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Breaking Point #1
Breaking Point
James Marsh is sixteen years old and in his final year of high school. He has been suffering from bullying for months at the hands of Jason Mitchell and his friends but, as they return to school after the Easter break, Jason takes his tormenting to a whole new level. As James struggles to cope, Andrew Mitchell, a teacher at the school, finds his hands tied when he tries to help him.
"Breaking Point" is a novel about homophobia in our schools, and talks about the sides of bullying which are rarely talked about by the victims, the schools or the media. Recommended for 14 years and upwards due to some more adult themes.
"Breaking Point" is a novel about homophobia in our schools, and talks about the sides of bullying which are rarely talked about by the victims, the schools or the media. Recommended for 14 years and upwards due to some more adult themes.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2011
41 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Shane Brown
23 books12 followersShane Brown has a PhD in Film, Television and Media from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK, with his thesis about representations of male queerness in silent and early sound film. His book on the same subject will be published in September 2016. In 2013, Shane published his young adult novel, Breaking Point, dealing with the subject of homophobic bullying in schools. To date, it has had over 7000 Kindle downloads. A new edition was published in 2019, along with a sequel, Breaking Down. His 2016 novel, The Lookout, is an adult ghost story set on the Norfolk coast. He has also published song-by-song guides to the music of Elvis Presley and Bobby Darin.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 11, 2014
Disturbing account of bullying at school, but some of the incidents were 'glossed over' whereas in real life the teacher would have called the police..? That is my main concern about the novel. Any teenager reading this may not be aware that the police can (AND WILL) take action. The ending was also far too 'easy' to my way of thinking. James would have had a much harder time recovering from the torment than is shown.
As a 'child-friendly' piece of YA - aimed at showing the effect that homophobic bullying has on its victims, it certainly packs a punch, but the real message - that you CAN do something about it, and there ARE people you can turn to, and the bullies WILL be punished, is completely absent.
If I was in the same situation as James, and I read Breaking Point, then I would feel totally alone. And quite possibly very, very desperate.
As a 'child-friendly' piece of YA - aimed at showing the effect that homophobic bullying has on its victims, it certainly packs a punch, but the real message - that you CAN do something about it, and there ARE people you can turn to, and the bullies WILL be punished, is completely absent.
If I was in the same situation as James, and I read Breaking Point, then I would feel totally alone. And quite possibly very, very desperate.
February 14, 2013
Breaking Point is a sweet book about coming out. But, it is also about the dreaded B word. Bullying. In this book we meet several different characters. Some of whom I loved, admired and wanted more of. Others I could have slapped (Jason being the main one). It's based in the UK and tells a very realistic account of bullying.
James and Paul were the teenage couple in this. As a couple I liked them. I found it hard to stay mad at Paul, he had suffered more than his fair share, even James realised that in the end. They were sweet together, even when they had their ups and downs. The other couple was one of the teachers relationship. He was a good man and I would love a teacher like him when I was in primary school.
The bullying in this was extreme. I wont deny that, but it also showed how bad it gets. Being bullied by seven students myself at one point, I know the feeling of being ganged up on. It was a pity the conclusion doesn't happen more, but the bullying itself was very well done. The first account of the bullying for me, was the worst in the book.
This book should be brought into schools. I would love to see teachers introducing this book and others like it. I admire Shane Brown for his account of bullying. I would honestly say he did a great job at highlighting the controversial topic in this book. Highly recommend this book.
James and Paul were the teenage couple in this. As a couple I liked them. I found it hard to stay mad at Paul, he had suffered more than his fair share, even James realised that in the end. They were sweet together, even when they had their ups and downs. The other couple was one of the teachers relationship. He was a good man and I would love a teacher like him when I was in primary school.
The bullying in this was extreme. I wont deny that, but it also showed how bad it gets. Being bullied by seven students myself at one point, I know the feeling of being ganged up on. It was a pity the conclusion doesn't happen more, but the bullying itself was very well done. The first account of the bullying for me, was the worst in the book.
