Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn

I came across this book by accident. While browsing the Kindle selections on my local library website for young adult books, I saw it and the title made me curious. Then I read the book description and some other readers' reviews and knew I had to read it. I ended up reading it in two evenings. It was that good. I just could not put it down.

A lot of teen books have dealt with dating violence from the girl's view, but this book is unique because it deals with the boy's side of the story. The main character, Nick, seems to lead a perfect life to those around him. He is good looking, popular, and rich with a beautiful girlfriend named Caitlin. He also has an anger management problem and ends up with a restraining order against him after he slaps Caitlin. Soon, he finds himself in a court-ordered anger management class, having lost his reputation, his friends, and his girlfriend.

I love how the book is written in two parts: a journal in which Nick writes about his relationship with Caitlin and the time after the restraining order when Nick struggles to come to terms with his anger and the effect it has had on others.

This is the first book I have read by Alex Flinn and it definitely will not be the last. The book is very well written and sends a strong message to teens about the consequences of dating violence, no matter what side the person is on.