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Learning Not to Drown
Family secrets cut to the bone in this mesmerizing debut novel about a teen whose drug-addicted brother is the prodigal son one time too many.
There is a pecking order to every family. Seventeen-year old Clare is the overprotected baby; Peter is the typical, rebellious middle child; and Luke is the oldest, the can’t-do-wrong favorite. To their mother, they are a normal, happy family.
To Clare, they are a family on the verge of disaster. Clare: the ambitious striver; Peter: the angry ticking time bomb; and Luke: a drug-addicted convicted felon who has been in and out of jail for as long as Clare can remember—and who has always been bailed out by their parents.
Clare loves Luke, but life as his sister hasn’t been easy. And when he comes home (again), she wants to believe this time will be different (again). Yet when the truths behind his arrests begin to surface, everything Clare knows is shaken to its core. And then Luke is arrested. Again.
Except this time is different, because Clare’s mom does the unthinkable on Luke’s behalf, and Clare has to decide whether turning her back on family is a selfish act…or the only way to keep from drowning along with them.
There is a pecking order to every family. Seventeen-year old Clare is the overprotected baby; Peter is the typical, rebellious middle child; and Luke is the oldest, the can’t-do-wrong favorite. To their mother, they are a normal, happy family.
To Clare, they are a family on the verge of disaster. Clare: the ambitious striver; Peter: the angry ticking time bomb; and Luke: a drug-addicted convicted felon who has been in and out of jail for as long as Clare can remember—and who has always been bailed out by their parents.
Clare loves Luke, but life as his sister hasn’t been easy. And when he comes home (again), she wants to believe this time will be different (again). Yet when the truths behind his arrests begin to surface, everything Clare knows is shaken to its core. And then Luke is arrested. Again.
Except this time is different, because Clare’s mom does the unthinkable on Luke’s behalf, and Clare has to decide whether turning her back on family is a selfish act…or the only way to keep from drowning along with them.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2014
62 people are currently reading
6,701 people want to read
About the author
Anna Shinoda
1Ìýbook380ÌýfollowersAnna Shinoda was raised in a mountain town so small it lacked a stoplight. She used to escape into the high branches of trees to read and dream stories, out of reach from her own family skeleton. Eventually, she climbed down with her debut novel, Learning Not to Drown.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
September 19, 2021
This one hits a little close to home as addiction in my family has impacted my life in immeasurable ways.
That being said, I think I need little time to think this one through before posting a full review.
The one thing I will say now is this... I'm so damn happy I have the mom I have. I really wanted to slap the shit out of Clare's mom pretty much the entire book. What a douche canoe.
That being said, I think I need little time to think this one through before posting a full review.
The one thing I will say now is this... I'm so damn happy I have the mom I have. I really wanted to slap the shit out of Clare's mom pretty much the entire book. What a douche canoe.
October 5, 2013
Learning Not To Drown is a bit of a see-saw book for me, we had ups and downs but my overall impression is a very favourable one.
Clare is hard-working, intelligent, diligent girl and is lucky enough to have a great bunch of friends. However, her life and her family’s life and reputation are stained by her jailbird brother. He darts in and out of their life in the same way he flits in and out of prison.
This book is a very emotional read, far more than I was expecting. Clare has to make hard decisions about her relationship with her brother whom she adores despite his many flaws. I loved the way the family dynamics were portrayed even if I found their parents unlikeable and very hard to comprehend. At the end of the day, blood is thicker than water and early childhood memories and shared experiences can blind you to a person’s true colours. This book does an excellent job of making you think what you would do and my heart was broken for Clare.
Early in the book, we are introduced to character called skeleton. I was woah! Hold up there! Skeleton, who, what–the-hell? I was confused, I didn’t know if it was a skeleton to indicate there had been a murder or if it was just imagery for a family skeleton in the closet. I was confused and a bit annoyed this character. But I have to admit the bony-man grew on me and we had become amicable friends by the end of the book. Like someone I was forced to spend company with and ended up half liking! Only half though!
I have my issues with Clare’s parents too. I couldn't understand them and they bothered me. This issue resolved itself a bit during the book as one of Clare’s friends talked about why she thought Clare’s parents behaved as they did. It helped me to understand their actions a little even if I still didn't like them.
I finished this book at night and the next day as I was driving to work, I was worrying about the characters. Would Clare be able to live with her decisions, what would her brother would do? I was imagining their life in 10 years, 20 years, 30 years time! I had to remind myself they would be ok, they were only in a book not real! Always a great sign of an author's ability to create realistic characters.
Summary : A great book about family relationships that will make you think. Highly recommended if you like character driven books.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Simon and Schuster for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Clare is hard-working, intelligent, diligent girl and is lucky enough to have a great bunch of friends. However, her life and her family’s life and reputation are stained by her jailbird brother. He darts in and out of their life in the same way he flits in and out of prison.
This book is a very emotional read, far more than I was expecting. Clare has to make hard decisions about her relationship with her brother whom she adores despite his many flaws. I loved the way the family dynamics were portrayed even if I found their parents unlikeable and very hard to comprehend. At the end of the day, blood is thicker than water and early childhood memories and shared experiences can blind you to a person’s true colours. This book does an excellent job of making you think what you would do and my heart was broken for Clare.
Early in the book, we are introduced to character called skeleton. I was woah! Hold up there! Skeleton, who, what–the-hell? I was confused, I didn’t know if it was a skeleton to indicate there had been a murder or if it was just imagery for a family skeleton in the closet. I was confused and a bit annoyed this character. But I have to admit the bony-man grew on me and we had become amicable friends by the end of the book. Like someone I was forced to spend company with and ended up half liking! Only half though!
I have my issues with Clare’s parents too. I couldn't understand them and they bothered me. This issue resolved itself a bit during the book as one of Clare’s friends talked about why she thought Clare’s parents behaved as they did. It helped me to understand their actions a little even if I still didn't like them.
I finished this book at night and the next day as I was driving to work, I was worrying about the characters. Would Clare be able to live with her decisions, what would her brother would do? I was imagining their life in 10 years, 20 years, 30 years time! I had to remind myself they would be ok, they were only in a book not real! Always a great sign of an author's ability to create realistic characters.
Summary : A great book about family relationships that will make you think. Highly recommended if you like character driven books.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Simon and Schuster for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
April 25, 2014
We often hear the term career criminals. We don't really have much compassion for them and just want to lock them up and throw away the key. Some do some pretty horrendous crimes.
What we don't do is stop to think about the family they leave behind.
That is exactly what this book is about. Luke is a what they consider a career criminal. He has been in and out of jail since he was a teenager. His parents have always been on his side 100%, no matter what. Luke has a younger brother and sister that are often emotionally put aside for Luke's needs by their parents.
The main character in this book is Claire. She grows up with her oldest brother in and out of jail. She was not told until she was 17 what crimes Luke the brother she looks up to, actually committed.
This book touches on emotions, feelings and situations we don't really think about when we think of criminals. I felt myself feeling sorry for the family not for Luke. Luke choose to do these things, his family did not.
