I read this book as part of my effort to read books in the OwnVoices category, especially those having to do with either LGBTQIA+ or disabled main characters. These are two of the many facets of the OwnVoices “category” of books that I myself identify with and feel most comfortable reading because I can empathize to a great extent with the protagonist of the story. This one was a real gut punch in a lot of ways, but being it’s YA fiction and also has a lot of cultural and family ties I have no familiarity with, I also couldn’t access the entirety of who Veronica (our protagonist) is and therefore couldn’t empathize with her entirely. The parts I did identify with, though? Those parts played me like a fiddle, plucking at some of my deepest and most true thoughts and feelings about my own disabilities and pain, and also the way both the medical industry and people in general tend to talk about and treat people with disabilities (both visible and not). Did I cry at times? A little bit. No shame in that. Art should make you feel. That’s what it’s there for.

This story about a teenage girl who only finds relief from the pain of hip dysplasia when she’s in the water and finds escapism in dreams about being able to work as a mermaid at a local tourist attraction where she can both be a mermaid and entertain crowds while earning a paycheck is very well-paced and has a great, even cast of well-drawn and diverse characters. The story is fresh, as is the mermaid folklore Veronica and her mother bring to the table within the book from Peru, which plays an important part in the story. Maps, immigration, security, family, and a sense of home are also all important themes in this strong novel. I recommend picking it up if you want to add it to your pile of diverse books. It’s a great read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Clarion Books for granting me early access to this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A beautifully written novel about the love for family, devotion to a better life, and self acceptance. Both well written and thought provoking, the story cycles through the relationship between parents and children, immigrants and first generation children, siblings and friends.
This will be recommended for 8th grade students whole heartedly

At 36 years old, I am definitely not the demographic for YA fiction, so take my review with a grain of salt.
I strongly believe we need more books - across all age levels and genres - with realistic representations of disability. I love that Veronica doesn't let her hip dysplasia (and the limits her parents set to try to protect her) stop her from chasing her dreams. I, too, long to be a mermaid (why yes, I am saving up for a tail.... don't judge, haha).

The writing in Breathe and Count Back from Ten is just absolutely gorgeous. Veronica is someone I found myself rooting for from the start, and I feel that younger/teen readers will identify with her struggles to find her place as an emerging adult with making decisions about her own life, health, and body in a balance with what her parents want for her and the rules they set.

This book is just absolutely breathtaking, and I recommend it as an amazing read for everyone, not just the YA age group.

beautifully lyrical and touching.

i fell in love with every aspect of this novel almost immediately.

i enjoyed how there wasn’t necessarily a happy ending in all aspects of vero’s life.

i loved this book! i requested this mainly because of it's gorgeous cover and the peruvian representation. it was very interesting following the main characters journey. this having a movie adaptation would be so much fun.

The premise of this book seemed very interesting. If you like YA contemporary and mermaid tales, this book is probably for you. I found it very hard to keep my attention. I wished I had found the characters more interesting.

Have you ever wanted to be a mermaid? Well, Verónica has. Her whole life, she has been dreaming of performing as a free diving mermaid at the local stream. When the opportunity finally presents itself, so do bad news about her health. Now if this doesn't have you hooked, I don't know what will - chronic illness that's not terminal and mermaids? Like, how can you not love it? Natalia Sylvester's Breathe and Count From Ten left me in tears, in awe, and wanting so, so much more. Not only did I feel incredibly represented in Sylvester's portrayal of chronic pain; I do not have hip dysplasia, but I do struggle with chronic pain and have been for most of my life. There are sentences in this book that had me absolutely sobbing from the mere relatability for me. This is such a nice, refreshing take on chronic illness and what it means for your every day life - the restrictions that you, and other people, put on yourself. I was immersed in this book, and I loved the representation, but there were some things I felt like were either unresolved, brought up too late, or not brought up at all. In short, the pacing of the book felt a bit off for me, and had that not been the case, I honestly would have given this book five stars. The characters felt surface-level, but somehow developed enough for it to be fun - really, I think this is an incredible attempt, and I will forever be grateful for the way it talks about chronic pain. 3.5/5 stars

Have you ever wanted to be a mermaid? Well, Verónica has. Her whole life, she has been dreaming of performing as a free diving mermaid at the local stream. When the opportunity finally presents itself, so do bad news about her health. Now if this doesn't have you hooked, I don't know what will - chronic illness that's not terminal and mermaids? Like, how can you not love it? Natalia Sylvester's Breathe and Count From Ten left me in tears, in awe, and wanting so, so much more. Not only did I feel incredibly represented in Sylvester's portrayal of chronic pain; I do not have hip dysplasia, but I do struggle with chronic pain and have been for most of my life. There are sentences in this book that had me absolutely sobbing from the mere relatability for me. This is such a nice, refreshing take on chronic illness and what it means for your every day life - the restrictions that you, and other people, put on yourself. I was immersed in this book, and I loved the representation, but there were some things I felt like were either unresolved, brought up too late, or not brought up at all. In short, the pacing of the book felt a bit off for me, and had that not been the case, I honestly would have given this book five stars. The characters felt surface-level, but somehow developed enough for it to be fun - really, I think this is an incredible attempt, and I will forever be grateful for the way it talks about chronic pain. 3.5/5 stars

Breathe and count back from ten is a beautiful story about the struggles others face that are hidden under the surface. Verónica was born with hip dysplasia, a painful hip condition which has also slowed the growth of her leg, and she struggles with her overprotective parents who worry about her future and only want her to get the best life possible. Meanwhile the one job she dreamed would never even be an option opens up additions. With the help of her best friend, sister and new boyfriend, Veronica chases her dream of being a mermaid and goes for the audition.

This is a story about believing in yourself and knowing what your capable of even when others don’t. Veronica refuses to let her condition hold her back from one of the things that kept her going through it all. She has been in love with the mermaids at mermaid cove since she was a child and always dreamed of swimming like them. With swimming being one of the things to help her lengthen her leg, she has become a great swimmer and loves to be in the water.

She is a well written character and really brings the struggle that someone in positioning goes through. I feel like this story brings a lot of awareness of a few different things through its characters. You have characters that deal with depression, fear of deportation and fear of never being able to say no.

This story represents disabilities and the struggle people with them go through. I find stories like this so important. This story is very realistic with its representation of them and what it’s like. I highly recommend it for this reason alone.

There are trigger warnings for this story including ableism and depression. Also has discussions about surgery and being in surgery.

Quotes:
“To this day, I don’t know how I didn’t scream. Maybe I was just used to it by then, this idea that pain is meant to be endured quietly.”

“Meanwhile, I get split into all these little pieces : Peruvian. Disabled. Immigrant. Fragmented as if I couldn’t possibly be everything all at once, and more.”

“Eres una mermaid. Hasta el fin”

Thoughts:
Representation is beyond important in books. It allows the reader to feel like they are not alone, that they are able to relate to others who can truly understand what they go through. @nataliasyl was able to beautifully achieve this through Veronica, a Peruvian American teen with hip dysplasia - her coming of age and experiences of finding herself, falling in love, and adventures with her friend Leslie were wonderful!

It was my first time reading a book that served as a voice for people/persons of disability. It gave me an insight on what Veronica felt and what other people might feel when they have to make decisions, or lack thereof, in regards to their body.
In addition, the representation of Peruvian customs and culture warmed my heart! This was the FIRST time I ever read about a Peruvian young adult and how her family interacts with each other. It reminded me of my family, not only in the use of Peruvian jargon/slang (which made me LOL) but also in how Veronica’s parents stressed the importance of taking advantage of opportunities we are given thanks to our parents moving to the states. I kept saying in my head “I GET YOU, VERO”, feeling the same way about things my parents would say or do when I was a young girl.

There’s is a beautiful Peruvian legend highlighted in the book which is believed lead to the creation of the desert oasis, Huacachina.

Got bored 3 chapters in, don’t think I was the right age for it. I’m also not really interested in detailed descriptions like what was in chapter 2.

Thanks to the publishers for the opportunity of getting an eARC of this book.

Here we have the story of a girl that is fighting to find herself and accomplish one of her biggest dreams while breaking away from what her parents have told her all her life and the beliefs of many Latinos. On top of this, she is fighting with what others think of her, and how they treat her just because she has a problem with her hips that affect her life. Is a very hard-hitting book but with many lighthearted scenes that balance everything out.

I really enjoyed how the author wrote about the different topics and that she put the effort and time to investigate and research about the hip dysplasia and the mermaid. Is a beautiful story that teaches you to be true to yourself but without forgetting how it might affect those that are always by your side. The only thing that I didn't like about the book was the length, I found it too long for a contemporary and for the story, but I loved the impact it made on me and how real it all felt. As well as how the author dealt with all the hard topics.

4.5 stars

Chronic pain representation! Disability representation! Disability Own Voices! This is what I like to see!

Veronica basically lived in the water. Not only did she love to swim, but it was one of the only forms of exercise that didn't exacerbate her hip dysplasia. The water was her joy and her safe haven. From spending years of her life in and out of surgery and full length leg casts, she felt a connection to mermaids. When she had a chance to try out to be a real mermaid working at the theme park down the road, she did everything she could to keep it from her parents. The inclusion of mermaid mythology tied together with Peruvian lore was really special, helping connect Veronica with a culture that at times got lost for her, having moved to the US as a little girl.

