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Torn Souls
This book is dedicated to all the children who have lost their lives from being bullied and the ones who will find the strength and courage to continue on...
The unspeakable acts of bullying can destroy a life. So many children are affected in the world and together we can make a difference. Let’s be the change we want to see in the world.
Julia Stone’s life has been turned upside down ever since her parents decided to move out of the country and into the city. The life she knew was gone and starting over was something she wasn’t prepared for. The thought of a new school, new teachers and even new friends was terrifying, but after a few weeks things didn’t seem all that bad. Julia had met a boy and his name was Alex. He wasn’t a jock, he wasn’t even the smartest kid in school, but he was nice and he made her laugh. Alex and Julia hung out all the time, eventually becoming best friends. They even made a pact never to keep secrets from each other, but for Julia it was harder than she thought. She had a secret that was destroying the very cord of her soul. Her life as a teenager was being ripped apart by the kids in her school. Julia was being bullied mentally and physically. The thought of going through the next three years in high school being bullied continuously wasn’t something she was prepared to do. The choice was simple, and she wasn’t about to do it alone.
The unspeakable acts of bullying can destroy a life. So many children are affected in the world and together we can make a difference. Let’s be the change we want to see in the world.
Julia Stone’s life has been turned upside down ever since her parents decided to move out of the country and into the city. The life she knew was gone and starting over was something she wasn’t prepared for. The thought of a new school, new teachers and even new friends was terrifying, but after a few weeks things didn’t seem all that bad. Julia had met a boy and his name was Alex. He wasn’t a jock, he wasn’t even the smartest kid in school, but he was nice and he made her laugh. Alex and Julia hung out all the time, eventually becoming best friends. They even made a pact never to keep secrets from each other, but for Julia it was harder than she thought. She had a secret that was destroying the very cord of her soul. Her life as a teenager was being ripped apart by the kids in her school. Julia was being bullied mentally and physically. The thought of going through the next three years in high school being bullied continuously wasn’t something she was prepared to do. The choice was simple, and she wasn’t about to do it alone.
295 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2012
1 person is currently reading
859 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Cattabriga
14 books69 followers I was born and raised in Massachusetts and moved to
Georgia in 2004. I'm the mother of three beautiful children, Zackary 18, Blayke 13, and Ema 10. I've been married for 10 years to a wonderful man who always seems to keep me grounded.
When I'm not writing novels, I enjoy reading, going to the movies with my children, walking through trails, and bowling. We have three dogs and several cats. Living my life as it is, I feel blessed, so I always remember to pay it forward to others.
I've been a Partner's in Hope
member of St. Jude's Hospital since 2006 and give to my local community, The Sharing and Caring Place in GA.
Georgia in 2004. I'm the mother of three beautiful children, Zackary 18, Blayke 13, and Ema 10. I've been married for 10 years to a wonderful man who always seems to keep me grounded.
When I'm not writing novels, I enjoy reading, going to the movies with my children, walking through trails, and bowling. We have three dogs and several cats. Living my life as it is, I feel blessed, so I always remember to pay it forward to others.
I've been a Partner's in Hope
member of St. Jude's Hospital since 2006 and give to my local community, The Sharing and Caring Place in GA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 27, 2012
This book is a must read! It should be in high schools. This book is just wow! I don't even know where to start! I love the characters, Alex and Julia are easy to love and their story is makes this a great YA Novel! I am not a big fan of YA never have been, thought I have started reading more and more of it lately. This book I would recommend to everybody! I am normally really hard on YA books because of the situations they show, but is is real stuff, and shows YA as it should be shown. Bullying is an issue that everybody faces, I myself have been a victim and it has made a lasting negitive effect on my life, and this book brings the topic to public view in away that allows people to understand it. If you have never been a victim of bullying you wouldn't understand, and normally when bullying is the topic of the book those who were the bullies or those who have never been bullied don't really get the picture and see it is a pure work of fiction. This book though a work of fiction allows you to get inside the head of those that are hurt by bullying and you see the effect it has on Julia. This is a fantastic book and a must read for anybody ages 12 to 112!