This is the debut novel by this author. I loved it and hope she writes more. I read this book in 2 days. I just couldn't put it down. I give it a 5 out of 5.
What we don't do is stop to think about the family they leave behind.
That is exactly what this book is about. Luke is a what they consider a career criminal. He has been in and out of jail since he was a teenager. His parents have always been on his side 100%, no matter what. Luke has a younger brother and sister that are often emotionally put aside for Luke's needs by their parents.
The main character in this book is Claire. She grows up with her oldest brother in and out of jail. She was not told until she was 17 what crimes Luke the brother she looks up to, actually committed.
This book touches on emotions, feelings and situations we don't really think about when we think of criminals. I felt myself feeling sorry for the family not for Luke. Luke choose to do these things, his family did not.
This is the debut novel by this author. I loved it and hope she writes more. I read this book in 2 days. I just couldn't put it down. I give it a 5 out of 5.
October 6, 2021
1.5
Themes and topics introduced had the potential to create a powerful, fascinating story, but the delivery slowly and with increasing force pushed me away, and I began to meh-meh-meh read, not caring much for anyone. Themes such as idealization of another for our own needs, self-identity versus familial identity, and anti-social personality disorder drew my attention, but one: draggy, dull scenes; two, the choice to go all flippy floppy in time, back and forth from different points in the past to the progressing present; and three, a focus on irritating, stereotyped teenagers and their upper-middle class problems saw me zoning out.
There were a few moments that breathed from the pages, but for the most part, snoozerama. The narrative style, choice of scenes, and delivery didn't work for me, causing Luke, Peter, Claire and their parents to seem emotionally disconnected from one another and from me. Which is incredibly disappointing because I wanted a solid, grab-me-by-the-throat-and-squeeze sibling themed book and I thought this would be it.
I'll keep looking.
(Outstandingly beautiful, poetic and haunting cover, though. I'd five star that!)
Themes and topics introduced had the potential to create a powerful, fascinating story, but the delivery slowly and with increasing force pushed me away, and I began to meh-meh-meh read, not caring much for anyone. Themes such as idealization of another for our own needs, self-identity versus familial identity, and anti-social personality disorder drew my attention, but one: draggy, dull scenes; two, the choice to go all flippy floppy in time, back and forth from different points in the past to the progressing present; and three, a focus on irritating, stereotyped teenagers and their upper-middle class problems saw me zoning out.
There were a few moments that breathed from the pages, but for the most part, snoozerama. The narrative style, choice of scenes, and delivery didn't work for me, causing Luke, Peter, Claire and their parents to seem emotionally disconnected from one another and from me. Which is incredibly disappointing because I wanted a solid, grab-me-by-the-throat-and-squeeze sibling themed book and I thought this would be it.
I'll keep looking.
(Outstandingly beautiful, poetic and haunting cover, though. I'd five star that!)
December 27, 2014
No Spoilers!
4.5 stars
Man, this book is an emotional roller coaster.
This is the story of Clare Tovin. A smart, kind, and pretty girl. She has great friends, a great job as a life guard, and can get into pretty much any college she wants. She's good.
Her home life however, is not good.
She has two older brothers; Peter, the punk, and Luke, the lovable punk. Luke however has a hard time staying out of jail. Clare slowly discovers that her loving brother, may be not be the misunderstood guy she's always believed he was. Maybe he should be in jail.
Despite his past, Luke remains the favourite child, and nothing Clare does seems to earn her parents love.
With skeletons that refuse to stay in the closet and let her pretend everything is okay, Clare needs to make a decision; what's more important, her family or her future?
Skeleton.
"Everyone's got a skeleton or two in their closet...but Clare's has just been let out of prison."
Okay, so Clare's skeleton refuses to stay in the closet. He follows her around and refuses to stay out of her life. She just wants to be normal, and for the stares to stop.
The way Skeleton is portrayed in this book is just perfect. Honestly, it is done so well.
"I started thinking of my friends and their families. We never talked about it, but I assumed that all brothers fought like mine and everyone knew someone in jail. I said this over and over until I really believed it, even when Skeleton dropped his shovel and laughed at me."
As you can see, Clare's skeleton in not in her closet, and he is portrayed as a sort of imaginary friend. I loved this. It may not be for everyone, but it was certainly for me.
The Writing.
The book jumps from the past to present every other chapter, beginning when Clare is as little as two. This technique is very well done. Through these flashbacks you can see how her relationships with her family, her town, and especially her brother, developed. These extra views into her world make her current struggles even more understandable and painful to experience.
The Characters(just the ones that stood out to me).
Clare - Her journey from staying hidden and pretending, to acceptance was very rewarding to read.
Peter - OH my goodness. I think Peter's character development was my favourite out of all the characters. Clare mentions how he can be unpredictable at the beginning of the book, and the rest of the books builds off of this very skilfully.
Omar - He is just a darling.
The Mother - She is a piece of work. Skeletons or not, I wanted to wring her neck.
Chris - Though he was such a minor character, he might be my favourite. He got very few lines, but each one build onto his character so well. For such a small character, he was very complex and intriguing. Especially for just being a little kid.
Skeleton - Loved him. LOVED HIM!
Luke - I loved how the reader got to learn about him along with Clare. He wasn't really complex...he's passionate, loving, and smart, but f*cking stupid when it counts.
As a whole, the character development was well done. I also loved how the characters weren't over described. Your imagination could take control.
Romance.
There is some...I don't want to say romance...some prospect of romance. It is, by no means, a central theme of this book. However, Clare is a teenage girl, so it is only realistic that there be at least a smidgen of a little somthin' somethin'.
Speaking of realistic....that is how this whole story comes across. Sure, it has it's magical qualities, but on the whole this is very believable. The characters are all flawed. There is no sudden epiphany, it's a slow build. The climatic scene...is not so out there, it seems plausible. Still, I actually gulped during that scene. It was still scary and edgy.
I think that it is the realism of this story that gives it that extra bit of spook.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to just about everyone. Even if you're a 35 year old stay at home dad, or a 50 year old math teacher. This is a piece of work that carries a unique story and message that aren't always portrayed. Anyone can learn something new from reading this wonderful debut novel.
4.5 stars
Man, this book is an emotional roller coaster.
This is the story of Clare Tovin. A smart, kind, and pretty girl. She has great friends, a great job as a life guard, and can get into pretty much any college she wants. She's good.
Her home life however, is not good.
She has two older brothers; Peter, the punk, and Luke, the lovable punk. Luke however has a hard time staying out of jail. Clare slowly discovers that her loving brother, may be not be the misunderstood guy she's always believed he was. Maybe he should be in jail.
Despite his past, Luke remains the favourite child, and nothing Clare does seems to earn her parents love.
With skeletons that refuse to stay in the closet and let her pretend everything is okay, Clare needs to make a decision; what's more important, her family or her future?
Skeleton.
"Everyone's got a skeleton or two in their closet...but Clare's has just been let out of prison."
Okay, so Clare's skeleton refuses to stay in the closet. He follows her around and refuses to stay out of her life. She just wants to be normal, and for the stares to stop.
