One Breath Away
One Breath Away
Book Brief
Beta379
Novel • Fiction
Iowa • Contemporary
2012
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf, the story revolves around a small town gripped by a school hostage crisis. The narrative is conveyed through multiple perspectives, including those of students, parents, and authorities, creating a tense atmosphere as individuals face personal and communal challenges while striving for resolution and safety.
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Emotional
Dark
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
21,267 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf is praised for its tense atmosphere and gripping narrative, keeping readers on edge. The multiple perspectives enhance character depth and storytelling. However, some find character development lacking and plot predictability an issue. Overall, it delivers a suspenseful read but may fall short for those seeking deep character exploration.
Who Should Read One Breath Away?
Readers who enjoy emotional, suspenseful narratives and character-driven stories would appreciate One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf. Fans of Jodi Picoult’s works, such as 19 Minutes, will be drawn to the tense, small-town drama and complex moral dilemmas. Ideal for those who love a blend of mystery, empathy, and community resilience.
21,267 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf is set in the fictional town of Broken Branch, Iowa, which the author created to mirror the tight-knit Midwestern communities she is familiar with.
Heather Gudenkauf tends to write about strong female characters and has a background in education, which often influences the themes of her novels.
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The book was part of a storytelling collaboration during the 2012 Good Morning America series "Read This!" where Gudenkauf's work was featured.
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379
Novel • Fiction
Iowa • Contemporary
2012
Adult
18+ years
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