What do you think?
Rate this book
Breathtaking
To the outside world, Cara’s life seems perfect. The only one who knows the dark secrets inside her home is her best friend and next-door neighbor, Adam. Cara’s only escape is by writing and sharing her stories with him through their facing bedroom windows late at night.
Just when everything seems to get better, Cara’s world shatters, causing her to spiral into a deep depression and writer’s block. Even though Adam promises her “everything will be okay,” she knows things will never be the same.
As she clutches to the fractured wounds of the past, how will Cara ever be able to love or write again?
Breathtaking is a heart-wrenching coming-of-age story that fans of John Green and Nicholas Sparks will love.
Just when everything seems to get better, Cara’s world shatters, causing her to spiral into a deep depression and writer’s block. Even though Adam promises her “everything will be okay,” she knows things will never be the same.
As she clutches to the fractured wounds of the past, how will Cara ever be able to love or write again?
Breathtaking is a heart-wrenching coming-of-age story that fans of John Green and Nicholas Sparks will love.
310 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2020
About the author
Courtney Turcotte Bond
1 book42 followersCourtney Turcotte Bond proudly grew up in both Lawrence, Kansas and Dayton, Ohio. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Language Arts Education, a master’s degree in Education, and has been a high school English teacher since 2004. She’s also a small business owner, freelance writer, poet, blogger, and public speaker. When she's not working or writing, you can find Courtney singing along to every lyric at a concert or traveling the country. She resides in northeast Kansas with her husband and two kids.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
September 18, 2020
UPDATE: HAPPY PUB DAY TO THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK!! I can't wait for everyone to meet Cara and Adam and Reid and everyone else! Ahhh I loved this book so much.
__________________________________
UPDATE 2: I will be interviewing the the author, Courtney Turcotte Bond herself!! AH I'M SO EXCITED! I'll be posting the interview on my blog, so stay tuned for that!!
__________________________________
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC of Breathtaking in exchange for an honest review.
Cara Ecrivains and Adam Aether have been best friends as long as anyone can remember. They find solace in one another and balance each other out.
But when Cara’s life turns upside down, Adam is no longer there for her. She sinks into deep depression and enters a time where writing, her first love, is gone.
How will Cara ever be able to move on and learn to love again, when everything she loves most is gone?
Breathtaking tells the story of Cara Ecrivains. It was full of heartbreaks, friendships, love, and possibilities. One moment I was laughing, and the next, I was crying my eyes out. I cannot express how much I loved this book in words adsjdhfiwsea *softly cries* What is my purpose in life. This bOOK. Bond had an amazing concept, and she took writing to the next level with her flawless execution.
Cara was, and always will be, one of my favorite characters. Dealing with her alcoholic father, struggling to survive with Adam drifting away, and having to take care of herself, I really felt Cara’s thoughts and emotions, from her worries and sadness to her hopes and joys. She really resonated with me, and was just so dimensional that I felt like I knew her inside and out. Cara has had so many bad things happen to her, and I really felt for her and loved watching her learn and grow.
Not only did I love Cara, I also enjoyed reading about the secondary characters. They felt so realistic, with complex and layered personalities, and I loved each and every one of them. I liked that they each played a role in Cara’s life, whether they broke her down or built her up.
And Aeggers? I ABSOLUTELY DIED OF LAUGHTER.
I enjoyed Cara getting to know Reid and all their poetic conversations. Reid was the best boy ever. I really loved how they leaned on each other and how they found comfort in each other. At one point I actually shipped Cara and Adam. But they didn't get together, sadly, so my ship sank. I was sobbing so hard at the end. I'm nice so I won't spoil this for you. You're welcome (though I think I did give you a hint, sorry).
Breathtaking held so many hidden messages within its lines. It navigates the depths of grief and the hopes of love and every little thing in between. This story teaches us to live our lives well, because it’s the only one we have, and will ever get, and that life is a gift and sharing the sorrows and joys of life is one thing that everyone should do.
This book absolutely broke me. It was everything. Breathtaking was thought-provoking, raw, and poignant. The plot was eventful and flowed along perfectly. It had an intricately woven storyline, with such dimensional characters and tremendous character growth. It’s a book I could read a million times and still not be tired of. In other words, I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. Breathtaking truly is breathtaking.
__________________________________
UPDATE 2: I will be interviewing the the author, Courtney Turcotte Bond herself!! AH I'M SO EXCITED! I'll be posting the interview on my blog, so stay tuned for that!!
__________________________________
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC of Breathtaking in exchange for an honest review.
“It is the dark
and the distance
that lets us see the stars.”
Cara Ecrivains and Adam Aether have been best friends as long as anyone can remember. They find solace in one another and balance each other out.
But when Cara’s life turns upside down, Adam is no longer there for her. She sinks into deep depression and enters a time where writing, her first love, is gone.
How will Cara ever be able to move on and learn to love again, when everything she loves most is gone?
Breathtaking tells the story of Cara Ecrivains. It was full of heartbreaks, friendships, love, and possibilities. One moment I was laughing, and the next, I was crying my eyes out. I cannot express how much I loved this book in words adsjdhfiwsea *softly cries* What is my purpose in life. This bOOK. Bond had an amazing concept, and she took writing to the next level with her flawless execution.
