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Other Broken Things
Nat's not an alcoholic. She doesn't have a problem. Everybody parties, everybody does stupid things, like get in their car when they can barely see. Still, with six months of court-ordered AA meetings required, her days of vodka-filled water bottles are over.
Unfortunately her old friends want the party girl or nothing. Even her up-for-anything ex seems more interested in rehashing the past than actually helping Nat.
But then a recovering alcoholic named Joe inserts himself into Nat’s life and things start looking up. Joe is funny, smart, and calls her out in a way no one ever has.
He’s also older. A lot older.
Nat’s connection to Joe is overwhelming but so are her attempts to fit back into her old world, all while battling the constant urge to crack a bottle and blur that one thing she's been desperate to forget.
Now in order to make a different kind of life, Natalie must pull together her broken parts and learn to fight for herself.
Unfortunately her old friends want the party girl or nothing. Even her up-for-anything ex seems more interested in rehashing the past than actually helping Nat.
But then a recovering alcoholic named Joe inserts himself into Nat’s life and things start looking up. Joe is funny, smart, and calls her out in a way no one ever has.
He’s also older. A lot older.
Nat’s connection to Joe is overwhelming but so are her attempts to fit back into her old world, all while battling the constant urge to crack a bottle and blur that one thing she's been desperate to forget.
Now in order to make a different kind of life, Natalie must pull together her broken parts and learn to fight for herself.
256 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 12, 2016
22 people are currently reading
3085 people want to read
About the author
Christa Desir
6 books298 followersI'm a YA author who loves dark contemporary books. Novels include: FAULT LINE (Oct 2013), BLEED LIKE ME (Oct 2014), OTHER BROKEN THINGS (Jan 2016), LOVE BLIND (May 2016), and FOUR-LETTER WORD (May 2018).
I am also a feminist, rape victim activist, book seller, and romance novel editor. I live outside of Chicago with my husband and our three children.
I am also a feminist, rape victim activist, book seller, and romance novel editor. I live outside of Chicago with my husband and our three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
October 22, 2018
Full Review on my blog!
Not the type of book I would usually read, but it was a good, I actually enjoyed it. As you probably read from the book description, Other Broken Things is about teenaged alcoholism. I felt like the author did a great job at describing alcoholism and how addiction is a disease. The writing was good and the characters were written well.
Natalie was a boxer, and when her parents got her to stop boxing, she filled a hole inside of herself with alcohol. She befriends some other partiers and slips into a hole of drinking to fill up the anger inside of her. Some bad stuff happens, and here we are. Natalie is just out of rehab and now in court-ordered AA after a DUI. She’s not really sure why all this has happened to her — she just likes to party like everyone else! At AA she meets Joe, an older man who shows an interest in her and hopes to get her off the booze and on track, but their relationship goes from friends to having feelings for each other.
Yes, she likes to party but she doesn’t realize that alcohol is her go-to everyday; in the mornings, at school, at night. Natalie is an alcoholic and she doesn’t want to admit it at first.
As the story progresses you get a feel for the life she lives and you get to know her really well; Natalie is unlikable at times; she isn’t a very nice person to anyone in her life. Natalie character was flawed and so imperfect that she was actually believable.
Other Broken Things was a powerful, young adult novel that recognizes the damage that alcoholism can cause. I wasn’t impressed with the ending….. But it’s as real as it gets. Other Broken Things by Christa Desir wasn’t one of those books that I absolutely loved, but it was a good book, and you should pick up if you want a change in a different kind of YA.
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Not the type of book I would usually read, but it was a good, I actually enjoyed it. As you probably read from the book description, Other Broken Things is about teenaged alcoholism. I felt like the author did a great job at describing alcoholism and how addiction is a disease. The writing was good and the characters were written well.
Natalie was a boxer, and when her parents got her to stop boxing, she filled a hole inside of herself with alcohol. She befriends some other partiers and slips into a hole of drinking to fill up the anger inside of her. Some bad stuff happens, and here we are. Natalie is just out of rehab and now in court-ordered AA after a DUI. She’s not really sure why all this has happened to her — she just likes to party like everyone else! At AA she meets Joe, an older man who shows an interest in her and hopes to get her off the booze and on track, but their relationship goes from friends to having feelings for each other.
