Tolog Review: Breathless

Breathless
by Jessica Warman
reviewed by Ashley Bouchakian 

Breathless by Jessica Warman is a heartfelt novel that shares Katie Kitrell’s high school years. Katie Kitrell, a sophomore in high school, is sent to a boarding school in West Virginia by her parents in an act to be separated from her unstable brother Will, who previously attempted suicide. 

While at school, she immerses herself with her true passion, swimming, and makes a new group of friends. While Katie tries to avoid her real reason for moving to the new boarding school, she quickly tells people that her brother, Will died because she does not want to admit that her brother is crazy. Katie fears that she will be caught in this lie and someone will spread the truth of what really happened.

At first Katie resents her parents, but soon she is relieved to be a part of a world that does not know about Will and his outbursts. Katie moves on from her past and embraces new friends, and even a new boyfriend. Katie finds herself trying to keep up in the reality that is present in the pool, the classroom, and in her social life. 

The author, Jessica Warman not only goes into depth with all of the characters, but she also shares a little bit of herself in the story. Through Warman’s writing, it is evident that her own emotions and thoughts are planted into the story which gives the characters life and meaning. 

Breathless covers everyday struggles and obstacles. The novel also allows readers to think and question what we would do if we were in Katie Kitrell's situation. This story is very captivating and relatable to readers of all ages. 

The main character of the story, Katie Kitrell evolves and grows as the story unfolds. Katie starts off as one of the crowd, who always “goes with the flow,” but she eventually learns to be herself and does what she needs to do for herself, not what is expected of her by others. 

I personally enjoyed this novel because it allowed me to immerse myself into the book through Jessica Warman’s writing and also allowed myself to be in touch with the characters and feel a part of the story. Everyone should experience Breathless as it brings up many issues and struggles that everyone goes through throughout their lives, or even daily.