This book should be brought into schools. I would love to see teachers introducing this book and others like it. I admire Shane Brown for his account of bullying. I would honestly say he did a great job at highlighting the controversial topic in this book. Highly recommend this book.
April 10, 2013
Seemed a little all over the place character-wise. Needed a bit more focus.
Then the ending was a bit "oooh, you're gonna get it now", "The End", without actually savoring the details on the main asshole getting his comeuppance.
Overall a good read, but some tweaking would have helped.
Then the ending was a bit "oooh, you're gonna get it now", "The End", without actually savoring the details on the main asshole getting his comeuppance.
Overall a good read, but some tweaking would have helped.
March 3, 2013
Aside from a few minor editorial issues and some occasional head-hopping, I was really impressed with the writing style of this author.
The story was primarily a combination of four main points of view: James, the central character; Paul, the love interest; Jason, the nemesis; and Andrew, the mentor/hero. These four sub-plots ultimately converged.
The manner in which the bullying was presented was disturbing and moved me to tears. Young James was tormented by the story's villain, Jason, who was the ringleader of a group of students. At the beginning of the story, I thought the author was on point, realistically portraying a very difficult subject matter.
What unfolded, however, required some suspension of disbelief. In real life, I think most bullying is not perpetuated by tyrannical, evil, students who are generally hated by everyone. Instead the most powerful bullies are the popular,good-looking kids who pick on the vulnerable outcasts. In this story it seemed almost the opposite. I couldn't figure out how this bonehead Jason ever became a leader, and it was even more shocking to me that any of the other students would even consider allowing him to boss them around. He was an all-around rotten person, and I found it hard to believe he had any friends at all.
Then Paul, the love interest in the story, was a major disappointment. He betrayed his boyfriend, not once, but twice. And then he was forgiven, almost as if his actions were normal. I expected there to be a redemption scene toward the end, where he finally had a chance to step forward and defend the honor of his boyfriend, to publicly declare he was gay and proud, and that he loved James. That didn't happen.
So I got frustrated a few times, not because of the writing style or the plot, but rather by the characterization. I just didn't understand some of these characters. How could one mean person have so much power? It seemed to me that a person like Jason would more likely be an outcast than a ringleader. And how could a gay person who was in love, so quickly deny and betray the only person in his life who accepted him unconditionally?
And then there were secondary characters who confused me. Jason's girlfriend Claire was pathetic. The buffoons, Smithy and Badger, were nothing but goons. Idiots.
I loved James, and I loved the relationship he had with his sister. And apart from the two betrayals, I liked Paul and had sympathy for him. Alfred, an elderly friend of James, was my favorite character.
I'm also not sure why the relationship of Andrew and Jonathan was included in this story. It seemed non-essential and could have been presented off-screen.
So overall, I enjoyed the story and appreciated the writing style of the author. I liked and sympathized with the main character and felt good about the ending. But I did have a few issues with editing and characterization.
The story was primarily a combination of four main points of view: James, the central character; Paul, the love interest; Jason, the nemesis; and Andrew, the mentor/hero. These four sub-plots ultimately converged.
The manner in which the bullying was presented was disturbing and moved me to tears. Young James was tormented by the story's villain, Jason, who was the ringleader of a group of students. At the beginning of the story, I thought the author was on point, realistically portraying a very difficult subject matter.
What unfolded, however, required some suspension of disbelief. In real life, I think most bullying is not perpetuated by tyrannical, evil, students who are generally hated by everyone. Instead the most powerful bullies are the popular,good-looking kids who pick on the vulnerable outcasts. In this story it seemed almost the opposite. I couldn't figure out how this bonehead Jason ever became a leader, and it was even more shocking to me that any of the other students would even consider allowing him to boss them around. He was an all-around rotten person, and I found it hard to believe he had any friends at all.
Then Paul, the love interest in the story, was a major disappointment. He betrayed his boyfriend, not once, but twice. And then he was forgiven, almost as if his actions were normal. I expected there to be a redemption scene toward the end, where he finally had a chance to step forward and defend the honor of his boyfriend, to publicly declare he was gay and proud, and that he loved James. That didn't happen.
