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dan_keen97's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
twiinklex's review
4.0
Ugh my feels.
This is a raw, emotional and beautifully-written coming-of-age story. The author did a wonderful job in handling sensitive topics such as addiction, toxic relationships and coping with cancer in the family. I usually can't relate or connect with YA romances but this one did not feel forced or rushed at all. In fact, it was very realistic as with everything that goes on in the book.
From the rush and adrenaline of first love and how it blossoms, to its uncertainties, making excuses for the one we love and not wanting to see the red flags until we can no longer ignore them, to the breakdown and death of a once-magical love — this was all portrayed brilliantly.
Described as "a piece of my heart" in the acknowledgments, this book started out as pages from the author's high school journal, which meant that what happened in the novel are actually real-life experiences. No wonder I could feel all the emotions radiating off every page.
A beautiful book that captivated me from start to end.
✨ "Love is a risk. I know that, even more so lately. Anything loved can be lost. But right now, I don't care. This love makes me feel alive, and I need that."
This is a raw, emotional and beautifully-written coming-of-age story. The author did a wonderful job in handling sensitive topics such as addiction, toxic relationships and coping with cancer in the family. I usually can't relate or connect with YA romances but this one did not feel forced or rushed at all. In fact, it was very realistic as with everything that goes on in the book.
From the rush and adrenaline of first love and how it blossoms, to its uncertainties, making excuses for the one we love and not wanting to see the red flags until we can no longer ignore them, to the breakdown and death of a once-magical love — this was all portrayed brilliantly.
Described as "a piece of my heart" in the acknowledgments, this book started out as pages from the author's high school journal, which meant that what happened in the novel are actually real-life experiences. No wonder I could feel all the emotions radiating off every page.
A beautiful book that captivated me from start to end.
✨ "Real love comes from safety, from trust; not this feeling rooted in desperation. It makes me want to scream and bang on his chest, demanding back who I used to know. But he's gone, and nothing is going to bring him back. What I feel now is the shadow of love, and all it has to offer is heartache."
miastegner's review
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
teaganmorris27's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
apagecastingwitch's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed this one. It’s a really quick YA read that hits on some heavy topics. I really didn’t love the ending - but I also understand why the author did what they did. My heart breaks for Braden and his addictions. Then my heart breaks for Hadley and all of the pressure she’s under. I think this is a great book about addiction for teenagers - especially as it starts with an injury/prescription. This book got close to home for me so it was an easy 5 stars.
bethhthelibrarian's review
4.0
Coming Up for Air took me back to when I fell in love with for the first time. I think Nicole Tyndall did an incredible job bringing those intense feelings back to life. Hadley and Braden falling in love amidst all of the challenges high school has to offer, familial problems, and friend drama felt authentic in a way that took my breath away.
Jock Braden and photographer Hadley might seem at first to be unevenly matched, but their chemistry is electrifying and there are few other couples in YA contemporary lit who match them. We learn immediately that there has been an accident, Braden is in the hospital, and Hadley, though she appears to have broken things off with Braden, is so heartbroken and distressed. The narration then takes us back in time to the beginning of their relationship, and it is so lovely to watch them fall in love, but there is a darkness, as we know the way it seems to end. Braden's addiction takes its toll on Hadley, who is also dealing with the cancer diagnosis of her mom. Their story feels so real, and brings to light the pressures so many of today's teens are facing in terms of being perfect or reaching so high to get those college scholarships, no matter what they have to do to get there. I think many teens will be able to relate to this relationship, and even now, having mercifully survived high school a decade ago, this book brought back feelings and memories I had long forgotten. I think this book has got a place right alongside Eleanor and Park and All the Bright Places.
Content warnings: This book is for mature teens. There is sex, drug addiction, partying, and profanity. But it is also a beautifully written tribute to the high school experience and falling in real love for the first time.
Jock Braden and photographer Hadley might seem at first to be unevenly matched, but their chemistry is electrifying and there are few other couples in YA contemporary lit who match them. We learn immediately that there has been an accident, Braden is in the hospital, and Hadley, though she appears to have broken things off with Braden, is so heartbroken and distressed. The narration then takes us back in time to the beginning of their relationship, and it is so lovely to watch them fall in love, but there is a darkness, as we know the way it seems to end. Braden's addiction takes its toll on Hadley, who is also dealing with the cancer diagnosis of her mom. Their story feels so real, and brings to light the pressures so many of today's teens are facing in terms of being perfect or reaching so high to get those college scholarships, no matter what they have to do to get there. I think many teens will be able to relate to this relationship, and even now, having mercifully survived high school a decade ago, this book brought back feelings and memories I had long forgotten. I think this book has got a place right alongside Eleanor and Park and All the Bright Places.
Content warnings: This book is for mature teens. There is sex, drug addiction, partying, and profanity. But it is also a beautifully written tribute to the high school experience and falling in real love for the first time.
nicolerenae96's review
3.0
bbloome01's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0