The way Skeleton is portrayed in this book is just perfect. Honestly, it is done so well.
"I started thinking of my friends and their families. We never talked about it, but I assumed that all brothers fought like mine and everyone knew someone in jail. I said this over and over until I really believed it, even when Skeleton dropped his shovel and laughed at me."
As you can see, Clare's skeleton in not in her closet, and he is portrayed as a sort of imaginary friend. I loved this. It may not be for everyone, but it was certainly for me.
The Writing.
The book jumps from the past to present every other chapter, beginning when Clare is as little as two. This technique is very well done. Through these flashbacks you can see how her relationships with her family, her town, and especially her brother, developed. These extra views into her world make her current struggles even more understandable and painful to experience.
The Characters(just the ones that stood out to me).
Clare - Her journey from staying hidden and pretending, to acceptance was very rewarding to read.
Peter - OH my goodness. I think Peter's character development was my favourite out of all the characters. Clare mentions how he can be unpredictable at the beginning of the book, and the rest of the books builds off of this very skilfully.
Omar - He is just a darling.
The Mother - She is a piece of work. Skeletons or not, I wanted to wring her neck.
Chris - Though he was such a minor character, he might be my favourite. He got very few lines, but each one build onto his character so well. For such a small character, he was very complex and intriguing. Especially for just being a little kid.
Skeleton - Loved him. LOVED HIM!
Luke - I loved how the reader got to learn about him along with Clare. He wasn't really complex...he's passionate, loving, and smart, but f*cking stupid when it counts.
As a whole, the character development was well done. I also loved how the characters weren't over described. Your imagination could take control.
Romance.
There is some...I don't want to say romance...some prospect of romance. It is, by no means, a central theme of this book. However, Clare is a teenage girl, so it is only realistic that there be at least a smidgen of a little somthin' somethin'.
Speaking of realistic....that is how this whole story comes across. Sure, it has it's magical qualities, but on the whole this is very believable. The characters are all flawed. There is no sudden epiphany, it's a slow build. The climatic scene...is not so out there, it seems plausible. Still, I actually gulped during that scene. It was still scary and edgy.
I think that it is the realism of this story that gives it that extra bit of spook.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to just about everyone. Even if you're a 35 year old stay at home dad, or a 50 year old math teacher. This is a piece of work that carries a unique story and message that aren't always portrayed. Anyone can learn something new from reading this wonderful debut novel.
May 3, 2014
What a very pleasant surprise this book was! Well, not pleasant because of the story it told, because that was anything but. But pleasant because I became very engrossed with it and "enjoyed" the reading of this one so, so much.
This book hits on serious points. It's no happy-go-lucky story all around, it's a very real, very blunt and merciless story of the upkeeping of appearances at all costs, the delusional world people pretend to live and and of those who fail to keep track of all of this.
The main character is the youngest sibling (a teenage girl) of the family, inviting us to her family, showing us her two brothers - the middle one being some kind of bully, the older one the worshipped hero; and her parents, who at times reminded me at these three apes who neither see, hear or say anything. But things aren't really the way they seem.
I liked the pace, the emotions all hitting me and the style of this one. The story is told in a dual way: Clare, the main character and narrator, is 17 in the here and now in the book; however, the journey she takes us on is told via flashbacks from her childhood and youth. This way, both us as readers and Clare as stepping out of denial peel away layer of layer of lie and distraction to slowly discover the truth this family tries so hard to hide away. Which ain't pretty at all.
Also, the thing here was - as much as some people and their behaviour angered, if not enraged me, there was always a tiny, tiny spark of understanding left, because all of this is so, uh, merciless, brutal in a way, I couldn't help but feel some compassion for peoples' thoughts and actions. And compassion is actually a huge theme in here, so I guess this kind of fits.
Hard-edged plot meets readbility, I went through this within a few hours, and what an emotional ride it was.
This book hits on serious points. It's no happy-go-lucky story all around, it's a very real, very blunt and merciless story of the upkeeping of appearances at all costs, the delusional world people pretend to live and and of those who fail to keep track of all of this.
The main character is the youngest sibling (a teenage girl) of the family, inviting us to her family, showing us her two brothers - the middle one being some kind of bully, the older one the worshipped hero; and her parents, who at times reminded me at these three apes who neither see, hear or say anything. But things aren't really the way they seem.
I liked the pace, the emotions all hitting me and the style of this one. The story is told in a dual way: Clare, the main character and narrator, is 17 in the here and now in the book; however, the journey she takes us on is told via flashbacks from her childhood and youth. This way, both us as readers and Clare as stepping out of denial peel away layer of layer of lie and distraction to slowly discover the truth this family tries so hard to hide away. Which ain't pretty at all.
Also, the thing here was - as much as some people and their behaviour angered, if not enraged me, there was always a tiny, tiny spark of understanding left, because all of this is so, uh, merciless, brutal in a way, I couldn't help but feel some compassion for peoples' thoughts and actions. And compassion is actually a huge theme in here, so I guess this kind of fits.
Hard-edged plot meets readbility, I went through this within a few hours, and what an emotional ride it was.
April 8, 2018
I wish I could write a really eloquent review, but I can't cause this read was pretty emotional for me, but I will say this: Anna manages to keep the tension up throughout. To be honest I feel Clare on so many levels, I identify with her more than I would like to admit. Great job on making the reader feel with the protagonist. And a super important message: we are only responsible for our actions not of that of others which automatically means we can only change ourselves not others.
June 27, 2014
This book deserves all the stars I can give...
I'm speechless.
The main character's journey was SO heartbreaking.
Clare had to face many difficult decisions and she handled all of them pretty well. I'm so proud of her character growth.
I can't stop thinking about this book and I don't think I will be able to in the near future.
I'm speechless.
The main character's journey was SO heartbreaking.
Clare had to face many difficult decisions and she handled all of them pretty well. I'm so proud of her character growth.
I can't stop thinking about this book and I don't think I will be able to in the near future.
September 25, 2016
This is a sad story about a family dealing with the actions of their eldest son; namely the relationship between the son and the youngest daughter. This explores the depths of unconditional love, the actions we overlook and the flow on effect of an individual’s actions. You can’t help but be drawn into this family and every struggle will pull at your heartstrings.
April 3, 2025
This fundamentally reshaped my understanding of dysfunctional and wrecking ball relationships and the influence addiction has not only on the addicted member but to everyone around them.
