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Breathing
Savannah would be happy to spend the summer in her coastal Carolina town working at the library and lying in a hammock reading her beloved romance novels. But then she meets Jackson. Once they lock eyes, she's convinced he's the one - her true love, her soul mate, a boy different from all the rest. And at first it looks like Savannah is right. Jackson abides by her mama's strict rules, and stays by her side during a hospitalization for severe asthma, which Savannah becomes convinced is only improving because Jackson is there. But when he's called away to help his family - and seems uncertain about returning - Savannah has to learn to breathe on her own, both literally and figuratively.
265 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
March 13, 2009
Savannah and Jackson's story is a new type of love story. Unlike most stories about long distance relationships, this one inspires hope.
As soon as I started reading this book, I fell in love with Savannah's character. She embodies the typical teenage girl, full of insecurities and hopes. Unlike most girls, though, Savannah has severe asthma.
Savannah was content to be by herself for the summer: working, reading romance novels, and watching out for her little brother. Then she met Jackson Channing.
Jackson isn't like the other guys around town. He's 18-years-old and staying with his cousins, the Channings. His father died recently and his mom didn't want him around because he reminded her too much of his father. Jackson didn't mind, though, because it gave him time to work on his paintings, his hidden secret. Jackson couldn't be more perfect: respectful, kind, and caring.
When Savannah collapses after an asthma attack, Jackson stays by her side the whole time she is in the hospital. And when her mom gives them a manifesto of rules they must follow, he doesn't even blink. He seems like the perfect boyfriend, and he is. That is, until he is called away to help out with his family back home. She knows that if he goes back he is going to be trapped in a life that he doesn't want, with a job all day and no more free time for his paintings. But it's not only that that has Savannah worried. Ever since Jackson arrived her breathing seems to be doing better. What happens if he leaves and she can't breathe without him?
Will Jackson and Savannah's relationship be able to survive the long distance? Will Savannah help Jackson realize that he should go after his dream, no matter what it takes? Will Savannah finally learn to breathe on her own?
Breathing is the perfect debut novel by Cheryl Renee Herbsman. Not only is it told in witty Southern dialect but it is full of lovable characters that embody the traits of the South.
Breathing will be available on April 16.
As soon as I started reading this book, I fell in love with Savannah's character. She embodies the typical teenage girl, full of insecurities and hopes. Unlike most girls, though, Savannah has severe asthma.
Savannah was content to be by herself for the summer: working, reading romance novels, and watching out for her little brother. Then she met Jackson Channing.
Jackson isn't like the other guys around town. He's 18-years-old and staying with his cousins, the Channings. His father died recently and his mom didn't want him around because he reminded her too much of his father. Jackson didn't mind, though, because it gave him time to work on his paintings, his hidden secret. Jackson couldn't be more perfect: respectful, kind, and caring.
When Savannah collapses after an asthma attack, Jackson stays by her side the whole time she is in the hospital. And when her mom gives them a manifesto of rules they must follow, he doesn't even blink. He seems like the perfect boyfriend, and he is. That is, until he is called away to help out with his family back home. She knows that if he goes back he is going to be trapped in a life that he doesn't want, with a job all day and no more free time for his paintings. But it's not only that that has Savannah worried. Ever since Jackson arrived her breathing seems to be doing better. What happens if he leaves and she can't breathe without him?
Will Jackson and Savannah's relationship be able to survive the long distance? Will Savannah help Jackson realize that he should go after his dream, no matter what it takes? Will Savannah finally learn to breathe on her own?
Breathing is the perfect debut novel by Cheryl Renee Herbsman. Not only is it told in witty Southern dialect but it is full of lovable characters that embody the traits of the South.
Breathing will be available on April 16.
March 4, 2009
Breathing was a tale of young love that steals your breath away. The sudden ache when you know that you are just meant to be, but the world prevents it. Or maybe just yourself? It’s the feeling that maybe you just are not good enough to be with that person that steals your breath or soul away. But, let’s aim for the positive. Breathing captured the essence of tender touches, ripping heartache, and soft caresses in one stunning novel.
Savannah was a poignant teen with an adorable sense of humor that you just couldn’t help but sympathize with. She reacts like what many teenagers do; the author captured this upcoming blossom beautifully. Child like innocence, random tempers, as well as the hidden love for her family. Her courageous stunts, her friendship, wrapped her personality with a tight red bow. But Savannah sometimes needed to grow a bit more—act more mature. She became too dependent on Jackson that she completely forgets her like pre-Jackson. Her free time circles around him even though he was not there—finding him jobs, phoning him constantly.