November 25, 2012
I was highly disappointed in this book. The reviews made this sound like the most awesome book about bullying and teen issues. So, I bought it. I wish I wouldn't have.
So here is the thing, this book isn't terrible. It is an alright story. It isn't a nail biter, it doesn't leave you emotionally distraught (in fact, it barely registered on my emotional scale), and it leaves you wanting so much more.
For a book dealing with the heavy topic of bullying, I expected more. You barely see any evidence of this bullying. There are two scenes that are violent (and it isn't described in a horribly violent way, it is implied) and a couple of scenes with teasing/taunting occurring. It doesn't pull at the emotions at all and I felt the author could have done such a better job pulling those emotions out.
The first 30-40% of this book could and should have been cut. It was a slow moving story of a girl packing up her house. I kid you not. I almost lost interest at that point but continued on thinking with the other reviews, I needed to keep going.
The relationship with Alex didn't feel developed at all. In fact, Alex didn't feel very real in the story. He was in the story yes, but he wasn't developed, you don't really know anything about him. He is kind of glossed over. Actually, most of this book felt glossed over. The only place you get detail is around Julia's moving and packing (yawn and double yawn) and her relationship with her parents (which is actually really well done).
I really think this could have been a much stronger book. It just fell really, really short of where I expected it to be.
So here is the thing, this book isn't terrible. It is an alright story. It isn't a nail biter, it doesn't leave you emotionally distraught (in fact, it barely registered on my emotional scale), and it leaves you wanting so much more.
For a book dealing with the heavy topic of bullying, I expected more. You barely see any evidence of this bullying. There are two scenes that are violent (and it isn't described in a horribly violent way, it is implied) and a couple of scenes with teasing/taunting occurring. It doesn't pull at the emotions at all and I felt the author could have done such a better job pulling those emotions out.
The first 30-40% of this book could and should have been cut. It was a slow moving story of a girl packing up her house. I kid you not. I almost lost interest at that point but continued on thinking with the other reviews, I needed to keep going.
The relationship with Alex didn't feel developed at all. In fact, Alex didn't feel very real in the story. He was in the story yes, but he wasn't developed, you don't really know anything about him. He is kind of glossed over. Actually, most of this book felt glossed over. The only place you get detail is around Julia's moving and packing (yawn and double yawn) and her relationship with her parents (which is actually really well done).
I really think this could have been a much stronger book. It just fell really, really short of where I expected it to be.
October 27, 2012
I was given this book by the author to read and review. This is an inspirational book and I feel that all public and non-public school should have copies this book in their library. I have been bullied. I know exactly what it's like. There are many forms of bullying and this is just one of many. The author came across sincere with this story and I could totally relate to Julia's story. Instead of becoming a victim, she stood up for her rights with out retaliation on her bully. Julia is a true hero and I give this book a true high-five. This is a must read for anyone from 10 to 110.
October 12, 2012
Torn Souls by Crystal Cattabriga
What a brilliant uplifting young adult fiction book. This book is about Julia, whom being bullied at school first only by snide remarks etc soon becomes a victim of Bridget and her passé who escalates her victimization with each new onslaught.
Julia is a very nice, young girl and a very well developed character. Her parents are both busy professionals but their relationship with their only child is never strained nor tainted and I loved that Julia had a good home to return to and a very good friend in Alex. All three of these characters get developed within the story and I grew particularly fond of Julia's father.
The story line is uplifting and speaks of hope and courage and determination not to remain a victim but in the same breath not to escalate the situation by using force, instead, the use of legislation, which again was a fresh new approach to a story line not overly used thus far.
The read is easy and at 296 pages it took me less than an hour and a half to read and cheer through it. Yes, I cheered, I cheered for the underdog, for Julia and for good to win out over bad for once.
I loved this story and would recommend it to any young adult as a must read
Julia, you deserve a gold star, but have a 5 * review in its stead.
WaAr ~ I received a free copy from the author for a honest review
What a brilliant uplifting young adult fiction book. This book is about Julia, whom being bullied at school first only by snide remarks etc soon becomes a victim of Bridget and her passé who escalates her victimization with each new onslaught.
