Just Breathe: A Difficult Dukes Novel Paperback – 16 February 2021

David has fought with cystic fibrosis all of his life, and now, during his senior year of high school, he just might be dying. No one seems to understand him and his desire to slow down, to pause all of the high expectations his parents and his girlfriend Sharon have for him. One day, when a sophomore volunteer named Jamie shows up to his hospital room, David’s life changes forever. Though Jamie struggles with depression and has no genuine friends, she finds a friend in David as they enjoy spending time together. They will both have to learn how to take risks and open up to each other, though some risks might be too dangerous to take.I enjoyed this book very much, even though at times the subjects covered were very sad. Reading about David’s daily struggle to survive and Jamie’s ongoing battle with depression was heartbreaking, and yet it was life-affirming as both of them achieved small victories. The descriptive, realistic writing and hopeful tone of the book invested me in the characters’ welfare and the outcome of their story. I didn’t care for the profanity used, but overall I believe this is a book that everyone should read.I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss and purchased a copy from Amazon. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

4.25I really enjoyed this and found myself wanting to pick it right back up when I had to put it down. The 'spirit' part really pulled at the heartstrings and makes you think about what/who might be around you and to listen to signs. The ending lagged just a bit for me but over all it was a great story!

Just Wow...this was an amazing book. I love the way that it just brings understanding into the fact that, not being okay all the time is okay. Just...Breath.