Jackson was a one man army. He was the perfect counterbalance to Savannah. The ever steady rock that held her to the world that kept her breathing. He was sometimes, however, eluding me when I tried to grab his essence. Jackson’s actions were somewhat predictable and often at times trying to please Savannah too hard or are selfish—never in-between.
The relationship between these two was an up and down roller coaster. He leaves, she cries, her returns, she rejoices—granted it wasn’t all that simple and whatnot. I did felt that the beginning could have been expended more. A more in-depth development—a few more words exchanged and some time between them to grow. The transition scenes were iffy and abrupt at points. And their relationship was, sad to same, was childish. Every scene was too melodramatic and I just wanted to turn the dial down a slight notch.
The Southern drawl was adorable within itself but felt a little much at times. What I greatly love the family relationship. I can relate to it wholesomely. Sure, teens may all hide it, but in the end we truly do love our parent[s:]. And the author portrayed it in a beautiful fashion by creating a scenario where one boy can bring you all closer.
Overall: A great book that missed its mark a few times, but still delivered a powerful message.
Savannah was a poignant teen with an adorable sense of humor that you just couldn’t help but sympathize with. She reacts like what many teenagers do; the author captured this upcoming blossom beautifully. Child like innocence, random tempers, as well as the hidden love for her family. Her courageous stunts, her friendship, wrapped her personality with a tight red bow. But Savannah sometimes needed to grow a bit more—act more mature. She became too dependent on Jackson that she completely forgets her like pre-Jackson. Her free time circles around him even though he was not there—finding him jobs, phoning him constantly.
Jackson was a one man army. He was the perfect counterbalance to Savannah. The ever steady rock that held her to the world that kept her breathing. He was sometimes, however, eluding me when I tried to grab his essence. Jackson’s actions were somewhat predictable and often at times trying to please Savannah too hard or are selfish—never in-between.
The relationship between these two was an up and down roller coaster. He leaves, she cries, her returns, she rejoices—granted it wasn’t all that simple and whatnot. I did felt that the beginning could have been expended more. A more in-depth development—a few more words exchanged and some time between them to grow. The transition scenes were iffy and abrupt at points. And their relationship was, sad to same, was childish. Every scene was too melodramatic and I just wanted to turn the dial down a slight notch.
The Southern drawl was adorable within itself but felt a little much at times. What I greatly love the family relationship. I can relate to it wholesomely. Sure, teens may all hide it, but in the end we truly do love our parent[s:]. And the author portrayed it in a beautiful fashion by creating a scenario where one boy can bring you all closer.
Overall: A great book that missed its mark a few times, but still delivered a powerful message.
January 8, 2010
I'm sort of on the fence with this one. I really liked certain aspects of it, but other parts I didn't. Maybe I was just expecting too much since everyone else seemed to think it was the Best Book Ever and I was expected something Sarah Dessen worthy. I liked Savannah's voice as the narrator, as in her personality, but I really could not get past all the Southern dialect. It was just so distracting, because it made me wonder if people really talk like that, since I know tons of Southerners who basically talk the same as me except with an accent. The incorrect grammar just bothered me, even though I know it was stylized that way. Also, I wasn't really sold on Savannah and Jackson's relationship. Maybe if they had more interaction before he had to go away... I don't know. Or maybe the fact that Savannah was SO young. It's not that I don't believe you can't find true love at a young age, but her absolute reliance on Jackson kind of bothered me. That being said, I really liked the ending, I loved the character of DC - it made me wish he had come into play a bit earlier, and there was a certain charm to most of it.
November 24, 2008
Finishing Cheryl Herbsman's BREATHING prompts one of those moments when you close a book with such complete satisfaction that you can't help but sigh.
The book is really wonderful. It's lyric and lovely and the characters are so very vivid and authentic that I actually felt like I had spent my summer in Savannah's world. And that Jackson...my word. He is a tall drink of water. Cheryl has written a stunning, beautiful, charming book--the story is so simple and so perfect. I want to read it again, right away.
The book is really wonderful. It's lyric and lovely and the characters are so very vivid and authentic that I actually felt like I had spent my summer in Savannah's world. And that Jackson...my word. He is a tall drink of water. Cheryl has written a stunning, beautiful, charming book--the story is so simple and so perfect. I want to read it again, right away.
June 30, 2009
Rating: PG-13. There is some cussing (no f-bombs, thank goodness) and one part of the book that shouldn't be read by eyes under that age (a makeout scene with light "petting").
