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.

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.