Joy Delamere is suffocating...
From asthma, which has nearly claimed her life. From her parents, who will do anything to keep that from h...
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reviews
Feb 22, 2012
Emily
rated it: 
3.5
I did that stupid thing where I don't check what a book's about before I start reading it with Don't Breathe a Word. The synopsis on the back of the paperback I have is quite ambiguous but it looked like a relatively short, interesting read. I began to be concerned when I realised it was another tale about abuse, I would never have started it so soon after a powerful novel like Split had I known.
However, Don't Breathe a Word is actually a completely different type of n More...
I did that stupid thing where I don't check what a book's about before I start reading it with Don't Breathe a Word. The synopsis on the back of the paperback I have is quite ambiguous but it looked like a relatively short, interesting read. I began to be concerned when I realised it was another tale about abuse, I would never have started it so soon after a powerful novel like Split had I known.
However, Don't Breathe a Word is actually a completely different type of n More...
Nov 18, 2011
Whenever I hear the name Creed i always think of "Creed" from the office XD
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Jan 22, 2012
Melannie :)
rated it: 
It's been a while since I last had such an intense reading experience as the one I had while reading this book. I knew from the moment I read its synopsis that this was going to be good, but I never imagined it will touch my soul to this proportion.
I'm struggling with words right now, because no matter what I say, I won't be able to describe the strong feelings this novel evocates in me. I will just tell you, this is a story you don't want to miss.
Joy is been dealing with More...
I'm struggling with words right now, because no matter what I say, I won't be able to describe the strong feelings this novel evocates in me. I will just tell you, this is a story you don't want to miss.
Joy is been dealing with More...
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Jan 04, 2012
Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids
rated it: 
Don't Breathe a Word is one of those edgy books that's raw, emotional gripping and tackles the tougher things teens deal with now a days. I normally have to be in a certain mood to read these type of books, but Holly Cupala's writing is brutally honest, powerful, and lyrically written which made it hard for me to stop reading it. I got to a point in the story that I wanted to know more. The other thing I liked, is that Holly doesn't shy away some pretty tough subjects, and she gives readers a re
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Nov 18, 2011
Laura Ashlee
rated it:
I’ve been really lucky or something because I keep reading these amazing books. Maybe it’s just that I give up on them if they’re not amazing. I don’t know. The bottom line is this book was so good. It floored me. I don’t really know much about Seattle or living on the street, so I can’t really shed any light on how realistic the book was. Still, I think, if nothing else, the book will serve to open the eyes of others to the trials of those who are not so fortunate.
There’s some mystery More...
There’s some mystery More...
Feb 03, 2012
Christin
rated it:
I haven't read many darker contemporary books, but when I was looking to read an emotional, powerful story, I turned to Don't Breathe a Word. And I was not disappointed. This book is not for the faint of heart, but if you can read past the heartbreaking moments and the grim reality that what is portrayed here is life for some teens, you will be left with a truly poignant story.
Joy Delamere struggles to breathe - literally and figuratively. She suffers from asthma, and because of seve More...
Joy Delamere struggles to breathe - literally and figuratively. She suffers from asthma, and because of seve More...
Jan 30, 2012
Dianne
rated it: 
I'm a little disappointed that I didn't like this book more, considering the glowing reviews I saw on goodreads. First off, I was glad to see links and information to raise awareness of the homeless population and what the average person can do to help. I also liked that Joy's experience being homeless wasn't all roses and daisies, but showed how unbelievably dangerous it really is.
I thought the writing was disjointed when flashing between present and past. I know the author was trying More...
I thought the writing was disjointed when flashing between present and past. I know the author was trying More...
Jan 25, 2012
Naberius
rated it:
I liked that this story was somewhat edgy, and that it brought real-life issues of homeless teens into the forefront. The story is full of characters with flaws, even the characters who seem a bit too good to be true at first --- and I liked that. The pacing is even, and I liked how the story built as Joy not only made her way through her days, but also in how the story's backstory was built up through Joy's memories, and reflections on her immediate past (the time right before she decided to
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Jan 01, 2012
Jen
rated it:
Another beautifully written book by Holly Cupala that's heartbreaking, gritty and real. Everyone needs some breathing room in their lives but for Joy, it's become a struggle of life or death. Each breathe leads her one step closer to suffocation or one step closer to freedom. Freedom from her parents constant worry, freedom from her boyfriend Asher's control and freedom to figure out who she's meant to be. If she can manage to escape, to find the homeless boy who offered to help her, maybe s
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Aug 22, 2011
Teri
rated it:
There is something hidden in the life of Joy Delamere.