Julia is a very nice, young girl and a very well developed character. Her parents are both busy professionals but their relationship with their only child is never strained nor tainted and I loved that Julia had a good home to return to and a very good friend in Alex. All three of these characters get developed within the story and I grew particularly fond of Julia's father.
The story line is uplifting and speaks of hope and courage and determination not to remain a victim but in the same breath not to escalate the situation by using force, instead, the use of legislation, which again was a fresh new approach to a story line not overly used thus far.
The read is easy and at 296 pages it took me less than an hour and a half to read and cheer through it. Yes, I cheered, I cheered for the underdog, for Julia and for good to win out over bad for once.
I loved this story and would recommend it to any young adult as a must read
Julia, you deserve a gold star, but have a 5 * review in its stead.
WaAr ~ I received a free copy from the author for a honest review
November 3, 2012
First and foremost I received an eARC copy of this book directly from the author in return for a review :)
This story is about a girl named Julia,who is uprooted from her home she knows to NYC.The great thing about this move is her new found friend Alex, who supports her in anything everything she decides. After being bullied at school by the "popular clique" verbally, this escalates into something more, physical abuse. Julia with the help of Alex, her parents and the community she is able to stand up and put a stop to bullying.
Way to change a life! I loved this book, I honestly wish that teens would have the strength and courage to do just what Julia had. This is a true heart warming story and you never want it to end. I feel honored to have been able to read this wonderful book, It really does open your eyes and put bullying into perspective.
Thank You again Miss Crystal, I look forward to reading more of your work :)
This story is about a girl named Julia,who is uprooted from her home she knows to NYC.The great thing about this move is her new found friend Alex, who supports her in anything everything she decides. After being bullied at school by the "popular clique" verbally, this escalates into something more, physical abuse. Julia with the help of Alex, her parents and the community she is able to stand up and put a stop to bullying.
Way to change a life! I loved this book, I honestly wish that teens would have the strength and courage to do just what Julia had. This is a true heart warming story and you never want it to end. I feel honored to have been able to read this wonderful book, It really does open your eyes and put bullying into perspective.
Thank You again Miss Crystal, I look forward to reading more of your work :)
October 16, 2012
10*s+…I recieved an eARC copy of this book directly from the author in return for an honest review.
WOW……Torn Souls, what an awesome title for an awesome story and released just in time for National Cyber Bully Awareness Month too!! Crystal Cattabriga has done it again and wrote a fantastic story of friendship, love, trust, and bullys!! Crystal has a way of capturing her audience with her writing in a way that it affects the feelings of teens to adults. This story is a real down home, heart warming story that will make you feel that you understand and are one with the characters in the story. I was extremely intrigued from the beginning all the way to the end, and I can totally relate to this story just as many of you will as well and feel the rollercoaster effect of the story deep in your heart and soul!! Thank you, Crystal, for this refreshing and remarkable story!!
WOW……Torn Souls, what an awesome title for an awesome story and released just in time for National Cyber Bully Awareness Month too!! Crystal Cattabriga has done it again and wrote a fantastic story of friendship, love, trust, and bullys!! Crystal has a way of capturing her audience with her writing in a way that it affects the feelings of teens to adults. This story is a real down home, heart warming story that will make you feel that you understand and are one with the characters in the story. I was extremely intrigued from the beginning all the way to the end, and I can totally relate to this story just as many of you will as well and feel the rollercoaster effect of the story deep in your heart and soul!! Thank you, Crystal, for this refreshing and remarkable story!!
February 3, 2013
This book wasn't awful it had a good message and had all the best intentions. However it was just a bit too "leave it to beaver" for me. The authors voice came across dry and formal. I couldn't get a read on some of the characters. Alex, for instance, I thought was gay until about 80% through the book. I didn't think the book was super believable. I mean the average bullied high school student isn't going to rise above to such heights as passing new laws and getting national recognition. Sad, but true. I wanted to love this book, I just didn't.