Veronica's immigrant parents were very overprotective, going as far as to lie to her about the seriousness of the state of her disability. They only wanted what was best for her, but by keeping her out of loop she rebels, almost to a dangerous degree. I loved the conflicted feelings Veronica had about her body. She loved her body—especially as she slowly embraced her scars—but it also brings her pain and stress for her and her family.

The romance was sweet, maybe at times a little too quick, but it was Veronica's journey that was so special. I felt that end was a little rushed, but albeit satisfying. This really was a wonderful story.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

<b>Quick Stats</b>
Genre: YA Contemporary
Age Rating: 13/14+
Over All: 5000 stars
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Disability Rep: 5/5

<b>TW: ableism, depression, brief mention of past suicidal ideation, discussion of previous surgeries and potential surgeries, racism</b>
<i>Special thanks to Clarion Teen and NetGalley for an eARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions reflected in this review are my own.</i>

How am I supposed to review this book? I’m going to be honest, I suck at reviewing books that I really truly loved. I find it easy to piece apart critiques and point out aspects that I didn’t quite enjoy or couldn’t connect with or think could have been done better, but I genuinely have nothing bad—or hell, nothing even remotely critical to—say about this book. Not a thing.

I knew I was going to love this book long before it even had a cover. I mean, a disabled girl who wants to be a mermaid? Yes please. And BACBFT exceeded every hope and expectation I had.
Verónica was so real. I am disabled, and though my disabilities are very different from hers, I connected to and related to her so deeply. Natalia Sylvester crafted a character who exudes raw emotion and who just completely absorbed me. Vero, her struggles, her personality, all of it was so easy to fall into and get lost in. I became so wrapped up in her story that I read the majority of this book in one sitting, because I just couldn’t put it down.
This is a story about disability, identity, immigrants, mental health, love, being true to yourself, and so much more. And every one of those aspects was executed masterfully, emotionally, and in a way that is simply unforgettable.
I loved the Mermaid Cove aspect of the story. I can honestly say I’ve never read a book that has anything like that—and I loved it. I loved the atmosphere of the Cove. We get to see it through Verónica’s eyes as a child, when she tells us about her first ever visit. We get to see it through 17-year-old Verónica’s eyes as she visits again. We get to see it as a child, an outsider, and then behind the scenes. We see the juxtaposition of the childhood fantasy and the harsh reality. I felt like I was experiencing these things with Vero, and it was such a visceral thing to me.
I adored Alex. He’s the kind of character you can’t help falling in love with yourself. He’s so perfect while still being flawed and real. I really liked the fact that he also grew in his own ways, outside of his relationship with Verónica. So often, the love interest is just the love interest. They exist to be something to the main character. And they can be interesting characters who still make you swoon, but they sometimes feel static. Alex felt like his own person. He was changing and growing with Vero, alongside her, and on his own. It made him a uniquely engaging character, and he added so much to the story.
Every character, in fact, felt so fleshed out. They were their own people, and it made the book come alive.
Honestly, all I can say is this is a beautiful, mesmerizing, powerful book, and you need to read it. It is one of the best books I have ever read. I already wish I could read it again for the first time and experience it all over again.
If you’re going to take any of my recommendations—make it this one.

♾/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love this book so much, Veronica is 🥺❤️ And I feel like people should read this book so they would understand a little bit more about whats being in pain all the time, and also what’s is live living in a Hispanic household. I feel so connected to Vero, because I go through the same thing with my parents, they are really strict and it’s like 😵‍💫 I’m so happy with this book I’m not going to shut up about it, until I bully everyone I know into reading it!

Please if you read this book come to me and talk about it! Because I need someone to talk to 😀 please read this book, you will not regret it.

Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester is beautifully written contemporary about a girl with hip dysplasia who dreams of becoming a professional mermaid. With a complex main character who comes to reclaim her agency in her own life and a poetic writing style, this is a meaningful story that touches on several important topics. Those looking for a summer read with more serious themes–and realistic representation for disabilities–will not want to miss this one.

After attending a mermaid show at a young age, Verónica has developed a passion for mermaids and a dream of someday becoming a professional mermaid herself. When an opportunity to make her dream a reality at a local theme park arises, she applies for the position, but several obstacles stand in her way. As a teenager with hip dysplasia, Verónica is forbidden from pursuing this career as her parents don’t believe it would be safe, so she decides to take the job in secret. As the summer continues and secrets are revealed, Verónica must stay true to herself and assert her agency in her own life.

❀ COMPLEX CHARACTER

Verónica is such a complex character, and I enjoyed her voice. Throughout the book, she experiences a lot of pressure from her parents in different ways. It is clear that they only want the best for her, but Verónica struggles to live up to their expectations and to play an active role in discussions about her own health. What I particularly enjoyed is the way Verónica slowly gains confidence in herself and in her body. This is true in two different senses: she not only comes to accept her visible scars, but as she has also been made to feel ashamed for wanting to date, Verónica also gains confidence in herself as a woman. Her journey accepting herself and making her own decisions about her body is so important, and I loved the way the author weaves these themes throughout the narrative.