The author captures the teen emotions, over-reactions, and selfishness perfectly. The thoughts and feelings of Savannah are exactly how I remember dealing with love, family, and trials then. Most YA/Teen books that I've read depict the characters more mature than I think I (or any teenager) was as a teenager and I had been forced to grow up MUCH earlier than most and was told constantly that I was "too mature" for my age, but I still acted as impulsively and over-passionately about everything. I think the author did a spectacular and outstanding job of doing that.
Now, as for this Jackson feller (I've got twang on the brain). He is quite the catch and I found myself really liking him. He was so smart and sweet. Like Sarach MacLean said "he is a tall drink of water".
Great story. Extremely accurate. I picked it up from the library today and read it all.
The author captures the teen emotions, over-reactions, and selfishness perfectly. The thoughts and feelings of Savannah are exactly how I remember dealing with love, family, and trials then. Most YA/Teen books that I've read depict the characters more mature than I think I (or any teenager) was as a teenager and I had been forced to grow up MUCH earlier than most and was told constantly that I was "too mature" for my age, but I still acted as impulsively and over-passionately about everything. I think the author did a spectacular and outstanding job of doing that.
Now, as for this Jackson feller (I've got twang on the brain). He is quite the catch and I found myself really liking him. He was so smart and sweet. Like Sarach MacLean said "he is a tall drink of water".
Great story. Extremely accurate. I picked it up from the library today and read it all.
November 14, 2010
This was a really nice book, very real to life about a teen from a broken home who finds a summer romance. All about overcoming obstacles, fighting for your dreams and finding hope where you think there is none. The book comes full circle to center on the family and it's importance in the life of teens.
Parent Notes: This was a pretty clean book. There is kissing, passionate kissing, and it mentions making out. But no detailed descriptions are given. There are consequences to breaking rules, curfew, etc. Sex is talked about briefly but not in detail and the couple decides to wait till they are ready. The word condom is used once, but no description of what it is or its use. In one scene a church camp boy the family is hosting wakes the girl up and is standing naked and she screams, but no descriptions are given just says he was naked. In one chapter the mom and daughter have a fight Mom goes out and gets drunk brings man home, Mom realizes her mistake upon entering house, and daughter helps her get him to leave. No bad language. Would recommend for 16 plus.
Parent Notes: This was a pretty clean book. There is kissing, passionate kissing, and it mentions making out. But no detailed descriptions are given. There are consequences to breaking rules, curfew, etc. Sex is talked about briefly but not in detail and the couple decides to wait till they are ready. The word condom is used once, but no description of what it is or its use. In one scene a church camp boy the family is hosting wakes the girl up and is standing naked and she screams, but no descriptions are given just says he was naked. In one chapter the mom and daughter have a fight Mom goes out and gets drunk brings man home, Mom realizes her mistake upon entering house, and daughter helps her get him to leave. No bad language. Would recommend for 16 plus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2018
I don’t know how to explain my relationship with this book. I found it in the “Under $5” section of a Chapters and bought it thinking that I might like it but it was pretty hit or miss. Well, in a strange and very dramatic turn of events, it became a favourite. Perhaps it was because I stayed up until 4am reading for two nights in the uncomfortable heat of August 2017 with the light of my phone. Maybe it was because a book brought tears to my eyes which hasn’t happened since 2014, or because I just needed to read it in that particular season of my life. Either way, I fell madly in love with this book and I will never let it go. I highly recommend this book to EVERYONE (but probably won’t be lending my copy out anytime soon, haha)!!!
May 27, 2015
Savannah wants to have a normal summer working at her library, doing her workbook, etc. But she meets Jackson. She is sure that he is the man she is waiting for. She starts hanging out with him regularly and her mom made strict rules about how they hang out together. So, Jackson follows her mom's strict rules and when Savannah has an asthma attack; Jackson stays with her the whole time she is in the hospital. Then, when Jackson is called to come home to help; Savannah needs to learn how to breathe on her own.
Breathing is about love, bullying, and mother/daughter relationship.
Breathing is about love, bullying, and mother/daughter relationship.
January 3, 2010
Never felt any chemistry between the leads, ever.
March 3, 2010
Savannah lives in small coastal Carolina town with her mom and brother Dog. Her father left her family years ago, and Savannah truly believes he took her ability to really breathe with him, as she has had life-threatening asthma since the day he left. Despite that fact she looks forward to reading tons of romance novels and working at her local library over the coming summer months and of course visiting the beach.
Then Savannah meets Jackson – her true love. He seems to be the only person that gives Savannah her breath back and is just so different from any other boy that she has met. Jackson seems to be perfect, staying by her side at the hospital when she suffers a severe asthma attack, following all of Savannah’s mom’s crazy rules about “courting,” and even sticking up for Savannah when she is put down by the local ruffians.
