the sexual advances of her step-cousin. Left to fend for herself with few resources, Indy stumbles upon a yoga retreat community where people look like her and see her for the amazing spirit that she is. Surrounded by friends and enemies, sometimes hard to know which is which, the resiliency of Indy is a force to behold. I loved this young women and this book the whole way through.
May 3, 2021
I'm surprised this book hasn't been more popular! It's wonderful, harrowing and sweet. I know it's labeled Young Adult but I know it would appeal to adults too. I'm not into Yoga, yet I like how it was incorporated to encourage Indira to "learn to breathe."
June 13, 2020
Learning To Breathe dealt with HEAVY subject matter (rape & abuse). Indy is a sixteen-year-old girl who finds solace at a yoga retreat and eventually a real family. Learning to Breathe is highlighting something in Bahamian society that is trivialised far too often. Most people would rather turn a blind eye to the problem than face the truth. The sad truth is this story is actually very similar to many people’s reality.
I appreciated reading Bahamian voices in the book. I could hear them loud and clear in my head. Plenty plenty biggety woman was shown in da book and it had me dying. The close-knit community of family island life, and how religious many older people in The Bahamas as portrayed well. Mather managed to show how the beach can calm and soothe the soul, and it made me miss it terribly (the majority of the Bahamian Islands are still unable to go to the beach at the moment because of our lockdown procedures). This was a great debut novel that captured Bahamian life and Indy's story quite well.
I appreciated reading Bahamian voices in the book. I could hear them loud and clear in my head. Plenty plenty biggety woman was shown in da book and it had me dying. The close-knit community of family island life, and how religious many older people in The Bahamas as portrayed well. Mather managed to show how the beach can calm and soothe the soul, and it made me miss it terribly (the majority of the Bahamian Islands are still unable to go to the beach at the moment because of our lockdown procedures). This was a great debut novel that captured Bahamian life and Indy's story quite well.
May 17, 2018
Trigger warning: Sexual Assault
16 year old Indy has become pregnant, and is hiding it because of her young age and her fear that her aunt will kick her out. This novel is a story about how she deals with all of this, finds her real family, and heals herself. While the premise and plot are great, I wasn't feeling fully engaged with this one. There was nothing that made me particularly drawn to any characters or the plot, and that's why I'm giving it 3 stars.
Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy!
16 year old Indy has become pregnant, and is hiding it because of her young age and her fear that her aunt will kick her out. This novel is a story about how she deals with all of this, finds her real family, and heals herself. While the premise and plot are great, I wasn't feeling fully engaged with this one. There was nothing that made me particularly drawn to any characters or the plot, and that's why I'm giving it 3 stars.
Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy!
August 15, 2023
Warning the book can be a little triggering. This was an excellent book. I listened to it on audible and wish I would have read it. This young girl is being raised by her grandmother who sends her to live with family. While in the care of her aunt/uncle she is raped and forced to hide the pregnancy until an incident occurs and her secret is exposed. I must say I couldnt stop listening to this book. Give it a read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2018
*Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.*
What a beautiful book. The writing is lyrical and gorgeous and the story is heartbreaking but also uplifting. A great contemporary read.
What a beautiful book. The writing is lyrical and gorgeous and the story is heartbreaking but also uplifting. A great contemporary read.
October 15, 2018
I must say, wow. This took me on a journey with a girl who was as real to me as a close friend. I had the honor of watching the main character grow from a scared, embarrassed teen to one who is ready to take on the world. That, to me, is priceless.
November 12, 2019
This young adult novel has a big “yoga as a tool to deal with trauma” theme and I loved it!
A rare find, and I can’t wait to share it with other yoga instructors who work with teens. 🙏🏻
A rare find, and I can’t wait to share it with other yoga instructors who work with teens. 🙏🏻
August 6, 2018
*3.5*
In the synopsis the publisher compares Janice Lynn Mather's Learning to Breathe to books by Sara Zarr and Amber Smith, and I believe that comparison is spot on. Learning to Breathe isn't an easy book by any means. There's plenty of heartbreaking moments as well as times at which I thought it couldn't possibly get any worse for Indy only to be proven otherwise. At the same time, however, Learning to Breathe does offer a breathe of hope, a breath of positivity, because at a core Learning to Breathe isn't about a book falling to rock bottom. No, it's a book about hitting rock bottom, only to climb out and be stronger and better than ever before.
Learning to Breathe introduces Indy, a teenager hiding more than one secret. All her life, Indy's been the girl everyone talked about. From her body to her family to her choices, everyone seems to have an opinion. From the very first page Indy's voice grabbed me and didn't let me go until the very end. When the story first begins, Indy's at a crossroads. She's forced to leave the person she loves the most, the one who also loves her the most, and go to a new place. She doesn't fell very brave, but it was easy to see that she was. Throughout the course of the story, Indy faces so many hard choices and tough situations, but she always managed to stand strong, and I admired that about her. She was resourceful and smart, more so than many gave her credit for. I loved the relationship between her and her grandmother. It was sweet and thoughtfully developed, and I feel like it was essential to who Indy was. She never wanted to disappoint her grandmother, to let her down, and while I could understand that, there were so many times at which I wish she would've gone to her for help.