Cara was, and always will be, one of my favorite characters. Dealing with her alcoholic father, struggling to survive with Adam drifting away, and having to take care of herself, I really felt Cara’s thoughts and emotions, from her worries and sadness to her hopes and joys. She really resonated with me, and was just so dimensional that I felt like I knew her inside and out. Cara has had so many bad things happen to her, and I really felt for her and loved watching her learn and grow.
Not only did I love Cara, I also enjoyed reading about the secondary characters. They felt so realistic, with complex and layered personalities, and I loved each and every one of them. I liked that they each played a role in Cara’s life, whether they broke her down or built her up.
And Aeggers? I ABSOLUTELY DIED OF LAUGHTER.
I enjoyed Cara getting to know Reid and all their poetic conversations. Reid was the best boy ever. I really loved how they leaned on each other and how they found comfort in each other. At one point I actually shipped Cara and Adam. But they didn't get together, sadly, so my ship sank. I was sobbing so hard at the end. I'm nice so I won't spoil this for you. You're welcome (though I think I did give you a hint, sorry).
Breathtaking held so many hidden messages within its lines. It navigates the depths of grief and the hopes of love and every little thing in between. This story teaches us to live our lives well, because it’s the only one we have, and will ever get, and that life is a gift and sharing the sorrows and joys of life is one thing that everyone should do.
This book absolutely broke me. It was everything. Breathtaking was thought-provoking, raw, and poignant. The plot was eventful and flowed along perfectly. It had an intricately woven storyline, with such dimensional characters and tremendous character growth. It’s a book I could read a million times and still not be tired of. In other words, I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. Breathtaking truly is breathtaking.
January 7, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I would give this book one hundred stars if I could. We follow Cara at different periods of her life: age eight, the high school years, college, and beyond. We also get glimpses of her life with an alcoholic father and an OCD mother. Bond writes these strong family dynamics flawlessly.
Adam is Cara’s constant. He is there for her through the good and bad. The two friends even make a pact to marry if they are both still single at age twenty-six and a half. Will he be able to help her move forward when Cara’s world shatters?
There was so much foreshadowing in this book, and it certainly made me excited to turn the pages and see how Cara’s story might end. Also, Cara jams out to Dave Matthews Band in the car, so you know I felt a connection to her. I ordered a print copy and might just read it again once it arrives. I can’t wait to pass this one along to my best friend!
I would give this book one hundred stars if I could. We follow Cara at different periods of her life: age eight, the high school years, college, and beyond. We also get glimpses of her life with an alcoholic father and an OCD mother. Bond writes these strong family dynamics flawlessly.
Adam is Cara’s constant. He is there for her through the good and bad. The two friends even make a pact to marry if they are both still single at age twenty-six and a half. Will he be able to help her move forward when Cara’s world shatters?
There was so much foreshadowing in this book, and it certainly made me excited to turn the pages and see how Cara’s story might end. Also, Cara jams out to Dave Matthews Band in the car, so you know I felt a connection to her. I ordered a print copy and might just read it again once it arrives. I can’t wait to pass this one along to my best friend!
September 4, 2020
Breathtaking, Courtney's debut novel is a marvelous piece that is motivated by real-life youngsters (the real heroes), and I am so glad that I got to read this one.
Breathtaking is regarding the ties of friendship and affection.
This book not just motivates you but also commits itself to a very worthy cause.
This story not just made me chuckle but also made me weep.
For a detailed review, please click on the link below:
https://apoorvasreviewjournal.blogspo...
Breathtaking is regarding the ties of friendship and affection.
This book not just motivates you but also commits itself to a very worthy cause.
This story not just made me chuckle but also made me weep.
For a detailed review, please click on the link below:
https://apoorvasreviewjournal.blogspo...
September 20, 2020
Okay! I want to confess that I adored this book so much & I am very sure that I can re-read it & cry the same amount of tears. It was a lovely, heartening story & is carved in my mind forever.
Breathtaking is a coming-of-age literary fiction that is said in 3 different times i.e. 1988, 1994 & 2000. It has pulled its inspiration from real-life people.
Cara the protagonist is a literature enthusiast & penning is her way to put her essence on pages. Her parents have a problem in their marriage & her father comes home drunk each day. Her mother has obsessive compulsiveness & just excuses for Cara.
Her only escape is Adam Aether, the neighbour, who is always awake to listen to her stories for their nightly rituals.
Cara & Adam shared all their delightful memories of growing up together & going to high school. Adam became a famous sophomore & Cara enrolled in journalism classes.
Things happened as they happen in high school until one fine day when Adam leaves Cara. (Okay! so I kept the book and wept )
Years pass but Cara still cannot come out of the pain of losing Adam. Adam's parents endorse her education & she tries to live a regular life when she comes across Reid in her literature group and they both fit nicely together for their love for books & poetry connects them more.
Pick the book to find out the hidden past that Reid holds & what emerges when Cara unearths it. ( I can't be a spoiler)
The very first chapter pinches my heart when little Cara & Adam carve a wish together lying on the grass. There are so many instants that push me to keep the novel aside & slip in the emotions.
The unique part of the book, are the poems & my favourite is 'Pelican' that Cara wrote for her relationship.
The entire book is effortless to grasp yet it has a thick & subtle effect on your soul while you read it.
The message it leaves you with is phenomenal.
Highly Highly recommend this book
Taking off with a sweet talk between Cara & Adam:
"What are the benefits of being an organ donor?"
