Kippa Picks: Barely Breathing by Rebecca Donovan Book Review

Kippa Picks is a segment of Novel Days where I highlight Kindle novels that have been Self Published. 

Warning: There will be SLIGHT spoilers in this post, as it is the sequel to Reason to Breathe.

Emma’s struggle with an abusive home life came to a heart pounding conclusion in the final chapters of Reason to Breathe. Now everyone in Weslyn knows Emma’s secret, but Carol can’t hurt Emma anymore. Some are still haunted by the horror of that night, and some must face the repercussions of their choices. Fans of Rebecca Donovan’s debut novel will discover there’s still much to learn about Emma’s life.

-GoodReads

Rebecca Donovan has done it again, ladies and gentlemen. She never fails to plot her novels in such a way that readers will have no choice but to fall in love with everyone involved, break as they fall, and scream, "No!!!!!!," as it crescendos to an incredibly gut-wrenching cliff hanger.

Barely Breathing opens in the aftermath of Emma (Emily's) tragic experience with her Aunt. She now lives with her best friend Sara, and tries to start over with her incredibly supportive boyfriend, Evan. Emma takes on the opportunity to live with her mother for the first time since she was a child. Donovan has captured an abuse of a different sort in a way that is that is unsettling, and heartbreaking, but realistic. As I stated earlier, it is impossible not to feel for every single character in this novel, even Emma's mother, Rachel, who has succumbed to various rejections in a self destructive manner that leaves all those who have open themselves to help her at risk. Donovan further mixes the plot up a bit by the introduction of a new character, Jonathan, Rachel's proposed love interest, who grows closer to Emma than the two of them were prepared for. Jonathan is very intriguing, and easy to trust, which may prove to be wonderful, or regretful. In the midst of everything else happening, I found myself wanting to peel back his layers to understand his journey.

Once again, Donovan has a magic with characterization that is entirely believable. Nothing ever seems overdone, or underwhelming, but just right in leu of the circumstances. I found myself wanting to get frustrated with Emma towards the end of the novel (for reason's you'll understand when you read), but I couldn't even blame her. Sara, Emma's best friend, is also very much the supportive friend, and sister, jumping into the trenches when Emma needs her most. She even finds time for bits of romance on her own, which I was definitely excited for! Evan...one can't help but fall in love with him within his first few words. Donovan brings to light the challenge/risks he faces in being with Emma, how her actions affect his own, and his family. It was great to observe these challenges as they made me further relate to his character, and fall more for his patience and tenderness towards Emma.

The ending had me screaming in a crowded train car. In that moment, I didn't know whose side to take, or how even to speculate what could happen next. There is one person I felt so heartbroken over, and you'll find out...when you get to that place in the novel!

Barely Breathing is pretty much everything I love in a novel, realistic drama, heartfelt vulnerability, and even a  bit of fun/comedy. It will take you, as cliche as this sounds, on an emotional roller coaster, send you hurling towards the edge, and then leave you gasping for the next installement (which Ms. Donovan is hard at work on called, Out of Breath!).

I give Barely Breathing 5 out of 5 cups of Irish Breakfast Tea (this book deserves a stronger brew).

My Top Seven Books Read in 2011

Hey, fellow bibliophiles! 2011 has been a great book reading year for me, here are some of my top favorites. Unfortunately, I couldn't come up with a full Top-Ten List, but here goes:

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry) by Simone Elkeles

The Hidden by Jessica Verday

Stay With Me by Paul Griffin

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

The Subterraneans by Jack Kerouac 

Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donovan

What were your favorite books in 2011?

I also want to apologize for being so MIA lately! But I promise more bookish goodness, interviews, informative features, and hopefully my very first giveaway (God Willing) in 2012!

INTERVIEW: Rebecca Donovan on her novel Reason to Breathe!

I'm very excited to present Novel Days' first feature author Q&A! After finishing, Reason to Breathe, I couldn't help but wonder about the mind behind such a wonderful story. Rebecca Donovan has offered me the awesome privilege of digging deep into her mind to learn about the writing process behind Reason to Breathe...

The Process 

ND: What inspired Reason to Breathe? What inspired a novel on child abuse?

RD: When I decided to write this novel, I wanted it to be unlike any other.  I wanted the story to feel possible.  Abuse of any kind, whether it is physical, emotional or psychological can destroy a person, or alter who they could potentially become.  It can also happen in any neighborhood to any person - and that was important for me to relay. 

ND: What was the process of developing the characters Emma and Carol? Or getting into the mindset of the abuser and the abused?

RD: I allowed Emma's voice to be pretty close to my own. I would consider how I would react or feel in a certain situation.  I am very different from Emma in many ways, we are certainly not the same person, but I could feel her pain and connect with her awkwardness. It made her creation a very emotional one.

I've been asked what made Carol the way she is, and I have to admit that I've left that answer open ended - taking her for who she is without excuses as I created her.  In truth, I did not want to venture too far inside Carol's mind.  I didn't want to give her a reason for being who she is because in all honesty there isn't one "to explain away" the cruelty.  Regardless of a person's upbringing, or emotional or psychological trauma, there isn't a viable excuse to torture another human being.

