Breathing Underwater: A Teenage Swimmer’s Story

Today I have one of my favorite books that I’ve read in the past month! Titled Breathing Underwater and written by Abbey Lee Nash, comes a perfectly relatable and emotional story about a high school swimmer faced with some of the biggest trials of her life; ones that not only disrupt her daily life, but may also hurt her career that she worked so hard for as a swimmer.

The struggles and conflict she went through as a highschooler felt incredibly realistic, and her love for her sport touched me and I’m sure many other readers. Her passion for swimming was vividly illustrated and written in a way that readers of all ages can connect to.

“If adrenaline is the body’s fight or flight response, then every time I race, I’m fighting for my life. Instead of fear, there’s lightning in my veins- and I’m addicted.”

– Breathing Underwater.

The main character Tess was one of the fastest swimmers on the team. She worked hard for it, and it paid off. Swimming was what she lived for. It was the thing that kept her moving through long school days and what kept her excited for the coming days.

However, all those things come to a sudden stop when Tess suddenly faces the biggest trial of her life: Epilepsy.

One fun night turned into a nightmare- something that neither she or her family had ever expected.

She even loses her job as a lifeguard. To make mattters worse, she was replaced quicker than she could have imagined.

Soon, much to her surprise, the new lifeguard catches her attention. He’s cute, sweet, and fun to be around. Suddenly swept off guard, she is aware of the fact that she can’t focus on this relationship. She needs to focus on the only thing that matters, which is returning to the pool.

One of the things I loved about this book was the character developement. Every character seemed so realistic and easy to connect to.

I also read this book in one sitting because I was unable to put it down!

Content Warning- Sexual tension, alcohol, cursing (F-words included), passionate kissing, medical struggles.

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