"Well, you wouldn't personally benefit because you would be dead"
Breathtaking is a coming-of-age literary fiction that is said in 3 different times i.e. 1988, 1994 & 2000. It has pulled its inspiration from real-life people.
Cara the protagonist is a literature enthusiast & penning is her way to put her essence on pages. Her parents have a problem in their marriage & her father comes home drunk each day. Her mother has obsessive compulsiveness & just excuses for Cara.
Her only escape is Adam Aether, the neighbour, who is always awake to listen to her stories for their nightly rituals.
Cara & Adam shared all their delightful memories of growing up together & going to high school. Adam became a famous sophomore & Cara enrolled in journalism classes.
Things happened as they happen in high school until one fine day when Adam leaves Cara. (Okay! so I kept the book and wept )
Years pass but Cara still cannot come out of the pain of losing Adam. Adam's parents endorse her education & she tries to live a regular life when she comes across Reid in her literature group and they both fit nicely together for their love for books & poetry connects them more.
Pick the book to find out the hidden past that Reid holds & what emerges when Cara unearths it. ( I can't be a spoiler)
The very first chapter pinches my heart when little Cara & Adam carve a wish together lying on the grass. There are so many instants that push me to keep the novel aside & slip in the emotions.
The unique part of the book, are the poems & my favourite is 'Pelican' that Cara wrote for her relationship.
The entire book is effortless to grasp yet it has a thick & subtle effect on your soul while you read it.
The message it leaves you with is phenomenal.
Highly Highly recommend this book
Taking off with a sweet talk between Cara & Adam:
"What are the benefits of being an organ donor?"
"Well, you wouldn't personally benefit because you would be dead"
August 25, 2020
Breathtaking is a heart-wrenching coming-of-age story that left me absolutely gutted.
Cara Ecrivains and Adam Aether have been best friends nearly their whole lives. Caras family hides behind this perfect facade and the only person in the world who knows the truth and the depth of her pain is Adam. What happens when the one person who makes everything bad disapear, disapears themselves?
Breathtaking is a story of loss, death, grief, depression and finding the strength to live again. This book is bound to make you smile, laugh and cry over and over again. If you read nothing else this year, PLEASE let this be the one book you pick up.
I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cara Ecrivains and Adam Aether have been best friends nearly their whole lives. Caras family hides behind this perfect facade and the only person in the world who knows the truth and the depth of her pain is Adam. What happens when the one person who makes everything bad disapear, disapears themselves?
Breathtaking is a story of loss, death, grief, depression and finding the strength to live again. This book is bound to make you smile, laugh and cry over and over again. If you read nothing else this year, PLEASE let this be the one book you pick up.
I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2020
This book could not have been more appropriately titled. It is, quite simply, breathtaking.
Because of the scope of my occupation, the vast majority of the books in my life are of the non-fiction variety. That said, I could not be more grateful that I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Breathtaking in exchange for an honest review. I can not remember the last time a book took ahold of me the way that Breathtaking did. I started reading it last night, read until I could no longer stay awake, and finished it as soon as I woke up today. I simply could not put it down.
Breathtaking pulls you into the lives of two children who grew up on the same block, but from vastly different backgrounds. This book encapsulates the vast array of emotions, tragedies, and triumphs of the human experience. Regardless of your occupation or upbringing, you will not just identify with the characters in this novel, you will BECOME them.
We all wear different masks in our lives. The person we are at work is often very different than the person we are in social settings, who is different than the person we are at home. At work, often times I find myself having to be "Coach Sampson." But when I am at home with my twin 8-year-olds, I am "Mr. Aether," trying to raise my children to be as well-rounded and respectful as possible. And today, when my kids came upstairs and asked why I was crying at the kitchen table, I told them, "It's because I just finished one of the greatest books I've ever read."
That said, I can absolutely recommend Breathtaking to ALL readers, without reservation. This tale of selflessness and sacrifice is an emotional rollercoaster that will make you relive your childhood (the good AND the bad), make you rethink your future, and change who you are as a person.
5/5 stars. Would recommend.
Because of the scope of my occupation, the vast majority of the books in my life are of the non-fiction variety. That said, I could not be more grateful that I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Breathtaking in exchange for an honest review. I can not remember the last time a book took ahold of me the way that Breathtaking did. I started reading it last night, read until I could no longer stay awake, and finished it as soon as I woke up today. I simply could not put it down.
Breathtaking pulls you into the lives of two children who grew up on the same block, but from vastly different backgrounds. This book encapsulates the vast array of emotions, tragedies, and triumphs of the human experience. Regardless of your occupation or upbringing, you will not just identify with the characters in this novel, you will BECOME them.
We all wear different masks in our lives. The person we are at work is often very different than the person we are in social settings, who is different than the person we are at home. At work, often times I find myself having to be "Coach Sampson." But when I am at home with my twin 8-year-olds, I am "Mr. Aether," trying to raise my children to be as well-rounded and respectful as possible. And today, when my kids came upstairs and asked why I was crying at the kitchen table, I told them, "It's because I just finished one of the greatest books I've ever read."
That said, I can absolutely recommend Breathtaking to ALL readers, without reservation. This tale of selflessness and sacrifice is an emotional rollercoaster that will make you relive your childhood (the good AND the bad), make you rethink your future, and change who you are as a person.
5/5 stars. Would recommend.