ND: Evan was an absolute dream to read. Who was your favorite character to develop? Which character surprised you the most?

RD: Hmm... I guess I would pick Sara as my favorite to develop.  She could have so easily been a cliché, but she became the friend we all need in our lives - the one who will always be there when we fall on our face, perhaps laugh at our clumsiness, and then tell us exactly what we need to know even if we don't want to hear it.  I truly enjoyed her development and laughed alongside her many times along the journey.

Emma is the character who definitely surprised me the most.  She is quite a complex character, and not the typical abuse victim.  Although she's coated with self doubt and insecurities, she is compelled to succeed - almost obsessed with it.  She possesses a fire deep down that she is fearful to acknowledge, and a compulsion that could get her into even more trouble if she's not careful.  I became fascinated by her many layers and allowing a little more of her to be exposed with each chapter.  She's not easy to get to know...

ND: While reading some of the more romantic scenes, the song "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" by Lifehouse popped onto my iPod and became my soundtrack for Emma and Evan. Did music play a part in creating the story?

RD: Great song choice!  I've heard it before, but not when thinking about the story - nicely done!  Music plays a huge role in my life.  I think everyone needs a theme song!  I daydream, (or perhaps I should say "conceptualize" to sound more professional - ha!), about a scene before I start writing.  Although I cannot listen to music while I write, I do listen to it just about every other second of the day - so when I'm thinking about a certain moment I'm about to create and the perfect song comes on to capture the mood, it makes everything connect perfectly!

ND: The ending of the novel is hauntingly profound. I still can't stop thinking about it. What inspired you to end it this way, and what do you hope your readers will take away from it?

RD: HOPE is exactly what I wanted the readers to walk away with.  No matter how bad things look, never stop fighting for what's most important. Emma did not make the best choices throughout the story - silence is not the answer.  Unfortunately it took until this horrific moment  for her to realize that she was worthy of being loved.

ND: The ending also seems to foreshadow a possible sequel. Any sequels in the works?

RD: There is a sequel in the works!  I initially wrote it right after completing REASON TO BREATHE however it didn't come out quite right, so I'm writing it again.  I love how it's developing and can't wait to share it with everyone.  It's a completely different story, but is written in the same realistic style as the first.  I want readers to connect with the characters and be pulled right into the moment with them as if they're living it too.  I am planning for the sequel to be available this fall, 2011. 

On Writing and Publishing:

ND: Being a writer myself, I have such respect for your drive and commitment to publish your work and create an open door for it. What are your thoughts on self publishing and its seeming stigma in the publishing industry?

RD: I wanted more than anything to have an agent and publishing house pick me up so I could write for a living and not have to worry about anything else... then I woke up.  The e-Market allows writers to be read without the stack of rejection letters.  I don't discount traditional publishing - I have great respect for it and wouldn't turn my back if approached.  But I felt empowered opening my own doors and being in control of all aspects of publishing and marketing.  In truth, when I scan through the books available for eReaders, it's not obvious which are self-published and which are represented by a publishing house.  I am often surprised when I dig a little deeper to discover which are which. 

ND: Finishing a novel can be daunting, what with critics, publishing politics, and a writer's own doubts. How did you find the drive to continue in spite of challenges?

RD: It's certainly not easy, and I wasn't quite prepared for what was going to happen next.  In truth, some of the reviews - especially the anger over the controversial ending - got to me.  I knew not everyone would love the book, but I wasn't prepared for some of the hostility.  Overall, my readers have been so amazing!  I receive the best emails and have been welcomed warmly by most - and it means more than I can express.  A friend of mine said it best after I was distraught over a unpleasant review:

"You will not appeal to everyone, no matter what you do.  Not every writer is right for every person...  If you are writing to have everyone like you, you are in the wrong field and you are writing the wrong books.  If you need everyone to like the books, stop writing."

I don't think I could stop writing if I wanted to, so I will enthusiastically embrace the fans and give a nod to the critics.  I write because it's who I am, it's not a choice.

ND: Do you have any advice or tips for future novelists out there?

RD: If you love to write, and this is your passion, then write!  Put yourself out there; what do you have to lose?   Pour all of your emotions into your work while you're writing it, but once you've shared it with the world, let the emotions go and don't allow it to get personal.  Sounds impossible, I know - but try your best not to get caught up in the reviews or the rejection letters.  You cannot control whether someone loves or despises your work, so just let it happen.

ND: Do you have a website or blog where fans can connect with you to learn more about Reason to Breathe and other projects?

RD: I have created a website, rebeccadonovan.com, that provides insight into the creation of the novel along with deleted scenes that didn't make the final publication and even a playlist that inspired many of the scenes. 

 

I also started a blog to keep readers apprised of the progress of the sequel.  I am a novice blogger, so I appreciate my fans' patience as I fumble my way through it.  This may be found on Goodreads.com.