So I got frustrated a few times, not because of the writing style or the plot, but rather by the characterization. I just didn't understand some of these characters. How could one mean person have so much power? It seemed to me that a person like Jason would more likely be an outcast than a ringleader. And how could a gay person who was in love, so quickly deny and betray the only person in his life who accepted him unconditionally?
And then there were secondary characters who confused me. Jason's girlfriend Claire was pathetic. The buffoons, Smithy and Badger, were nothing but goons. Idiots.
I loved James, and I loved the relationship he had with his sister. And apart from the two betrayals, I liked Paul and had sympathy for him. Alfred, an elderly friend of James, was my favorite character.
I'm also not sure why the relationship of Andrew and Jonathan was included in this story. It seemed non-essential and could have been presented off-screen.
So overall, I enjoyed the story and appreciated the writing style of the author. I liked and sympathized with the main character and felt good about the ending. But I did have a few issues with editing and characterization.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2013
I am not sure how this little gem landed on my TBR list but I´m glad it was there.
This is a great YA read.
A book about bullying and homophobia in high school.
The victims, the by standers, the ones inflicting the violence, the ones that try to stand up for the kids.
Life and stories that come together creating a great book, dealing with some very difficult issues.
Seeing James and Paul, the two MCs, finding their way back to each other, learning to forgive and forget, overcoming all the difficulties.
Paul being so scared to face who he is and his feelings that ends up fighting the only thing that is real and positive in his life. Victim of his own cowardice.
Watching Mr. Green, the one and only teacher that cares about his pupils even after class has ended.
Jason, the master mind behind the hate, so unsatisfied with his own life that you might be even feel sorry for him at one point.
Luke, the one that gets stuck in between and doesn't even know how to get out of the gang.
And it also covers the parents, the ones that don´t see the signs or don't want to.
It doesn´t get the 5* because of the many edit mistakes, one even confusing the names of the character at the dinner table.
But other than that I highly recommend it.
This is a great YA read.
A book about bullying and homophobia in high school.
The victims, the by standers, the ones inflicting the violence, the ones that try to stand up for the kids.
Life and stories that come together creating a great book, dealing with some very difficult issues.
Seeing James and Paul, the two MCs, finding their way back to each other, learning to forgive and forget, overcoming all the difficulties.
Paul being so scared to face who he is and his feelings that ends up fighting the only thing that is real and positive in his life. Victim of his own cowardice.
Watching Mr. Green, the one and only teacher that cares about his pupils even after class has ended.
Jason, the master mind behind the hate, so unsatisfied with his own life that you might be even feel sorry for him at one point.
Luke, the one that gets stuck in between and doesn't even know how to get out of the gang.
And it also covers the parents, the ones that don´t see the signs or don't want to.
It doesn´t get the 5* because of the many edit mistakes, one even confusing the names of the character at the dinner table.
But other than that I highly recommend it.
December 1, 2015
Breaking Point is a very interessting m/m coming of age and coming out story! I really liked the MCs and immediately felt connected to them. I also liked the different POVs giving the story a certain credibility. Of course there were a few reactions making me hope that they would be different in real life, but all in all I can only recommend this story. 4 stars!
January 16, 2014
What a sad book that revolves around a teenager who is being bullied for being gay. My heart bled for the victim. I think I started crying almost as soon as I picked up the book but am very glad I read it. Very emotional read for me but totally worth it. Highly recommend.
January 7, 2018
I finished my 2nd book today. Yay !!
The book kind of changed my mind a lot. The book is about a teenage boy, 16 years old if I'm not mistaken (sorry, I haven't read the description yet while writing this review) who gets bullied by his school mates, James. James used to have a friend, Paul who betrayed him to join the bullies team. Just imagine it does happen to you, yikess!! I'll hate that people so much if it happens to me.
Long story short, by middle of the book, the two (James and Paul) made up, but it's only for a really short time, considering the bullies caught the two lovebirds. Oh God!! My feels though.