July 22, 2020
Let me begin with I AM NOT an avid READER by any stretch of the imagination...I am, however, a “well ‘read’ listener”. So, to say that Courtney Turcotte Bond’s novel, BREATHTAKING, is a great weekend read is an justifiably earned compliment! At first, I found it so engaging I perceived it as somewhat simplistic. In the end, the simplicity of the complex is the intrigue of the read.
While coexisting with COVID19 I am repeatedly flailing through the stages of grief over losing life as I knew it. In BREATHTAKING, Bond’s poignant reminder of Thoreau’s timeless advice is inspirational. I lived “deep and sucked the marrow of life” with Cara on the electronic page. Experiencing her convoluted journey has given me a fresh approach to embracing daily joy. I recommend you add this gratifyingly thought-provoking read to your “novel” experiences!
#BreathtakingBook
While coexisting with COVID19 I am repeatedly flailing through the stages of grief over losing life as I knew it. In BREATHTAKING, Bond’s poignant reminder of Thoreau’s timeless advice is inspirational. I lived “deep and sucked the marrow of life” with Cara on the electronic page. Experiencing her convoluted journey has given me a fresh approach to embracing daily joy. I recommend you add this gratifyingly thought-provoking read to your “novel” experiences!
#BreathtakingBook
August 26, 2020
Wow. I just... wow. ALL THE STARS FOR THIS ONE! First of all, I am a sobbing mess, a puddle of emotion, an emotional wreck. This book grabbed my heart in its hand and ripped it out completely only to put it back together again. Honestly, the last time I've felt this many emotions while reading a book was with John Green's The Fault in Our Stars.
“We all have a story - our reason to breathe. We don't get to choose how it begins, the people who enter, or the pain that comes along the way.”
The story is told from Cara's perspective and it's her that tells you this heart-wrenching story. Her character is so realistic and has such depth, I absolutely loved her. But it's not just her, even the secondary characters are realistically written and have many layers to them. I can't believe this is only a debut novel, because it must not be easy to create characters like this.
This book deals with serious issues like alcoholism, neglect and illness in such an honest way. It is so beautifully written, thought provoking and moving. Above all else, I feel like it's a story about friendship, love, resilience and rising above everything that's trying to hold you back in life. I could write a lot more about this, but I don't wanna spoil anything for anyone so I'll just leave it at that.
I'd like to thank BooksGosocial, Netgalley and of course the wonderful writer herself, Courtney Turcotte Bond, for making this amazing book available to read early in exchange for an honest review. Also, can someone please make this book into a movie because that would just be absolutely perfect, thank you very much.
And to whoever is reading this: buy it, read it, share it. This story truly is absolutely breathtaking.
“We're all dying, Cara. Every day, it gets closer and closer. That's why we have to suck all the marrow out now before it's too late.”
“We all have a story - our reason to breathe. We don't get to choose how it begins, the people who enter, or the pain that comes along the way.”
The story is told from Cara's perspective and it's her that tells you this heart-wrenching story. Her character is so realistic and has such depth, I absolutely loved her. But it's not just her, even the secondary characters are realistically written and have many layers to them. I can't believe this is only a debut novel, because it must not be easy to create characters like this.
This book deals with serious issues like alcoholism, neglect and illness in such an honest way. It is so beautifully written, thought provoking and moving. Above all else, I feel like it's a story about friendship, love, resilience and rising above everything that's trying to hold you back in life. I could write a lot more about this, but I don't wanna spoil anything for anyone so I'll just leave it at that.
I'd like to thank BooksGosocial, Netgalley and of course the wonderful writer herself, Courtney Turcotte Bond, for making this amazing book available to read early in exchange for an honest review. Also, can someone please make this book into a movie because that would just be absolutely perfect, thank you very much.
And to whoever is reading this: buy it, read it, share it. This story truly is absolutely breathtaking.
“We're all dying, Cara. Every day, it gets closer and closer. That's why we have to suck all the marrow out now before it's too late.”
September 1, 2020
I had picked this up as it talks about Cystic Fibrosis and being a sufferer of this disease I am always interested in reading books about it.
Breathtaking was a hard read! Very emotional and talks about many issues such as addiction, organ donation etc.
An amazing debut!
Breathtaking was a hard read! Very emotional and talks about many issues such as addiction, organ donation etc.
An amazing debut!
August 27, 2020
I didn’t have any idea as to what this book was going to entail and I really do think that’s the best way. You want to experience that raw emotion that will hit you as the story unfolds.
The book is split into three parts, the first we are introduced to Cara & Adam when they are around 8 years old as we begin the story of how these two best friends meet and communicate. Part 2 takes you on their next journey through life as they start school together and Part 3 are the years after school and beyond.
I was immediately attached to Cara and Adam. I felt like I was right there beside them on every step of their journey together and I just didn’t want to leave them. I felt everything they were going through.
It deals with a variety of very important subject matters, from grief, depression to organ donation and more. Each one portrayed perfectly by the author and will have you feeling all of the emotions too.
Poetry plays a huge part in the story and some beautiful pieces are scattered throughout which just enhance the story. I’ve never been a huge fan of poetry so I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy it, but it didn’t detract from the story at all, in fact it made it even more beautiful!
There is also a pretty big jaw dropping moment which actually gave me chills and then I proceeded to cry yet again. This book just plays with your emotions from the very beginning.
Overall it will have your heart bursting with love and breaking all at the same time. But most importantly it will make you think hard about life and to appreciate every single day!
One final very important note is that this is based on a true story which makes it mean so much more and at the end of the book you are told about the actual people who the characters were based on. I can only thank the author for sharing this story!