It seems though that Savannah’s perfect summer is not meant to be, as Jackson is called back home to help his mom and brothers out. Savannah doesn’t know if their relationship will last, and most of all if she will be able to breath without Jackson by her side.
This book was as sweet as a southern accent! The love story was true and there was a reality to the book that made the book come to life. There was humor and heartbreak, along with reality and creativity. With every sentence it felt like the reader was transported from their living room couch to the sandy beaches of the Carolina coast.
The characters that the author created were real and fun as well as relatable. Savannah’s true accent made me laugh and grin and her personality really shone. At times she got a bit whiny and fake, but overall she was genuine. While I felt that Savannah was three-dimensional and really stepped off the page, none of the other characters, including Jackson really stood out for me. Yes, Jackson was an incredibly sweet boy, but he didn’t seem real or alive.
Another really strong aspect of this book is the struggle that the characters go through. There is both economic hardships as well as emotional and relationship struggles, ranging anywhere from Savannah and Jackson’s relationship to Dog and his best friend’s relationship. This was another fact that helped the reader to relate with the characters.
Finally the plot was really cute, a little clichéd, but cute none-the-less and thoroughly enjoyable. Fans of Sarah Dessen will enjoy this sweet Southern novel full of charm and wit by this debut author. I look forward to reading more of Cheryl Renee Herbsman’s future works and I truly believe she has a bright future ahead of her.
Then Savannah meets Jackson – her true love. He seems to be the only person that gives Savannah her breath back and is just so different from any other boy that she has met. Jackson seems to be perfect, staying by her side at the hospital when she suffers a severe asthma attack, following all of Savannah’s mom’s crazy rules about “courting,” and even sticking up for Savannah when she is put down by the local ruffians.
It seems though that Savannah’s perfect summer is not meant to be, as Jackson is called back home to help his mom and brothers out. Savannah doesn’t know if their relationship will last, and most of all if she will be able to breath without Jackson by her side.
This book was as sweet as a southern accent! The love story was true and there was a reality to the book that made the book come to life. There was humor and heartbreak, along with reality and creativity. With every sentence it felt like the reader was transported from their living room couch to the sandy beaches of the Carolina coast.
The characters that the author created were real and fun as well as relatable. Savannah’s true accent made me laugh and grin and her personality really shone. At times she got a bit whiny and fake, but overall she was genuine. While I felt that Savannah was three-dimensional and really stepped off the page, none of the other characters, including Jackson really stood out for me. Yes, Jackson was an incredibly sweet boy, but he didn’t seem real or alive.
Another really strong aspect of this book is the struggle that the characters go through. There is both economic hardships as well as emotional and relationship struggles, ranging anywhere from Savannah and Jackson’s relationship to Dog and his best friend’s relationship. This was another fact that helped the reader to relate with the characters.
Finally the plot was really cute, a little clichéd, but cute none-the-less and thoroughly enjoyable. Fans of Sarah Dessen will enjoy this sweet Southern novel full of charm and wit by this debut author. I look forward to reading more of Cheryl Renee Herbsman’s future works and I truly believe she has a bright future ahead of her.
March 24, 2011
I really felt that Breathing could have been a good book for me, but unfortunately, it was hampered by its narration/accent and characterizations. The narration reads very much like a diary format, not unlike to The Princess Diaries, but it’s not, and because of that, I felt like I wasn’t sure what I was reading, a diary or a story.
Savannah (as in) Georgia Brown is a 15-year-old girl who lives in the south and is perfectly content with reading romance novels and living a simple life. She meets and then falls in love with 18-year-old Jackson. One would expect a simple love story but twists come in the form of Savannah’s severe asthma and the struggles of a relationship.
One problem I had with the story was the “accent”. The story is told in Savannah’s POV and written in a Southern accent. I’ve read books set in the south before, but never with one written in that accent and reading it gave me a headache because I found many of the words and phrases Savannah used to be confusing, hilarious (not in a good way) and just downright weird, phrases like, “evil as a goat”. How is a goat evil? Can animals even be evil?
Another problem I had was how inexplicably clingy Savannah was to Jackson. Perhaps this is what first love is like, but I found 15-year-old Savannah to be acting much younger than her age. She wants Jackson around all the time, seemingly because he calms her down and eases her asthma, and because of that, she submits job applications and samples of his paintings in his name, without consulting him first. While it may be true that Savannah has a right (as a friend) to be angry at Jackson’s mother for sending him away and making him come back when she needed help, I felt that she didn’t have the right to do that. She speaks of how she’s trying to be mature so as to compensate for their age different but her behavior speaks otherwise. As much as Jackson loved Savannah, it is clear to readers that he, being the eldest son and an 18-year-old, has responsibilities and cannot just follow Savannah’s every whim and fancy no matter how much he wants to.