This book really deals with some teen issues that many parents miss in their daily lives. How to we truly know when someone is suffering. How much are kids hiding.
Joy has been stricken with Asthma for years and after being kept by people and them suffocating her with this illness, Joy wants to be let out.
Stuck in an abusive relationship the only way Joy feels she can escape is by becoming a whole new person. Cutting and dy More...
This book really deals with some teen issues that many parents miss in their daily lives. How to we truly know when someone is suffering. How much are kids hiding.
Joy has been stricken with Asthma for years and after being kept by people and them suffocating her with this illness, Joy wants to be let out.
Stuck in an abusive relationship the only way Joy feels she can escape is by becoming a whole new person. Cutting and dy More...
Jul 23, 2011
Andrea
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Feb 08, 2012
Heather
rated it:
I just finished this book about an hour ago, and usually I like to wait and think about a book for a few days before writing my opinion; but this book was filled with enough emotion, I don't feel like I can wait any longer to write it all down.
Don't Breathe a Word is my first book by Holly Cupala, and I have to say her writing has definitely intrigued me, and made me want to seek out more of her work. This book was not an easy one to swallow, there were some parts that were hard t More...
Don't Breathe a Word is my first book by Holly Cupala, and I have to say her writing has definitely intrigued me, and made me want to seek out more of her work. This book was not an easy one to swallow, there were some parts that were hard t More...
Jan 31, 2012
Calia
rated it:
This is the kind of book that hits you in such a way that you NEVER see it coming.
This book as suggested to me, and I begrudgingly put it on my TBR list. With books like Don’t Breathe a Word , Poughkeepsie or any other book that is so blantly real I hesitate at. Sometimes they are just a little too much for me.
Times like this... I’m glad I ignored my reluctance and read it anyways...
Joy has lived an extremely sheltered life. Hindered by the effects of having asthm More...
This book as suggested to me, and I begrudgingly put it on my TBR list. With books like Don’t Breathe a Word , Poughkeepsie or any other book that is so blantly real I hesitate at. Sometimes they are just a little too much for me.
Times like this... I’m glad I ignored my reluctance and read it anyways...
Joy has lived an extremely sheltered life. Hindered by the effects of having asthm More...
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Jan 03, 2012
Natalie (Mindful Musings)
rated it:
Read this review on my blog, Mindful Musings.
In a Sentence: Don't Breathe a Word is a compelling contemporary that brings the world of a homeless kid to life.
My Thoughts
Though this book was just released yesterday, for weeks now I've been reading scores of reviews from bloggers who received advanced copies of Don't Breathe a Word. When I found my own review copy in my mailbox, I was excited to get started. I'm not sure if I've even seen a negative review of th More...
In a Sentence: Don't Breathe a Word is a compelling contemporary that brings the world of a homeless kid to life.
My Thoughts
Though this book was just released yesterday, for weeks now I've been reading scores of reviews from bloggers who received advanced copies of Don't Breathe a Word. When I found my own review copy in my mailbox, I was excited to get started. I'm not sure if I've even seen a negative review of th More...
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Jan 02, 2012
Don't Breathe a Word is probably the most powerful story I've read. Seriously. This book suckerpunched me right in the heart and I'm still reeling from the blow. Holly Cupala's writing is gorgeous and lyrical and absolutely perfect for the harsh situations that Joy deals with.
I feel like there's a lot of places in this book where it would be easy for some critical readers to question Joy/Triste's decisions if not for Holly's brilliant character development. I was yanked so far into J More...
I feel like there's a lot of places in this book where it would be easy for some critical readers to question Joy/Triste's decisions if not for Holly's brilliant character development. I was yanked so far into J More...