If there’s one thing you do this year, make sure you read this!
The book is split into three parts, the first we are introduced to Cara & Adam when they are around 8 years old as we begin the story of how these two best friends meet and communicate. Part 2 takes you on their next journey through life as they start school together and Part 3 are the years after school and beyond.
I was immediately attached to Cara and Adam. I felt like I was right there beside them on every step of their journey together and I just didn’t want to leave them. I felt everything they were going through.
It deals with a variety of very important subject matters, from grief, depression to organ donation and more. Each one portrayed perfectly by the author and will have you feeling all of the emotions too.
Poetry plays a huge part in the story and some beautiful pieces are scattered throughout which just enhance the story. I’ve never been a huge fan of poetry so I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy it, but it didn’t detract from the story at all, in fact it made it even more beautiful!
There is also a pretty big jaw dropping moment which actually gave me chills and then I proceeded to cry yet again. This book just plays with your emotions from the very beginning.
Overall it will have your heart bursting with love and breaking all at the same time. But most importantly it will make you think hard about life and to appreciate every single day!
One final very important note is that this is based on a true story which makes it mean so much more and at the end of the book you are told about the actual people who the characters were based on. I can only thank the author for sharing this story!
If there’s one thing you do this year, make sure you read this!
August 18, 2020
This book broke my heart in so many ways. Cara and Adam were such beautiful characters that I just wanted them to have their happy endings.
Cara Ecrivain has a seemingly perfect life - she lives in a big house and has parents who are perceived as doing well for themselves and that she has a privileged life. However behind closed doors Cara has a cold mother who never shows her love and a father who won't stop drinking. You really see Cara's relationship deteriorate with her father as she grows older you see her come to terms with the fact that he is an alcoholic and only cares about where his next drink comes from.
Cara's only solace is her best friend Adam who lives next door. These two were so adorable, they've been best friends since they were little kids and they grow up together. Through the trials and tribulations of high school, popularity and growing up and apart - they go through it all. Adam is Cara's constant confidante and you can see how much they love each other deeply.
However this story isn't a happy one and it deals with a lot of serious issues like alcoholism, abuse, sexual assault and life changing injuries. I won't spoil what happens in this book but just please be aware it isn't a happy story. It was very hard to read at times and Cara is put through a hell of a lot. Having said that though I would recommend this to anyone, it's a story of being resilient and believing in your dreams, of having your best friend by your side and loving someone unconditionally.
I am so extremely grateful to the publisher for letting me read this book early and share my thoughts.
I will be keeping my eyes peeled for whatever this author writes next.
Cara Ecrivain has a seemingly perfect life - she lives in a big house and has parents who are perceived as doing well for themselves and that she has a privileged life. However behind closed doors Cara has a cold mother who never shows her love and a father who won't stop drinking. You really see Cara's relationship deteriorate with her father as she grows older you see her come to terms with the fact that he is an alcoholic and only cares about where his next drink comes from.
Cara's only solace is her best friend Adam who lives next door. These two were so adorable, they've been best friends since they were little kids and they grow up together. Through the trials and tribulations of high school, popularity and growing up and apart - they go through it all. Adam is Cara's constant confidante and you can see how much they love each other deeply.
However this story isn't a happy one and it deals with a lot of serious issues like alcoholism, abuse, sexual assault and life changing injuries. I won't spoil what happens in this book but just please be aware it isn't a happy story. It was very hard to read at times and Cara is put through a hell of a lot. Having said that though I would recommend this to anyone, it's a story of being resilient and believing in your dreams, of having your best friend by your side and loving someone unconditionally.
I am so extremely grateful to the publisher for letting me read this book early and share my thoughts.
I will be keeping my eyes peeled for whatever this author writes next.
September 29, 2020
Oh! My Heart!
This book! Oh! This book! I have spent the last few nights crying myself to sleep while reading the final chapters that give detail to the fate of Adam, Cara and Reid. The beginning, middle and end held my entire attention. The book starts with Adam and Cara as children. They are neighbors who develop a deep devotion to one another through their bedroom windows. At an early age, Cara develops the skills to be an excellent writer and Adam
always listens while she reads. He not only listens to her writing but he attentively hears her voice as she describes the dark secrets of being a child of an alcoholic father and a mother who deals with it by being the perfect woman in the eyes of the neighbors. Cara is a survivor who ultimately takes care of her own needs throughout the not so perfect childhood. She can always lean on Adam and his family. They enter junior high, then high school. The relationship withstands the test of time and the roller coaster of the teen years. Dedication to one another remains throughout their lives....even with conflicted temptations.
SPOILER ALERT: This devoted relationship even remains after Adam is gone.
Do yourself a favor and add this book to your reading list but don’t put it at the bottom. Move it straight to the top! You won’t regret reading this heartfelt story.
This book! Oh! This book! I have spent the last few nights crying myself to sleep while reading the final chapters that give detail to the fate of Adam, Cara and Reid. The beginning, middle and end held my entire attention. The book starts with Adam and Cara as children. They are neighbors who develop a deep devotion to one another through their bedroom windows. At an early age, Cara develops the skills to be an excellent writer and Adam
always listens while she reads. He not only listens to her writing but he attentively hears her voice as she describes the dark secrets of being a child of an alcoholic father and a mother who deals with it by being the perfect woman in the eyes of the neighbors. Cara is a survivor who ultimately takes care of her own needs throughout the not so perfect childhood. She can always lean on Adam and his family. They enter junior high, then high school. The relationship withstands the test of time and the roller coaster of the teen years. Dedication to one another remains throughout their lives....even with conflicted temptations.
