Drawing Breath
by Laurie Boris
Genre: Contemporary fiction, coming-of-age story
49,000 words
Students often fall in love with their teachers. Despite warnings from her mother, that’s exactly what 16-year-old Caitlin Kelly does. But Daniel Benedetto isn’t just any art teacher. Not only is he more than twice Caitlin’s age, he rents the Kellys’ upstairs apartment and suffers from cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening disease. Caitlin watches in torment as other people, especially women, treat Daniel like a freak because of his condition. To Caitlin, Daniel is not a disease, not someone to pity or take care of but someone to care for, a friend, her first love. He, however, seems oblivious to her adoration. In a well-meaning yet naive gesture, Caitlin crosses the line and interferes with his private life, sparking a chain of events with devastating consequences. Neither of them will ever be the same again.
This title is available from Amazon US and Amazon UK.
Laurie, how did you come up with the title for your book? Does it have any special meaning?
The title just flew up at me as I started writing. Artists. Cystic fibrosis. Drawing Breath. It felt perfectly perfect.
Who was your favorite character and why?
I adore Daniel, the art teacher. He inspires me. Given the hand life dealt him, it would be too easy to close up and grow bitter. But Daniel stands up for himself and pursues his passions, even though he’s been burned before, and hasn’t always made the “right” decisions.
Does your book have any underlying theme, message, or moral?
I didn’t really write it with a message in mind. But what came out was a hope that readers would see beyond a person’s illness to the person underneath, instead of making instant judgments or approaching them with pity. That we’re all worthy of love and kindness.
What would/could a reader or reviewer say about your writing that shows they “get” you as an author?
If they felt the emotions I felt as I was writing, whether it’s a more lighthearted story or a deeper one. This book was particularly close to the bone for me, and I’m moved when readers comment on the truth and reality of the characters.
Give us an excerpted quote from your favorite review of this book:
“….a beautiful and poignant story of love. I couldn’t put it down and was left with the feeling that I had been witness to something secret yet innocent, heartwrenching and sad, yet lovely and significant.”
Where can people learn more about your writing?
Coming of age stories that treat significant issues without overwhelming the reader with "lessons" are great. I'm clicking over to consider this one for my daughter.
Drawing Breath is truly an amazing read and the characters are unforgettable. It is one of those rare books that truly make you feel something towards the characters that seems as if you actually may know them after reading their story.
Aw, thank you! You guys are great!
I really like this new feature. And it's managed to hook me on Laurie's book, so it's doing its job.
😀
I like the feature, too. And, well, hooking David. 😉
As you well know, Laurie, I love the book. I wish you the greatest success with it! 🙂