BREATHLESS by Lurlene McDaniel

BREATHLESS
Author: Lurlene McDaniel
Source: Library

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (May 12, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038573459X
• ISBN-13: 978-0385734592

SYNOPSIS:
What is the toughest request anyone can be asked to fulfill?

Travis Morrison is a champion diver and one of the most popular kids at school. On the first day of summer vacation, while boating on the lake with his friends, Travis attempts a silly stunt dive that goes wrong. He fears he has broken his leg. Instead, his trip to the hospital reveals he has a rare form of cancer, and to save him, the doctors tell his parents they must amputate. In an instant, Travis’s life and the lives of everyone around him are forever changed. Travis is determined that he and only he should decide the course of his life. He has a plan, but he can’t carry it out alone. Will he convince one of his friends to fulfill his most important request? Lurlene McDaniel tackles a controversial subject, probing the issues of personal choice and quality of life.
MY TAKE:
This book is an emotional book. I had to have Kleenex on hand the whole time I was reading it. Travis breaks his femur when diving off a cliff at the lake. The doctor’s inform his parent’s that he has bone cancer. We get to see Travis go through all the emotions that come with finding out you have a life threatening disease. He ends up losing his leg from it and realizes he will never be a diver again. Throughout the book you see Travis struggle with Chemo and the loss of a leg. He decides to tell his parents that he wants to sign a DNR. They refuse to let him. So Travis comes up with a plan to end his life on his terms with the help of his best friend. I was so into this book that I finished it within an hour. A short read, but a powerful read. Being a mother, all I could think about was that if this was my child, what would I do? What would I do if it were me?
An emotionally heartbreaking read that will leave a lasting impression with your heart and soul.

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!