Edit: I think abt this book too much to be a 4 star LOL
Edit: I think abt this book too much to be a 4 star LOL
April 21, 2022
Let me just say that this book would make such a GOOD movie! Overall, this book is about a girl named Clare who lives or lived in a house with her two brothers and parents. But one of her brothers, Luke, is not the great guy they made him out to be. Luke has spent most of his life in jail, until one day the family gets a call that he will be released and sent home. Little did Clare know, the release of Luke would change everything. I honestly don't know how to summarize a book like this without spoilers, so you have been warned for spoilers right now! It honestly breaks my heart how Peter had to keep the secret of Luke's crime against that girl a secret for so long. I mean it's just like Clare said how they had welcomed Luke home while Peter was terrified of him. I honestly think my favorite part was when Clare's mother stole Clare's money for graduation. I know that sounds bad but hear me out. This is when Clare really stood up for herself. She stopped feeling like she had to do what her mother said just because she loved Luke. Clare realized that Luke doesn't deserve her money just to be bailed out. Tis was such an important part in my opinion. Another important part was the end when skeleton doesn't follow Clare when she walks with her friends to the bonfire. It shows that she's letting go of Luke and actually living her life. I know it's good that skeleton doesn't follow her but I have to admit skeleton was quite the character. All in All, I highly recommend this book, but be warned of the sensitive topics mentioned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2022
I thought it was a good book, it touched on some sensitive subjects like drugs, addiction, things like that. Clare Tovin's LEARNING NOT TO DROWN tells the story of Clare and her dysfunctional family. Clare's brother Luke has been in and out of jail for most of her life. Clare has been lied to by her family, because they said Luke was in the wrong place at the wrong time, when in fact he was doing horrible things. Clare does not get along with her mother, because she believes she loves Luke more than her. Along the way, we meet Skeleton, the specter Clare sees whenever her family's troubles interfere with her life and happiness. Luke is put in jail for sexual assault, and Clare learns the truth about her brother. She stops writing to him, and her parents are very upset about that. Clare's mother steal almost 10 grand from Clare to bail Luke out of jail, but Clare steals it back and hides it at her best friends house. I hate the mother a lot. This book overall is really good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2020
2.5?
Content warning for descriptions on sexual assault , substance abuse and dead animals.
I didn’t really like the writing style, and honestly not much happens.. the father in this book collects dead animals for job and there is quiet a few descriptions of this that made me quiet uncomfortable.
Content warning for descriptions on sexual assault , substance abuse and dead animals.
I didn’t really like the writing style, and honestly not much happens.. the father in this book collects dead animals for job and there is quiet a few descriptions of this that made me quiet uncomfortable.
January 24, 2016
Klappentext
Clare liebt ihren Bruder Luke über alles � er ist ihr strahlender Held, mit dem sie Abenteuer erlebt, der ihr das Schwimmen beibringt und der sie beschützt. Seit ihrer Kindheit sitzt Luke jedoch immer wieder im Gefängnis. Als er nun nach vier Jahren frühzeitig entlassen wird, hofft sie, dass er sich dieses Mal geändert hat. Aber bald darauf wird Luke erneut verhaftet. Während Clares Eltern versuchen, den schönen Schein zu wahren, und Luke immer wieder mit offenen Armen empfangen, beginnt Clare, an seiner Unschuld zu zweifeln. War er nur zur falschen Zeit am falschen Ort? Als Clare schließlich selbst in Lukes Machenschaften hineingezogen wird, will sie wissen, wer ihr Bruder wirklich ist. Sie geht der Vergangenheit auf den Grund. Doch was sie dort findet, übertrifft ihre schlimmsten Befürchtungen.
Meine Meinung
Das Cover wäre eigentlich nicht meine erste Wahl und auch der Klappentext spricht Themen an, denen ich mich ungern widme, da ich beim Lesen entspannen und Spaß haben will. Aber manchmal bin ich in der Stimmung für genau so eine Geschichte und es gibt vom ersten Moment an eine unerklärliche Faszination, noch bevor ich das Buch gelesen habe.
Clare ist 17 und sie erzählt dem Leser ihre Geschichte. Dabei wechselt sie von der Gegenwart in die Vergangenheitsform, je nachdem, ob sie das aktuelle Geschehen beschreibt oder Szenen aus der Vergangenheit reflektiert. Ich hab jetzt bewusst das Wort "reflektiert" genommen, denn ihre Erinnerungen an die Kindheit sind nicht immer das, was sie scheinen. Sie hat viel verdrängt von einer Wahrheit, die sie nicht sehen, nicht verkraften konnte - und durch ihre Eltern hatte sie auch nie die Chance, es zu verarbeiten.
~ Clare ist ein junges, sympathisches Mädchen, das erwachsen werden will und endlich aus dem "Gefängnis" ausbrechen, mit dem ihre Familie sie umgibt. Hoffnungen und Enttäuschungen haben ihre Kindheit begleitet, denn ihre großen Brüder haben Widersprüche in ihr ausgelöst, die nicht so leicht wegzustecken sind. Sie versucht alles, um diese Fassade ihrer "kleinen heilen Welt" aufrecht zu erhalten und ist doch von Anfang an zum Scheitern verurteilt.
~ Peter ist vier Jahre älter und sein Verhalten ihr gegenüber wechselt von dem typischen Geschwisterstreitigkeiten bis hin zu richtigen Gemeinheiten. Es scheint nur wenige Momente zu geben, die ihr positiv in Erinnerung geblieben sind.
~ Luke hingegen ist schon 12 Jahre älter als sie und das Sorgenkind der Familie. Erlebt hat Clare ihn immer als ihren Retter, ihren Fels in der Brandung, den Spaßmacher, der sich um sie kümmert und sie zum Lachen bringt. Warum Luke allerdings immer wieder ins Gefängnis wandert, wird nur angedeutet und man erlebt zusammen mit Clare, wie sehr das ganze sie selbst und natürlich auch die Familie belastet.
Allerdings ist es nicht so sehr der Umstand, dass Luke auf die schiefe Bahn geraten ist; die Eltern sind hier so dermaßen fixiert darauf, den Schein zu wahren und alles totzuschweigen, dass weder Clare noch Peter eine Möglichkeit haben, sich mit der Situation zurecht zu finden.
Die Mutter kann mit ihrer Enttäuschung von Luke und ihren Zweifeln an sich selbst nicht umgehen - sie lässt alles an ihrer Tochter aus und gestattet ihr kaum Freiraum. Ihr Leitsatz "Müßiggang ist aller Laster Anfang" begleitet das Mädchen schon ihr ganzes Leben lang und am liebsten hätte ich sie oft gepackt und geschüttelt und ihr die Meinung gesagt, wie unfair und schrecklich sie mir ihren Kindern umgeht.
Der Vater ist ihnen auch keine wirkliche Hilfe, denn er verschließt vor allem die Augen und lässt Luke zu dem werden, der die Familie zerbrechen lässt: die Mitte von allem.
Es ist eine ruhige Geschichte, die scheinbar nur vor sich hinplätschert und die großen Gefühle eher unscheinbar und subtil an einem vorüberziehen lässt. Dafür ist die Wirkung um so eindrucksvoller, wenn man die Nachwirkungen spürt und während dem Lesen war ich oft hin- und hergerissen zwischen Wut, Mitgefühl, Respekt, Fassungslosigkeit und dem Erschrecken, zu welchen Handlungen die Menschen durch ihre Gefühle getrieben werden können.