November 21, 2012
I think this should be a required book for each child from a young age up until they are seniors in highschool. Amazing story about how one girl pushed forward to stop being bullied and did something about it. I also want to state I love how the author had the parents care about their children and encouraged them and knew what they were doing at all times.. They acted like a family unit and in todays world you just dont see that anymore..
November 25, 2012
I really wanted to like this book because I'm passionate about anti-bullying. I got to 30% of the book and could not continue. After 8 chapters of the character's day to day boring routine, I had to put the book down. It is very rare that I don't finish a book, but I could just not do it anymore!
April 10, 2013
This is Julia’s story and her fight on how she handled being bullied in school and her plans to change how it is handled in the school systems. With her parents and Alex’s support, Julia makes it possible to see thru an innocent’s eyes.
October 23, 2012
A moving story that inspires and leaves you cheering. I hope this book ends up in school libraries. But it's not just for kids around the world it's for everyone.
July 20, 2021
Several twists and turns.
March 20, 2013
The subject matter was a good one, and like others have stated, the intentions for the book were great, but I agree that even though the story was written well, it missed the mark in areas too.
First, most kids would be saddened to leave where they have grown up especially if they had friends, a social life, etc., but in her case, she really didn't have much of a life. She went to school and home. She had no friends, and didn't even socialize with neighbors until too late. Moving to New York should have been exciting for her...a chance to start fresh. For someone like her, I could imagine it was also a little scary, but she just didn't come across as a typical teenager. For example, she liked the pizza delivery boy in Ohio, but then she doesn't like any other boy she meets including Alex. She is 15. What 15 year old girl isn't thinking about boys. And I agree with what someone else said, I also began to think that Alex was gay until nearly the end of the book. I thought that he was so amused by her and only wanted to be her friend because he wasn't interested in the fairer sex. Talk about misleading. No teenager is not hormonal...
Second, although bullying is extremely serious, it didn't read as desperate as I would have expected. Yes, it was mentioned that there was name calling, and there was the scene where she was in the bathroom then the beating. Those were definitely serious issues, but it just didn't come across as bullying until that beating. The bathroom scene was bad, but I also thought she could have stood up for herself and it was more a case of jealousy. Even the friends didn't get involved in the actual harrassment. Julia was extremely meek. Which is why it is surprising that she would take a stand against bullying in so public a way to to try to pass a law. And yes, it is hard to believe that she managed to get a new law passed. Things just are not that easy.
Was it a bad story, no. But, it also wasn't 100% believable either. A girl who is from a well to do family may accomplish getting in front of a congressman, but you also would not expect bullying for someone in the upper middle class unless the person was extremely introverted, geeky, etc.
First, most kids would be saddened to leave where they have grown up especially if they had friends, a social life, etc., but in her case, she really didn't have much of a life. She went to school and home. She had no friends, and didn't even socialize with neighbors until too late. Moving to New York should have been exciting for her...a chance to start fresh. For someone like her, I could imagine it was also a little scary, but she just didn't come across as a typical teenager. For example, she liked the pizza delivery boy in Ohio, but then she doesn't like any other boy she meets including Alex. She is 15. What 15 year old girl isn't thinking about boys. And I agree with what someone else said, I also began to think that Alex was gay until nearly the end of the book. I thought that he was so amused by her and only wanted to be her friend because he wasn't interested in the fairer sex. Talk about misleading. No teenager is not hormonal...
Second, although bullying is extremely serious, it didn't read as desperate as I would have expected. Yes, it was mentioned that there was name calling, and there was the scene where she was in the bathroom then the beating. Those were definitely serious issues, but it just didn't come across as bullying until that beating. The bathroom scene was bad, but I also thought she could have stood up for herself and it was more a case of jealousy. Even the friends didn't get involved in the actual harrassment. Julia was extremely meek. Which is why it is surprising that she would take a stand against bullying in so public a way to to try to pass a law. And yes, it is hard to believe that she managed to get a new law passed. Things just are not that easy.
Was it a bad story, no. But, it also wasn't 100% believable either. A girl who is from a well to do family may accomplish getting in front of a congressman, but you also would not expect bullying for someone in the upper middle class unless the person was extremely introverted, geeky, etc.