Nov 18, 2011
Don't breathe is about this teenage girl named Joy, whom is in an absolutely terrible relationship with this boy by the name of Asher. Asher and his family are extremely rich and powerful, so they provide Joy's Father a job when he gets laid off. Which keeps Joy hanging around, so her family can survive without Asher messing everything up for them. Eventually Joy gets fed up, and Asher draws the last straw, so Joy decideds to run away to the downtown areas and survive that way. Because anything
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Jan 17, 2012
Eva
rated it:
Yes, Don't Breathe a Word tackles a sensitive subject that people, especially teenagers and parents, should be well-informed about. It's about a girl, Joy, who runs away from home in an effort to escape her overprotective?, but at the same time, uncaring? family, and an abusive relationship with a billionaire's son, Asher.
It's an important issue - teenagers running away and living in the streets - especially when these teens will more likely be driven over the edge out of despera More...
It's an important issue - teenagers running away and living in the streets - especially when these teens will more likely be driven over the edge out of despera More...
Nov 18, 2011
Ashley
rated it:
Another really great & powerful novel from Holly, but I'll admit that I didn't love this one as much as I loved Secret. Part of what didn't work is the epilogue-esq pages at the end. It made a messy and painful story a bit too tidy.
But other than that, REALLY strong novel. One that I strongly recommend. This is definitely an author I'm going to be watching!
But other than that, REALLY strong novel. One that I strongly recommend. This is definitely an author I'm going to be watching!
Jan 03, 2012
Rachel
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Feb 03, 2012
Portrait of a Book
rated it:
First reviewed on Portrait of a Book
I haven't read many darker contemporary books, but when I was looking to read an emotional, powerful story, I turned to Don't Breathe a Word. And I was not disappointed. This book is not for the faint of heart, but if you can read past the heartbreaking moments and the grim reality that what is portrayed here is life for some teens, you will be left with a truly poignant story.
Joy Delamere struggles to breathe - literally and figurative More...
I haven't read many darker contemporary books, but when I was looking to read an emotional, powerful story, I turned to Don't Breathe a Word. And I was not disappointed. This book is not for the faint of heart, but if you can read past the heartbreaking moments and the grim reality that what is portrayed here is life for some teens, you will be left with a truly poignant story.
Joy Delamere struggles to breathe - literally and figurative More...
Jan 06, 2012
Nicole
rated it:
My little sister and I read vastly different literature. She sticks nearly solely to dark contemporary literature, while I like to stay with my fantasy and science-fiction. Every now and then, we flop and read something in the genre that the other loves - I usually do it unprompted, my sister upon my recommendation.
The moment I finished this book, I walked into her room, put it into her hands, and said, "Read this."
I liked this book a lot. Not enough to k More...
Jan 14, 2012
Burgandy
rated it:
My Rating: 4.5 - Caught-Me-Off-Guard GREAT book.
This book is heart-wrenching and satisfying and frightening all at the same time. It is written from Joy’s perspective and the story unfolds as her thoughts do, as she tries different ways of dealing with a horrible, controlling situation. I was furiously angry with the man who caused the problems in the first place: Asher, with his obsession for crows and his fascination for their hierarchy. He experiments with controlling an young g More...
This book is heart-wrenching and satisfying and frightening all at the same time. It is written from Joy’s perspective and the story unfolds as her thoughts do, as she tries different ways of dealing with a horrible, controlling situation. I was furiously angry with the man who caused the problems in the first place: Asher, with his obsession for crows and his fascination for their hierarchy. He experiments with controlling an young g More...
Nov 18, 2011
Tiff
rated it:
I think I'm at 3.5 stars for this one.
I'm torn: I really enjoyed much of it, but I think I wanted more from the conclusion. There was so much buildup and I wasn't quite satisfied with the resolution. However, I felt it dealt with some important issues that haven't been tackled too often in teen lit.
I'm torn: I really enjoyed much of it, but I think I wanted more from the conclusion. There was so much buildup and I wasn't quite satisfied with the resolution. However, I felt it dealt with some important issues that haven't been tackled too often in teen lit.
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Jan 21, 2012
Trisha
rated it:
It's a oft used device in YA fiction: Kids who feels they can't possibly tell anyone about the deep, dark bad thing happening to them. So they make crazy risky decisions. The sign of a good author is the ability to make us believe the desperation that results in what now becomes the narrative.
Cupola makes me believe that Joy hasn't any other choice. She lets me see the horror of Asher & how he impacts on Joy's life. And when Creed tries to save her, I believe in him too.
T More...
