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dmantonya's review against another edition
3.0
really disappointed that there wasn't more about her relationship from Breathing under water
nsevey's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't realized when I picked it up that it further developed the story that started in Breathing Underwater, but I decided to go ahead with it anyway. It wasn't entirely terrible, but I didn't really like it that much either. One of my major pet peeves was the excessive use of 1, 2, and 4 in the main character's journal entries. Really, it can't be that hard to write out someone or to or for.
readinglush9's review against another edition
4.0
This was a bit different than what I was expecting, but then so was Breathing Underwater. In this book, Caitlin returns and we see her point of view in the aftermath from the first novel. She struggles with her weight, trying to impress any and every one, and dealing with the boys in her life. I think her character arc was lovely, and I am glad there was still feelings beyond hate/disgust for Nick. The book's end was happy, as it should always be, and she is making her way through life a lit smarter, and more in tune with herself. Another great book from one of my favorite authors!
myntop's review against another edition
4.0
This is the sequel to Breathing Underwater, but this time we get to see what's going on with Caitlin after the events of Breathing Underwater.
I love that we get to see the after affects of the abuse she suffered and how hard it is to move on from that. I also loved the little glimpses into Nick's life and how he's changing, but how that's not the focus of the story. The real meat is in Caitlin and her choices to be brave and move forward with her life.
I think the new friends Caitlin makes are the kind of friends we should all strive for. People who like us the way that we are, encourage and support us, and don't put us down to make themselves feel better. I always thought Caitlin was too good for the people she surrounded herself with in the first book. Even her original best friend wasn't really the greatest person for her, but this new group of people are where I think she found her true friends.
If you wanted to know more about Caitlin and her process in moving on from all that happened to her, I think you'd love this book.
I love that we get to see the after affects of the abuse she suffered and how hard it is to move on from that. I also loved the little glimpses into Nick's life and how he's changing, but how that's not the focus of the story. The real meat is in Caitlin and her choices to be brave and move forward with her life.
I think the new friends Caitlin makes are the kind of friends we should all strive for. People who like us the way that we are, encourage and support us, and don't put us down to make themselves feel better. I always thought Caitlin was too good for the people she surrounded herself with in the first book. Even her original best friend wasn't really the greatest person for her, but this new group of people are where I think she found her true friends.
If you wanted to know more about Caitlin and her process in moving on from all that happened to her, I think you'd love this book.
linzt600's review
5.0
As a singer this book was wonderful to read because of the musical aspect involved with it. It also turned me on to my now favorite author Alex Flinn. I have not read the original work it was based on Breathing Under Water but it was interesting to read this side of the story first and makes me even more intrigued in the guy's side.
earlgaytea711's review
2.0
[2.5 stars]
This was a disappointing reread for me. I remember loving this novel and connecting with Caitlin so much. I love to sing and I’m super shy especially when I was in high school. So I really related to her. But now, I don’t connect with her as much as I wish.
Now Caitlin annoys me. She’s childish. I feel like she acts like she’s 12 not 16. I think this might just be my age talking though. At 22, it’s a lot harder for me to connect with teenage characters. I almost wish I hadn’t reread it so it still held a good memory for me. This is a companion to Breathing Underwater, but Diva doesn’t hold the same depth or statement as that novel does and it’s saddening to see.
I can’t say much else. When the main character annoys me there’s almost nothing that can save the novel in my book. The writing was nice. I enjoy the way Alex Flinn writes and I love a lot of her books.
The side characters were interesting but because I saw them through Caitlin’s eyes I’m not sure I really understand or saw any of their real character. She has some moments of realization about them that are nice but a lot of the time the other characters are just flat because Caitlin can’t imagine more dimensions to them. Especially her mother and father.
This novel was a quick read at least which was nice. It has good memories from when I was in high school and for high schoolers I think I would recommend it but I’m not sure it’s a YA that translate well for older people.
This was a disappointing reread for me. I remember loving this novel and connecting with Caitlin so much. I love to sing and I’m super shy especially when I was in high school. So I really related to her. But now, I don’t connect with her as much as I wish.
Now Caitlin annoys me. She’s childish. I feel like she acts like she’s 12 not 16. I think this might just be my age talking though. At 22, it’s a lot harder for me to connect with teenage characters. I almost wish I hadn’t reread it so it still held a good memory for me. This is a companion to Breathing Underwater, but Diva doesn’t hold the same depth or statement as that novel does and it’s saddening to see.
I can’t say much else. When the main character annoys me there’s almost nothing that can save the novel in my book. The writing was nice. I enjoy the way Alex Flinn writes and I love a lot of her books.
The side characters were interesting but because I saw them through Caitlin’s eyes I’m not sure I really understand or saw any of their real character. She has some moments of realization about them that are nice but a lot of the time the other characters are just flat because Caitlin can’t imagine more dimensions to them. Especially her mother and father.
This novel was a quick read at least which was nice. It has good memories from when I was in high school and for high schoolers I think I would recommend it but I’m not sure it’s a YA that translate well for older people.
moremercurial's review
4.0
I haven't read this book in a few years, but I remember how much I loved it as a teenager. I remember relating so much to the main character at the time and reading the book at least twice. I actually had no idea at the time that the novel was related to Breathing Underwater and actually hadn't even heard of it.
I really want to read Breathing Underwater and then re-read Diva. I know lot of readers were displeased about the level of connection between the two books and how little the incident with Nick is mentioned in comparison to gravity of the situation. From what I now know and remember, I definitely don't think this could be considered a sequel and really don't think that's what it should be marked as. As someone who didn't have a clue about Breathing Underwater when I read Diva, I can only assume this made it a really different experience for me. I might change my rating after reading both books. From what I can remember for now, I loved the book as a young girl the same age as the protagonist and I'm sure my nostalgic side will probably enjoy reading this book again.
I really want to read Breathing Underwater and then re-read Diva. I know lot of readers were displeased about the level of connection between the two books and how little the incident with Nick is mentioned in comparison to gravity of the situation. From what I now know and remember, I definitely don't think this could be considered a sequel and really don't think that's what it should be marked as. As someone who didn't have a clue about Breathing Underwater when I read Diva, I can only assume this made it a really different experience for me. I might change my rating after reading both books. From what I can remember for now, I loved the book as a young girl the same age as the protagonist and I'm sure my nostalgic side will probably enjoy reading this book again.
macklin's review
4.0
This was again a pleasant surprise. Before this I read Beastly and associate Alex Finn in general with fairytale retellings. Caitlin is a great character. I really like how even though she is dealing with past abuse and a fresh start, she is still so ready to enjoy life. I am also pleased that Caitlin loves opera. Just saw The Barber of Seville. Opera is the best and I wish more people went.
stephaniereads9b0f8's review
4.0
Told by Caitlin from Flinn's Breathing Underwater, and how she reforms her life after leaving an abusive relationship, concentrating on Caitlin's desire to become an opera star.