All the Broken Angels

by Pat Black-Gould, Steve Hardiman

Travel back to when Barbie dolls and G.I. Joe were all the rage, Gloria Steinem rose to fame, and women burned bras as men marched off to war. History unfolds as women’s rights, faith, patriotism, the dawn of gay liberation, and the treatment of Vietnam veterans take center stage in this captivating journey through a pivotal era that resonates with today’s troubling times.

Albie is in Paradise. Cate is in Hell. Paradise is a military base along the South China Sea in Vietnam, and Hell is the Hell’s Kitchen district of New York. 
But life didn’t start that way for these two cousins and best friends who grew up together in 1960s New Jersey. Raised under the watchful eye of their family and the nuns in their Catholic school, they drift apart as the war rages. Albie is gung-ho for God and country, while Cate rebels against her religious upbringing, protests the war, and yearns for the tie-dye and bell-bottoms counterculture of New York's Greenwich Village.

Tragedy strikes and her world turns upside down, but an eclectic group of newfound friends rallies to her side. Cate’s quest for purpose and meaning becomes one of encouragement, resilience, and transformation.

398 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2024

About the author

Pat Black-Gould is an award-winning author of The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey, and All the Broken Angels. She is also a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with Vietnam vets and the LGBTQI+ community. Pat has given presentations throughout the country on her books and on topics including inclusion, diversity, compassion, tolerance, and resilience.

Her latest book, All the Broken Angels, co-authored with Steve Hardiman, is set in the 1960s and early 70s. The novel is a coming-of-age story as the women's movement came to age, and the country was at war with itself. The novel is the 2025 Feathered Quill Literary Award winner in Women's Fiction, 2024 First Place Winner of the Digital Books Today Literary Award, 2024 Indies Today Award in Historical Fictions, and a 2024 Royal Palm Literary Award from the Florida Writers Association,

Pat is the author of the award-winning children's book The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey. The story about a hidden child of the Holocaust has won three gold medals, including the 2023 Royal Palms Awards sponsored by the Florida Writers Association, the Moonbeam's Children's Book Awards, and the Northern Lights Book Award. Pat has appeared on PBS TV, where she discusses her book. You can watch the interview at:
https://www.pbs.org/video/dr-pat-blac...

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the best books are the hardest ones to write reviews for, especially when they give you major book hangover…
Anyone who grew up in the 70’s, playing with Barbies and G.I. Joes, eating penny candy, listening to Billy Joel on the radio, etc., will be taken down Memory Lane with this novel.
Anyone who had loved ones fighting in Vietnam in the 60’s and 70’s, or grew up hearing stories passed down about that time, will also be transported back…
Through the eyes and voice of Cate, sometimes in flashbacks from childhood, sometimes in the decade she’s currently experiencing as an adult, the reader gets a trip through history. The authors do a wonderful job of showing how faith and family can keep people as individuals, and as a nation, moving forward through even the most tumultuous times.
I was born in 1969, so most of what I know about the Vietnam War era is from memories passed down from family, and from reading books about it on my own (my high school and college history classes never went further than WW2.) I was deeply touched, then, when I read passages in this book about families turning to the evening news to find out if their son’s numbers would come up in the draft lottery, something I previously knew little about.
Other things I read made me giggle (the innocent questions of a little girl about the Catholic faith, and the way her cousin/partner in crime Albie tries to answer them, because the nuns shut her down). And a reader would have to be made of stone not to get misty-eyed during heart-rending passages about knocks on doors and bad news received from the military.
If I keep going, I’m going to be creating “spoilers”! So I say to all history-lovers: grab this book, a box of tissues (and maybe a bag of candy), and settle in for wonderful nostalgia trip!
*Thanks to Netgalley for a digital copy, provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Naomi Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman’s “All the Broken Angels” flashbacks of playing with GI Joes on a linoleum floor, penny candy, a close-knit community, the Vietnam draft lottery, and cramped New York apartments are timeless. The story of cousins, Cate and Albie weaves through their Vietnam War opposing views but the novel is cleverly also about religion, women’s rights (or lack thereof), discrimination, the United States’ tumultuous 1960 decade, whispers of gay pride, and helping veterans who have returned from war. The characters are well-developed, and the narrative subtly addresses issues that are still relevant today.

