82 pages • 2 hours read
Alex FlinnBreathing Underwater
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2001A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn follows Nick Andreas, a wealthy teenage boy dealing with an abusive father and facing repercussions for abusing his girlfriend, Caitlin. After Caitlin files a restraining order, Nick is mandated to attend family violence classes and keep a journal. Through these reflections, Nick confronts his abusive behavior, contemplates his troubled past, and recognizes his potential for change and growth. The book tackles sensitive themes of domestic violence and emotional abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn provides a raw, compelling look into the life of a teenage abuser. Readers appreciate its honest portrayal of difficult themes, with the narrative offering important messages on accountability and growth. However, some find the protagonist's journey lacking depth and the supporting characters underdeveloped. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Breathing Underwater?
Fans of realistic teen fiction addressing heavy themes like abuse and redemption will find Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn compelling. Comparable to works like Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak and Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why, this novel delves into the emotional struggles of adolescence and personal growth.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
510LBook Details
Realistic Fiction
Modern Classic Fiction
Drama / Tragedy
Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt
Emotions/Behavior: Guilt
Mental Illness
Trauma / Abuse / Violence