July 11, 2019
Julia Stone is a loner at her high school in Ohio who just goes about her days. When her parents make an announcement that they're moving to New York she's not happy with it. Eventually Julia warms up to the idea realizing she's not leaving anything or anyone behind. Julia makes a friend named Alex on her first day and they both find out that they were both loners before Julia came into Alex's life. Julia's happy to have a best friend for the first time in her life and is happy. But when she gets verbally bullied by a girl named Bridget whose jealous of her relationship with Alex, Julia becomes scared and starts changing her mind about the school. When the bullying escalates to physical bullying she has no choice, but to tell Alex who stopped it and her parents. After she comes out to them Julia realizes she wants to make her story known to the whole world. She doesn't want what happened to her to happen to other teenagers and children. Julia along with the support of her best friend Alex and her parents makes her mission to pass a law to end bullying once and for all. Can one girl's hope to make a difference make others listen and help her as well? I loved this story about how Julia was bullied and afterwards was set on stopping bullying for good. Bullying is still a serious issue and has gotten worse over the years because people are still afraid to speak up or do anything. I love books like this that get the message out there. This book did more than that though and gave us a strong female character who wanted to do more about it not just for herself, but other people as well.
November 12, 2012
Torn Souls is a book about bullying and a how Julia,Alex(her friend) and her parents take charge and make change.I Liked the summary of this book and I enjoyed the topic of it.Bullying is real and it does need to stop.I had a few issues with the book.I think it focused way to much in the beginning about Julia and her parents move.I believe the book could have worked without so many details of the move.I was almost 30% or more done with the book and the main character and her parents still had yet to move out of the house.I feel it dragged the book down to be honest.I could have done with 1 or 2 chapters at the most dealing with the move,the packing etc.Basically sometimes less is more.I feel like if all the extra things about the moving could have been taken out then the author could have focused more on the bullying which I feel was quite rushed.For a book on bullying you need to have the bullying stand out and I think I personally would have liked to see it stand out a bit more.I didnt feel the angst,the emotions of a girl being bullied.The summary built the book up so much plus the title built the book up so much that I kept waiting for something extraordinay to happen.I also would have liked to see more of a relationship start between Julia and Alex as well. I am a huge Anti Bullying advocate,I loved reading about Julia's stand against her bullying.I loved what happened with Julia's Bill as well.
March 25, 2013
This book was a great idea to get the word out about bullying. I knew bullying was an issue, I experienced it when I was a young teen, but I didn't realize how much it has snowballed until by son started school. I couldn't believe that at the age of 5, my son would have to deal with bullies. I also didn't realize how easily the matter is swept under the rug. Big thumbs up to the author for giving hope.
Julia's parents have decided to move away from the only home she has ever known. After moving from the country to the big city, Julia begins to adapt to the new surroundings and has even made a friend at school. After she gets to know Alex, she learns that they have lots in common and they soon became best friends. She couldn't wait to get to school and see Alex each day. That is until someone started bullying her. Now Julia fears just to walk down the halls. She now has to decide to hide and deal with it alone, or take a stand and put a stop to it, if not just for herself, but to keep it from happening to others.
I think the book is a great way to get the word out about bullying. It does give hope. The book does have areas that drag on. I would have liked for there to of been a more background to the characters and a little more emotion. I still recommend this book to all. The more we become aware, the better we can take a stand.
Originally posted on The Mystical World of Book Reviews
Julia's parents have decided to move away from the only home she has ever known. After moving from the country to the big city, Julia begins to adapt to the new surroundings and has even made a friend at school. After she gets to know Alex, she learns that they have lots in common and they soon became best friends. She couldn't wait to get to school and see Alex each day. That is until someone started bullying her. Now Julia fears just to walk down the halls. She now has to decide to hide and deal with it alone, or take a stand and put a stop to it, if not just for herself, but to keep it from happening to others.