Over the course of the book, a variety of characters are introduced - some good and some bad - and each had an important role to play. The biggest surprise, however, was Crunchy. When Crunchy is first introduced, he doesn't seem like he'll be very important, but I was wrong. Crunchy turned out to be such a sweet and caring individual, and I loved the friendship that resulted between him and Indy. It warmed my heart. I was so happy to finally see someone fighting for her again, some who was willing to do anything to help her. It was so different from the other people in her life. Those individuals...well, they were just terrible.
Learning to Breathe deals with tough subjects - teenage pregnancy, sexual assault, etc. I thought Janice did a wonderful job of handling each topic. Indy's story is an important one, because there are girls like her out there, girls who no one will listen to, girls that need our help, and I hope this book will open people's eyes to this. Some people have said that the ending was a bit too ideal, and while I somewhat agree, I was happy with where it left off.
In all, Learning to Breathe is a heartbreaking and gripping read, perfect for fans who love hard hitting YA contemporary. This may be my first book by Janice but it certainly won't be my las
*ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
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In the synopsis the publisher compares Janice Lynn Mather's Learning to Breathe to books by Sara Zarr and Amber Smith, and I believe that comparison is spot on. Learning to Breathe isn't an easy book by any means. There's plenty of heartbreaking moments as well as times at which I thought it couldn't possibly get any worse for Indy only to be proven otherwise. At the same time, however, Learning to Breathe does offer a breathe of hope, a breath of positivity, because at a core Learning to Breathe isn't about a book falling to rock bottom. No, it's a book about hitting rock bottom, only to climb out and be stronger and better than ever before.
Learning to Breathe introduces Indy, a teenager hiding more than one secret. All her life, Indy's been the girl everyone talked about. From her body to her family to her choices, everyone seems to have an opinion. From the very first page Indy's voice grabbed me and didn't let me go until the very end. When the story first begins, Indy's at a crossroads. She's forced to leave the person she loves the most, the one who also loves her the most, and go to a new place. She doesn't fell very brave, but it was easy to see that she was. Throughout the course of the story, Indy faces so many hard choices and tough situations, but she always managed to stand strong, and I admired that about her. She was resourceful and smart, more so than many gave her credit for. I loved the relationship between her and her grandmother. It was sweet and thoughtfully developed, and I feel like it was essential to who Indy was. She never wanted to disappoint her grandmother, to let her down, and while I could understand that, there were so many times at which I wish she would've gone to her for help.
Over the course of the book, a variety of characters are introduced - some good and some bad - and each had an important role to play. The biggest surprise, however, was Crunchy. When Crunchy is first introduced, he doesn't seem like he'll be very important, but I was wrong. Crunchy turned out to be such a sweet and caring individual, and I loved the friendship that resulted between him and Indy. It warmed my heart. I was so happy to finally see someone fighting for her again, some who was willing to do anything to help her. It was so different from the other people in her life. Those individuals...well, they were just terrible.
Learning to Breathe deals with tough subjects - teenage pregnancy, sexual assault, etc. I thought Janice did a wonderful job of handling each topic. Indy's story is an important one, because there are girls like her out there, girls who no one will listen to, girls that need our help, and I hope this book will open people's eyes to this. Some people have said that the ending was a bit too ideal, and while I somewhat agree, I was happy with where it left off.
In all, Learning to Breathe is a heartbreaking and gripping read, perfect for fans who love hard hitting YA contemporary. This may be my first book by Janice but it certainly won't be my las
*ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Book Blog | Twitter | Bloglovin | Goodreads
December 17, 2020
This book should be far more well known. I spent all 300+ pages just wanting to hug this poor mistreated, unfairly judged-for-the-sins-of-her-mother child, reunite her with her wonderful Grammy, and give them both all the best things in life. Thankfully there are people like Churchy and the folks at the yoga retreat who are, eventually, able to help.
I'm not sure I've ever read a YA novel set in the Bahamas before, and while some of the yoga talk itself went over my head, the setting was brought beautifully to life. Speaking of beautiful, Indira is one of the prettiest names I've ever heard.
I'm not sure I've ever read a YA novel set in the Bahamas before, and while some of the yoga talk itself went over my head, the setting was brought beautifully to life. Speaking of beautiful, Indira is one of the prettiest names I've ever heard.
December 5, 2018
Another wow book. This is to me a must read for educators to understand a child in a traumatic situation and what may be going on in their lives and minds.
September 26, 2018
It was a hard book to get into .
Overall it was a descent read ...
Overall it was a descent read ...
September 29, 2024
I’ve owned this book for quite some time, and as part of my 2024 goal to tackle the older titles on my physical TBR, I finally picked it up.