SPOILER ALERT: This devoted relationship even remains after Adam is gone.
Do yourself a favor and add this book to your reading list but don’t put it at the bottom. Move it straight to the top! You won’t regret reading this heartfelt story.
September 2, 2020
"Lets not worry about each other's yesterdays or tomorrows. Lets get to know each others todays ."
Cara lives adjacent to her best friend Adam. They share stories every night through their windows.
Cara's house isn't the typical happy family it seems to look from outside. Her father is an alcoholic who passes out each night as soon as he reaches home. Her mother spends her complete life trying to make the family look perfect on the outside, so much that she forgets even the basic needs of her daughter like food.
Cara needs Adam for an escape from her family.They spend each moment of their life together until high school where Adam joins the football team and starts to hangout with the "cool" people.
But one fine day something happens which changes Adam and Cara's life completely. This was a pretty unexpected twist at-least for me. But then this is what made me much more interested in the otherwise pretty straight forward teenage story.
"If your life were a sentence this incident isn't a period. Its a dash or a comma. Make sure you finish the sentence."
Cara lives adjacent to her best friend Adam. They share stories every night through their windows.
Cara's house isn't the typical happy family it seems to look from outside. Her father is an alcoholic who passes out each night as soon as he reaches home. Her mother spends her complete life trying to make the family look perfect on the outside, so much that she forgets even the basic needs of her daughter like food.
Cara needs Adam for an escape from her family.They spend each moment of their life together until high school where Adam joins the football team and starts to hangout with the "cool" people.
But one fine day something happens which changes Adam and Cara's life completely. This was a pretty unexpected twist at-least for me. But then this is what made me much more interested in the otherwise pretty straight forward teenage story.
"If your life were a sentence this incident isn't a period. Its a dash or a comma. Make sure you finish the sentence."
August 4, 2020
There is nothing else to add to the previously written comments about this novel. It is perfect. Cara and Adam have been friends forever. Her perfect facade hides an imperfect family life. Adam kindly shares his family with Cara and they coax each other through the difficulties of high school. With each encouraging the other, Cara and Adam have the ability to reach their life goals. I appreciate having the opportunity to be an early reader. All these five-star reviews encouraged me to bump Breathless to the top of my TBR pile. Add it to Goodreads, buy it, read it, share it. Breathless is a story that must be passed to others.
August 30, 2020
“Breathtaking” truly was breathtaking! I couldn’t put it down. Every twist and turn made me want to read more and more. It brought back so many memories of my high school days. The author has an amazing way with words and helped me to visualize and feel like I was right there too. I laughed, cried and felt like I knew the characters. It was a quick, easy read that I completed in just two sittings because I just couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read it again!
September 20, 2020
Half way through this book I was balling, I remember reading an article about this books release and I knew right away I was going to like it, but little did I know how emotional it was going to be for me. When I got to the half way point it the book I could NOT stop reading, this book was very inspirational for me, and reading why she wrote "Breathtaking" was very eye opening, I hope others feel the same. This book was exactly what it was titled.
August 25, 2020
This book broke my heart 💔
June 23, 2021
This heartbreaking coming of age YA debut follows Cara, whose life appears picture perfect to the outside world. Perfect Father, Perfect Mother,Perfect home. But the truth is her life is far from perfect. The only person she’s ever told the truth to is her best friend and next door neighbor, Adam. Her escape is her writing and sharing it with Adam late at night (via their windows) is always the highlight of her day.
But as things start to look up, Cara’s world shatters, leading her into a spiralling depression—and writer’s block. Though Adam promises everything will be okay, she knows nothing could ever be the same again.
Clutching to the fractured wounds of the past, how will Cara ever be able to love...or write again?
A spectacularly enjoyable and profoundly poignant tale of life,love and loss. It was Undeniably moving and exceptionally written, Cara,Adam and Reid were all well written and relatable characters—definitely full of depth. I absolutely loved the narrative’s initial focus on Cara;the struggles with her family and her friendship with Adam (especially how their relationship evolves over time.) The tone for the first half of the book sort of reminded me of the movie, Flipped (which is great and if you haven’t seen it I highly recommend it.)
The second half of the book, though beautifully written, was absolutely heart wrenching— the scenes were wrought with such emotion,I literally couldn’t stop crying. I loved Cara’s emotional development here (and Reid—I absolutely adored him.)
After learning of the inspiration behind the book (based on true events),I found it even more poignant and thought it perfectly captured Madison’s (and Alex’s) story.
Overall, ‘Breathtaking’ was a magnificently stunning debut that tugs at the heart strings and raises awareness of such an incredible cause. I don’t want to say too much in case of spoilers,but I do thoroughly recommend reading this as, true to it’s title, it was utterly breathtaking!
And also, a huge thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
But as things start to look up, Cara’s world shatters, leading her into a spiralling depression—and writer’s block. Though Adam promises everything will be okay, she knows nothing could ever be the same again.
Clutching to the fractured wounds of the past, how will Cara ever be able to love...or write again?