I think the book is a great way to get the word out about bullying. It does give hope. The book does have areas that drag on. I would have liked for there to of been a more background to the characters and a little more emotion. I still recommend this book to all. The more we become aware, the better we can take a stand.
Originally posted on The Mystical World of Book Reviews
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December 1, 2012I couldn't put this book down! It is an easy read and flows well.I am glad Crystal Cattabriga wrote a story on this subject.It is something that is prevalent in our school and something major needs to be done like in this story.Every ki has the right to get an education with out fear of being hurt emotionally or physically.I was an object of bulling growing up.It made school hard and made me dislike school and depressed.My kids have dealt with being bullied also and I fight to do the best I can to keep them safe.
Julia lives in Ohio where her life is normal and uneventful.She isn't popular at school and has few friends but she is fine with that.When her parents decide to move to New York because her dad got a new job,Julia's life takes a turn.She only finds one friend at her new school and that friend is a boy.Her parents are a little weary of this fact but let them hangout anyway. Alex and Julia become best friends but this makes Julia a target of a bully.She is embarrassed to tell Alex and her parents about the bulling and hopes it will stop if she ignores it.It doesn't stop;it only gets worse.After a horrible encounter with the bully Julia decides to petition for a national law to be past that is strict enough to send a no tolerance message to bullies and help kids around the nation feel safe at school.
Julia lives in Ohio where her life is normal and uneventful.She isn't popular at school and has few friends but she is fine with that.When her parents decide to move to New York because her dad got a new job,Julia's life takes a turn.She only finds one friend at her new school and that friend is a boy.Her parents are a little weary of this fact but let them hangout anyway. Alex and Julia become best friends but this makes Julia a target of a bully.She is embarrassed to tell Alex and her parents about the bulling and hopes it will stop if she ignores it.It doesn't stop;it only gets worse.After a horrible encounter with the bully Julia decides to petition for a national law to be past that is strict enough to send a no tolerance message to bullies and help kids around the nation feel safe at school.
December 4, 2012
What a great book! Buy this book for your teenagers!! The message behind it is amazing. Whether your child is going through or knows someone who has been bullied this is the perfect book for them. The young lady, Julia Stone, is amazing. She first has to deal with being moved to a new school. Then the bullying starts. At first she blows it off and doesn’t say anything to anyone until she becomes physically abused. She then decides to take matters into her own hands. I won’t tell you how you just have to read it. As I read through this book I felt like I related to this girl. I was bullied and had a few friends who were as well. If I had something like this to read back then I think things would have been different. To any teenagers out there who are having any kind of bullying issue or are a bully please read this and think about what you are doing. Crystal does an amazing job developing Julia and Alex. Even the way she writes “the bully” (I won’t use her name because it doesn’t matter). Her world building is fantastic. You can see yourself walking down the halls of this school with her or even on her walks of NY. So again, please go buy this book for your teenagers! It’s an amazing story and lesson.
March 23, 2013
When a book starts with a list of children's names, dates of birth and dates of death...I had this expectation it was going to be powerful.
For starters, I don't know what it is about it, but I love the cover. I love that he is holding her and it looks so sweet, the way he is kind of shielding her with his body. I like that they are looking away from each other too....great cover
I also love that it is a book that raises awareness about bullying. It's a HUGE issue in and outside of our schools.
But, I would hate for anyone to think that bullying isn't just words. That it has to be physical altercation or contact. it can easily just be words. It can be name calling, taunting, it can be thumping on the back of chair, words scratched into lockers, fake FB pages where people can make fun of you. and no one ever had to even touch someone.
and I was a little disappointed that it took almost 100 pages into the book for any type of bullying to happen. I thought it would be a very high emotion, gut-wrenching story about an underdog, but it's pretty light and is very uplifting.
I'm glad I read it.
For starters, I don't know what it is about it, but I love the cover. I love that he is holding her and it looks so sweet, the way he is kind of shielding her with his body. I like that they are looking away from each other too....great cover
I also love that it is a book that raises awareness about bullying. It's a HUGE issue in and outside of our schools.