All The Broken Angels is an ode to our past with an understanding of how easy it could be to repeat our country’s mistakes. I enjoyed this novel from beginning to end!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

All The Broken Angels is a touching coming-of-age story about two cousins and best friends, Cate and Albie. The story is told in various time periods centered around historical events. It's told entirely from Cate's point of view.

I thought the book was well-written. The detailed descriptions made me feel like I was there. There is a religious aspect to the book that is an important part of the story and adds depth to the characters. All The Broken Angels covered a wide range of issues. One prominent theme was forgiveness. There were also some lighthearted and sad moments. I teared up several times while reading. The story was truly captivating.

Thank you @lovebookstours and @patblackgould for having me on this book tour and for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jesy Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of two people who's lives are turned upside down during the Vietnam War. Cate and Albie are cousins and best friends. Until tragedy strikes and Cate has to rediscover herself and what her purpose is. This book was emotionally driven and an absolutely wonderful time. I chose to read this advanced copy because my father was an in country Vietnam vet and boy am I glad I did. If you're from this era or know someone who was, I highly recommend it.

[Gina Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Broken Angels reads like a real-life drama during the sixties. War, religion, and faith are all questioned by the main character, Catherine. Her cousin and her have completely different viewpoints, but they are bound by family and an understanding of devotion and conviction in their beliefs.
Catherine discovers life on her own terms and how to make a difference in other people's life and find happiness. Her story kept me interested because I could relate to her struggles for answers and finding yourself.

[Linda Sachs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authors Pat Black-Gould and Steven Hardiman, deliver an impactful story of life in Jersey City and New York during the late 1950s through the early 70s.

We follow Cate through her innocent years spent playing with her cousin Albie (a wanna be soldier for his country) and the turbulent Vietnam war era. In Cate's journey, we see her struggle with trying to make sense of everything she understands and believes in when twists and questions come into her life and spiral in her determined mind.

Several passages in the book made me laugh out loud. Like in the scene when Cate and Albie are discussing Cate's dilemma of what to confess to the priest before taking their first communion. They can't take communion until they confession their sin. Albie has much to share with Father Novak but Cate has nothing to confess. Authors, Pat and Steven do a fantastic job in character development to get their messages across in an entertaining way. I never thought about how ridiculous confession could seem to a perfect child and how the very structure of performing the two sacraments requires the first to actually lead a perfect person to become a sinner. It was a brilliant scene with many more thought provoking scenes done with subtle humour throughout the rest of the story.

But of course, the book is Cate's journey from childhood to an adult and it does delve into the serious and often painful parts of growing up during those two decades. It was the beginning of a social shift for women, race, religion and LGBTQ. A time of 'make love not war' pitted itself against the brave men and women who served in the war. It's a story about their struggles of dealing with emotional scars upon their return home.

All the Broken Angels is a story of grace. It's a deeply moving and poignant glimpse into life at that time, through the eyes of a tenacious and entertaining girl named Cate.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just reread the final chapter, and now I am sitting here with tears stinging my eyes. Again.

The first thing that struck me about this amazing story was how relatable it is to me as a
child of the 1950s, and as a teenager during the Vietnam War. Reading each chapter brought up
emotions I forgot from my childhood. I was also raised in a close-knit ethnic neighborhood with
both loving, supportive and obnoxious neighbors. The characters in Cate and Albie’s
neighborhood are intelligently brought to life with wonderful dialogue. I visualized walking
down their sidewalks, avoiding the worst and most abusive neighbor lady as best they could, and
felt the love of their family and neighborhood friends.

