Rating: 
Summary: A journey through the darkness
Review: Nick Andreas is sixteen years old and living in Miami. He has just gotten a restraining order to stay away from his ex-girlfriend, Caitlin Alyssa McCourt. He is sentenced to community service and keeping a journal on his thoughts on how this order came about. He had hit Caitlin. Nick has to participate in a therapy group of similar men. The group is not a "nice" bunch, there are obviously lots of guys with anger problems. Back at school, he has become an outcast when once he was part of the popular crowd. His best friend, Tom, isn't talking to him. In his defense, it is revealed that his father hits him regularly for even minor infractions. His father is not consistent in punishment, either, hitting Nick when he is in the mood or had some alcohol. Nick's mom left them when he was little, escaping his father's fists. The book reveals how Nick progressed from jealous to controlling to abusive. Nick is also verbally abusive to Caitlin in order to get her to do what he wants. Nick also meets a friend at the therapy session, Leo. Leo turns out to be a worse abuser than Nick. Leo actually helps Nick to see his actions as terrible because Leo is so horrible. The style is intriguing, narrative proper spliced in with Nick's journal entries. The dramatic build-up is very well done, despite the fact that the audience already knows that he is going to hit Caitlin. How he progresses to that point of no-return is detailed and realistic. The reader also sees Nick's own changing views of himself as he writes in his journal, describing how he ended-up hitting her.
Rating: 
Summary: Breathing Underwater
Review: The book, Breathing Underwater, by Alex Flinn is a wonderful book for all teenagers. This is because it talks about issues important for teens to hear about, such as sexual abuse, relationships and friendships. Nick, the main character, hits his girlfriend, Caitlin. She reports the abuse and they go to court, where Nick is ordered to attend anger management classes and write 500 words in a journal each day about what his abusive behavior. His best friend since kindergarten, Tom, ends his friendship with Nick because of this incident. A neat thing about the book is the typeface that the author has chosen The regular font in the book explains what Nick is going through right now. The type that looks like handwriting is what Nick is writing in his journal, all the significant events he went through with Caitlin. I think the author wrote about this book to send a message to all young adults about sexual abuse and other events they might go through in life. He wants to stop kids from doing abusive things and help make our world a better place. This book is totally worth reading, but probably for only for teens and young adults. Teenagers will find this book to be humorous at some points and very educational. Little kids will not get the point of the book and may find the book discusting at some points, because it is graphic in descriptions. Breathing Underwater is a wonderful book that all teenagers shoud read.
Rating:
Summary: Breathing Underwater
Review: This is a book that is sure to capture your attention. It is about a sixteen year old boy and his hidden struggles. His father is rich but yet a poor and abusive father. His mother left him at a young age with nobody to save him from his violent father. He then finds the love of his life, a girl named Caitlin. While his love for he grows so does his fear of losing her. He begins to become very controlling. He ends up slapping her which results to their relationships dismise. I found this book to be very interesting and it captivated my attention. I think that you will enjoy reading this book and encourage it. This story tells you of the good things and bad things of relationships that you might be able to relate to.
Rating:
Summary: Breathing Underwater
Review: This was a very powerful book that all teenagers should read. It deals with real life situations and both male and female should understand what is happening in relationships. Nick has a great life except for his overbearing father. Caitlyn has made herself more acceptable to the "in" crowd by losing weight. Now they have found each other and it seems to be the perfect match. Then Nick starts feeling possessive of Caitlyn and reacts in very strange ways. Because she LOVES him, she puts up with very abusive behavior. He even hits her and she forgives him. After he attacks her the second time, he has to go to court. The story is about his rehabilitation and the flashbacks (telling the story) come in the form of a journal he has to write. I found it very moving and can see why so many young people are in dangerous relationships. Hopefully, many people can see themselves in this book and can get help before it is too late. I really liked Alex Flinn and would like to read more of her books.
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