Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn

Flinn, Alex. (2002) Breathing Underwater. NY: Harper Teen.
ISBN: 978-0064472579
Awards: South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominee (2003-2004)
ALA Best Books for Young Adults (2002)
ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults (2003)
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2002)
Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award Nominee (2005)
Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Child Abuse, Violence, Anger, Love, Family
Genre: Fiction
Annotation: Sixteen year old Nick is wealthy, popular, and prone to acts of violence. After he slaps his girlfriend and is required to take an anger management course, Nick finally starts recognizing his frailties.
Summary: Nick Andreas lives with his rich, but physically abusive father. At the start of the school year, Nick begins dating Caitlin, a beautiful but insecure girl. Because of her insecurity, she allows Nick to treat her poorly. Nick is verbally and physically abusive and eventually crosses the line so that Caitlin gets a restraining order. Nick is required to attend anger management courses, but doesn't understand what he did wrong until the very end.
Evaluation: I chose to read it because it covers, with specific focus, the topic of anger and abuse. While these are often covered in other titles, not usually with so much direct attention. For this, I like the story. I love the slow progression of Nick realizing his part in the cycle and finally finding the strength to stand up to his father.