Yes, she likes to party but she doesn’t realize that alcohol is her go-to everyday; in the mornings, at school, at night. Natalie is an alcoholic and she doesn’t want to admit it at first.
As the story progresses you get a feel for the life she lives and you get to know her really well; Natalie is unlikable at times; she isn’t a very nice person to anyone in her life. Natalie character was flawed and so imperfect that she was actually believable.
Other Broken Things was a powerful, young adult novel that recognizes the damage that alcoholism can cause. I wasn’t impressed with the ending….. But it’s as real as it gets. Other Broken Things by Christa Desir wasn’t one of those books that I absolutely loved, but it was a good book, and you should pick up if you want a change in a different kind of YA.
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December 1, 2015
Honest, dark and gritty, this book is written in Christa Desir's signature style. I was iffy about reading this one at first because I didn't enjoy Fault Line, but I'm glad that I requested it anyway because this book is amazing! Admittedly, at first I didn't think that it was going to be an amazing book for me, but as I read on, I felt more and more connected to the main character and I had this desire to really know her and her story, and I was not disappointed.
To be honest I don't know what it is exactly about this book that won me over, but after I closed the book, I felt like the book really meant something to me. Exactly what, I'm not sure. I think it was an eye-opening experience, and I guess I just felt like there was so much truth in this book. The author did not downplay anything about life, and I appreciate that. This book is not about being inspirational - although sometimes it's kind of uplifting too. No, this book is about being honest and facing life head on. This book is about accepting that things are not in our control, and it's about letting go. It's about being at peace with life - knowing that it sucks and the only things that we can control are our choices, so we might as well make good ones.
I really enjoyed this book and now I'm thinking about going back to finish reading Fault Line because I only got to before halfway of the book. I really appreciate this book and the author, and I'm looking forward to reading more books by her.
To be honest I don't know what it is exactly about this book that won me over, but after I closed the book, I felt like the book really meant something to me. Exactly what, I'm not sure. I think it was an eye-opening experience, and I guess I just felt like there was so much truth in this book. The author did not downplay anything about life, and I appreciate that. This book is not about being inspirational - although sometimes it's kind of uplifting too. No, this book is about being honest and facing life head on. This book is about accepting that things are not in our control, and it's about letting go. It's about being at peace with life - knowing that it sucks and the only things that we can control are our choices, so we might as well make good ones.
I really enjoyed this book and now I'm thinking about going back to finish reading Fault Line because I only got to before halfway of the book. I really appreciate this book and the author, and I'm looking forward to reading more books by her.
January 4, 2016
Review
Natalie is a seventeen year old recovering alcoholic. At first, it isn't willingly - more like court ordered. As she deals with her parents, old still partying friends and ex and all her requirements for court, she meets Joe in AA. He becomes someone she depends and leans on. And there is a connection there. He just happens to be more than twice her age. Will she be able to pull herself together against the odds?
If you know anything about me you know I love a good cover. So yes, I am guilty of requesting this initially because of that gorgeous cover.Then the blurb intrigued me quite a bit. But I was so happy the book lived up to both.
Natalie is a pretty messed up character. When we first see her she has to start going to AA meetings and doing community service after a DUI. Still none of that appears to have had any impact on her. That is when I figured I would not like her much. However, slowly but surely with some bumps in the road we see a crap load of character growth. She really grew on me with her sassy attitude, bluntness and the fact we see she does feel bad about the things she has done and does. As she worked the 12 steps in the program I loved watching her really start to figure things and herself out.
Her parents play a big role here. Her mom tries so hard. Like too hard. Still, there were some sweet moments to go with the ones where I really felt for her mom. Now with kids of my own, I can totally see where she was coming from and when her mom hurt I hurt a little too. Her dad is a grade A jerk. I really wanted to punch him in the face. Still, by the end, all is right and not in a neat super pretty way. Just a realistic way.
Joe. Yeah total mixed feelings on that whole situation. I mean he was pretty awesome. He was no nonsense with Natalie - told her the deal with AA, the things she would have to do and pretty much told her to get her shit together. There was an undeniable chemistry between them. But man, he was so much older. I was also afraid this was going to be a "she got better because of a guy" type thing. Maybe it was a little but it was straight out addressed so I was ok with it all. Still, I was torn on how I felt. And I was still torn when the book ended.
