A story of courage and sacrifice, it is a solid second novel for a writer of promise and one that left me waiting for more. Andrew Armitage, The Sun Times (Owen Sound) July 18
"... the novel feels like a journal, a journey of remembering."
(Simone Pilon
British Journal of Canadian Studies 2007-01-01)
"The storyline that most captured my imagination revolved around a huge, orange diamond and its mysterious, (some would say cursed) history ... the answers are not revealed until the last pages."
(Alice Matisz
The Lethbridge Herald 2007-03-17)
"A Sharp Intake of Breath illustrates the strengths of John Miller ... The nuances of his old-fashioned portrayal of family are often absorbing, as is his evocation of the various settings." "Miller's expansive tale of family and committed action satisfies."
(Brett Josef Grubisic
The Vancouver Sun 2007-03-31)
"The bad boy who finds his way only after making a big mistake isn't a new idea in literature, but ... John Miller has constructed his version so well in his new novel, A Sharp Intake of Breath, that it not only works, it seems fresh."
(Debby Waldman
The Edmonton Journal 2007-04-01)
"A Sharp Intake of Breath is a heartwarming and potent piece of fiction. Miller has created a world that is welcoming, intriguing, heartfelt, and genuine."
(Laurel Smith
Quill and Quire 2007-01-01)
"Miller pens some remarkable passages about speech, silence and breath ... A Sharp Intake of Breath is an examination of love, sacrifice and the grey area between politics and emotion."
(Sandra Alland
XTRA! 2007-01-18)
"... the ending satisfies with a nice twist. Miller succeeds admirably in shaping a serious, imaginative novel about the jagged, often fractured, path taken for the sake of a worthy life."
(B. Glen Rotchin
The Star Phoenix 2007-08-25)
"A Sharp Intake of Breath more than satisfies. At once a profile of courage and resolution, a family history, a mystery and a social commentary, it reveals Miller as an impressive storyteller; one wonders what he'll do next."
(Robert Wiersema
The National Post 2007-07-21)
"Toshy is both sympathetic and likable. His story shows that actions can have far-reaching consequences that we can't even imagine, and yet, at the same time, it is ultimately possible to escape the prison of memory and regret."
(Joanne Epp
Winnipeg Free Press 2007-01-28)
"Miller is at his best and most empathetic when he gets inside Toshy's head and explores his protagonist's experience as an outsider."
(
NOW Magazine 2007-02-08)
"A Sharp Intake of Breath is good, solid storytelling."
(Tania Therien
The Calgary Herald 2007-01-28)
