Blog 77 - Breathless by Lurlene McDaniel

 

Author: Lurlene McDaniel

Format: Paperback

Pages: 165

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Publication Date: September 14, 2010

About the Book

This moving and charged novel by Lurlene McDaniel, the bestselling author of inspirational fiction for young adults, presents ethical as well as moral dilemmas and explores the harsh reality of making a choice that, once made, can never be undone.
Travis Morrison knows how good his life is. He’s a champion diver and one of the most popular kids at school. He has Darla, the girl he loves; Emily, his kid sister, whom he actually doesn’t mind hanging out with; and Cooper, his best friend.
On the first day of summer vacation, all four go boating on the lake, and everything feels perfect. They cut the motor and drift toward their favorite spot, where cliffs abound—nature at its finest. Travis’s friends ask him not to try the diving stunt, but he can’t resist a challenge.

Travis’s silly stunt dive goes wrong, and he fears he has broken his leg. Instead, his trip to the hospital reveals devastating news. In an instant, Travis’s life and the lives of everyone around him are forever changed.

Travis understands that his parents believe they’re doing what’s best for him. But he’s always been sure of himself, and he’s sure of one thing now—that he and only he should decide the course of his life. He has a plan, but he can’t carry it out alone. How will he convince the three people he feels he can count on most to help him? And when things get even worse, who will fulfill his most important request?

In this honest and probing novel, Lurlene McDaniel tackles a controversial subject, sensitively exploring the issues of personal choice and quality of life, and poignantly reminding readers that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity.

My Review

Cover: I liked the cover of this book. It lets me know as a reader what the book is going to be about. So I know that the guy on the cover is most likely the main character. I also really like the reflection on this cover.

What I liked about the book:  I really like that there are four main characters that each tell their side of the same story and everything is tied together. I also really liked that the perspectives were somehow related to the main character. This I would have to say was an emotional read for me, but I was surprised that I didn’t cry towards the end. It makes me think about life though in a way that you shouldn’t be scared of death, and that there should be an open communication with family members about decisions and everything when it comes to the medical policies.

What I didn’t like the book: *Spoiler alert* I didn’t like that main character had to suffer and died in the end, but also that the very last piece doesn’t give a hint as to who gave him the insulin that did him in. I would have like to know who was doing it. I thought maybe it was the little sister that did it but I’m not sure.

Overall: I enjoyed reading the book. It was something different from what I read, and I would recommend it to other readers.

Until next time, Happy Reading!