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natalye's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
libraryofdreaming's review against another edition
5.0
“In the water, chlorine tastes like peace and movement becomes freedom. Nobody notices my limp or scars, nobody stares as I move past them. Gravity is so much kinder here. Water is home.”
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Thank you so much to Clarion Teen and Netgalley for the opportunity for an early look at one of my most anticipated reads of 2022!
BREATHE AND COUNT BACK TO TEN by Natalia Sylvester is an upcoming YA contemporary releasing May 10th about a Peruvian American teen with hip dysplasia who auditions to become a mermaid at a Central Florida theme park, all while navigating first love and learning to feel safe in her own body.
I am OBSESSED with this book. Natalia Sylvester has crafted an absorbing story about disability, growing up, the immigrant experience, bodily autonomy, finding love, and finding yourself. She has captured something eternal and moving in this book. I can’t tell you how many times I felt seen as a fellow disabled woman. I highlighted so many passages of her beautiful writing and wanted to hug the book to my chest.
Veronica’s journey is riveting, emotional, and feels completely real. I was so invested in her story and her conflicts with her family. The element of the mermaid theme park was also fun and immersive. I predict this book will be THE read of the summer. I highly recommend you preorder now for when you’re next longing to run off to the pool. You won’t regret it!
Content warnings:
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Thank you so much to Clarion Teen and Netgalley for the opportunity for an early look at one of my most anticipated reads of 2022!
BREATHE AND COUNT BACK TO TEN by Natalia Sylvester is an upcoming YA contemporary releasing May 10th about a Peruvian American teen with hip dysplasia who auditions to become a mermaid at a Central Florida theme park, all while navigating first love and learning to feel safe in her own body.
I am OBSESSED with this book. Natalia Sylvester has crafted an absorbing story about disability, growing up, the immigrant experience, bodily autonomy, finding love, and finding yourself. She has captured something eternal and moving in this book. I can’t tell you how many times I felt seen as a fellow disabled woman. I highlighted so many passages of her beautiful writing and wanted to hug the book to my chest.
Veronica’s journey is riveting, emotional, and feels completely real. I was so invested in her story and her conflicts with her family. The element of the mermaid theme park was also fun and immersive. I predict this book will be THE read of the summer. I highly recommend you preorder now for when you’re next longing to run off to the pool. You won’t regret it!
Content warnings:
Spoiler
sexism, ableism, sexual harassment, a fade to black sex scene.tarareads517's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A beautiful #OwnVoices story of disability, being an immigrant and wishing to be a mermaid.
jessicanb93's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
fizzingweasleys's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
mellomorissa's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
justellie's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
annie_bordeaux's review against another edition
3.0
*3.5*
Okay. This book was not what I expected. I thought it was gonna be a cliche YA fun read. It was more of a commentary, which I have nothing against. But one of my complaints was that it felt like it was trying a bit too hard to be a commentary. It wasnt one of those books that you read, then realize after you finish it what it was trying to say. I was painfully aware of the point it was trying to get across. Also, I think the romance just wasnt good. They started flirting before they even knew each other's names, and almost kissed on their second time seeing each other. It felt forced. I will say that once they were together, alex was a supportive boyfriend, so theres that.
What I liked:
-The discussing of consent, and how you can feel forced to do something
-the mc's points on how her disability and her scars were part of her, and not something for people to admire nor be disgusted by.
-the fact that her parents arent horrible but arent perfect either and theres no specific villian
Okay. This book was not what I expected. I thought it was gonna be a cliche YA fun read. It was more of a commentary, which I have nothing against. But one of my complaints was that it felt like it was trying a bit too hard to be a commentary. It wasnt one of those books that you read, then realize after you finish it what it was trying to say. I was painfully aware of the point it was trying to get across. Also, I think the romance just wasnt good. They started flirting before they even knew each other's names, and almost kissed on their second time seeing each other. It felt forced. I will say that once they were together, alex was a supportive boyfriend, so theres that.
What I liked:
-The discussing of consent, and how you can feel forced to do something
-the mc's points on how her disability and her scars were part of her, and not something for people to admire nor be disgusted by.
-the fact that her parents arent horrible but arent perfect either and theres no specific villian
cassroberts89's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is so good. It has the kind of messages I wish I had read as a teen. More later once I get my thoughts in order (and coffee)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness and Body shaming
Minor: Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Medical content