The story’s hook about their grandfather who was saved from a bullet in World War II by
a bible flows throughout. Curious children staring at the bible in their grandmother’s glass-front
hutch with strict orders “not to touch” felt palpable. War was made to feel romantic in those
days. I spent every Sunday afternoon watching WWII movies on Cinema 7, and never missed
one. Values and virtues of bravery, courage and loyalty were the lessons I learned. Albie wanted
to be like his grandfather in that regard.

I had friends who felt similarly when they joined the Army during the Vietnam war years.
One friend, especially, felt pressure to be a brave Marine just like his father, uncle, and
grandfather. Another, from the old neighborhood, was the only friend of mine who died during
the war. Like Cate and her family, I visited the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC and ran
my finger over his name on the wall. I cried. It is a powerful yet simple memorial that just breaks
your heart, but also fills it with pride for those who made the ultimate sacrifice during an
unpopular war.

I flashed back to my elementary school years in parochial school when my mind and
heart were most vulnerable, and nuns took advantage of that innocence. I laughed and cried while reading as the close cousins navigated a world of God, learning Latin prayers, and learning penmanship in the Palmer Method with inkwells embedded in their desks and ink pens that left huge blots on the paper. A slap from the nun’s ruler with an order to “do it again” came flooding back to me.

I was captivated by the power of this story, and how much it affected me and my own story of growing up during those times. When Cate grows up and ventures out on her own in her first apartment, she meets her gay neighbor across the hall. His character was represented sensitively and wonderfully. It made me remember when I met my first gay man. I didn’t have any experience with people who were different in any way, be it religion (I was only allowed to associate with Catholics), color (I grew up in an all-white neighborhood), or sexual orientation (something that just never came up in my world). When my son attended a day care center, David was one of his teachers. He became a
friend of ours, and after meeting his partner and seeing where they lived, I realized gays are the
same as us. They just love differently. My worldview opened in that moment, and the story of
Cate’s friendship with this man reminded me fondly of those days too.

Cate’s struggle to reconcile the loss of her beloved cousin in the war, strike out on her
own to develop a career that eventually centered around helping returning veterans cope with
PTSD, and the emotional symbols incorporated like one traumatized soldier saluting her cousin’s
shadowbox of medals, or bagpipes played at his funeral, are palpable. This story is so well-
written and emotionally charged, at least for me, that I hugged it in the end in my mind’s eye.
I am very impressed with the authors who created this powerful story. I plan to share it with everyone.

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in the 1950s was not the idyllic experience many remember as the Golden Age or the Nifty Fifties, especially for cousins and best friends Albie and Cate in “All the Broken Angels” by Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman. They navigated a challenging world where some of their friends faced strict environments in Catholic schools, often under the watchful eye of unforgiving nuns. The broader societal issues regarding women’s rights, civil rights, and the turmoil of war weighed heavily on their young hearts, shaping their understanding of a complex world that was far from perfect.

It all begins in first grade, a time filled with innocent laughter and carefree moments. Cate and Albie both attend Catholic school during these years, each navigating their paths yet sharing a beautiful friendship. They had a dear friend, Ruthie, who witnessed the harsh reality of life after being struck by polio, serving as a poignant reminder of the struggles many faced.

As the years rolled on, Cate and Albie, once inseparable, began to drift apart. Cate embraced her free-spirited hippie ways, while Albie felt a strong pull to enlist for the draft, driven by a sense of duty during a tumultuous time with the Vietnam War. This choice caused a rift between them and echoed through their families and friendships, reflecting the complex emotions and conflicts that so many people experienced during such challenging times.

Engaging with these characters on their journey offers an opportunity to connect with diverse emotions. One moment, readers observe their exploration of identity during high school, and the next, they witness Albie’s choice to enlist in the war. These significant decisions will likely resonate with you, leaving lasting impressions that foster a sense of empathy for their experiences long after you have finished reading.