Characters : I'm not that fond of Paul. First, Paul, because he's only minding about himself, couldn't stand up for what's best for him. Yet I kinda felt for him for being alone at his 'broken' home. Poor Paul !! But I do like James and Andrew. James, for finally standing up for himself against the bullies. Go for it, James!! You'll beat them. Karma does exist though. And Andrew for being such a supportive teacher. He's like a knight for James for helping James here and there to get thru the bullies and to make a better situation. Well, I don't really like the Bullies though, just you know, Bullies. hmmm
Setting and language : I love how Shane chose the language, it's understandable and I didn't need to read twice to get the information Shane's about to tell. Yet, the minus point here is Shane used such a very long preambule (you might say that), so it's boring a little when you read the first few chapters. I, myself, almost put it down, but I was just like "Arghhh, I'm curious as to what will happen next, I'll give it another chance". But by the few last chapters, the story got more interesting, at least for me. The cliffhanger does happen there. *wink-wink*
Over all : I highly recommend this one to read on your free time. Duh !!
The book kind of changed my mind a lot. The book is about a teenage boy, 16 years old if I'm not mistaken (sorry, I haven't read the description yet while writing this review) who gets bullied by his school mates, James. James used to have a friend, Paul who betrayed him to join the bullies team. Just imagine it does happen to you, yikess!! I'll hate that people so much if it happens to me.
Long story short, by middle of the book, the two (James and Paul) made up, but it's only for a really short time, considering the bullies caught the two lovebirds. Oh God!! My feels though.
Characters : I'm not that fond of Paul. First, Paul, because he's only minding about himself, couldn't stand up for what's best for him. Yet I kinda felt for him for being alone at his 'broken' home. Poor Paul !! But I do like James and Andrew. James, for finally standing up for himself against the bullies. Go for it, James!! You'll beat them. Karma does exist though. And Andrew for being such a supportive teacher. He's like a knight for James for helping James here and there to get thru the bullies and to make a better situation. Well, I don't really like the Bullies though, just you know, Bullies. hmmm
Setting and language : I love how Shane chose the language, it's understandable and I didn't need to read twice to get the information Shane's about to tell. Yet, the minus point here is Shane used such a very long preambule (you might say that), so it's boring a little when you read the first few chapters. I, myself, almost put it down, but I was just like "Arghhh, I'm curious as to what will happen next, I'll give it another chance". But by the few last chapters, the story got more interesting, at least for me. The cliffhanger does happen there. *wink-wink*
Over all : I highly recommend this one to read on your free time. Duh !!
December 14, 2019
Solid Story
This is a solid story with relatable characters and situations, and I enjoyed it very much.
Lots of bullying going on in the school, teachers turn a blind eye. A best friend sides with the biggest bully out of fear. Lots of things happen including betrayal, forgiveness, more betrayal and the bullying gets much worse over time.
If I'm just rating the story itself, it would be 4 star. Sadly, this book falls prey to many technical issues, including (but not limited to) grammar, punctuation, constant shift between POVs in the same section. There have been several times I lost track of who was saying and thinking what because the POV changed, even in the same paragraph.
Story - 4 star
Technical - 1.5 stars
This book could use a detailed editing.
I loved the story, theme, and the characters.
Thank you!
This is a solid story with relatable characters and situations, and I enjoyed it very much.
Lots of bullying going on in the school, teachers turn a blind eye. A best friend sides with the biggest bully out of fear. Lots of things happen including betrayal, forgiveness, more betrayal and the bullying gets much worse over time.
If I'm just rating the story itself, it would be 4 star. Sadly, this book falls prey to many technical issues, including (but not limited to) grammar, punctuation, constant shift between POVs in the same section. There have been several times I lost track of who was saying and thinking what because the POV changed, even in the same paragraph.
Story - 4 star
Technical - 1.5 stars
This book could use a detailed editing.
I loved the story, theme, and the characters.
Thank you!
February 21, 2020
Read the 2019 updated Kindle version having previously started this earlier one. The main problem with the updated version is that once you tie it to politicians and events it dates even faster, for example, we've had numerous education ministers since Gove The other issue is with proof reading which isn't always accurate ( spellings,tenses and names as well as reference to a note which has failed to appear in the text which is important to the narrative. As for the story, it has overtones lord of the rings, the chocolate war and many other bullying tales with a satisfying part resolution with pointers to the next book.
March 4, 2020
Good high school story
I really enjoyed this book. Initially I thought it was going to be super dark, but was pleasantly surprised to see there was hope and happiness in the story. Towards the end I was on the edge as what was going to happen with James and Paul. The only negative thing I could say is, I wish the author choose different names for a James and Jason. The first quarter of the book I kept getting them confused as they sounded and looked similar. There was an outcome I expected as going to happen with jason, I won’t spoil the story, but it didn’t. I suspect that may happen in the follow up book which intend to acquire.
I really enjoyed this book. Initially I thought it was going to be super dark, but was pleasantly surprised to see there was hope and happiness in the story. Towards the end I was on the edge as what was going to happen with James and Paul. The only negative thing I could say is, I wish the author choose different names for a James and Jason. The first quarter of the book I kept getting them confused as they sounded and looked similar. There was an outcome I expected as going to happen with jason, I won’t spoil the story, but it didn’t. I suspect that may happen in the follow up book which intend to acquire.
August 3, 2019
I'm torn
I'm honestly not sure how to rate this story, there were aspects that I liked and aspects that I didn't. I thought the idea of the story was interesting and found the main character compelling. I did not like the jumping from person to person, perhaps if it had been limited to a few people it would not of been so jarring. Also, I think forgiveness has to be earned back like trust and not given so freely back, but I know that's my hang up. But, a good story stays with you and makes you think and this did that for me.
I'm honestly not sure how to rate this story, there were aspects that I liked and aspects that I didn't. I thought the idea of the story was interesting and found the main character compelling. I did not like the jumping from person to person, perhaps if it had been limited to a few people it would not of been so jarring. Also, I think forgiveness has to be earned back like trust and not given so freely back, but I know that's my hang up. But, a good story stays with you and makes you think and this did that for me.
October 9, 2019
Heart breaking
No one should have to endure the kind of pain,suffering and humiliation that James had to go the at the hands of a bully. If I was James not sure that I could have forgiven Paul. An excellent book and worth reading 📚
No one should have to endure the kind of pain,suffering and humiliation that James had to go the at the hands of a bully. If I was James not sure that I could have forgiven Paul. An excellent book and worth reading 📚
December 5, 2020
Amazing!
This book is about the difficult truths about bullying that continues in schools these days. It is beautifully written in a way that draws you into the story. Not only about bullying, but also about love in all its ways with different characters. Bravo!
This book is about the difficult truths about bullying that continues in schools these days. It is beautifully written in a way that draws you into the story. Not only about bullying, but also about love in all its ways with different characters. Bravo!
April 4, 2019
Decent story but annoying font size changes that followed no obvious pattern.
August 11, 2015
(2.5) I hate a character with stockholm syndrome or masochistic complex. I strongly believe being a cowardly piece of shit is never an excuse to commit violence or bully anyone--ever!!! Even if you're marginalised and live in a hostile environment. It's so not-romantic and I hate James for falling for Paul over and over again after what he's done. Okay, he can be forgiven but can't they remain just friends, at least. I wouldn't want to be in a relationship with someone who can't even stand up for himself like that!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2017
We got to experience the bullying in, sometimes, fairly graphic detail, and it would have felt more balanced if we'd gotten to see the consequences too. I felt a little let down by the ending.
February 19, 2013
It was a decent read and depicted bullies and their victims with amazing detail. You felt for the victims and were disgusted with the people who turned away from what they witnessed.
February 19, 2013
I thought it was well-written and the topic was harsh (as it should be). I just felt like some of the reactions to certain situations weren't realistic and that bugged me. I didn't like the ending.
November 22, 2015
While I can empathise with the bullying this character went through, The book is badly formatted and is plagued with too many spelling/grammatical errors for me to really find it a good read.
March 28, 2016
Provoking and a very hard read if you are in favor of the bad getting his one day. Loved it
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews