Book Review: Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab

Breath Like Water
By: Anna Jarzab
Release Date: May 19, 2020
Publisher: Inkyard Press
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Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

“Expansive, romantic, and powerful.” —Gayle Forman, #1 New York Times bestselling author of If I Stay and I Have Lost My Way 

Susannah Ramos has always loved the water. A swimmer whose early talent made her a world champion, Susannah was poised for greatness in a sport that demands so much of its young. But an inexplicable slowdown has put her dream in jeopardy, and Susannah is fighting to keep her career afloat when two important people enter her life: a new coach with a revolutionary training strategy, and a charming fellow swimmer named Harry Matthews. 

As Susannah begins her long and painful climb back to the top, her friendship with Harry blossoms into passionate and supportive love. But Harry is facing challenges of his own, and even as their bond draws them closer together, other forces work to tear them apart. As she struggles to balance her needs with those of the people who matter most to her, Susannah will learn the cost—and the beauty—of trying to achieve something extraordinary.

My Thoughts:

Breath Like Water was about Susannah Ramos, an elite swimmer, whom at age fourteen became a world champion.  However, once her body changed, and she went from having a slim svelte body, to having hips, height, and boobs, she couldn't figure out how to maneuver herself in the water the same way.

Now at the age of 16, she's trying to climb back to the top, and qualify for the olympics.  Susannah isn't improving with her coach; Dave, who yells and puts her down a lot.  However, when she starts working with Dave's new assistant, Beth, a coach who has a unique perspective and style of coaching, and Harry, a swimmer on her team; she begins making great strides.  Harry likes Susannah, and she likes him, but she is determined to not let anything distract or deter her from her dream...

Breath Like Water was a surprising story.  I was expecting a light-hearted, fluffy, and fun story.  What I got was an emotional story with serious and relative topics to today.  This book had a lot of substance and addressed important subjects, such as the challenges and pressures of being a serious athlete, mental health issues, and sexuality.  It was a story I enjoyed, and was engaged in.  I loved the time Susannah spent in the water.  I could visualize her swimming, and learned a lot along the way.  I also loved how supportive and caring her parents, and sister Nina were, and that we got pieces of her Mexican culture throughout the story.

The romance and relationship between Susannah and Harry was complex, realistic, and a bit messy.  Susannah was so focused on her dream, that oftentimes Harry took a backseat, and suffered for it. He was a character that had a lot of baggage, and a serious mental health issue that he had to navigate.

I enjoy books with athletes, and seeing all of the trials and tribulations they go through to be at the top of their sport.  The ending was realistic, and a bit open-ended, but hinted at Susannah's happily ever after.

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | IndieBound | TBD

About the Author:

Anna Jarzab is the author of All Unquiet Things, The Opposite of Hallelujah, Tandem, Tether, Red Dirt, and Breath Like Water. She lives in New York City and works in children's book publishing. Visit her online at www.annajarzab.com and connect with her on Twitter and Instagram @ajarzab.

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