Es ist kein Thema, über das viel gesprochen wird - denn was passiert wirklich innerhalb einer Familie, in der ein Kind "ausbricht" und straffällig wird. Die Autorin hat mit viel Sensibilität und Einfühlungsvermögen gezeigt, welche ehrlichen und verworrenen Gefühle hier mitspielen. Scham, Liebe, die Verzweiflung im Glauben, das alles wieder gut wird und wie gefangen jeder in diesem Kreislauf ist, aus dem es kaum ein Entkommen gibt.
Fazit
Die Probleme einer Familie mit einem straffälligen Jugendlichen werden hier in einer sehr berührenden und behutsamen Weise erzählt, die die gravierende Wirkung dadurch umso deutlicher hervorhebt und betroffen macht. Die Geschichte ist mir sehr zu Herzen gegangen.
© Aleshanee
Clare liebt ihren Bruder Luke über alles � er ist ihr strahlender Held, mit dem sie Abenteuer erlebt, der ihr das Schwimmen beibringt und der sie beschützt. Seit ihrer Kindheit sitzt Luke jedoch immer wieder im Gefängnis. Als er nun nach vier Jahren frühzeitig entlassen wird, hofft sie, dass er sich dieses Mal geändert hat. Aber bald darauf wird Luke erneut verhaftet. Während Clares Eltern versuchen, den schönen Schein zu wahren, und Luke immer wieder mit offenen Armen empfangen, beginnt Clare, an seiner Unschuld zu zweifeln. War er nur zur falschen Zeit am falschen Ort? Als Clare schließlich selbst in Lukes Machenschaften hineingezogen wird, will sie wissen, wer ihr Bruder wirklich ist. Sie geht der Vergangenheit auf den Grund. Doch was sie dort findet, übertrifft ihre schlimmsten Befürchtungen.
Meine Meinung
Das Cover wäre eigentlich nicht meine erste Wahl und auch der Klappentext spricht Themen an, denen ich mich ungern widme, da ich beim Lesen entspannen und Spaß haben will. Aber manchmal bin ich in der Stimmung für genau so eine Geschichte und es gibt vom ersten Moment an eine unerklärliche Faszination, noch bevor ich das Buch gelesen habe.
Clare ist 17 und sie erzählt dem Leser ihre Geschichte. Dabei wechselt sie von der Gegenwart in die Vergangenheitsform, je nachdem, ob sie das aktuelle Geschehen beschreibt oder Szenen aus der Vergangenheit reflektiert. Ich hab jetzt bewusst das Wort "reflektiert" genommen, denn ihre Erinnerungen an die Kindheit sind nicht immer das, was sie scheinen. Sie hat viel verdrängt von einer Wahrheit, die sie nicht sehen, nicht verkraften konnte - und durch ihre Eltern hatte sie auch nie die Chance, es zu verarbeiten.
~ Clare ist ein junges, sympathisches Mädchen, das erwachsen werden will und endlich aus dem "Gefängnis" ausbrechen, mit dem ihre Familie sie umgibt. Hoffnungen und Enttäuschungen haben ihre Kindheit begleitet, denn ihre großen Brüder haben Widersprüche in ihr ausgelöst, die nicht so leicht wegzustecken sind. Sie versucht alles, um diese Fassade ihrer "kleinen heilen Welt" aufrecht zu erhalten und ist doch von Anfang an zum Scheitern verurteilt.
~ Peter ist vier Jahre älter und sein Verhalten ihr gegenüber wechselt von dem typischen Geschwisterstreitigkeiten bis hin zu richtigen Gemeinheiten. Es scheint nur wenige Momente zu geben, die ihr positiv in Erinnerung geblieben sind.
~ Luke hingegen ist schon 12 Jahre älter als sie und das Sorgenkind der Familie. Erlebt hat Clare ihn immer als ihren Retter, ihren Fels in der Brandung, den Spaßmacher, der sich um sie kümmert und sie zum Lachen bringt. Warum Luke allerdings immer wieder ins Gefängnis wandert, wird nur angedeutet und man erlebt zusammen mit Clare, wie sehr das ganze sie selbst und natürlich auch die Familie belastet.
Allerdings ist es nicht so sehr der Umstand, dass Luke auf die schiefe Bahn geraten ist; die Eltern sind hier so dermaßen fixiert darauf, den Schein zu wahren und alles totzuschweigen, dass weder Clare noch Peter eine Möglichkeit haben, sich mit der Situation zurecht zu finden.
Die Mutter kann mit ihrer Enttäuschung von Luke und ihren Zweifeln an sich selbst nicht umgehen - sie lässt alles an ihrer Tochter aus und gestattet ihr kaum Freiraum. Ihr Leitsatz "Müßiggang ist aller Laster Anfang" begleitet das Mädchen schon ihr ganzes Leben lang und am liebsten hätte ich sie oft gepackt und geschüttelt und ihr die Meinung gesagt, wie unfair und schrecklich sie mir ihren Kindern umgeht.
Der Vater ist ihnen auch keine wirkliche Hilfe, denn er verschließt vor allem die Augen und lässt Luke zu dem werden, der die Familie zerbrechen lässt: die Mitte von allem.
Es ist eine ruhige Geschichte, die scheinbar nur vor sich hinplätschert und die großen Gefühle eher unscheinbar und subtil an einem vorüberziehen lässt. Dafür ist die Wirkung um so eindrucksvoller, wenn man die Nachwirkungen spürt und während dem Lesen war ich oft hin- und hergerissen zwischen Wut, Mitgefühl, Respekt, Fassungslosigkeit und dem Erschrecken, zu welchen Handlungen die Menschen durch ihre Gefühle getrieben werden können.
Es ist kein Thema, über das viel gesprochen wird - denn was passiert wirklich innerhalb einer Familie, in der ein Kind "ausbricht" und straffällig wird. Die Autorin hat mit viel Sensibilität und Einfühlungsvermögen gezeigt, welche ehrlichen und verworrenen Gefühle hier mitspielen. Scham, Liebe, die Verzweiflung im Glauben, das alles wieder gut wird und wie gefangen jeder in diesem Kreislauf ist, aus dem es kaum ein Entkommen gibt.
Fazit
Die Probleme einer Familie mit einem straffälligen Jugendlichen werden hier in einer sehr berührenden und behutsamen Weise erzählt, die die gravierende Wirkung dadurch umso deutlicher hervorhebt und betroffen macht. Die Geschichte ist mir sehr zu Herzen gegangen.
© Aleshanee
May 23, 2022
This wasn't my favorite book, it was a little slow and the characters made me really mad, but overall the book was interesting to read. Luke, omg I used to like him in the beginning but I am glad he is in jail where he belongs, he is a horrible person, I cant believe the mother was so open to him.
