Emancipating from foster care and struggling to move forward from her traumatic past, 18 year-old Brewen's got no family and nowhere to go. Her best friend, Destiny smuggles her into her dorm room and her heart.
Dissociations, a boyfriend who reeks of deception, Brewen risks home and friendship to guarantee Destiny's safety.
To save Destiny, Brewen must save herself. To save herself, Brewen must save Destiny.
Told from both Brewen and Destiny's perspectives, this edgy novel in verse will take you on a dive into the heart of a survivor, through college parties and chess games, fire and confusion, friendship and hope.
Splinter is a novel of courage and hope. We follow two girls, Brewen and Destiny, in alternating point of view as they work to find their way. Brewen has just emancipated from foster care in the wake of her 18th birthday, while Destiny is looking ahead to new beginnings at University of Vermont. Brewen has nowhere to go, so Destiny brings her to college with her, hoping no one will notice the extra life in her dorm.
The novel centers around Brewen’s unresolved traumas from her past and Destiny’s diagnoses of anxiety and OCD. Faced with a series of co-incidents (the good that comes with the bad), will they continue to recover, or will they crumple under the pressure of it all?
Free verse has always been one of my favorite writing styles, so I knew I had to read this when Betsy approached me with her new book. I felt such joy at the novel’s conclusion, and I know it will be enjoyed by readers of many demographics and ages. While we await its formal release, I’ll be cheering for Brewen and Destiny on the sidelines. Cue the applause!
“And the funny thing is she was always a queen. She just didn’t know it yet.”
This was really my first novel in verse I read and one thing for sure is I will be reading more after this one! It was an extremely captivating read! I was hooked from page one. I kept wanting more with every page! It was a powerful read as well. When I finished the book, it left me with new thoughts to ponder and dive into. I am recommending this book to all my fellow readers! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before and o felt so many different emotions. Written so beautifully and truly conveyed the message it wanted! Great read!
It’s been a very long time since I’ve read something that immediately made me feel like I wanted to hurry up and reread it again. Splinter by Betsy O'Neill-Sheehan is a must read book. This book had me hooked from the very beginning…and kept me turning pages quickly, while still savoring the plot.
Congratulations Betsy. You are a gift, and your work - a treasure.
Captivating story about Brewen and Destiny life friends..Destiny gets a scholarship for higher education and Brewen is left alone..what will become of their friendship. Well written in verse and the narrative of the gals. You won't think the same way again after reading this!