Reason to Breathe discussion

Please share your overall thoughts about Reason to Breathe......

If you were in the position Emma was in, what would you do? Would you alone it to continue or would you risk tearing a family apart?

Well I'm an adult so I don't really have the teenage mindset anymore. I can only hope that if kids are in that position they will speak up. While reading this book I kept screaming at Emma to tell someone because I firmly believe that if it had went until graduation and she left the house without ever telling Carol would have sooner or later started abusing her own children. Abusers are always going to find someone to take it out on.

Kimberly wrote: "I am also an adult, but was in an abusive home and hiding everything from everyone. Sometimes you just don't see the way out, even if someone tells you there is a way out. I was also screaming at..."

So sorry for what you went through Kimberly. I didn't find myself screaming at Carol though...I kept wishing she was a real person so I could find her and snap her like a twig. I swear I'm not usually a violent person but anyone who hurts kids or animals just makes me see red. I'm about 80% through the second book now...have you read it yet?

It's so sad and frustrating at the same time to read about situations like this. I kept wishing Emma would just move out with Sara or something. That way she could fulfill her personal protest of not 'destroying' the household for the kids, yet still be safe.

I also felt such anger towards not only Carol but her husband. I mean how the hell can you stand by while that stuff is happening under your own roof!? At first I thought Carol hid it well, which she did- to a point- but when those few times he saw for his own eyes, I was shocked at how he felt distance was the only solution. I'd be scared of her pulling that shit on the other kids!

Kimberly, sorry you had to deal with an abusive home!

I wanted to smack the husband as well, what a jerk!! I didn't realize he was somewhat aware of what was happening, what I think drove me more crazy was the fact Carol was playing with both Emma and her husband, making it look like she was the good wife respecting him where Emma was concerned

GBHB wrote: "Kimberly, sorry you had to deal with an abusive home!

I wanted to smack the husband as well, what a jerk!! I didn't realize he was somewhat aware of what was happening, what I think drove me mor..."

Yeah I know what you mean. I mean come on! He had to be aware of it...he knew about all the chores and the 5 minute showers and the keeping Emma isolated. He really should have stepped in.

What was also sad was the little boy, can't remember his name kinda knew what was going on.

I can't wait for the last book to come out!!

Me too! I hope she gets to reconnect with the kids at some point in it.

i hated she left i was hopping they weather through it but i gues we need to read the other book to find out more

I honestly could not put this book down. I'd be in class and I wouldn't be able to focus because i'd be thinking about Evan and Emma. I felt this book was absolutely amazing, it definitely left me begging for more! I cannot wait to read Barely Breathing!

There was a clear path for Emma. She had supportive and wealthy friends and their parents loved her as well. She was a well respected student with teachers that cared for her. It was only a matter that she didn't want to be selfish. It's important to remember that Emma lost her father in a car accident and her mother couldn't take care of her because of her alcohol problems. She loves the kids and won't speak up because she wants to preserve their innocence and she never wants to them to go through what she's gone through. A lot of people reprimand Emma and criticize how defenseless and weak she seems, but in reality, she's stronger than ever. Being able to put aside her own physical and mental health to protect others it incredibly selfless.


As for George, he was a coward. He's not evil and vindictive like Carol (ugh, I hate her), but he just couldn't bring himself up to speak up. Basically, he didn't want to face the reality of what was happening. What he did was wrong and from what he witnessed, although little, was more than enough to push to notify the authorities.

It's hard to say what I'd actually do, but I wold have told on Carol. There is just so much I can take before I'd explode. I'd also tell my uncle that she's the reason my room was ruined and at least give her a hard enough push so that she'll understand that I could easily overpower her.

But like I said it's hard to say. Carol got into her mind, and pretty much controlled her.

This series broke my heart in so many ways. There are kids who live like this day after day with no end in sight. It was a difficult read, but I had to stay the course and follow the train wreck. I don't want to say much due to the spoiler factors. Overall, a good book with a lot of emotional baggage.

why did they end the book like this its so frustrating now I have to read the next one to no what's happening. and so what if the kids might lose a parent carol deserves to rot in jail. :)