The book is basically about a teenage girl named Claire who lives with her mom, dad and her brother Peter. She also lives with a Skeleton who always shows up in bad times or times to show her guidance. Her older brother Luck is in jail because he is a bad person, but Clair doesn't want him to be in jail. She keeps saying he was in the wrong place in the wrong time. When Luke gets to leave jail and be free, he comes to their house and tries to be friendly. Clair loves him home and wishes he can stay home forever. While Claire and her friends hang out over the summer, and she hangs out with her boyfriend Ryan, she starts to feel like life is normal. One of the weird things that happen that might not be so important now is when Claire takes Luke to the store so he can return some things. While he is gone, she finds a big folder of receipts. This is when Skeleton shows up. He comes and points to the folder and tells her to open it. Claire has no idea what he would do with a bunch of receipts, but she decides to not ask. When the end of summer comes around, they have to go to their grandma's house to work on some stuff and get away from friends. When they are there they go to a bar and Luke becomes friends with some weird drunk guys and when they leave for home, Luke stays back and decides to live with his new so called friends. When they get back into town, they are hit with police folk who tell us Luke has been convicted of another crime. They say that Claire drove him to the stores so he can return stolen things for money. This is another part where Skeleton comes in and stands in the background. Thats what the receipts were, they were fake. Luke is then accused of riding in a car with a women and then stealing her car, hurting the woman too. When Luke is in jail, Claire's mom steals all of her money so she can pay for Luke to get out. Honestly I really just wanted to punch the mom in the face, I mean, who would do that! When Luke stayed in jail, she realizes just how much she misses Luke, but is glad to be away from him. She still writes him letters with love, but now is more focused on school and nothing else. Skeleton, now we realize, is like a good luck charm when she is in a hard time.
The book is basically about a teenage girl named Claire who lives with her mom, dad and her brother Peter. She also lives with a Skeleton who always shows up in bad times or times to show her guidance. Her older brother Luck is in jail because he is a bad person, but Clair doesn't want him to be in jail. She keeps saying he was in the wrong place in the wrong time. When Luke gets to leave jail and be free, he comes to their house and tries to be friendly. Clair loves him home and wishes he can stay home forever. While Claire and her friends hang out over the summer, and she hangs out with her boyfriend Ryan, she starts to feel like life is normal. One of the weird things that happen that might not be so important now is when Claire takes Luke to the store so he can return some things. While he is gone, she finds a big folder of receipts. This is when Skeleton shows up. He comes and points to the folder and tells her to open it. Claire has no idea what he would do with a bunch of receipts, but she decides to not ask. When the end of summer comes around, they have to go to their grandma's house to work on some stuff and get away from friends. When they are there they go to a bar and Luke becomes friends with some weird drunk guys and when they leave for home, Luke stays back and decides to live with his new so called friends. When they get back into town, they are hit with police folk who tell us Luke has been convicted of another crime. They say that Claire drove him to the stores so he can return stolen things for money. This is another part where Skeleton comes in and stands in the background. Thats what the receipts were, they were fake. Luke is then accused of riding in a car with a women and then stealing her car, hurting the woman too. When Luke is in jail, Claire's mom steals all of her money so she can pay for Luke to get out. Honestly I really just wanted to punch the mom in the face, I mean, who would do that! When Luke stayed in jail, she realizes just how much she misses Luke, but is glad to be away from him. She still writes him letters with love, but now is more focused on school and nothing else. Skeleton, now we realize, is like a good luck charm when she is in a hard time.
June 8, 2014
This is a gritty, emotional raw, debut that doesn't hold back on the demons that plague families from behind closed doors. I've read a few gritty novels, and really enjoyed them. Going into this one, I was hoping for the same out come, but sadly realized this book wasn't one for me. However, I appreciate what the author was trying to do, and the fact that she didn't shy away from the troubles that some teens deal with, within their own families.
This book is not an easy read. It's a dark read that doesn't hold back. Clare's family has many problems, and I my heart broke for her as she tries to come to terms with all the lies. This was one of those reads that invoked a wide range of emotions for me. From anger and frustration towards Clare's family and the way they handled things and treated her, to cheering on Clare the entire time, and hoping that she would be able to stand up and hold her firm ground with her parents. At the same time, I respected the fact that Clare was a teenager, but the things that are tackled with Clare's family problems forced her to grow up very fast. While I was extremely mad at the way her mother handled everything, but the time I got to the end of the book, I realized that she too needed help, well the entire family does. That still does not excuse her for the horrible way she treats Clare. Don't even get me started on that, vs the way she treats her troubled, VERY trouble brother.
You can read my full review here
This book is not an easy read. It's a dark read that doesn't hold back. Clare's family has many problems, and I my heart broke for her as she tries to come to terms with all the lies. This was one of those reads that invoked a wide range of emotions for me. From anger and frustration towards Clare's family and the way they handled things and treated her, to cheering on Clare the entire time, and hoping that she would be able to stand up and hold her firm ground with her parents. At the same time, I respected the fact that Clare was a teenager, but the things that are tackled with Clare's family problems forced her to grow up very fast. While I was extremely mad at the way her mother handled everything, but the time I got to the end of the book, I realized that she too needed help, well the entire family does. That still does not excuse her for the horrible way she treats Clare. Don't even get me started on that, vs the way she treats her troubled, VERY trouble brother.
You can read my full review here
November 5, 2014
You never know what to expect from the debut novels, also I had a very high hopes for a very first book of Anna Shinoda.
When you're following someone's creative path and could see how much energy and love, time, thoughts and herself author put in her book it's hard to stay distant.
Nevertheless I don't feel like my reaction was prejudiced. The book is absolutely brilliant.
I always hope for some kind of magic when you're loosing the feeling of time and place and totally drown to the book. With "Learning not to drown" I got this magic.
You can feel every bit of confusion, hope, anger, despair and all other feelings which overfill the main characters. The plot is so well-though-out, all characters development make you believe that they are real people with such a real life.
"Learning not to drown" make you think, make you feel and will left you with a PBS (post book syndrome) the one you can get only with a good book.
When you're following someone's creative path and could see how much energy and love, time, thoughts and herself author put in her book it's hard to stay distant.
Nevertheless I don't feel like my reaction was prejudiced. The book is absolutely brilliant.
I always hope for some kind of magic when you're loosing the feeling of time and place and totally drown to the book. With "Learning not to drown" I got this magic.
You can feel every bit of confusion, hope, anger, despair and all other feelings which overfill the main characters. The plot is so well-though-out, all characters development make you believe that they are real people with such a real life.
"Learning not to drown" make you think, make you feel and will left you with a PBS (post book syndrome) the one you can get only with a good book.
June 20, 2018
I came across Anna Shinoda's Learning Not to Drown only because the author is the wife of Linkin Park legend Mike Shinoda. The story sounded intriguing to me, and I felt that it would make quite an easy holiday read, with a bit of substance thrown in. The novel certainly tackled some interesting and taboo topics, but I did find some flaws with regard to the unrealistic character development. The main characters in particular seemed lacking in emotional depth, or would flit from one emotion to another more quickly than was quite plausible. I will definitely read more of Shinoda's work in future, as there was a lot here that I liked. Learning Not to Drown kept me rather engaged whilst I was travelling between Estonia and Latvia, and it is a tome which I would recommend.
October 6, 2017
Speechless. This book is a true gem, probably the best read of 2017 so far!
November 20, 2017
I loved this book! An emotional subject, but I felt like it was healing in some ways too. Hope she writes so many more books!
