This book was difficult for me to piece together at the beginning. I could figure out how the stories were connected but I kept reading and it fit together. The author asks some of the most important question in religion like, Why do bad things happen to good people?" At the end she answers with the same answer that I would have made. I really liked that and and understood it.

It did keep me reading despite the confusion at the beginning. I felt that the narrative about Molly could have been dropped from the beginning and that would have cleared up the conclusion. The story handled PTSD, jealousy and loneliness very well. ( )

I think I have covered all Parrish's books by now....this one did not disappoint. Very compelling story told in parallel between past and present -- and the point where that intersects is a scar that needs healing. The book raises big questions of identity, of trust, of overcoming fear. How do people move on when they experience tragedy? Who helps out along the way? When a group of unlikely characters come together (and together again) life transforms in unexpected ways. (Trying not to give too much away here!)The ending isn't a happy perfect solution, but it is meaningful and meant to be. ( )

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

Molly Fisk is nearly 18, but never goes outside. She and her mother run a wax museum on an island in Maine, and while she used to run, she feels safe only in the museum. She finds herself attracted to a young boy who works in a pizza place across the street, but is unsure how he feels about her.

Seven years previously, Claire was grieving for her three dead children three years later, her husband had divorced her not long after they died in a car accident. She does crossword puzzles, constructs puzzles, but does little else until one day she feels drawn toward a silent girl on a swing in a park who talks to her. She becomes part of this little girl's therapy until one day the girl and her mother vanish.

Although the description on the book, not quite what I've written here, sounds a bit cheesy, the book is anything but. Not everything is a surprise, of course, nor is it really meant to be, but while it doesn't take long to connect the dots, it does take time for everything to unfold and there is more to this book than meets the eye. What I loved about this book were the people; I cared about them and was bawling more than once, but also happy more than once. This is definitely one of Parrish's better books. ( )

I don't even know where to start with this review. I fell in love with the characters and the writing in this book from the moment I started reading the book. I love how the author set up the book and how you are walked through what happened to the little girl and also what happened to Claire. I spent the whole book hoping that things would work out for the both of them and that they both could find the healing that they needed. The author does a great job of describing what is going on and also she does a even better job with her characters. I was sad to see this book end because I really enjoyed the characters and watching they develop as the story went along. ( )

Emotionally charged, riveting look at the hurts of this world alongside the miracles of God — that’s what you get in Christa Parrish’s The Air We Breath. Parrish’s novel will touch your heart.

Hanna is just 11 when her dream life becomes a nightmare. Her father and her security are ripped from her, and she enters a world that is easier to face silent and locked away. A chance encounter with Claire, a woman dealing with her own demons, gets her talking again, but the strain on her relationship with her mother brings a very uneasy peace.

Hanna and Claire both deal with survivor’s guilt. They blame their own actions for the results of another’s sin and the consequences of a fallen world. They both know God is there, but are unsure of just how much grace one is allotted in a lifetime. Both struggles, born out of extreme circumstances, nevertheless resonate with the reader. Does God always answer and can we really expect Him to work through all the things in our lives?

The Air We Breathe is beautifully written. The chapters alternate between Claire and Hanna/Molly’s characters and two different time periods, giving the reader glimpses into past actions and present results. The characters are complex and flawed, causing the reader to alternately feel empathy and frustration. This book would be a great addition for any book club.

The Air We Breathe is nominated for a Christy Award. The ceremony is tonight, and I look forward to finding out if the judges were as blown away as I was by this book.

Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

(I received The Air We Breathe from Bethany House in return for a review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )