“Expansive, romantic, and powerful.” —Gayle Forman, #1 New York Times bestselling author of If I Stay and I Have Lost My Way

Susannah Ramos has always loved the water. A swimmer whose early talent made her a world champion, Susannah was poised for greatness in a sport that demands so much of its young. But an inexplicable slowdown has put her dream in jeopardy, and Susannah is fighting to keep her career afloat when two important people enter her life: a new coach with a revolutionary training strategy, and a charming fellow swimmer named Harry Matthews.

As Susannah begins her long and painful climb back to the top, her friendship with Harry blossoms into passionate and supportive love. But Harry is facing challenges of his own, and even as their bond draws them closer together, other forces work to tear them apart. As she struggles to balance her needs with those of the people who matter most to her, Susannah will learn the cost—and the beauty—of trying to achieve something extraordinary.

- Review -

3.6 Stars

Breath Like Water was one of the few books I've read about swimming. I did enjoy that part of the book. I liked the world of training and what that is like for a young swimmer. I also enjoyed seeing her dreaming and having to make choices for things that would affect said dream. I liked learning about what it's kinda like and the coaches, but I do wish we got to see more team stuff. Susannah does have friends on the team but I wanted more team stuff. I am someone who enjoys watching the Olympics and I liked this little sneak peep of what it could be like wanting to become an Olympics team member.

I thought that this book was going to be more about her and the journey of her being able to keep swimming, but that way just one path of this book. Another path of this book I enjoyed was her family. I found that they are strong relationships, that they are there for her and want what's best for her and so on. I have to say that there is something that happens towards the end of the book, that I wish was more of the book, I am also hoping that these two characters are their own book, I would love to see who this relationship comes about and plays out as well.

When Harry came into her life I thought I knew where this book was going and I am surprised and happy that it didn't go that way. I did find that some parts of the relationship were a little rushed during some parts of the book yet other parts felt right and real. There is a HUGE thing about Harry that I didn't see coming right away but once things started happing I knew there was something going on with him but wouldn't have guessed what it turned out to be. Small spoiler in the next few lines! It has to do with his mental health, and I was surprised by how much that played into the book. I haven't read a YA book that deals with this. I think it covered/handle these topics well. Spoiler done!

This book read as if there are two different stories wrapped together. I liked the characters and the plotting was well done; the writing style paints strong photos. It's filled with a lot of emotions and realizing that health both physical and mental health matters. Overall this is a bubbly, hard-hitting story of health and relationships.