August 13, 2024
This book got me through some of the hardest times in my life as a teen. Times I didn’t want to get through, times I wanted to drown.
May 3, 2022
I was not a fan of this book. Don´t get me wrong I´m sure some people would love this book. It is a great book it is well written but it was hard for me to read because I kept getting so angry at the things Luke did or was doing. The part that I hated the most was when I found out that Luke was in maximum security prison and why he was in there then when Peter was telling Claire about what he heard and saw Luke do that broke my heart that Peter had to see that and I almost threw the book. Parts like that were hard for me to read without losing my cool. It was a good book tho. I was so mad when Luke did that to Claire like he knew that what he was doing was wrong and he still got Claire involved. Then he shows up as if nothing happened and then stabs Peter with a fork. I really don´t blame Claire for being scared whenever Luke is around. I would be scared to. Claire did not deserve to be treated the way she was. I can´t believe her mother never called she was going to let Claire go to jail so she could have some time with Luke. I was so mad at the mother for doing that. Luke deserved to go straight to jail. I wish Claire would have called right away. I feel so bad for both Claire and Peter they went through so much. I care less about the parents because they didn´t do the right thing. The dad didn´t really do anything bad but the mom did. The mom is the one I´m really not a fan of. I was so happy when she got to go to college and finally realized she was scared of Luke. I was glad she kinda got her happy ending in a way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2019
This book was amazing. It was sad and emotionally frustrating, but sometimes those are the best books.
May 23, 2022
I enjoyed reading the book, however, there were some times when I got confused, most likely because it would show memories of the main character, Clare, and I wouldn't realize it soon enough. But either way, it is a good book. Clare's brother, Luke, has been in jail for as long as she can remember. She was always told he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's sucky, but that's what she's had to live with. The book discusses Clare going through some emotional things, like graduations, her friends, and her job. One day, Luke comes back and stirs up a lot of trouble. He literally comes back and tells Clare to return STOLEN ITEMS. That almost gets Clare arrested. Peter then makes Luke mad, and Clare's arm ends up broken, glass on everyone's feet, and Peter is stabbed in the arm with a fork. The book goes through this and ends with Clare going off to college. It ends at her graduation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2019
Learning Not to Drown was a very interesting and overall good book. Learning Not to Drown tells the story of a girl and her family living with a criminal brother. The book starts off from when the girl was a child and switches from her youth to her current age. There is much character development in the protagonist and many other characters. At first, the protagonist trusts and loves her older brother with all her might but by the end of the book, all of that trust and love is lost after her brother involves her in his crimes. Other characters such as her other brother change from a bully to an understanding person. The protagonist does make some questionable choices and at some moments in the book, I was not a big fan of her though. Overall, the book keeps you wanting to read more and is full of deception, romance, and more. I recommend it to YA readers into mystery and realistic fiction novels. It may not be everyone's cup of tea because of all the drugs, alcohol, and violence throughout the book. Overall, enjoyed reading Learning Not to Drown.
May 31, 2015
*Actual Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars*
*Received from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*
Learning Not to Drown is an excellent depiction of the struggle of dealing with family member and loved ones involved in in criminal activity, or with addiction issues. It's realistic but definitely mild enough to be considered young adult, and not too depressing either.
Let's get the bad stuff over with: I didn't exactly enjoy reading from Clare's perspective. She was extremely whiny, and spent half of her time complaining about how awful her life was instead of actually doing something about it. On the other hand, when she actually did step up and do something it did seem to go well. I do understand that dealing with what Clare did, especially in relation to Like as a character, would have resulted in a lot of internal struggle, but this just seemed like too much.
The book was a little slow in multiple points. I grew bored and tired of reading, and had to force myself to continue throughout the story. As far as the climax goes, it wasn't much of one. Still, the plot moved at an okay pace, with the exception of those few sections.
There was a lot of internal dialogue, but it actually worked well. We got to hear a lot of Clare's thoughts and feelings, and even though at times they could be slightly self-pitying, it helped us enter into her world more.
Many of the characters bothered me (though half of them were supposed to anyway), but I really enjoyed reading about Clare's friends. In fact, the entire book was centered around characters. It wasn't as much of a plot book, but the development--from first and secondary characters--was astounding. I found myself constantly worrying about them.
Let's talk about skeleton. From what I got, he was sort of imaginary, and Clare was the only one who could see him. He represented the family's "skeleton in the closet," the things they never talked about or revealed. I was confused by him, but ended up rather liking him in the end, even though I never fully understood his meaning.
Overall, this book had its ups and downs, but I would still recommend it.
*Received from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*
Learning Not to Drown is an excellent depiction of the struggle of dealing with family member and loved ones involved in in criminal activity, or with addiction issues. It's realistic but definitely mild enough to be considered young adult, and not too depressing either.
Let's get the bad stuff over with: I didn't exactly enjoy reading from Clare's perspective. She was extremely whiny, and spent half of her time complaining about how awful her life was instead of actually doing something about it. On the other hand, when she actually did step up and do something it did seem to go well. I do understand that dealing with what Clare did, especially in relation to Like as a character, would have resulted in a lot of internal struggle, but this just seemed like too much.
The book was a little slow in multiple points. I grew bored and tired of reading, and had to force myself to continue throughout the story. As far as the climax goes, it wasn't much of one. Still, the plot moved at an okay pace, with the exception of those few sections.
There was a lot of internal dialogue, but it actually worked well. We got to hear a lot of Clare's thoughts and feelings, and even though at times they could be slightly self-pitying, it helped us enter into her world more.
Many of the characters bothered me (though half of them were supposed to anyway), but I really enjoyed reading about Clare's friends. In fact, the entire book was centered around characters. It wasn't as much of a plot book, but the development--from first and secondary characters--was astounding. I found myself constantly worrying about them.
Let's talk about skeleton. From what I got, he was sort of imaginary, and Clare was the only one who could see him. He represented the family's "skeleton in the closet," the things they never talked about or revealed. I was confused by him, but ended up rather liking him in the end, even though I never fully understood his meaning.
Overall, this book had its ups and downs, but I would still recommend it.
August 11, 2016
This book intrigued me from the moment I looked at the cover. Refreshing and unique, Shinoda tells this story through the eyes of Clare in present tense. We are introduced to Clare's version of events in THEN and NOW time frames, the chapters alternating back and forth between the two. This swinging between time helps the reader piece together the murky parts of Clare's childhood into a clear picture of the present.
I was particularly impressed with Shinoda's creativity as the symbolism in this book is phenomenal and unlike anything I have seen in previous contemporaries. We are introduced to a character named Skeleton, a personification of Clare's traumatic past that she has hopelessly strived to block out. Skeleton brings to life Clare's subconscious and adds a poignant and evocative view to the story.
This book was such a powerful read that it completely entangled all of my emotions and there is so much more to the plot than one would guess. I didn't expect to feel as connected to Clare as I did. My emotions became her emotions and I was completely invested in her character from beginning to end.