Unfortunately, two major issues stood out for me. First, the overly descriptive language felt like it was trying too hard to be quotable. This disrupted the natural flow of the writing and made it difficult to connect, often leaving me lost in the descriptions—but not in an enjoyable way. Second, the ending felt rushed. While there was an attempt to build emotional weight around the novel’s central trigger, the resolution felt brief and anticlimactic in execution.
Perhaps I would have appreciated this more in my teenage years, but it ultimately fell flat for me. The writing was hard to engage with, the characters felt one-dimensional, and the plot's pacing lacked consistency.
Unfortunately, two major issues stood out for me. First, the overly descriptive language felt like it was trying too hard to be quotable. This disrupted the natural flow of the writing and made it difficult to connect, often leaving me lost in the descriptions—but not in an enjoyable way. Second, the ending felt rushed. While there was an attempt to build emotional weight around the novel’s central trigger, the resolution felt brief and anticlimactic in execution.
Perhaps I would have appreciated this more in my teenage years, but it ultimately fell flat for me. The writing was hard to engage with, the characters felt one-dimensional, and the plot's pacing lacked consistency.
November 29, 2018
I don't now how but I stumbled across this book, most likely it was because I wanted a book that I could relate to. I have trouble dealing anxiety, nothing serious, and the title was Learning to Breathe so I thought it was about dealing with anxiety. It's not, it is a great book nevertheless, she has a few panic attacks though. It is emotional book about dealing with [a concerning issue]
It is a wonderful story about friendship and partly family (her close grandmother).
I would recommend this book to anyone who would listen and is mature enough to handle an issue like the one in this story.
It is a wonderful story about friendship and partly family (her close grandmother).
I would recommend this book to anyone who would listen and is mature enough to handle an issue like the one in this story.
November 29, 2018
The rhythm of the storytelling is lovely and sweet. Some stories are difficult. There is redemption.
April 27, 2018
Indria “Indy” or “Doubles” is a strong character and her voice is powerful. Throughout the course of the book she finds her voice and it’s great to watch her come into her own. The characters are all unique and interesting and I would love more backstory on Joe, Churchy and Indy’s grandmother. I love that the author didn’t shy away from anything. She didn’t write the book with rose coloured glasses on the characters or for the reader.
#indigoemployee #netgalley #learningtobreathe
#indigoemployee #netgalley #learningtobreathe
April 7, 2021
This is one of those books that at first you know it's good, but at some point you just can't put it down. That was me, reading this book until 3 AM and then immediately picking it up when I woke up. I didn't put this book down again until it was over because the story just had it's hooks in me, and what a painfully beautiful story it was.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Abuse, Rape, Sexual Violence, Incest
Learning To Breathe is a book about a girl named Indy. Indy grew up in a small part of the Bahamas called Mariner's Cay and was mostly raised by her Grandmother. Growing up, Indy's childhood was difficult because her mother struggled with addiction and hopped between different men which created many unsafe living environments for Indy. Because of this, everyone believed Indy would grow up to be just like her mother and even gave her the nickname Doubles. This story is largely about identity, and how our parents identities impact our own.
At age fifteen when the story begins, Indy is sent to live in Nassau with her Aunt, Uncle, and 2 cousins for the chance of a better life. However, Indy would much rather stay in Mariner's Cay with her Grammy who she loves very much and is happiest with. Even with the promise of better education and opportunities in a larger city, not everything is best in Nassau and soon Indy becomes pregnant after being raped by her older male cousin. Unable to confide in anyone, Indy struggles to navigate life, purpose, and identity until she literally falls into a yoga retreat. Eventually, Indy gets a job at the retreat, is able to confide in some people, and finally reconnects with her grandmother who answers some questions that have been weighing on her. Although she still struggles, Indy's story is about Learning to Breathe, staying true to herself, and making the most of her surroundings.
This is an extremely powerful, hard-hitting book. If you're thinking about reading it, do it.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Abuse, Rape, Sexual Violence, Incest
Learning To Breathe is a book about a girl named Indy. Indy grew up in a small part of the Bahamas called Mariner's Cay and was mostly raised by her Grandmother. Growing up, Indy's childhood was difficult because her mother struggled with addiction and hopped between different men which created many unsafe living environments for Indy. Because of this, everyone believed Indy would grow up to be just like her mother and even gave her the nickname Doubles. This story is largely about identity, and how our parents identities impact our own.
At age fifteen when the story begins, Indy is sent to live in Nassau with her Aunt, Uncle, and 2 cousins for the chance of a better life. However, Indy would much rather stay in Mariner's Cay with her Grammy who she loves very much and is happiest with. Even with the promise of better education and opportunities in a larger city, not everything is best in Nassau and soon Indy becomes pregnant after being raped by her older male cousin. Unable to confide in anyone, Indy struggles to navigate life, purpose, and identity until she literally falls into a yoga retreat. Eventually, Indy gets a job at the retreat, is able to confide in some people, and finally reconnects with her grandmother who answers some questions that have been weighing on her. Although she still struggles, Indy's story is about Learning to Breathe, staying true to herself, and making the most of her surroundings.
This is an extremely powerful, hard-hitting book. If you're thinking about reading it, do it.
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