Breathe and Count Back from Ten
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Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
•
Realistic Fiction•
Coming of AgeMiami, Florida • Contemporary
•
Childhood & Youth•
Coming of Age2022
Clarion Books
YA
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
In Natalia Sylvester's Breathe and Count Back from Ten, 17-year-old Verónica Renteria, who lives with hip dysplasia, aspires to become a mermaid performer at a summer theme park despite the challenges posed by her condition and her protective Peruvian parents. Along her journey, Verónica explores mermaid culture, forms relationships, and confronts her own ideas of autonomy and living with a disability, ultimately striving for her personal dreams. The novel discusses sexual assault.
Emotional
Contemplative
Inspirational
Melancholic
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
4,221 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester is lauded for its authentic representation of disability and Latinx culture, providing a nuanced and heartfelt coming-of-age story. Critics appreciate the depth of the protagonist and the thoughtful exploration of personal and cultural identity. Some found the pacing slow, but overall, it's seen as a poignant and necessary addition to YA literature.
Who Should Read Breathe and Count Back from Ten?
Readers who enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars by John Green or Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell will appreciate Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester. Ideal for those who love heartfelt YA fiction with themes of self-discovery, resilience, and navigating complex family and personal relationships.
4,221 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Verónica's traditional and strict Peruvian immigrant parents who are concerned about their daughter’s choices and her quest for autonomy.
Verónica's empathetic and supportive boyfriend who helps her feel comfortable and confident in their relationship.
Verónica's best friend who is known for her bold personality and unwavering support throughout Verónica’s challenges and dreams.
Verónica's energetic and somewhat rebellious younger sister who helps Verónica with her journey and navigates her own teenage experiences.
A group of performers at the Mermaid Cove theater, each characterized by their own unique passion for mermaiding; includes Lila, Geoff, Tanya, Hallie, and Val.
352
Novel • Fiction
•
Realistic Fiction•
Coming of AgeMiami, Florida • Contemporary
•
Childhood & Youth•
Coming of Age2022
Clarion Books
YA
14-18 years
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