The only word I could use to describe the development of this story is masterful. I found myself re-reading lines and paragraphs because they were written so beautifully. Shinoda is able to dive deep into the haunting places that many people are afraid to go. With such dark thematic elements, Shinoda adds a glimmer of light that stays with you long after the story is over. This book not only teaches you how to avoid drowning, it teaches you how to breathe.
Overall, I would highly recommend Learning Not to Drown. I cannot remember the last time I read a novel that affected me on such an intense level. I will definitely be waiting in anticipation to read Shinoda's next release.
I was particularly impressed with Shinoda's creativity as the symbolism in this book is phenomenal and unlike anything I have seen in previous contemporaries. We are introduced to a character named Skeleton, a personification of Clare's traumatic past that she has hopelessly strived to block out. Skeleton brings to life Clare's subconscious and adds a poignant and evocative view to the story.
This book was such a powerful read that it completely entangled all of my emotions and there is so much more to the plot than one would guess. I didn't expect to feel as connected to Clare as I did. My emotions became her emotions and I was completely invested in her character from beginning to end.
The only word I could use to describe the development of this story is masterful. I found myself re-reading lines and paragraphs because they were written so beautifully. Shinoda is able to dive deep into the haunting places that many people are afraid to go. With such dark thematic elements, Shinoda adds a glimmer of light that stays with you long after the story is over. This book not only teaches you how to avoid drowning, it teaches you how to breathe.
Overall, I would highly recommend Learning Not to Drown. I cannot remember the last time I read a novel that affected me on such an intense level. I will definitely be waiting in anticipation to read Shinoda's next release.
June 3, 2015
Clare has lived in the shadow of her older brother, Luke, her whole life. Since she was 7, Luke has been in and out of prison. Her mother has always told her the reason for his incarcerations is simply that Luke has been at the wrong place at the wrong time. So, of course, Clare believes that whatever is happening with Luke isn't his fault. How wrong she is. I loved the way first-time novelist, Anna Shinoda, told this story. She begins with a frightening, attention-grabbing chapter that describes (although we don't know it at the time) Clare's first experience (at age 11) of realizing that Luke might not be the innocent victim her mother has portrayed. We get more glimpses of this event throughout the book until we finally learn the whole story toward the end. Shinoda tells this story with lots of flashbacks - each chapter goes back and forth between NOW and THEN (which is noted by Clare's age). This really adds tension and suspense to the story. Shinoda also uses a very clever device to help add to Clare's changing perspectives - the use of her family's "skeleton" as a character. Skeleton shows up at times when Luke's reputation is likely to impact an interaction or situation. This felt very original to me and really added to the story. Learning to Drown had very similar themes to Sarah Dessen's new book, Saint Anything. I'm anxious to give Learning to Drown to a teen looking for a dark and suspenseful book and then hand that teen Saint Anything immediately after. Final thoughts: readers will scream at the injustices Clare's mother inflicts upon her (I said, "Ohmygod" outloud about 50 times while I was reading what becomes the final straw for Clare) and I can't wait to read Anna Shinoda's next book, whatever it may be!
August 5, 2024
I didn’t have a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ account when I first read this, but I want to point out that this was one of the books that got me into reading again.
I read this book back in 2018, right after graduating high school. I had just recently endured some trauma in my personal home life, and wasn’t sure how to process it. As if it wasn’t the most perfect timing, I learned that Anna Shinoda had written a book (pretty sure I had one of her Instagram posts suggested to me since I followed her husband’s band), and I wanted to see how it was.
Clare, the main character, was the same age as I was when I first read the book. She was uncovering her family’s history just as I was uncovering my own. Her story had lots of twists and turns; many of which felt completely unexpected. The skeletons in her family’s closet were holding her back from being the person she wanted to be, leaving her at a crossroads - does she continue as life had always been, or attempt to move on? Clare’s story taught me that you cannot let the skeletons define you, and that it isn’t selfish to do what���s best for your mental health.
Because of Anna Shinoda and her wonderful book, I was able to begin my freshman year of college with the healthiest perspective possible. I will always continue to rave about this book.
That being said, I gotta pull this back out and read it again soon ;)
I read this book back in 2018, right after graduating high school. I had just recently endured some trauma in my personal home life, and wasn’t sure how to process it. As if it wasn’t the most perfect timing, I learned that Anna Shinoda had written a book (pretty sure I had one of her Instagram posts suggested to me since I followed her husband’s band), and I wanted to see how it was.
Clare, the main character, was the same age as I was when I first read the book. She was uncovering her family’s history just as I was uncovering my own. Her story had lots of twists and turns; many of which felt completely unexpected. The skeletons in her family’s closet were holding her back from being the person she wanted to be, leaving her at a crossroads - does she continue as life had always been, or attempt to move on? Clare’s story taught me that you cannot let the skeletons define you, and that it isn’t selfish to do what���s best for your mental health.
Because of Anna Shinoda and her wonderful book, I was able to begin my freshman year of college with the healthiest perspective possible. I will always continue to rave about this book.
That being said, I gotta pull this back out and read it again soon ;)
May 6, 2014
This is one of those books where I can appreciate what the author was trying to do, but I’m not sure I was the right audience for it.
LEARNING TO BREATHE is a dark, disturbing tale from Anna Shinoda about one girl’s struggle to realize that her family isn’t what she thinks. That everything she knows is a lie and yes, they are teetering on the edge of full blown disaster. It’s that book you know can’t go anywhere but downhill and there won’t be a happy ending.
But still, I entered into this book hopeful that I could connect with it.
The book is told from Clare’s point of view, and while I liked her as a narrator (she’s vulnerable and open and innocent), I wasn’t a fan of Skeleton. Shinoda brings figurative skeletons into real life by having Clare talk to Skeleton like he is a real thing. And maybe because I don’t have my own Skeleton (do I have some dark moments that still haunt me? Sure. ), I couldn’t get it.
In a lot of ways it felt like this book was more cathartic for the writer than anything else. I could see Shinoda fighting hard to work out her own issues with Skeleton and I applaud her for it. I just feel like it was walking a line between self-help and fiction, and that didn’t work for me.
LEARNING TO BREATHE is a dark, disturbing tale from Anna Shinoda about one girl’s struggle to realize that her family isn’t what she thinks. That everything she knows is a lie and yes, they are teetering on the edge of full blown disaster. It’s that book you know can’t go anywhere but downhill and there won’t be a happy ending.
But still, I entered into this book hopeful that I could connect with it.
The book is told from Clare’s point of view, and while I liked her as a narrator (she’s vulnerable and open and innocent), I wasn’t a fan of Skeleton. Shinoda brings figurative skeletons into real life by having Clare talk to Skeleton like he is a real thing. And maybe because I don’t have my own Skeleton (do I have some dark moments that still haunt me? Sure. ), I couldn’t get it.
In a lot of ways it felt like this book was more cathartic for the writer than anything else. I could see Shinoda fighting hard to work out her own issues with Skeleton and I applaud her for it. I just feel like it was walking a line between self-help and fiction, and that didn’t work for me.
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