The ending is feel-good and it’s an easy read, so that’s probably why I gave it 2 stars. That and the beautiful cover which somehow only makes me feel even more disappointed because I was really hoping for a better book. The story itself is good, and it probably will be for others but it was just hampered by other factors for me.
Savannah (as in) Georgia Brown is a 15-year-old girl who lives in the south and is perfectly content with reading romance novels and living a simple life. She meets and then falls in love with 18-year-old Jackson. One would expect a simple love story but twists come in the form of Savannah’s severe asthma and the struggles of a relationship.
One problem I had with the story was the “accent”. The story is told in Savannah’s POV and written in a Southern accent. I’ve read books set in the south before, but never with one written in that accent and reading it gave me a headache because I found many of the words and phrases Savannah used to be confusing, hilarious (not in a good way) and just downright weird, phrases like, “evil as a goat”. How is a goat evil? Can animals even be evil?
Another problem I had was how inexplicably clingy Savannah was to Jackson. Perhaps this is what first love is like, but I found 15-year-old Savannah to be acting much younger than her age. She wants Jackson around all the time, seemingly because he calms her down and eases her asthma, and because of that, she submits job applications and samples of his paintings in his name, without consulting him first. While it may be true that Savannah has a right (as a friend) to be angry at Jackson’s mother for sending him away and making him come back when she needed help, I felt that she didn’t have the right to do that. She speaks of how she’s trying to be mature so as to compensate for their age different but her behavior speaks otherwise. As much as Jackson loved Savannah, it is clear to readers that he, being the eldest son and an 18-year-old, has responsibilities and cannot just follow Savannah’s every whim and fancy no matter how much he wants to.
The ending is feel-good and it’s an easy read, so that’s probably why I gave it 2 stars. That and the beautiful cover which somehow only makes me feel even more disappointed because I was really hoping for a better book. The story itself is good, and it probably will be for others but it was just hampered by other factors for me.
April 20, 2009
Before I started Breathing, I was warned about the Southern dialect and how irritating it was. Yet, I found that when I was reading it, the dialect didn’t bother me much. True, I didn’t understand every word they were saying since it’s a different dialect and everything. But I got the main point and the language enhanced Breathing even more.
What I loved about Breathing was, ironically, the writing – the “Southern dialect”. It created an image in my head that allowed me to depict everything that was happening in the book – the Beach, Jackson, Savannah. I loved the way how they talked, it seemed really cute. :)
The whole book was basically about Savannah and Jackson’s relationship and how she has to try to grow up. By reading the summary, I expected Jackson to dump her after being uncertain about returning to her. I was wrong. The whole part about him being uncertain? Yea, not so much about that. There were hints and clues in some areas but I really had to look through the book, read between the lines, to really get that he was uncertain. In a way, it was obvious but throughout the book, I never got the sense that he didn’t want to come back.
Savannah, gosh, what should I say? A girl who has lots of similar teen issues like me (or us) and behaves accordingly. That’s Savannah. She manages to be stubborn, strong, shy, innocent, brave and filled with love for her family and for Jackson. It amazes me sometimes. However, there were some times in the book where I shook my head wondering where her sense has gone. After Jackson leaves, all she could think about was him. She spent all her free time looking for a job for him, talking to him on the phone, thinking about him, the things were endless.
And Jackson. Wow. He’s probably the perfect guy for Savannah due to his steadfast love for her. He’s the one who holds her down and keeps her aground. He knows what he’s doing and he’s out to do it. It makes me feel all giddy inside whenever I “hear” his Southern accent. So adorable!
Overall, the book was amazing! Loved the plot, the characters and especially that cute sounding Southern accent!
What I loved about Breathing was, ironically, the writing – the “Southern dialect”. It created an image in my head that allowed me to depict everything that was happening in the book – the Beach, Jackson, Savannah. I loved the way how they talked, it seemed really cute. :)
The whole book was basically about Savannah and Jackson’s relationship and how she has to try to grow up. By reading the summary, I expected Jackson to dump her after being uncertain about returning to her. I was wrong. The whole part about him being uncertain? Yea, not so much about that. There were hints and clues in some areas but I really had to look through the book, read between the lines, to really get that he was uncertain. In a way, it was obvious but throughout the book, I never got the sense that he didn’t want to come back.
Savannah, gosh, what should I say? A girl who has lots of similar teen issues like me (or us) and behaves accordingly. That’s Savannah. She manages to be stubborn, strong, shy, innocent, brave and filled with love for her family and for Jackson. It amazes me sometimes. However, there were some times in the book where I shook my head wondering where her sense has gone. After Jackson leaves, all she could think about was him. She spent all her free time looking for a job for him, talking to him on the phone, thinking about him, the things were endless.
And Jackson. Wow. He’s probably the perfect guy for Savannah due to his steadfast love for her. He’s the one who holds her down and keeps her aground. He knows what he’s doing and he’s out to do it. It makes me feel all giddy inside whenever I “hear” his Southern accent. So adorable!
Overall, the book was amazing! Loved the plot, the characters and especially that cute sounding Southern accent!
February 28, 2012
Law! It's done.....A girl can only take southern ways to talk so much... I'm sorry I didn´t appreciate it the way it ought to be but it was unavoidable. I cannot think of something real good about this one because it does not have a "wow" factor.
-A girl with asthma(or other medical condition) -being there, done that.
-A messy brother (younger or older) -being there, done that.
-An ultra-protective mother, single -being there, done that.
-The girl we're speaking of has something that hints her somehow everything ends up just fine (again, being there, done that)
-A boy that catches her heart and never let go of it and makes the reader doubt about his true feelings -being there, done that.
And come on, the rest is just a big void full of words that were just thrown into a pot and just cooked to see what could be possibly readable...and it's not of my liking.
Two stars because there were some chapters I did cracked up a little. And well, both Savanna and Jackson were likeable enough. But seriously, Savannah, cut Jackson some slack. Immature conversations, thoughts and everything you can imagine. NOT EVERYTHING'S ABOUT BOYFRIENDS. If he cannot live right next to you just chill..find another or just wait for goodness sakes! Personally, I do not like when the female character is presented as a boy/man dependent person. 21st century, a lot has change. Moping around because the guy you like has to return home to a mother and brother who need him because his father recently passed is not cool. Demanding his attention 24/7 is not cool. Requesting him to talk about his feelings when it is obvious he does not knows how or simply does not want to do it IS NOT COOL. I was face-plaming the whole time. It took me since november to finish it. And I did because I didn´t have much to do today but was unable to get my hands on the book I´m reading or other that I would´ve actually and completely enjoy reading.
It is an ok reading. And gosh, it is written in southern english. I do not have anything against it but A WHOLE BOOK is enough for my lifetime. Seriously.
I´m done. I do not like bitching about a book. I do not do it regularly. I just can't.
-A girl with asthma(or other medical condition) -being there, done that.
-A messy brother (younger or older) -being there, done that.
-An ultra-protective mother, single -being there, done that.
-The girl we're speaking of has something that hints her somehow everything ends up just fine (again, being there, done that)
-A boy that catches her heart and never let go of it and makes the reader doubt about his true feelings -being there, done that.
And come on, the rest is just a big void full of words that were just thrown into a pot and just cooked to see what could be possibly readable...and it's not of my liking.
Two stars because there were some chapters I did cracked up a little. And well, both Savanna and Jackson were likeable enough. But seriously, Savannah, cut Jackson some slack. Immature conversations, thoughts and everything you can imagine. NOT EVERYTHING'S ABOUT BOYFRIENDS. If he cannot live right next to you just chill..find another or just wait for goodness sakes! Personally, I do not like when the female character is presented as a boy/man dependent person. 21st century, a lot has change. Moping around because the guy you like has to return home to a mother and brother who need him because his father recently passed is not cool. Demanding his attention 24/7 is not cool. Requesting him to talk about his feelings when it is obvious he does not knows how or simply does not want to do it IS NOT COOL. I was face-plaming the whole time. It took me since november to finish it. And I did because I didn´t have much to do today but was unable to get my hands on the book I´m reading or other that I would´ve actually and completely enjoy reading.
It is an ok reading. And gosh, it is written in southern english. I do not have anything against it but A WHOLE BOOK is enough for my lifetime. Seriously.
I´m done. I do not like bitching about a book. I do not do it regularly. I just can't.
June 28, 2009
I was very excited to read this book from the minute I read about it on the Debs of 2009 Livejournal. A southern girl falling in love for the first time? Sign me up! (In fact, I was so excited to read it that I read it *before* Sarah Dessen's new book -they came in the same book order- and I adore Sarah Dessen.)
If it was an option I would have given this book 3.5 stars. I liked it enough that I will recommend it to people, but not so much that I can see myself reading it over and over again.
I loved the characters, but they never became fully 'alive' for me. I really, really wanted to care about them, but it was hard for me to do so. I could have done with less of Dog and Savannah yelling at each other, explaining why Mama was always getting fired, etc and more character developement, especially in regards to Savannah and Jackson's relationship. I'm totally okay with the idea of love at first sight, but as the relationship develops, I'd like a little more depth (something more than "I can't breathe if he's not around"). The plot also needed some tightening. It meandered around, and I didn't feel like things really started happening until the last 1/4 of the book.
I don't want to be too negative, because I did enjoy the book for the most part.
If it was an option I would have given this book 3.5 stars. I liked it enough that I will recommend it to people, but not so much that I can see myself reading it over and over again.
I loved the characters, but they never became fully 'alive' for me. I really, really wanted to care about them, but it was hard for me to do so. I could have done with less of Dog and Savannah yelling at each other, explaining why Mama was always getting fired, etc and more character developement, especially in regards to Savannah and Jackson's relationship. I'm totally okay with the idea of love at first sight, but as the relationship develops, I'd like a little more depth (something more than "I can't breathe if he's not around"). The plot also needed some tightening. It meandered around, and I didn't feel like things really started happening until the last 1/4 of the book.
I don't want to be too negative, because I did enjoy the book for the most part.
May 2, 2009
Breathing was a very cute, quick and fun read. Herbsman’s writing transported me to a different place! I felt like I just came back from a southern beach side getaway.
Savannah was a bit excessively melodramatic for me at times, but I guess that’s how extreme first love can be. So although it was slightly annoying at times it also helped reinforce her realism. I wish I could have learned the story from Jackson’s perspective. I didn’t fully understand why he was so drawn to Savannah, yes she is passionate about what she wants... but why was that attractive for him. I guess I didn’t feel wrapped up in their love story, because I felt like I was missing half of it.
I liked how Herbsman shared a story of lasting first love, so many times teens are underestimated when it comes to knowing love. “Oh you’re only a teenager you don’t know what love is.” Don’t act like you’ve never heard it! But it happens (my in-laws for instance, who are still very almost sickening in love today!) and it was refreshing to read a non-perfect, realistic rendition.
Herbsman’s notable writing skills as a debut author are sure to impress. As well as her unique characters and heartening story.
Savannah was a bit excessively melodramatic for me at times, but I guess that’s how extreme first love can be. So although it was slightly annoying at times it also helped reinforce her realism. I wish I could have learned the story from Jackson’s perspective. I didn’t fully understand why he was so drawn to Savannah, yes she is passionate about what she wants... but why was that attractive for him. I guess I didn’t feel wrapped up in their love story, because I felt like I was missing half of it.
I liked how Herbsman shared a story of lasting first love, so many times teens are underestimated when it comes to knowing love. “Oh you’re only a teenager you don’t know what love is.” Don’t act like you’ve never heard it! But it happens (my in-laws for instance, who are still very almost sickening in love today!) and it was refreshing to read a non-perfect, realistic rendition.
Herbsman’s notable writing skills as a debut author are sure to impress. As well as her unique characters and heartening story.
July 19, 2009
Breathing is a perfect book to read in the summer. What a wonderful story. Watching Savannah come into her own over one summer, meeting the love of her life Jackson, and learning things about herself she never knew were possible.
Savannah goes through a roller coaster of emotions, up and down and up and down, because of her family, her severe asthma, and because of Jackson. I really worried for her at some points, her asthma could really put her in danger from time to time. Her trips to the hospital made it hard for her mom to keep a job because she refused to tell her bosses why she couldn't come to work, she didn't want them to pity her.
I really liked Savannah's voice and her attitude towards life. She's sort of carefree but at the same time really determined. I love the dialect that the author brings into this story. I could hear the story in my head with Savannah's accent, I think that really helped ground the story in a culture and a location. I thought the ending was spot on, I was a little worried for awhile it wouldn't end that way but it's definitely the way the ending should have been!
Overall a wonderful summer story!
February 3, 2010
Breathing made me mourn summer. I started the book in the middle of the first big snowstorm of the winter, and the description made me wish that I could go lay out in the sun.
I really enjoyed the way the story dealt with teen love. It didn't treat it like "puppy love" (a phrase my parents use to describe teen love), and it felt very real. Savannah, though immature and naive at times, cares very deeply about Jackson. I felt particularly bad for Savannah during the portion of the book where she was separated from Jackson. It seems like there was a new weight on her shoulders, and it effected all the other parts of her life.
My main issue with the book was a completely personal one. I had trouble getting through the heavy southern dialect. I don't mind if the characters don't use perfect English, because most people don't. I did, however, feel like this book used more of this language than was necessary. I will point out that some people loved this aspect of the book. I'm completely personal, so don't let this turn you off from the book completely.
I really enjoyed the way the story dealt with teen love. It didn't treat it like "puppy love" (a phrase my parents use to describe teen love), and it felt very real. Savannah, though immature and naive at times, cares very deeply about Jackson. I felt particularly bad for Savannah during the portion of the book where she was separated from Jackson. It seems like there was a new weight on her shoulders, and it effected all the other parts of her life.
My main issue with the book was a completely personal one. I had trouble getting through the heavy southern dialect. I don't mind if the characters don't use perfect English, because most people don't. I did, however, feel like this book used more of this language than was necessary. I will point out that some people loved this aspect of the book. I'm completely personal, so don't let this turn you off from the book completely.
July 25, 2016
I wasn't sure what I was expecting from this. A summer romance kind of light read? Sure. It has all that but what I liked about this one was the simplicity of the writing and the characters. I mean both are really good and you can tell the emotion is there and the pacing flows well. It did have a bit over dramatics at times, what with the main character and the insta love and all. But slowly she grows into her own as the romance too. The relationship with the mom I especially like and Jackson was kind of sweet. All in all, a pretty good and surprising read. Also who wouldn't love to work at their library?
July 30, 2010
This book was merely ok. It picked up a bit once I got farther into it but I felt like the writing was really inconsistent and the characters were one-dimensional. I also never felt like the relationship between the two main characters was all that special and it developed too quickly to really be believable. It wasn't a long book so I stuck with it until the end and the basic story line was ok but it could have be executed much better in my opinion.
April 22, 2025
You guys, are we forgetting Jackson is a literal pedophile? He’s a super senior at this point.
He’s graduated out of high school and he starts dating a fifteen year old… like he put his hand under her shirt in one scene…
Also the fact that she couldn’t breathe when he left made me cackle in my seat because it’s so unrealistic 💀
He’s graduated out of high school and he starts dating a fifteen year old… like he put his hand under her shirt in one scene…
Also the fact that she couldn’t breathe when he left made me cackle in my seat because it’s so unrealistic 💀
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December 21, 2008These characters feel very real to me -- Mama, Jackson, especially Savannah. Their concerns, desires, interactions with one another combine to create vibrant, living, *breathing* people. And Savannah and Jackson have some heat going on. A very fine debut.
March 22, 2009
A sweet story about summer love, following your dreams and the important people in your life who love you.
February 25, 2016
This book was great. I love how the asthma was brought into the book. The way this book progressed was amazing. I am thinking of picking up something else by this author in the future.
September 20, 2020
I don't know why I didn't enjoy this book, but it might have been the dialogue with a Southern touch, or the idea that a fifteen year old and an eighteen year old find true, everlasting love, but that might be the cynic in me. Savannah had severe asthma that was affected by her emotions, and she'd go off and cause herself breathing distress with extra long walks or bike rides as well. The eighteen year old boy, Jackson, seemed very mature and unrealistic. I just didn't buy their commitment to each other, supporting each other's dreams, making their relationship work long distance, doing anything to work out how to live nearby and be together. Guess the YA teen romance wasn't working for me this time!
March 21, 2019
This book made me a little bit uncomfortable. An 18 year old pursuing a 15 year old. Not just any 15 year old, but one who was pretty immature at that. Add that to the author making it out like it's the most special relationship in the world, instead of something to avoid--even when he kisses another girl, barely talks to her, etc--just doesn't do it for me. Plus the book was boring. Even her many asthma attacks were boring. Plus, for someone with asthma that bad? You don't leave the house without your inhaler, like this MC kept doing. That's just one thing that made her seem younger than her age.
January 25, 2018
This book has been on my list for a few years and I never got around to it because my library didn’t have it. I’m glad I finally got around to it, because I really enjoyed it! I loved the southern dialect that you can feel throughout the story, as well as the relationships that were developed. I wish the story was stronger overall; not light and fluffy which I felt. I’d recommend this to anybody who wants a good teen southern summer romance novel!
March 8, 2025
ok so, the country summer girl vibes were there, was it executed in a good way? not in my opinion! this was so mid and headache inducing, i borrowed it from my mom who never finished it and now i know why! we really sat there through that country accent thinking “girl what the hell is this”. no shade but i clocked the tea on this chile
July 9, 2018
I was disappointed in the over stylized southern accent used. It was so distracting and disingenuous that I could not finish this book. I live near the setting of this book and people do not speak like that here.
September 17, 2019
I loved it but I also felt like the age difference was a little weird. But. Overall it was cute and I really liked it.
July 8, 2021
3.5. Loved how the southern slang was authentic. I wish the two main characters had better chemistry.
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