The themes of loss, inclusion, forgiveness, and a secondary character’s journey of discovering their sexual identity truly resonate with many teens and adults. It’s crucial to acknowledge that only a handful of books meaningfully capture the experiences of the 1950s to the 1970s. This narrative sensitively delves into women’s rights and the profound impact the Vietnam War had on both men and women, highlighting the emotional struggles they endured during the draft. It’s heartbreaking to recognize their lack of kindness during such a tumultuous time in history. Readers will experience and explore diverse topics like the JFK assassination, the Vietnam War draft, and women’s rights.

I appreciated how the authors, Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman, highlighted the experiences of women impacted by the Vietnam War. It was refreshing to see and hear about their struggles and triumphs and how they paved the way for the future of women in the armed forces. The recognition of PTSD plays a significant role in how Cate discovers her true calling in life.

“All the Broken Angels” is an exceptional educational resource that resonates with younger and older readers alike. Growing up in the 1970s, I was utterly captivated by the rich storytelling and the characters’ journeys of self-discovery. This book is an outstanding choice for junior high and high school teachers looking to engage students in meaningful discussions about sensitive topics, including inclusion and the profound effects of war on soldiers and their families. It offers valuable insights into loss and the true meaning of sacrifice for one’s country, particularly in times of unpopularity, ultimately enriching the reader’s perspective. I wholeheartedly recommend this powerful and emotional book, awarding it a deserving five stars.

[Karolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is my review for All The Broken Angels by Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman

This is a family story that goes back in history and looks at the Vietnam War years and later. Albie wants to be a proper American boy and sign up to protect his country when he is old enough to serve as a GI but his girlfriend Joanne and cousin Cate don’t want him to do it and try to talk him out of it. Cate hasn’t got any idea what she wants to do on leaving school but her mum persuades her to become a typist. Her typing skills are excellent, stenography is rubbish. Albie buys her a book on stenography and has even practiced it so he can help her. Her friend Doreen dreams of them getting a job together and being elite secretaries and super efficient working for nice bosses living in a tenement block in New York. I found this to be an interesting read and learnt a lot about the families. It was full of facts and there was a lot of history in there. Some of it was about the Catholic school. The authors must have done a lot of research to write this story. It was well written although it floated around the years a bit.

Blurb :

History comes alive in this family saga. Flash back to the vibrant 1960s and ’70s through the eyes of Cate and her cousin Albie. Life throws them curveballs, and through humor and pathos, they learn lessons never taught in Catholic school. Their childhood bond seems unbreakable until the Vietnam War drives a wedge between them and strains their close-knit family. Albie’s gung-ho for God and country. Cate rebels against her religious upbringing, protests the war, and yearns for the vibrant flower-power lifestyle of New York’s Greenwich Village.
But all she can afford is a tenement in the Hell’s Kitchen district while scraping by as a typist for an insufferable boss nicknamed Dragon Lady. An eclectic group of newfound friends make life bearable—and not a moment too soon.
Tragedy strikes, turning her world upside down. Cate’s quest for purpose and meaning becomes one of resilience and personal transformation. As the ’60s give way to the ’70s, Cate and her friends must find their way—and themselves—through the complexities of the women’s movement, interfaith relationships, the birth of LGBTQ+ liberation, and the impact of war on returning veterans.
All the Broken Angels is a profound exploration of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of a generation that resonates far beyond the final page.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in the 1950s was not the perfect experience many call the Golden Age, especially for cousins and best friends Albie and Cate. They lived in a challenging world where their friends often faced strict rules in Catholic schools, watched over by demanding nuns. They also dealt with important issues like women's rights, civil rights, and the turmoil of war. These concerns shaped their understanding of a complicated world.

The story starts in first grade, a time of laughter and fun. Cate went to public school, while Albie attended Catholic school. Despite their different paths, they shared a strong friendship. They also had a close friend, Ruthie, who faced a harsh reality after contracting polio. Her situation reminded them of the struggles many people faced. As time passed, Cate and Albie, once best friends, drifted apart. Cate adopted a free-spirited hippie lifestyle, while Albie felt it was his duty to enlist during the Vietnam War draft. This choice created distance between them and affected their families, showing the complex emotions many people felt during those hard times.