But, I would hate for anyone to think that bullying isn't just words. That it has to be physical altercation or contact. it can easily just be words. It can be name calling, taunting, it can be thumping on the back of chair, words scratched into lockers, fake FB pages where people can make fun of you. and no one ever had to even touch someone.
and I was a little disappointed that it took almost 100 pages into the book for any type of bullying to happen. I thought it would be a very high emotion, gut-wrenching story about an underdog, but it's pretty light and is very uplifting.
I'm glad I read it.
December 25, 2012
First I want to say thank you to Crystal for sending me a copy of this book - I was super excited to see the cover in person. I have a copy on my Kindle app and it is too tiny for my eyes and the paperback feels good in my hand.
I liked Julia and felt like she is similar to many quiet girls out there in schools now. When she has her first friend, it is nice that she is friends with a boy and keeps it as a friendship. This story is important for girls and boys that feel like they're alone. Making friends is hard when you're different or new to a school. I know, I went to five new schools in high school and it was difficult to be accepted.
This story is appropriate for people of all ages and genders. It would be nice if all kids were as respectful as Julia is to her parents.
I specifically recommend this book to everyone that has been bullied. If we all stood up and recognized there is an epidemic, we might end up with better solutions. Kids aren't the only ones that bully, adults do it too. Thank you Crystal for bringing light to this subject.
February 25, 2014
I got this book when it was free on Amazon for Kindle. It was, as I've sadly come to expect from these free ebooks, riddled with spelling, punctuation, and other errors. One would think that, with there being a paperback edition, this would have been at least minimized by the use of an editor, but apparently Ms. Cattabriga was either too confident in her own abilities as a writer or hired a poor editor. If I was better about making the time to do so (and I know I'm not, because I've tried and failed before), I'd offer to edit FOR some of these authors I read free on Kindle.
The story was okay I guess, but it seemed poorly developed and rather contrived. It seemed like something a high school student would write. I think there was great potential with this story, but it was delivered in such a bland way that much that could have been done emotionally was lost. I did not feel that Julia was a "torn soul" - her bullying happened and was over so quickly it barely felt like it had even started.
It was a nice try - but I couldn't make it past the poor writing.
The story was okay I guess, but it seemed poorly developed and rather contrived. It seemed like something a high school student would write. I think there was great potential with this story, but it was delivered in such a bland way that much that could have been done emotionally was lost. I did not feel that Julia was a "torn soul" - her bullying happened and was over so quickly it barely felt like it had even started.
It was a nice try - but I couldn't make it past the poor writing.
October 3, 2013
Torn Souls
This book is a Young adult book, there's no sex or relationships involved, well not in any depth.
It does however go into detail the troubles bullied teens face every day in schools and was a great read.
The book really got under my skin as it's a problem close to my heart and to read the ways this girl was both abused and was supported was very comforting, it's often a taboo subject among not only teens but also adults and even parents but i think this book really showed what can be done with some real hard work and it was great to see bullies get there comeuppance .
I'd suggest this book to any teens and young adults and even some of the adult readers i know that aren't into erotica, it's a great read and i'd read more from this author.
Story: 5
Characters: 5
Cover: 5
TJ x
This book is a Young adult book, there's no sex or relationships involved, well not in any depth.
It does however go into detail the troubles bullied teens face every day in schools and was a great read.
The book really got under my skin as it's a problem close to my heart and to read the ways this girl was both abused and was supported was very comforting, it's often a taboo subject among not only teens but also adults and even parents but i think this book really showed what can be done with some real hard work and it was great to see bullies get there comeuppance .
I'd suggest this book to any teens and young adults and even some of the adult readers i know that aren't into erotica, it's a great read and i'd read more from this author.
Story: 5
Characters: 5
Cover: 5
TJ x
December 24, 2012
Let me explain myself. The meaning and intention behind this book is just absolutely amazing, and for that I am honestly glad I read it. Bullying is a huge problem in schools leading to suicide or other significant problems.
The writing and storytelling was just not my taste.