A spectacularly enjoyable and profoundly poignant tale of life,love and loss. It was Undeniably moving and exceptionally written, Cara,Adam and Reid were all well written and relatable characters—definitely full of depth. I absolutely loved the narrative’s initial focus on Cara;the struggles with her family and her friendship with Adam (especially how their relationship evolves over time.) The tone for the first half of the book sort of reminded me of the movie, Flipped (which is great and if you haven’t seen it I highly recommend it.)
The second half of the book, though beautifully written, was absolutely heart wrenching— the scenes were wrought with such emotion,I literally couldn’t stop crying. I loved Cara’s emotional development here (and Reid—I absolutely adored him.)
After learning of the inspiration behind the book (based on true events),I found it even more poignant and thought it perfectly captured Madison’s (and Alex’s) story.
Overall, ‘Breathtaking’ was a magnificently stunning debut that tugs at the heart strings and raises awareness of such an incredible cause. I don’t want to say too much in case of spoilers,but I do thoroughly recommend reading this as, true to it’s title, it was utterly breathtaking!
And also, a huge thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2020
I was originally pulled in by the beautiful cover of this book. The pretty depiction of the lungs links perfectly with the title ‘Breathtaking’, the themes and the underlying messages of the story. Before I decided to read ‘Breathtaking’ I read the synopsis to get a better idea of what this book was about and it sounded like this would be an emotional rollercoaster. Boy, was that right!
The story dealt with various serious issues that are important to discuss and being to life. Courtney did this so well, taking care to have a level of sensitivity while keeping the realism. The realism of these issues and the impact on the characters, particularly the main character Cara, led to an emotional rollercoaster that had me smiling and laughing at some points and crying at others.
The writing only strengthened this further, making the story attention holding and pulling you further into the story with each and every development. It was really surprising that this was Courtney’s debut novel and I can only imagine how strong future works by Courtney will be if they follow a similar style of writing. I was initially unsure of how the poetry written by Adam Boyd Stevens would work within the book, particularly alongside Courtney’s writing, but it added to the story perfectly and was so, so beautifully written. It was incorporated into the story well and complimented the novel well.
While the story is told from Cara’s perspective, Cara, Adam and all the secondary characters had depth, feeling like real people with layers, true emotions and experiences. Cara and Adam had a great connection that made you thankful they had each other through life’s good and bad moments. This helped to enforce what I felt were the underlying messages of despite life’s setbacks, resilience, believing in yourself and surrounding yourself with positive influences will get you far.
This story has really resonated with me and is one that I keep thinking of since finishing it. This hasn’t happened to me in quite a while, which shows just how captivating this story is and the lasting impression it has. It would make a great movie adaptation if the story was followed closely. I will be recommending Breathtaking to anyone I can and I am looking forward to reading more works by both Courtney and Adam.
Thank you to NetGalley, Courtney Turcotte Bond and BooksGoSocial for the ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
The story dealt with various serious issues that are important to discuss and being to life. Courtney did this so well, taking care to have a level of sensitivity while keeping the realism. The realism of these issues and the impact on the characters, particularly the main character Cara, led to an emotional rollercoaster that had me smiling and laughing at some points and crying at others.
The writing only strengthened this further, making the story attention holding and pulling you further into the story with each and every development. It was really surprising that this was Courtney’s debut novel and I can only imagine how strong future works by Courtney will be if they follow a similar style of writing. I was initially unsure of how the poetry written by Adam Boyd Stevens would work within the book, particularly alongside Courtney’s writing, but it added to the story perfectly and was so, so beautifully written. It was incorporated into the story well and complimented the novel well.
While the story is told from Cara’s perspective, Cara, Adam and all the secondary characters had depth, feeling like real people with layers, true emotions and experiences. Cara and Adam had a great connection that made you thankful they had each other through life’s good and bad moments. This helped to enforce what I felt were the underlying messages of despite life’s setbacks, resilience, believing in yourself and surrounding yourself with positive influences will get you far.
This story has really resonated with me and is one that I keep thinking of since finishing it. This hasn’t happened to me in quite a while, which shows just how captivating this story is and the lasting impression it has. It would make a great movie adaptation if the story was followed closely. I will be recommending Breathtaking to anyone I can and I am looking forward to reading more works by both Courtney and Adam.
Thank you to NetGalley, Courtney Turcotte Bond and BooksGoSocial for the ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
September 3, 2021
“If your life were a sentence Cara,” he’d say, "this incident isn’t a period. It’s a dash or a comma. Make sure you finish the sentence.”
This book was a breathtakingly beautiful story about friendship, loss, grief, family and love. I simply couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day. I felt so emotionally connected and invested in the characters lives. It made me feel so many emotions. I cried tears of happiness and sadness, it broke my heart, then stitched it back together. And even though it’s not my typical ending, It left me feeling hopeful. Also, That poetry, WOW. It was so beautifully written. This book reminded me of two very important lessons, 1. Life can change any second, so live it to the fullest, and 2. Life is filled with chaos and imperfections, you can focus on that or you can focus on the beauty of it instead.
“For now remember to breathe”
Read if you like 💫
•First love
•Next door neighbor/ Best friend
•Finding family
•Wishing stars, twinkies and walkie-talkies
•Now and then Polaroids
•Coming of age story
•Journalism and football
•Poetry
•Grand gestures
•instant attraction
•Heart wrenching stories
“How everything on earth has a purpose and is beautiful if used how it’s intended. How that means there has to be a Creator, and we were created to live and function with purpose and unity. The evidence is all around us, but we-I- tend to focus in the negative parts of life instead of the beauty.”