The themes of loss, inclusion, forgiveness, and discovering one's sexual identity resonate with many teens and adults. Not many books effectively capture the experiences from the 1950s to the 1970s. This story explores women's rights and shows how the Vietnam War affected both men and women. It highlights the emotional difficulties they faced during the draft. It is sad to see the lack of compassion during such a difficult time. Readers will encounter topics like the JFK assassination, the Vietnam War draft, and women's rights.

I appreciated how authors Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman highlighted women's experiences impacted by the Vietnam War. It was refreshing to see their struggles and successes and how they opened doors for future generations of women in the military. The effects of PTSD also play a significant role in how Cate discovers her true purpose in life.

This book is an excellent choice for junior high and high school teachers looking to spark meaningful discussions about sensitive topics such as inclusion and the effects of war on soldiers and their families. I highly recommend this powerful and emotional book and give it five stars.

[Roz Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that leaves you speechless. It is difficult to sum up the wealth of feelings it evoked or describe it in just a few words. The story follows cousins Albie and Cate, told from Cate's point of view. They are from a Catholic family, and the story is told from their childhood experiences of Catholic school interwoven with their journey to adulthood. 

Cate struggles to understand the lessons she is taught at school as each lesson causes her to have more questions than answers. Albie, like a lot of little boys, loves the glory of war, and he dreams of becoming a soldier. The other aspects of the story follows Cate and Albie as they are coming of age at the time of the Vietnam War and political change in the USA. Albie wants to serve his country, but his family wants him to be safe at home.

The book is beautifully written, and the contrasting timelines and ages of the main characters really bring them to life. The innocence of children is captured so well in the flashbacks to their school days. The book shows a period of American history that was so interesting to me as a non-American. 


The book explores a lot of themes such as the public outcry at the Vietnam War and the way they treated veterans on their return, themes of religious identity, LGBTQ+, women's rights especially in the workplace, grief, forgiveness, love... it is such a moving, beautiful, and thought-provoking story, and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read it. I highly recommend this book. I feel I cannot do it justice... you'll just have to read it!

With thanks to the authors and Love Book Tours for providing a copy of this book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.

[Mary-Lisa Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am feeling lucky towards the end of this year as I have been recently reading some extremely well-written books that have moved me deeply. Here is another...

ALL THE BROKEN ANGELS by Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman is a touching, wonder-of-a-read... a story brimming with vivid details that engulf the reader within each turning page. This deeply touching story unfolds, bursting with a plethora of nostalgia even a younger audience can appreciate. We go back to the 60's and beyond, touching upon various historical events in a revolving carousel of time periods. Themes that play out are women's rights, the Vietnam War, religion, LGBTQ; et al.

Timelines in the book add a backdrop of richness in which the themes and characters naturally flourish. 

All the characters are well-developed, showing humanity and depth. The strong bond between cousins, Cate and Albie, was deeply touching... and relatable. Ablbe's death literally broke me. Going forward without your "best friend" beside you in life is... deeply painful.Cate's own attempt to keep moving forward is written with sensitivity, and a deep appreciation of the power of strong relationships.That human struggle when tragedy strikes...I felt this deep in my heart.

I cried at times. The love, deep bonding, loss, and forgiveness that appeared within the pages played out beautifully.This book made you think... with both your mind and heart combined. 

Verdict: A poignant story delivered by gifted storytellers that have the ability to paint a touching, moving picture with mere words. A must-read masterpiece.        5/5

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

What a thought-provoking and compelling read. The authors wrote in a way that felt very transportive, allowing the reader to feel transported back in time to an era of war, the fight for peace, and the evolution of a society as a whole. The authors found a perfect balance between character development and historical context, allowing the era to come to life on the page without sacrificing the originality and heart behind each character’s evolution throughout the narrative.