Cupola makes me believe that Joy hasn't any other choice. She lets me see the horror of Asher & how he impacts on Joy's life. And when Creed tries to save her, I believe in him too.
T More...
Jul 09, 2011
Bailey (IB Book Blogging)
rated it:
Don't Breathe a Word is so utterly compelling and honest that I was speechless after turning the last page. This is the most horrifying yet captivating story of abuse that I have ever read. Holly Cupala enthralled me with her flawless writing and engaging characters. Don't Breathe a Word is one of the best books that I have ever read.
Don't Breathe a Word is a daring tale about Joy, and how she goes to extreme lengths to get away from her abusive boyfriend. She runs away to live More...
Don't Breathe a Word is a daring tale about Joy, and how she goes to extreme lengths to get away from her abusive boyfriend. She runs away to live More...
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Oct 28, 2011
April
rated it:
Originally reviewed here
I’m pretty sure sophomore slump isn’t in Holly Cupala’s vocabulary, as her sophomore novel Don’t Breathe A Word hits it right out of the ball park. Don’t Breathe A Word simultaneously slayed me and uplifted me, much the same way as books by Courtney Summers and Lauren Oliver. I felt Cupala did a bang up job wrenching my heart with this incredibly emotional, moving story.
Joy Delamere can’t breathe. Literally. She has severe asthma. I didn’t actually More...
I’m pretty sure sophomore slump isn’t in Holly Cupala’s vocabulary, as her sophomore novel Don’t Breathe A Word hits it right out of the ball park. Don’t Breathe A Word simultaneously slayed me and uplifted me, much the same way as books by Courtney Summers and Lauren Oliver. I felt Cupala did a bang up job wrenching my heart with this incredibly emotional, moving story.
Joy Delamere can’t breathe. Literally. She has severe asthma. I didn’t actually More...
Nov 18, 2011
Savannah (Books With Bite)
rated it:
I loved the way this book is written so detailed, so perfect, that it left me in awe. The plot, the characters, the beautifully detailing of emotions had me reader faster and faster!
I loved the plot line of this book. It was something different yet realistic in every way. I love the the story takes you on a journey that has been coming all along. The author presents the story as the main characters is falling so deep, you can't help but fall with her.
The characters of the bo More...
I loved the plot line of this book. It was something different yet realistic in every way. I love the the story takes you on a journey that has been coming all along. The author presents the story as the main characters is falling so deep, you can't help but fall with her.
The characters of the bo More...
Feb 08, 2012
Janet
rated it:
Startling and Beautiful
I just finished Holly Cupala’s novel, Don’t Breathe a Word, a riveting and honest look at the life of a runaway teen. The main character, Joy, is so vividly drawn that I felt I was inside her skin experiencing everything from her secret reasons for running, her need for love, to her desperate need to survive on the street. But the author didn’t stop there, she brought every character to life with the same attention to detail, the same raw yet beautiful honesty and ma More...
I just finished Holly Cupala’s novel, Don’t Breathe a Word, a riveting and honest look at the life of a runaway teen. The main character, Joy, is so vividly drawn that I felt I was inside her skin experiencing everything from her secret reasons for running, her need for love, to her desperate need to survive on the street. But the author didn’t stop there, she brought every character to life with the same attention to detail, the same raw yet beautiful honesty and ma More...
Jan 16, 2012
Sherri
rated it:
This book was one of those books I just couldn't put down. The author does a fantastic job keeping the book moving at all times. Additionally, I love how she transitions seamlessly between describing the surroundings or feelings and the dialogue. Cupala is definitely a very skilled author and readers will breeze through this book. Furthermore, she tackles the issue of homelessness among teenagers with such insight and truth that at times your heart will break reading this -- even though it is fi
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Feb 22, 2012
Alis
rated it:
Don't Breath A Word is a realistic glimpse into a girls life, a girl who is always being smothered and protected by her family and even friends at times. She feels so smothered that she makes it seem as if she has been kidnapped and she runs away.
Not only does she have asthma, but she fell for a guy who gets very possessive and even blackmails her to get what he wants. So many things make Joy leave, but an easier answer to her problems would have been to tell her family what was More...
Not only does she have asthma, but she fell for a guy who gets very possessive and even blackmails her to get what he wants. So many things make Joy leave, but an easier answer to her problems would have been to tell her family what was More...