 

And of course I have a Facebook page - who doesn't?!  Ha!

 

I am open to blog topics and questions regarding the novel.  There is a link on my website to contact me.  It has been a pleasure so far.  I plan to continue to tap into your emotions and may even twist a few hearts along the way; but don't worry, I'll also hold your hand to get us through it!

Thank you, Rebecca Donovan, for taking the time to have a little Q&A with me for your novel Reason to Breathe! It's a Novel Day's first, and I'm proud to say that it's for a superb story that is sure to touch many a heart. The news of the sequel releasing as early as this Fall is too much to handle, I can not wait! Meanwhile if you've read the novel, show Rebecca some love by letting her know via one of her fan pages! Let's make this a big one, Ladies and Gentlemen. 

Slight sidebar: If you or anyone you know has, or is dealing with abuse, do not be afraid to reach out for help, or to support those you know and love. For more information on how you or someone you know can get help please visit Child Help or call them at 1-800-4-A-Child, or for Domestic Violence visit The Hotline or call them at 1-800-799-7233.

Kippa Picks: Reason To Breathe by Rebecca Donovan

Kippa Picks is a segment of Novel Days where I highlight Kindle novels that have been Self Published.

"No one tried to get involved with me, and I kept to myself. This was the place where everything was supposed to be safe and easy. How could Evan Mathews unravel my constant universe in just one day?"

He knows there’s something more to the girl sitting in the back of the class the moment he sees her. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and athletic – but she slips quietly through the crowded halls, trying not to exist. Determined to get to know the elusive girl, Evan soon discovers…

Emma Thomas is hiding a terrible a secret. 

Reason to Breathe is an electrifying page turner from start to finish, a unique tale of life-changing love, unspeakable cruelty, and one girl’s fragile grasp of hope.

-Barnes & Noble

"In the uneven balance of my life, I experienced love and loss, more loss than I thought I could handle. But the love was unexpected. I almost missed out on it, too afraid and uncertain to give it a chance."

-Rebecca Donovan, Reason to Breathe

To start off my first Kippa Pick with a bang, I thought I'd review a novel that still has my jaw scraping the ground. Reason to Breathe is the story of Emma (Emily) Thomas who's guarding a secret that could destroy her, and Evan Matthews the guy who takes notice when all she wants to do is fade away.

I found the synopsis of this novel compelling, but I had no idea the impact it would have on me. I cannot praise Rebecca Donovan more for being courageous enough to take on the unsettling subject of abuse with gusto. At first I found her portrayal a bit extreme, but as the novel progressed I couldn't help but admire her for immediately thrusting us into Emma's world and cutting out the middle man. I found myself wondering at this situation, and how many people have to endure this type of home life everyday that go unnoticed. Donovan's portrayal is haunting, timely, and needed.

Emma Thomas is a young woman who is trying her best to survive. She is a 4.0 student, and a champion athlete, but in the midst of this she does not welcome connections with most people save her best friend, Sara McKinley. Emma believes she is fine living life numb to feeling until she meets Evan who causes her to wake from her trial induced slumber. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her metamorphosis into the woman she becomes by the end of the novel. I cheered with her in every victory, mourned every heartbreak, and raged against her with every denial. 

Evan Matthews. I smile as I type out his name because he represents the one guy that can always get beneath our skin. He is one of the most refreshing portrayals of a love interest that I've read in a while. He's humorous, sarcastically witty, and able to match Emma play for play. Most importantly, he is unwilling to back down from Emma no matter how many obstacles she tries to throw into the mix. To read this novel is to experience and process of a relationship. I applaud Donovan for portraying a mutual attraction from the start, but allowing Emma and Evan to go through the natural process of growing together as friends first. It's so refreshing to experience a relationship in a novel that isn't overly flowery, or inconceivable, but as right as breathing. Donovan doesn't spare Evan and Emma from the challenges that are natural of any relationship, Emma's family life adding to the challenge. In the midst of everything, Evan becomes one of the facets of this novel that filled it with hope. I soaked in every single moment of theirs and appreciated each encounter!

Emma's best friend, Sara also shone a light that Emma's character so needed. Sara's fiesty, fun, and protective as a sister. I loved how she always pushed Emma to experience life and relax a little bit! Their relationship battles the storm but emerges victoriously.

At times the plot seemed to jump around a lot. There are some scenes that the characters speak of that never actually end up in the novel, but Donovan is kind to us, and includes them on her website as outtakes.

As I write this, I'm still shaking my head about it. The ending. That ending! It's so profound and haunting, yet carries a promise of hope. I get the feeling that this story is not finished, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see a sequel in the future.

I can't recommend this novel enough! Kindle/E Book Readers, pick this one up! You will laugh, cry, and be flipped inside out by the time the journey is finished. Not to mention it's awesome value of $4.99! If you purchase from Barnes & Noble Nook or Amazon Kindle you also get the opportunity to lend it out to other friends! 

I give Reason to Breathe 5 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey. Who am I fooling? I give it the whole pot!