Overall, this took me by surprise by how much I really enjoyed it. It isn't that long so I finished it in a day and didn't want to stop reading. I am sure this may not be for everyone and has some touchy topics. But if you like a bit of a tougher, more in your face kind of book totally pick this one up.This review was originally posted on Rebel Mommy Book Blog
Natalie is a seventeen year old recovering alcoholic. At first, it isn't willingly - more like court ordered. As she deals with her parents, old still partying friends and ex and all her requirements for court, she meets Joe in AA. He becomes someone she depends and leans on. And there is a connection there. He just happens to be more than twice her age. Will she be able to pull herself together against the odds?
If you know anything about me you know I love a good cover. So yes, I am guilty of requesting this initially because of that gorgeous cover.Then the blurb intrigued me quite a bit. But I was so happy the book lived up to both.
Natalie is a pretty messed up character. When we first see her she has to start going to AA meetings and doing community service after a DUI. Still none of that appears to have had any impact on her. That is when I figured I would not like her much. However, slowly but surely with some bumps in the road we see a crap load of character growth. She really grew on me with her sassy attitude, bluntness and the fact we see she does feel bad about the things she has done and does. As she worked the 12 steps in the program I loved watching her really start to figure things and herself out.
Her parents play a big role here. Her mom tries so hard. Like too hard. Still, there were some sweet moments to go with the ones where I really felt for her mom. Now with kids of my own, I can totally see where she was coming from and when her mom hurt I hurt a little too. Her dad is a grade A jerk. I really wanted to punch him in the face. Still, by the end, all is right and not in a neat super pretty way. Just a realistic way.
Joe. Yeah total mixed feelings on that whole situation. I mean he was pretty awesome. He was no nonsense with Natalie - told her the deal with AA, the things she would have to do and pretty much told her to get her shit together. There was an undeniable chemistry between them. But man, he was so much older. I was also afraid this was going to be a "she got better because of a guy" type thing. Maybe it was a little but it was straight out addressed so I was ok with it all. Still, I was torn on how I felt. And I was still torn when the book ended.
Overall, this took me by surprise by how much I really enjoyed it. It isn't that long so I finished it in a day and didn't want to stop reading. I am sure this may not be for everyone and has some touchy topics. But if you like a bit of a tougher, more in your face kind of book totally pick this one up.This review was originally posted on Rebel Mommy Book Blog
February 24, 2016
"Because everyone needs help. Everyone needs someone to care about their stories."
What a tough but wonderful story. This one is gritty and real, a 17 year old with a DUI and a very serious drinking problem. She starts AA meetings only because it's mandated. Will she ever think she as a problem?
I love that Natalie is kind of unlikable. At least for quite a while, she isn't a very nice person. As you slowly get a panoramic of her life, you see that she's pretty crappy to everyone in her life. But I always understood Natalie, even if I didn't like her choices. I could understand them and her wants and fears, her needs and sorrows. Natalie was a real character, one flawed and so imperfect that she was believable.
I am so glad that the end was exactly what it was. It kept it truer to life and made me want to applaud at the last few sentences.
My ONLY one complaint - is that the author should have a disclaimer - a little spot at the end to let teens know where to go if they or someone they know has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Otherwise, it was awesome.
What a tough but wonderful story. This one is gritty and real, a 17 year old with a DUI and a very serious drinking problem. She starts AA meetings only because it's mandated. Will she ever think she as a problem?
I love that Natalie is kind of unlikable. At least for quite a while, she isn't a very nice person. As you slowly get a panoramic of her life, you see that she's pretty crappy to everyone in her life. But I always understood Natalie, even if I didn't like her choices. I could understand them and her wants and fears, her needs and sorrows. Natalie was a real character, one flawed and so imperfect that she was believable.
I am so glad that the end was exactly what it was. It kept it truer to life and made me want to applaud at the last few sentences.
My ONLY one complaint - is that the author should have a disclaimer - a little spot at the end to let teens know where to go if they or someone they know has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Otherwise, it was awesome.
April 8, 2016
“If there even is a God, why the hell would He want me on His side? I'm the reason He flooded the earth before Noah's ark.”
Other Broken Things no es nada que no hayamos visto antes: chica deprimida (sin motivos reales aparentes) ahoga sus penas en drogas y alcohol, tiene un accidente automovilístico tras manejar tomada y se ve forzada a asistir a un grupo de apoyo de Alcohólicos Anónimos. Al principio su meta era pasar desapercibida, pero va conociendo personas que la hacen desear cambiar y crecer.