I love books that make me feel my way through it. I want to feel and understand what the characters are going through. In this book, I don't even know who these characters are. I had no emotional connection to any one of them. I was simply told when the main character was scared, or ashamed, or ecstatic. I didn't believe it or feel it. Not once. Maybe my expectation were just too high, I'm not sure. Ultimately it was just too dry for me to enjoy or recommend.
The writing and storytelling was just not my taste.
I love books that make me feel my way through it. I want to feel and understand what the characters are going through. In this book, I don't even know who these characters are. I had no emotional connection to any one of them. I was simply told when the main character was scared, or ashamed, or ecstatic. I didn't believe it or feel it. Not once. Maybe my expectation were just too high, I'm not sure. Ultimately it was just too dry for me to enjoy or recommend.
February 10, 2013
I want to love it. I really do.
The message the author was trying to get across her audience was noble. Bullying, after all, is a big problem in the schools not just these days but as well in the past, and will be in the future if no one is going to stand up for it. But somehow it lacked the emotions I was expecting. Reading all those books with bullying issues in it had me crying, gripping my kindle feeling all those strong, compelling emotions against the bully and the victim. And this novel failed to entice me somehow.
After I have read the novel, I asked myself: that was it?
The message the author was trying to get across her audience was noble. Bullying, after all, is a big problem in the schools not just these days but as well in the past, and will be in the future if no one is going to stand up for it. But somehow it lacked the emotions I was expecting. Reading all those books with bullying issues in it had me crying, gripping my kindle feeling all those strong, compelling emotions against the bully and the victim. And this novel failed to entice me somehow.
After I have read the novel, I asked myself: that was it?
August 15, 2012
Torn Souls is an eye-opening story about a young girl's experience being bullied by a classmate. The author describes the embarrassment and fear that our youth experience and beautifully portrays how the character finds her voice and fights for change. Bullying is a very real problem and I think this book should be a must read for everyone because it shines a light on the changes that need to be made.
October 28, 2012
I respect this authors reason's for writing this book. Bullying in USA has become an epidemic, sadly. If all teens thought the way Julia Stone did, maybe it wouldnt be.
Julia is uprooted to live in NYC, and the one good thing about it is Alex. Her new friend. Thankfully he supports her and her endevours.
I love the ideas for the book. It is something I plan to pass on to my daughter when she is older.
Great job Crystal.
I also love love love the cover, well done.
Julia is uprooted to live in NYC, and the one good thing about it is Alex. Her new friend. Thankfully he supports her and her endevours.
I love the ideas for the book. It is something I plan to pass on to my daughter when she is older.
Great job Crystal.
I also love love love the cover, well done.
October 29, 2012
From start to finish, this book is very touching and inspiring. Young adults have enough to worry about, without worrying about their own safety. This book is great at explaining how a teen experiences life's ups and downs, adjusts to great change, and pushes forward with the help of a great friend and family. It is a must read for anyone being bullied, anyone who has been a bully, and anyone coming of age that could use a little inspiration.
January 31, 2013
I had a hard time getting what all the hype was behind this book. I found it to have a very minimal, dull storyline line. The issue itself of bullying was too timid and light. The story itself was very predictable with characters I didn't find myself wanting to know more about. Overall, I loved the cover of this book, but it was as misleading as the smell of popcorn that turns out to be stale.
October 12, 2012
Another heavy hitter from Crystal Cattabriga!!
Besides that fact that I'm honored to have been mentioned in this book, I can truly say that I loved the story. Witnessing what Julia went through and how, with the help of her family and best friend, Alex, she was able to not only face the situation, but to actually rise above it...was nothing short of inspirational!
Besides that fact that I'm honored to have been mentioned in this book, I can truly say that I loved the story. Witnessing what Julia went through and how, with the help of her family and best friend, Alex, she was able to not only face the situation, but to actually rise above it...was nothing short of inspirational!
January 17, 2013
Julia moves to a new town and becomes the target of a bully, who is jealous of her relationship with Alex. After hiding the physical attacks the bully goes too far. Julia confesses to her being picked on which leads to a revolution. Excellent story every parent and teenager/pre teen should read. Sadly Julias case is mild. Great book that shines light onto an important topic. WaAR
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