Balance was the key to this book. The authors were able to present each side of this conflict, from the soldiers and veterans impacted physically and mentally from the war, to the protestors and activists who seek to end the war and fight against injustice, while touching upon some important themes. The culture and family dynamics that were explored through these characters were especially unique, as readers were able to not only get a glimpse into how this conflict impacted a family torn apart by differing values, but also connected by a shared belief and a love for one another.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and heartfelt, authors Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman’s “All the Broken Angels” is a must-read historical fiction meets drama narrative. The complex themes of social justice, equality, gay pride, veteran rights, and so much more were so subtly yet passionately written about, and the relatability of the character and the depth of detail about the era will resonate with so many readers that they will return to this book again and again.

[Fatguyreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the older reader, All the Broken Angels is a real walk down memory lane, especially for American readers as it's just overflowing with U.S nostalgia. For younger readers, it's a real taste of Americana.

It's both an intelligent, sensitive look at the various attitudes towards the War in Vietnam, and an intriguing, absolutely fascinating portrayal of life In twentieth century America.

Our main characters, Cate and Albie, are cousins who grew up together, but have very different opinions on the War, which causes friction between the two and division. What follows is a coming of age story full of feeling and emotion.

So all in all, I enjoyed this read. Being a Brit, I found it a little difficult to relate to the Americana, but for me, that didn't take away from the quality of the writing, or my enjoyment of the read.

It's a story with great inclusion, with characters from a variety of cultural backgrounds, ages, genders, sexual preferences and religious beliefs.

It's a tale of strained relationships, love, loss and forgiveness, with a message of not repeating the same mistakes we may have made In the past.

I read this in three sittings.

4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.

[Karen Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relevant for Every Decade

This novel offers much to readers, whether they grew up in the 1960s or are understandably interested in this momentous era. Brought alive in carefully researched detail, this novel explores a young girl’s experiences and growth in these dynamic times. The meaning of the phrase “All the Broken Angels” becomes clear as you watch Cate’s life unfold in a story that explores the perplexity of adolescence; the questioning of faith; the changing opportunities and expectations for women; the importance of trying to understand and accept other people; military and personal sacrifice. This novel brings focus on Vietnam vets returning to a nation that condemns them, their post-service struggles, and those who try to understand and help them. Cate is intelligent and spirited, and with a full complement of family and friends, her story is relevant for every decade, including today’s. This novel will be enjoyed by, and will move and enlighten all audiences, from young adults to their parents and grandparents.

[Lori Zavada · Rating 5 out of 5]

The co-authors of Broken Angels deliver a heartfelt, powerful coming of age story set in historic events of a bygone era. I have no doubt readers will appreciate the nostalgia of Cate’s story, a young New Jersey girl growing up in a Slavic-Irish home rooted in Catholicism. You will be drawn to themes of family, community, diversity, and service to country. Characters grapple with emerging issues such as the feminist movement and mental health treatment for veterans. A inclusive cast of characters represent a variety of cultures, genders, ages, sexual preferences and religious beliefs. We as readers get to see the beautiful evolution moving from states of anger to those of peace. Characters evolve and lifelong relationships are renewed. In my opinion, the most beautiful message in Broken Angels is that of forgiveness. Through love and loss, chapters will surprise you and make you cry. In my opinion, Broken Angels would make a wonderful movie—think “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.”

[C.C. Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a child who grew up in the shadow of the Vietnam War and who has had many family members serve in the military, this book intrigued me. But Black-Gould and Hardiman have crafted a narrative which threads the various disparate elements of 1960s America into a beautiful tapestry.
This book captured the tumult, family fears / pride / grief, and societal debate perfectly. I could identify with the main protagonist, Cate, and her inner struggles and journey to figure out who she was and what she wanted to do in life, but my favorite character was definitely Albie. His indefatigable enthusiasm for life and unwavering dedication to his own ideals represented so many young men who willingly went off to war because they heard the tales of their fathers’ and uncles’ bravery.
Overall, I can highly recommend this book to those who love historical fiction which sheds greater illumination on historical events and for readers who love a good coming of age story.

[Leslie Powell Ahmadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Richly Immersive Period Novel

“All the Broken Angels,” a richly immersive period novel by authors Pat Black-Gould and Steve Harriman, takes place in America’s turbulent 60s and 70s. For baby boomers like me, its abundant references resuscitate a montage of images, controversies, and cultural icons that wield a nostalgia both sweet and troubling.

In the end, it’s a compelling coming of age story for protagonist Cate, who faces the same internal questions and value-laden dilemmas that my fellow baby boomers and I faced in the era of the Vietnam war, the Cold War, the emerging sexual revolution, the notion of women’s liberation, and society’s grappling with the question of same-sex relations, interfaith and/or intercultural marriage, and the complexities of a religious education.

But the real heart and grit of the story lie in the (sometimes rocky) relationships Cate sustains in her growing-up and young adult years. There she faces the challenge of knowing and holding onto her own moral convictions while not being judgmental of others whose ways and convictions appear different from hers. I couldn’t help but fall in love with nearly all the story’s characters as I came to know them—one unforgettable cousin of Cate’s in particular.

[Cristy Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-compelling Vietnam era book

Being a child who grew up in the shadow of the Vietnam War and who has had many family members serve in the military, this book intrigued me. But Black-Gould and Harriman have crafted a narrative which threads the various disparate elements of 1960s America into a beautiful tapestry.
This book captured the tumult, family fears / pride / grief, and societal debate perfectly. I could identify with the main protagonist, Cate, and her inner struggles and journey to figure out who she was and what she wanted to do in life, but my favorite character was definitely Albie. His indefatigable enthusiasm for life and unwavering dedication to his own ideals represented so many young men who willingly went off to war because they heard the tales of their fathers’ and uncles’ bravery.
Overall, I can highly recommend this book to those who love historical fiction which sheds greater illumination on historical events and for readers who love a good coming of age story.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this beautifully written book but I am finding it difficult to put into words how powerful, thoughtful, and moving this story is. At its heart it is the story of a family trying to adapt and change as the world around them changes. Cate and Albie are cousins and friends but view the world and approach life in very different ways. Will family loyalty and the friendship and love they have for each other allow them to get past their differences? The story alternates between the past and the present and I enjoyed this format as it shows how Cate and Albie grew and became who they are. Cate is a character I enjoyed watching grow and figuring out what she wanted out of life. Some of the questions she asked I could totally relate to and they made me smile. I highly recommend this book for readers of historical fiction and those that enjoy family sagas.

[kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book and I wasn't ready for the nostalgia this book gave me, even though I was an 80's baby I had cousins that were 70's babies and so I remembered a lot of the things in this book too, and anything that brings me back to that time is always a winner in my book.

The book was well written with a compelling story line that was so descriptive and so evocative it was truly moving and I felt like I was there with the characters. The are some truly heart wrenching moments that I will never be even to imagine what it felt like and I would be lying if I said this didn't move me to tears.
The characters are well developed and all felt so real and relatable and like they were standing in front of me telling me their stories.

I could talk about this book for a week and still not do it justice, but I cannot recommend thid author and in particular this book enough

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book had me thinking about all the times I watched documentaries on historical events. But also, it had me thinking about all the times I spoke to my parents about their upbringing and coming here as immigrant children. Even my neighbor talked about his travels as a kid coming to this country. And there was a time my dad almost served were it not for a medical concern, so all the what ifs came popping back in my mind as I read this. It’s a deeply powerful read that touches on politics and religion but in a way that blends so smoothly because of the family it focuses on. A literary work I didn’t expect to really get into and yet, here we are another one for my shelf and one I can share with my dad. He loved through all of this so he would appreciate the work that went into writing this.

[Mystic KT · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very informative and well researched novel for me. With all of my family members who would have been of age to be in any of the wars described in this book having passed, I have not had a lot information passed down through my family. Yes I am in the UK however I think that sentiments were the same no matter when it came to war. I firmly believe that I would be Cate in this scenario and also fear for any of my relative going into national service. I found that this was also an emotive read and did allow for me to do more research once I had finished it about the times. Thank you for writing this book and it is one of a few 'recent' historical novels that I have felt so emotional over.

[callistoscalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Book Review 📖 My favorite class in high school was History and Culture of the 1950’s and 1960’s and I always wanted to time travel back to that era; since time travel has not been discovered yet this book was the next best thing! Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman have written a beautifully immersive piece of historical fiction that draws the reader into a gripping read that simultaneously encapsulates the era yet still resonates with timeless and relatable themes. All the Broken Angels is a poignant and moving statement about growing up faster than expected in a time of turmoil… and growing apart from the ones you love the most; a raw and powerful tale about the seasons of our lives.

[Lauren Flewett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an interesting dive into American history through the 60’s and 70’s. I do not know a lot about the Vietnam war but learnt a bit through this book.

The author does a good job of building the characters of Cate and Albie. You can see how they go from being close to falling out when they have quite different opinions on some topics.

For me it was slightly strange to read lots of references to what women should/shouldn’t be doing or even couldn’t do. Reminds me of how much the world has changed (and indeed how much it hasn’t!)

Readers are made to feel lots of emotions in this novel. It is worth a read.

[Merle Saferstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Broken Angels, co-authored by Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman, explores a tumultuous era in American history. For those who, like me, lived through the 1960s, the book serves as a powerful reminder of the deep divisions that characterized the nation during the Vietnam War—a time when friends and family were torn apart by differing opinions.

The narrative captures the social upheaval of the times. I was reminded of the beginning of the women’s movement and the LGBTQ+ individuals struggling with their identity.
Each chapter holds a treasure trove of experiences that kept me turning the pages. I recommend the book to anyone who would like to immerse themselves in a great read and, at the same time, learn more about what took place in our country at that time.

[Kaia Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Broken Angels is a coming-of-age novel that follows two cousins (Albie and Cate) as they struggle to realize their hopes for the future in a country that was largely in flux. The novel is set in a strongly Catholic neighborhood where young men like Albie enlisted in the military due to a strong sense of patriotism. As Cate questions the religious nature of her upbringing, she becomes deeply involved in providing support services to veterans returning from the Vietnam War.

Through All the Broken Angels, readers will travel back in time to discover a story about hope in the face of lost dreams and about grief that can be healed through the power of forgiveness.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Broken Angels by Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman.
This was a good read. I did like the cover of this book. I liked the writing style. I did like the main characters, Cate and Albie. Watching them grow from children to adults. I did find it slow to start off, but once I got into it, I did enjoy it. I am slowly getting into this genre. It was nice to read something different. I did like Cate's interview with Dr. Williams. I did like how Cate was with Mrs. Dragone. Good for her. I loved the ending.

[Jawa Kween Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Broken Angels was a book with a lot of emotion and a lot to unpack.

It is set around 2 characters Cate and Albie although it is told from Cate's perspective. Two cousins growing up together it shows the conflicts of growing up and having 2 different opinions on the Vietnam war.

Showing the struggles of finding yourself between conflicts, strained relationships, love, and loss.

I feel this story tells the Vietnam story well, and it feels like times I remember my grandparents telling me about.

[KH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t my usual style of book, but I loved it. The history brought back so many memories for me. I grew up in the 1960s and 70s, and this story is so colorfully written, it was like being there again. The sights, sounds, even smells (patchouli, scent of weed in the air at a peace demonstration, freshly mowed lawns, etc). Really liked how they wove specific songs I grew up with into the scenes. They’re often part of the foreground, not just a mention of what’s playing in the background. So glad I took a chance on this book