The Outskirts of Broken

by Rebecca Amiss

1960. Broken, Mississippi is a town that lives up to its name. At least that's what Sissy Drummond believes. At thirteen-years-old, Sissy lives day by day running her dysfunctional household and being reprimanded at school for the compulsive sounds she makes that are beyond her control. The only thing keeping her sane is the thought of finally leaving her small hometown behind.

But when she's kicked out of school for her involuntary tics and her sixteen-year old-sister, Charlotte becomes pregnant, Sissy's desire for a new life seems further out of reach. Will Sissy's grit be enough to leave behind the place that has never truly understood her? Or is she destined to remain in a town that’s as broken as its name?

312 pages, Paperback

Published January 7, 2025

About the author

Rebecca Amiss has always enjoyed reading and telling stories. She was born and raised in Massachusetts where she grew up making up characters and missing her school bus because she was too busy reading Junie B. Jones. When not writing or reading, Rebecca is an avid movie buff and is either watching The Office and Schitt's Creek on repeat, or taking countless pictures of her chaotic but adorable cat, Elphaba.

You can connect with Rebecca on her social media below:

Instagram: @rebeccaamissauthor

TikTok:@rebeccaamissauthor

Threads:@rebeccaamissauthor

Reviews

[Danielle Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the immense pleasure of reading a very early copy of this book, and loved every moment of it. I went into this story completely blind, as in, I had no idea what the book was supposed to be about. It was instantly captivating, and Sissy has stolen my entire heart with her sassy and 'take no crap' attitude.
This story follows two sisters, both too young and broken in their own ways.
When tragedy after tragedy strikes, they learn to see past their vast differences in order to survive what this harsh, cruel world keeps throwing at them.
What started out as two sister's who could care less about each other, quickly turns into an emotionally driven story, forcing them to lean on each other in nearly every way possible because there is simply no one else to turn to.
It's a beautiful and heartbreaking journey for them both, and leaves you begging to know more about their lives after the story ends.
For fans of Where the Crawdads Sing, and anyone who see themselves reflected in broken souls, this is the story for you.
Thank you again, Ms. Amiss for trusting me with your newest book baby, this one HURT in the best way while tugging on my heart strings nonstop.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my best books so far this year. You’ll fall in love with Sissy. Anf your heart will break for her.

[George Beckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first words, The Outskirts of Broken paints a vivid picture of a town and the life of a young girl. The beautiful cover is a doorway into a village without much beauty. Sissy is smart, has Tourette syndrome, and nothing but poverty to support her, and yet her narrative draws the reader close, letting us know her as if she lived next door. Amid her struggles at home and school, we find ourselves championing this clever young girl. As her plight takes blow after blow, we want to reach into the pages and encourage Sissy. Her only friend, Joey, is the one steady rock in a crumbling world.

Instead of being defeated by her plight, Sissy rises to be the responsible one, a difficult task for someone with no hope of being victorious. Her grit and inner strength are a beacon to the reader, and we want to toss her a life preserver as she struggles against the tides of misfortune.

[Katherine Bitner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of historical fiction, but it has to be done right. And Rebecca Amiss is SPOT ON.

The Outskirts of Broken made me cry more than once hand ad me rooting for Sissy and wanting to shake her horrible father. The story is simple but so beautiful. You feel for each character, and the author does an incredible job of really painting a picture of the small town of Broken.

I read this book so fast, it was so well paced, and when it was over, I wanted more! I need more of Sissy's story!

Highly recommend!!

[Amy Tackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I beta read this story over the summer, and it was so beautifully broken in the best way. Amiss is a master at her craft. The prose was lovely, the characterization was flawless, and the setting was painted with vivid imagery and historical accuracy. This book is perfect for fans of WHERE THE CRAWDAD SINGS.

[Betsy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed every moment of this book. It was one of those reads where you immediately went and searched for other books you hope the author has written. And thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed starting for next novel as soon as possible! Very enjoyable characters and heart wrenching story.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in a Sissy’s corner to whole time!

[T. Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Amiss delivers a heartwarming story. However, as good as the story was, I would have liked to have seen the characters grow a bit more.

[Candice Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly beautiful book.

[Ellie Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read most of Rebecca Amiss's books and, while all of them are amazing, this one is not just my favorite one yet, but has been a highlight of my reading year!

From the amazing first line that draws you in to the amazing and satisfying ending, The Outskirts of Broken is absolutely phenomenal!

It is heart breaking and hopeful! There's a great balance of dark and light! It is real and genuine and relatable, full of emotion and amazing representation!

I enjoyed how quickly character voice was established, not only painting the picture but also seeing everything through Sissy's eyes. The establishing of place and time is phenomenal and beautifully subtle. And in terms of the plot itself, I really loved the sprinkling of breadcrumbs and unfolding of backstory and twists, rather than everything being immediately upfront and hitting the reader over the head with it. The pacing is excellent, as is the way the threads get all tied up.

I appreciate the way Amiss tackles a variety tough topics and does not shy away from the lasting effects.

And the characters stick with you long after that final page! I absolutely love Sissy and a few of my other favorites includes Granny, Joey, and Mrs. Lownes. I loved Sissy's friendship with Joey and the development of her relationship with her sister! Even the characters I absolutely despise, like Mrs. Grady, Ms. Harriet, and Sissy's father were so brilliantly written! The relationships and interactions were so real!

I cannot recommend this book enough!!! It is so so good!!!