This book was a breathtakingly beautiful story about friendship, loss, grief, family and love. I simply couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day. I felt so emotionally connected and invested in the characters lives. It made me feel so many emotions. I cried tears of happiness and sadness, it broke my heart, then stitched it back together. And even though it’s not my typical ending, It left me feeling hopeful. Also, That poetry, WOW. It was so beautifully written. This book reminded me of two very important lessons, 1. Life can change any second, so live it to the fullest, and 2. Life is filled with chaos and imperfections, you can focus on that or you can focus on the beauty of it instead.
“For now remember to breathe”
Read if you like 💫
•First love
•Next door neighbor/ Best friend
•Finding family
•Wishing stars, twinkies and walkie-talkies
•Now and then Polaroids
•Coming of age story
•Journalism and football
•Poetry
•Grand gestures
•instant attraction
•Heart wrenching stories
“How everything on earth has a purpose and is beautiful if used how it’s intended. How that means there has to be a Creator, and we were created to live and function with purpose and unity. The evidence is all around us, but we-I- tend to focus in the negative parts of life instead of the beauty.”
November 5, 2020
I am a student of Randall Bond, Courtney Turcotte Bonds’ husband. He recommended this book to me when I was bored I’m class one day. I’m so glad I got the chance to read it, I’m in love with the story and how it progresses. I got to read about Cara and how she grew up, and how everything that she went through affected her view of others, the world, writing, etc. Breathtaking is a beautiful and tragic story, one that is being shared for a good cause. Can’t wait to recommend it to everyone I know!
September 8, 2020
It is just beautiful. I don't know what else to say the first book that has made me cry in a long time. I absolutely loved the first 2 parts I just wish we could have spent more time in part 3 and expand on that work a little. Despite that minor criticism I am giving it 5 stars it's just so lovely. It's the coming of age story about finding family and finding love. This is such a jumbled review but I stayed up way to late to finish this considering I have to be in class for 8 hours tomorrow.
I was given a copy from Netgalley in exchange for review.
I was given a copy from Netgalley in exchange for review.
September 12, 2020
I could not put this book down. There is something unexpected that ties everything together. So well written you feel emotionally connected to the characters. Follow Cara and Adam from early childhood through the tough times in high school in this well written emotional book!
September 10, 2020
Amazing Read
I loved this book and could barely put it down! It is so beautifully written and will have you feeling every emotion that the characters do.
I loved this book and could barely put it down! It is so beautifully written and will have you feeling every emotion that the characters do.
August 31, 2020
“Breathtaking” is like a perfectly imperfect story, with just the right amount of mess ups, because if Cara’s or Adam’s life would have been too perfect, who would have believed it?
And yet, this story has enough endearing and perfect bits in it, so that we can remember and recreate these perfect simple pleasures from our childhood and adolescence.
Every family and every relationship has dark spots and bright spots, and that’s ok, because sometimes all we need to know is that we are not alone. And our lives don’t have to be picture-perfect to be amazing, we just have to look for the amazing bits every once in a while!
And yet, this story has enough endearing and perfect bits in it, so that we can remember and recreate these perfect simple pleasures from our childhood and adolescence.
Every family and every relationship has dark spots and bright spots, and that’s ok, because sometimes all we need to know is that we are not alone. And our lives don’t have to be picture-perfect to be amazing, we just have to look for the amazing bits every once in a while!
September 3, 2020
Watch out world! This may be her first book, but the standard has been set and it's a high bar. Not only are all of the feelings displayed in the first few chapters, but the value of human interaction and relationships are consistent throughout the book. As one who loves love, this is a new favorite!
October 18, 2020
This book is beautifully written. It touched me so much emotionally it is difficult to finds words todo it justice. It speaks to the heart about friendship, loss, love and family. Beautifully poetic. I highly recommend this book.
August 13, 2020
“Breathtaking” is an emotional journey that called for reconciliation with my childhood in a way I did not expect. The characters and their individual struggles are poignant, begging readers to consider what it means to build a home outside of ourselves, and how the fallout from that can impact our perception of the world.
Perhaps most importantly, this novel is accessible to readers of all ages and walks of life. What may seem a fairly quick read should not be confused with lack of depth. Conversations on ableism and alcoholism abound in ways that challenge readers’ assumptions, offering insight into perceptions that often go unchallenged. Truly a brilliant read for anyone.
Perhaps most importantly, this novel is accessible to readers of all ages and walks of life. What may seem a fairly quick read should not be confused with lack of depth. Conversations on ableism and alcoholism abound in ways that challenge readers’ assumptions, offering insight into perceptions that often go unchallenged. Truly a brilliant read for anyone.
October 1, 2020
I am not much a reader and haven’t read a novel since high school. That being said, I LOVED the book so much. It was raw and emotional and beautifully written. A true masterpiece.
July 21, 2020
This book was given to me before release for an honest review. At first, I was skeptical as this was the author’s first published work and I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the book. Once I started reading, I honestly could not put it down. To be able to draw a reader immediately into the feelings of the main character was amazing! I caught myself constantly feeling the same feelings that were being described by the main characters. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and I was angry. This book will cover it all! I’m looking forward to reading it again. If you’re looking for a work of fiction that is 100% relatable to days of high school and friendship, grab this book! I’m looking forward to the future work of Courtney Turcotte Bond!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews