Rating: 
Summary: Amazing..
Review: 'Breathing Underwater' by Alex Finn is one of the greatest books I have ever read. Normally I am a slow reader, however, I finished this 250+ page book in one day. It tells the tale of an abusive relationship and the maturity of a boy named Nick. This book will touch your heart in more ways than one and is destined to become a top seller!
Rating:
Summary: Breathing Underwater
Review: I am an English major at Florida Atlantic University and have recently been exposed to the critically important genre of Adolescent Literature. Alex Flinn's BREATHING UNDERWATER not only typifies this genre but should be used as a standard for content and style. Flinn has honestly addressed the problem of abusive co-dependant relationships learned by teens and shares an obvious experience with the issues. The realism is poignant and painfully familiar to all the teenage readers of the book that I have talked to.
Flinn's chosen style of writing BREATHING UDERWATER in medias res and using journal entries to draw the reader into the main character's burgeoning awareness of his problem creates such a smooth transition of ideas that the reader will loose track of page numbers. Also, this book will provide teenage writers with a wonderful example of how to communicate important ideas in the context of a realistic and enthralling plot.
I suggest BREATHING UNDERWATER for every teenage reader entering the world of relationships(all of them) and every adult that needs to remember that bonds are built on respect, including self-respect(all of us). Thank you, Alex Flinn, for helping to build a mentally healthy future for our youth through an honest discussion of their issues and lives.
Rating:
Summary: Breathing Underwater
Review: From a teen reader - I thought that Breathing Underwater was one of the best books I have ever read. The story is basically about a teenage boy who's relationship with his girl friend begins to turn abusive without him realizing it. I really liked the way the author has merged two worlds in the book for the same character. One world is that of his recollections of his growing abusive relationship with his girlfriend in the form of a journal. These thoughts are mixed with his experiences and growing awareness in a court ordered anger management class. The subjects of obesesion and abuse in the book are things that my firends and I experience. This is one of the main reasons I was drawn to this book. My friends and I are glade there is a book that accually tells things the way they really are.I look forward to reading Breaking Point next for the same realism.
Rating:
Summary: Like Father Like Son
Review: The book Breathing Underwater, is about 16-year-old Nick Andrews who is one of those guys who you would think has it all. He is rich, good looking, has little parent supervision, to a 16 year old boy that's everything, he's athletic, and a straight-A student. But what people think isn't always true. Nick and his father wouldn't win family of the year. His father abuses him, and there is nothing he can do about it. He is going out with the prettiest girl in the grade, Caitlin, at least she has been beautiful since she got back from fat camp the summer before. The best part about their relationship is that they are both wild about each other. Everything seems to be going well, until he hits her and she files a restraining order on him. After that he lost everything that was ever important to him; Caitlin, his friends, his respect, and his popularity. He has to take classes and write in a journal of what happened between Caitlin and him; for punishment. He also loses all ways of communication with Caitlin. In his classes he unwillingly learns a part of him that he never knew he had. In the journal Nick writes, he explains everything that happens from the first time he ever saw Caitlin, up to when and why she filled the restraining order on him. Breathing Underwater was a very good book. My favorite character was Nick. Even though he was abusive I still enjoyed reading about what happened to him on his bumpy road of life. The book was a good story and I found it hard to put it down. I liked the book also because it was a story on something that happens more then people may think it does. And I think this book teaches kids that, sadly, abuse does happen often between couples. The book was also a good story and I found it hard to put it down. I think you should read Breathing Underwater. It is very good and it is the kind of book that every type of person would like!
Rating:
Summary: You must read this book!
Review: This is an excellent book. It has very realistic, everyday life sort of things, it is very real. It isn't exaggerated on things, it is something I can read over and over. She writes it like someone of that age, relating to the readers, possibly. It seems as if it were a true story. It could accually happen. It does happen. It isn't like normal books, because there isn't really a happy ending sort of thing, it doesn't end perfectly. That, I think, is why it seemed so real to me. It isn't like any other book I've read. I couldn't put it down!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome book!
Review: This is a great book! It is about a guy named Nick who is rich and cool but he doesn't tell anyone about how bad his dad treats him. when he falls in love with Caitlin, he thinks everything is going to be great, but then.......oh ill let you see for yourself. I liked this book because it was really real about relationships and the characters sounded like people I knew. I can't wait for the new book BREAKING POINT to be out!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: A COMPELLING READING OF AN IMPORTANT STORY
Review: Film and Broadway actor Jon Cryer gives compelling reading to this candid story of a teenager apparently fated to visit upon others the physical violence he has endured. The setting is sunny, affluent South Florida where to his classmates at Biscayne High School 16-tear-old Nick Andreas appears to have it all. His family is well to do; he's a top athlete and student. The person in his lucky-me armor is his father's hair trigger temper. Caitlin, Nick's girl, is everything he had hoped for - beautiful, gifted and wild about him. That is, until Nick hits her. She seeks a restraining order against him, and he must attend group counseling. He has lost his reputation, his friends, and his girl. Once in counseling Nick is forced to turn an objective eye on fellow abusers and observe not only the pain they have inflicted upon others but the harm they have done to themselves. He must stand alone to learn responsibility and the true meaning of manhood. Gratefully, the author is honest and doesn't make Nick's journey an easy one with a made in Hollywood ending. - Gail Cooke
Rating:
Summary: A ...Book of Note
Review: This is an exceptionally compassionate, yet realistic story of one young man's unconscious choice to follow in his father's footsteps, and the consequences it has on his life. A series of physical outbursts against his girlfriend (not to mention ongoing verbal assault) land Nick in court, and he finds himself without the support of family or friends. With the help of a counseling program, and a journal assignment from the judge, Nick tries to figure out how he became a person he neither likes nor understands. Given its subject matter, any success Breathing Underwater achieves almost assures that controversy will follow. That said, it is my opinion that it should be mandatory reading at Junior High level, and stacks of copies should be donated to crisis centers, women's shelters, and child abuse prevention programs everywhere.
Rating:
Summary: Landmark Book
Review: This is the best book on dating violence I've seen to date. Flinn has successfully gotten into the mind of the abuser and peels back the layers of his defense mechansims until he finally has to confront his own responsibility in the chaos his violence has caused. This is a book that both teen girls and boys should read. It never preaches, but the dramatic story speaks for itself and makes its points quite clearly. Every school library should have this one.
Rating:
Summary: Breathing Underwater
Review: This was a very powerful book that all teenagers should read. It deals with real life situations and both male and female should understand what is happening in relationships. Nick has a great life except for his overbearing father. Caitlyn has made herself more acceptable to the "in" crowd by losing weight. Now they have found each other and it seems to be the perfect match. Then Nick starts feeling possessive of Caitlyn and reacts in very strange ways. Because she LOVES him, she puts up with very abusive behavior. He even hits her and she forgives him. After he attacks her the second time, he has to go to court. The story is about his rehabilitation and the flashbacks (telling the story) come in the form of a journal he has to write. I found it very moving and can see why so many young people are in dangerous relationships. Hopefully, many people can see themselves in this book and can get help before it is too late. I really liked Alex Flinn and would like to read more of her books.
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