Una historia que no es particularmente terrible pero si aburrida por la trama ya archi conocida. Sin embargo, cuando en medio de todo eso, la autora logra que cambies tu manera de pensar de "ugh, por favor no" a "oh, that's sweet" respecto a un romance entre la protagonista (de 17 años) y un hombre de 38 (!!!), te das cuenta que tiene talento. Probablemente luego le de otra oportunidad.
December 26, 2019
Addicts, particularly alcoholics, should be interesting to read; typically characterized by their manipulation and willingness to do anything for a drink, there's a multitude of opportunity to both empathize with and want to distance yourself from them.
Natalie is none of those things and doesn't elicit emotion from the reader in the slightest. She's a selfish, spoiled rich girl used to getting her way, and that doesn't change over the course of this story. I get that teenagers can go through rebellious phases where they're downright assholes to their parents. But Natalie's mom is the sweetest, most supportive character in this novel and Natalie treats her like garbage for no reason, recognizes this, and doesn't do anything to change the behavior.
Not to mention the creepy as hell dynamic between 17-year-old Natalie and 38-year-old Joe. Why does an almost 40 y.o. man want to spend so much time with a senior in high school? It's messed up and none of the characters except for Natalie's douche canoe of a father seem to think so.
The writing was good and the story was fast-paced and short, which made for a quick read, but overall I wouldn't recommend this one.
Natalie is none of those things and doesn't elicit emotion from the reader in the slightest. She's a selfish, spoiled rich girl used to getting her way, and that doesn't change over the course of this story. I get that teenagers can go through rebellious phases where they're downright assholes to their parents. But Natalie's mom is the sweetest, most supportive character in this novel and Natalie treats her like garbage for no reason, recognizes this, and doesn't do anything to change the behavior.
Not to mention the creepy as hell dynamic between 17-year-old Natalie and 38-year-old Joe. Why does an almost 40 y.o. man want to spend so much time with a senior in high school? It's messed up and none of the characters except for Natalie's douche canoe of a father seem to think so.
The writing was good and the story was fast-paced and short, which made for a quick read, but overall I wouldn't recommend this one.
February 4, 2023
this isn't a terrible book; it's a book that is trying to do way too much in 250 pages and ends up not delving deeply enough. the main focus is natalie's struggle with addiction, but IMO the tradeoff was that the book did not focus nearly enough on the implications of natalie (17) having a relationship with a 38-year-old man. yes, everyone in her life tells her it's not a good idea, but no one ever really outlines all the reasons why, and the book ends with . i'm not saying every YA novel needs to be some kind of learning module for teenagers; in fact i think the opposite. but it still felt weird as hell not to dissect this a little more in a book that is For Teenagers. this review says it really really well. (it's a similar problem as the one i saw in Seven Ways We Lie; i vaguely remember Girl in Pieces doing it better, but i also haven't read that book in a few years now.)
and even natalie's relationship with addiction felt underdeveloped sometimes--like, there's a part where she says she would "peel off [her] own skin to be having this conversation over shots," but the reader got no indication of her feeling that way besides her saying it. half of her relationship with her mother is fixed in a few paragraphs describing her "opening up" more often. also, everyone talks in perfectly-crafted emotional speeches. it made me start feeling like this tweet
i did definitely enjoy the relationship between natalie and her mom; it's clear that natalie isn't always a reliable narrator and that her mother cares about her, and i liked how that dynamic developed! i also enjoyed that natalie was allowed to be kind of shitty. i love when characters get to be shitty. but overall, this book didn't make a huge impression on me, because it never seems to go more than skin-deep.
and even natalie's relationship with addiction felt underdeveloped sometimes--like, there's a part where she says she would "peel off [her] own skin to be having this conversation over shots," but the reader got no indication of her feeling that way besides her saying it. half of her relationship with her mother is fixed in a few paragraphs describing her "opening up" more often. also, everyone talks in perfectly-crafted emotional speeches. it made me start feeling like this tweet
i did definitely enjoy the relationship between natalie and her mom; it's clear that natalie isn't always a reliable narrator and that her mother cares about her, and i liked how that dynamic developed! i also enjoyed that natalie was allowed to be kind of shitty. i love when characters get to be shitty. but overall, this book didn't make a huge impression on me, because it never seems to go more than skin-deep.