❀ POETIC WRITING STYLE

As I was reading this book, I found myself blown away by the poetic writing style. As Natalia Sylvester tells Verónica’s story, she delves into the emotions behind each scene and takes the time to linger with Verónica’s thoughts. The descriptions of Verónica’s relationship with the water–a space where she can move more freely–are especially moving. One aspect that really stood out to me is the definitions at the start of each chapter, as, for each of the chosen words, we see both a dictionary definition and Verónica’s own understanding of the word based on her own experiences. This builds a satisfying theme before each chapter and helps the reader get to know Verónica’s thoughts and feelings.

❀ A MOVING STORY

Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester is a moving story about agency and following your dream in the face of opposition. I loved the concept of professional mermaids with disability rep, and the main character is realistic and relatable. The introspection in the writing style makes this an even more touching story, and I would definitely recommend this one to those looking for a cute summer read with thought-provoking themes.

This was one of my most anticipated YA summer reads and it did NOT disappoint! Full of great disability rep, the story features Verónica, a Peruvian American teen who immigrated to Florida with her family because of her hip dysplasia condition. Swimming helps with her chronic pain management but she's also discovered she may need more surgeries.

Verónica's summer starts to get more exciting when a new boy moves into her apartment complex AND a spot opens up for a swimming mermaid at Mermaid Cove, a local park built around natural springs that has Mermaid shows (loosely based around the actual Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Florida).

The book tackles important topics like sexual consent, slut shaming, medical consent and so much more. I loved that the author wrote from her own experiences living with hip dysplasia to give the story an #ownvoices authenticity. There were also great content warnings and a wonderful author's note included in the book.

Highly recommended for fans of How Moon Fuentez fell in love with the universe or I am not your perfect Mexican American daughter and great on audio narrated by Frankie Corzo. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy!

CW: sexual assault, slut shaming, chronic pain, medical treatments without informed consent

This was one of my most anticipated YA summer reads and it did NOT disappoint! Full of great disability rep, the story features Verónica, a Peruvian American teen who immigrated to Florida with her family because of her hip dysplasia condition. Swimming helps with her chronic pain management but she's also discovered she may need more surgeries.

Verónica's summer starts to get more exciting when a new boy moves into her apartment complex AND a spot opens up for a swimming mermaid at Mermaid Cove, a local park built around natural springs that has Mermaid shows (loosely based around the actual Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Florida).

The book tackles important topics like sexual consent, slut shaming, medical consent and so much more. I loved that the author wrote from her own experiences living with hip dysplasia to give the story an #ownvoices authenticity. There were also great content warnings and a wonderful author's note included in the book.

Highly recommended for fans of How Moon Fuentez fell in love with the universe or I am not your perfect Mexican American daughter and great on audio narrated by Frankie Corzo. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy!

CW: sexual assault, slut shaming, chronic pain, medical treatments without informed consent

One of my top reads is the year. Sylvester's writing is funny, heartfelt, and so very loving. Her portrayal of a teen living with hip dysplasia shows so many aspects of chronic illness that are often poorly written or completely absent. The way parental expectations are written really pulled at my heartstrings as well.

Breathe and Count Back From Ten had me thinking a lot about the expectations we put on teens and the pressure to not only live up to familial and societal expectations but also to look good on paper while also being happy and well adjusted and kind and respectful, all despite the fact that they are just trying to survive in a system that is so clearly stacked against them.

In a time when kids work so hard for the "privilege" of paying more than most people make in a year so they can go to a brand name school in the hopes of winning capitalism before the planet implodes, This book is a beautiful reminder to chase your dreams and commit to your own happiness instead of just checking off boxes in a rigged game of life designed by a bunch of crotchety old boomers.

Breathe and Count Back from Ten follows high schooler Verónica as she navigates family, her first boyfriend, complications from hip dysplasia, and her dream of becoming a mermaid performer at a local attraction. When I saw this book I loved the concept and was so excited to read it. It did not disappoint!

I really liked how the characters in this book felt like real people. I work in a high school with students with disabilities and get frustrated very easily when I read books that don't represent teens well. That did not happen here! I loved the representation in this book with different Latinx and LGBTQIA+ characters. Having Verónica's physical disability added another layer that I don't usually see in books.

I also just really enjoyed the mermaid part of this book. It was fun seeing how Verónica trained and learning more about the setting, mermaid tricks, and other performers. It made me want to look up live action mermaid shows and learn more about them!

Overall, I liked this book a lot and definitely recommend it to anyone, especially for a summer read! 4.25 stars from me. Thank you to Clarion Books and NetGalley for the electronic advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review!