Audiobook Review: My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner

A coworker at the day job recently mentioned she had listened to the audiobook of My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner in a group chat our department has about books. What she didn’t realize? I already owned a special edition hardback that was sitting on my special editions shelf.

I don’t read my special editions. The shelf contains copies of some of my favorite books but in alternate formats or covers. They’re my “preciouses”  and their only job is to sit there and make me smile. I had nabbed a special edition of My Next Breath, and tucked it on my shelf and forgot about it. Not surprising- as I am a mood reader, so keeping to a TBR is ridiculously hard for me.

I mentioned that I had the book but hadn’t read it (although I had no intention of reading the special edition). She strongly suggested listening over just reading it. I hadn’t used my Audible credit for the month so I downloaded it that night so it’d be ready when I wrapped the listen of Reviving the Rhythm.And if you read my last post, you know I love a memoir read by the author.

And now that I’ve started listening to the audiobook? I can’t recommend it enough. I still have about two hours left, but I already know I’ll be finishing tomorrow probably at the airport and on the plane. Normally I only listen to audiobooks in the car, but this one has me sneaking in chapters whenever I can.

Every commute had me glued to the story and some have me straight up crying. I know other drivers must have noticed me wiping the tears at stoplights, and more than once I’ve had to sit in the car and pull myself together before walking into work. I’m a cryer when I read emotional scenes, and if a book makes me cry, it’s got me. 

What makes this audiobook so good is how personal it feels. It started with a prologue of sorts with a school assignment read by his daughter. Listening to Renner tell his own story feels less like a polished celebrity memoir and more like a friend sitting across from you, sharing what really happened. His recognizable voice somehow carries the weight and emotions of this incident, but also a warmth and closeness with his family and friends that completely draws you in.

Plus I now have a new favorite saying thanks to Renner: I’m sorry for calling you an asshole, I thought you already knew. I’m definitely adding that one to my bag of favorite words/phrases. You don’t have one? It’s probably a writer thing.

There’s even audio including a few times from the actual 911 call made by his neighbor. It’s raw, intense, and adds to the gravity of the story. Let me just say- you can hear Renner in the background struggling. Yeah it’s that freakin’ intense.

Quick trigger warning: This book does go into graphic detail about the injuries he suffered, and his recovery. If that might be too much for you, this probably isn’t the book to pick up.

For me, though? This listen has been unforgettable. My Next Breath was raw and emotional. It’s about Jeremy Renner, not the actor but the man. It’s a story of survival, strength, and love of family. Honestly? It’s definitely earned its spot on my special editions shelf for sure.

I don’t usually post reviews here on my blog- but I might have to start. Let me know if you’re interested in reading more of these.