I found this book at my library, and I can say without a doubt that checking it out was the best decision I have made.

At first I found it a little difficult to get into the book, the jump between first and third person and being in England versus America in each chapter was quite jarring, but after understanding what was happening I was completely ensorcelled by the writing and the story.

At the very start of the book it lists Bola's other work, and I knew when I saw he was a poet that the writing would be beautiful; I was not prepared for quite how beautiful. Since this is a library book I was, unfortunately, unable to highlight as I was going along, so I had this app open the entire time to log lines - or entire paragraphs - that just completely captured my heart. 

The writing was beautiful, and I found myself seeing myself in this man's loneliness when by all accounts, we have nothing in common. Loneliness is strange, isn't it? This book fell into my hands at the most perfect time in my life.

I loved the development of relationships, or lack thereof. I loved the exploration of these new experiences in Michael's life, how each new person brought something new to the story even if they were only there for a few pages, a chapter. I loved all of them.

Overall this book was just beautiful.
10/10, I would recommend this book to anyone.

This book is stunning. You can tell from the title that the writing is going to be a lyrical beauty and it did not disappoint. It is a serious and heavy book but also with the specific levity of utter relatability in both being a Londoner, and being a Londoner who has visited the US (San Francisco in particular for me). 

This book is about Michael, who at the very beginning decides to withdraw all his money, travel to the US and when his money runs out commit suicide. It follows his time in the US alongside flashbacks to his time back in London where he works as a teacher so that by the end of the book you understand how and why he began this journey. It’s utterly heart-breaking alongside being a joy to read and each character is fully realised and clearly driven by their own motives, personality, and goals – and you see that from Michael’s specific point of view. I can’t express how much it felt like I knew all of these people by the end of the book. It made me want to contact my friends and check if they are okay instead of being miffed that they haven’t got back to me. 

There are some really beautiful and poignant moments in the book and I completely believed the narrative. It blew me away. Also the cover art is so gorgeous. The title is gorgeous. The contents did not disappoint. I wish I could read this again for the first time. 

Thanks to Netgalley and DialogueBooks for the ARC! 

Thank you to Book Club Favorites at Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review.

JJ Bola's second novel, The Selfless Act of Breathing, is prose with a poetic sensibility. It relates the story of a teacher from London, Michael Kabongo, who is battling a crisis of identity and desire as he decides to quit his job before embarking to the United States. Plagued by his own inability to sort through the most pressing collateral effects of mental illness, Michael prefers the impulsive yet decisive trip that he hopes will punctuate this chapter of his life.

As intense as it is challenging, Bola's prose accurately reflects how depression can consume the self, leaving fewer doubts clarified than not. For those of us who have dealt with the lowest valleys of depression, Michael's inner monologue and interpersonal interactions are something of a mirror to peer into. Even those not afflicted by this disorder can sympathize with Michael's trip halfway across the world to cope with grief, identity, and mortality.

Told in alternating chapters between different points in Michael's recent history, Bola's novel expertly balances exposition with character development, and the reader's experience is all the richer for it. Something of a contemporary adult companion piece to The Little Prince, Michael Kabongo's journey appeals to the wayward soul in us all, especially as we work to determine where we find our homes. At its core, The Selfless Act of Breathing focuses on the fear of loss—loss of self, home, love, and desire. For those seeking some comfort in knowing that they are not alone, this book answers the call.

As for my qualms, the protagonist ascribes to a certain machismo in his interactions with women, which I could not get past. The relationships he establishes are fraught with issues, which are never truly atoned for or addressed; he simply goes about things with no growth but much room for improvement. Overall, it has a redeeming message that is told in a somewhat incomplete way.