16-year-old Ryan somehow managed to survive his suicide attempt. Now he’s out of the hospital and facing the rest of his life. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look much better than before the attempt. He’s at a new school with no friends, and everyone knows he’s the guy who tried --- and failed --- to kill himself. The only bright spot are the two friends he made in the hospital, Val and Jake. The painful rebuilding the three did together in therapy has brought them closer than anyone could hope to be, but Ryan secretly wants to further his relationship with Val in the romance department. Unfortunately, they all live hours apart and try to keep in touch electronically, but it’s just not the same. Besides, Ryan doesn’t think he has the courage to suggest a risky step like romance.

"This is Jennifer R. Hubbard’s second book for young readers...and she delivers a terrifyingly honest look at life after a suicide attempt. She succeeds in writing the story from a male viewpoint, creating a natural and sincere narrative."

Ryan does have the courage, or maybe a lingering death wish, to embrace the thundering river and waterfall near his house. He thrives on standing beneath the dangerously pounding waters, as if he can absorb the nourishment needed to continue living. That’s where he meets 15-year-old Nicki, who seeks him out for some answers to her father’s suicide when she was little. Ryan, though, doesn’t have any answers for her.

But as Nicki persists, Ryan eventually begins to open up to her. He even agrees to go with her to various psychics, even though he thinks it’s all a pile of rubbish. As their friendship grows, so does their trust. He even confides his crush on Val to her, and Nicki insists on playing matchmaker. And then he dares to confess his deep, dark secret about a crime that he hasn’t told to anybody, not even his therapist. A huge cloud begins to evaporate from his shoulders. Even though neither Ryan nor Nicki have any answers, together they may be able to make some sense of the world.

This is Jennifer R. Hubbard’s second book for young readers (following THE SECRET YEAR), and she delivers a terrifyingly honest look at life after a suicide attempt. She succeeds in writing the story from a male viewpoint, creating a natural and sincere narrative. She obviously did her research on mental health issues, as the novel is factual and believable. Those looking for some answers, like Nicki, may find some comfort in these pages, or at least common ground. For those who are concerned about such things, the story contains teen drinking, sex and drug use, plus some rough language.

Overall, TRY NOT TO BREATHE is raw and real, and Hubbard is definitely an author to keep an eye on.