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October 28, 2015There is so much heart in this book -- and so much development from the author. This book reminded me of Rachel Cohn's Gingerbread in a way, though they don't share any similarities I can think of. It's Natalie's voice and character which remind me.
Natalie was a boxer, and when her parents got her to stop boxing, she filled a hole inside of herself with alchohol. She befriends some other partiers and slips into a hole of drinking to fill up the anger inside of her. Some bad stuff happens, and here we are.
One thing I always enjoy about Christa Desir's books is the use of adult guidance. Her parental units are always interesting and present in a big way--this time, it's with an overbearing father and run-down mom. But better than just that are Kathy and Joe, AA people who both play a role in Natalie's recovery.
Where I'm sure reviews will dig their heels in about a romantic subplot, it rings true--and especially for someone of Natalie's age. It's hard to read and leaves a sour feeling in the stomach, but it is authentic.
Which is really what I can say about this book as a whole. It's authentic. Natalie is a deeply realized character who is powerless over her addiction, angry for all of the reasons a kid in her shoes should be, and trying her best all the same. The growing focus on her relationship with her mom is something even people not in her shoes could understand. And the identification of the toxic elements in her life allows her to figure out what she really needs.
The last fifth of the book is an emotional roller coaster, but it's one with a satisfying and deeply hopeful message. I wish we got to see more of Natalie's downward spiral, a more concrete feeling for the before. You understand from context how far she's come, but there's a rock bottom moment and so much comes before. It's not the focus of the story, and I get that, but we don't know nearly enough about Natalie's before, I think.
Alcoholism is not a topic we see when it comes to YA (the kids being alcoholics, at least), and I was very pleased in how expertly this story was handled.
Natalie was a boxer, and when her parents got her to stop boxing, she filled a hole inside of herself with alchohol. She befriends some other partiers and slips into a hole of drinking to fill up the anger inside of her. Some bad stuff happens, and here we are.
One thing I always enjoy about Christa Desir's books is the use of adult guidance. Her parental units are always interesting and present in a big way--this time, it's with an overbearing father and run-down mom. But better than just that are Kathy and Joe, AA people who both play a role in Natalie's recovery.
Where I'm sure reviews will dig their heels in about a romantic subplot, it rings true--and especially for someone of Natalie's age. It's hard to read and leaves a sour feeling in the stomach, but it is authentic.
Which is really what I can say about this book as a whole. It's authentic. Natalie is a deeply realized character who is powerless over her addiction, angry for all of the reasons a kid in her shoes should be, and trying her best all the same. The growing focus on her relationship with her mom is something even people not in her shoes could understand. And the identification of the toxic elements in her life allows her to figure out what she really needs.
The last fifth of the book is an emotional roller coaster, but it's one with a satisfying and deeply hopeful message. I wish we got to see more of Natalie's downward spiral, a more concrete feeling for the before. You understand from context how far she's come, but there's a rock bottom moment and so much comes before. It's not the focus of the story, and I get that, but we don't know nearly enough about Natalie's before, I think.
Alcoholism is not a topic we see when it comes to YA (the kids being alcoholics, at least), and I was very pleased in how expertly this story was handled.
February 2, 2016
other broken things by desir is much like her two previous books, things are stark real and dark.... but the takeaway in this one is that not all that has to be dramatic. the reality in this is that things happen, good bad painful and even mundane... all things take place in blink of an eye and it's how the character choose to respond to that which they can control. and that is but little. the ending in this is open, the people in this are flawed and working through what they can to be less so. perfection has no place in this. no perfect girl, no knight in shining armor, no perfect parents... or a perfect partner either.... they've each their own baggage and the dynamic amongst them all with her not necessarily in the middle, but affected and affecting nonetheless. then there's how raw things are... there are issues and choices and the corresponding consequences. it's the hard choices in particular that work...how some chose to let go because that's the core of the problem: them separating that from letting go because it is what's best. all these nuances of choosing and wanting and the why.... I think of love this writer for putting all that out there. that nothing is simple; nothing, black and white...
February 3, 2016
Not to be Judgey McJudgerson, but why are we acting like there was ever a chance of a viable relationship between a ? Especially a relationship between a ?! Even at the end when , it felt sleazy and trite. I loved Christa Desir's other books, but I was disappointed in this one.
January 11, 2016
From the outside, Nat seems to benefit from her privilege; she got drunk, got in a wreck, her dad paid for a lawyer, and she got some court ordered rehab and AA meetings. As you dive deeper into the story, you see that Nat is a person who struggles under the weight of two unhappy parents, she is a person who gave up something she truly loves to do because of “appearances”, and a person who keeps a secret burden that she can’t , or won’t, release. Other Broken Things felt very immersive. Nat’s narrative was honest and raw in a way that really sucked me into the story. Her court ordered sobriety and AA meeting attendance was something she resented and, in Nat’s mind, was something she didn’t need. Then, slowly, Nat begins to see the cracks in the structure of her life. The cracks were always there, but not as visible through the haze of alcohol and drugs. Other Broken Things recognizes the agony, defeat, triumph, and struggle of addiction. Nat held two people inside of her, the Nat who drank to escape and the Nat who had purpose. Part of any 12 step program is an examination of what got you there and the things that are within you that might send you back, and this book did such an amazing job of showing the hard emotional work it takes to face those truths. Other Broken Things is one of the most honest stories I have ever read in YA.
I don’t really know how to describe it, but I really felt this book. Perhaps because I’ve had close family members in twelve step programs, but everything about this story rang so true. It wasn’t just about the recovery aspect, either. Honesty, in all of its painful glory, was at the front of this story. It wasn’t just being honest with other people, but being perfectly and painfully honest with yourself, which it the toughest kind of honesty. That was really Nat’s struggle, as I saw it. While reading this book, it really did make me think about the ways that I am both honest and dishonest with myself. I think people readers will get a lot out of Other Broken Things, not just because it is a well told story, but because it really makes you think. I loved the way it handled the relationship between Nat and Joe, which was not always comfortable to read because it did not look away or try to gloss over any part of it. It was important to the story, though, as was Nat’s relationship with all of the adults she met in AA. They became her sponsors, her friends, and her small glimpse into what her future might hold, for better or for worse. The ending was not an easy one, because there is no real ending to addiction, but I thought it was perfect. I always say this when I read one of Christa Desir’s books, but I think this one is my favorite. I hope you’ll give it a place on your reading list.
I don’t really know how to describe it, but I really felt this book. Perhaps because I’ve had close family members in twelve step programs, but everything about this story rang so true. It wasn’t just about the recovery aspect, either. Honesty, in all of its painful glory, was at the front of this story. It wasn’t just being honest with other people, but being perfectly and painfully honest with yourself, which it the toughest kind of honesty. That was really Nat’s struggle, as I saw it. While reading this book, it really did make me think about the ways that I am both honest and dishonest with myself. I think people readers will get a lot out of Other Broken Things, not just because it is a well told story, but because it really makes you think. I loved the way it handled the relationship between Nat and Joe, which was not always comfortable to read because it did not look away or try to gloss over any part of it. It was important to the story, though, as was Nat’s relationship with all of the adults she met in AA. They became her sponsors, her friends, and her small glimpse into what her future might hold, for better or for worse. The ending was not an easy one, because there is no real ending to addiction, but I thought it was perfect. I always say this when I read one of Christa Desir’s books, but I think this one is my favorite. I hope you’ll give it a place on your reading list.
July 21, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I feel like a weight has been lifted from me because, it too, was really well done. I mean, it was a pretty tough fucking read. Natalie goes through some SHIT man. But it was also enlightening and I have a lot of feelings about how she figured her shit out because it wasn't pretty, it was actually pretty messy. But isn't that how life is? And I just want to say that it really rocks when authors don't try to make life, hard times, good times, etc. seem better than they are. That's so important! And this book is definitely not going to be for everyone, I get that. Hell, I wasn't sure it was for me. But it is so emotionally packing that I do recommend at least giving it a shot before writing it off completely.
The only thing for me was that I was really put off by Natalie's relationship with Joe. Not because he was older but because I could tell it wasn't a healthy one. She was an addict through and through and just replaced one addiction with another. She wasn't good at balancing, which is discussed in the book, and I don't think she realized that her relationship with Joe was the exact same thing. I think Desir did a good job at setting the stage by having Joe be so conflicted about it, but I just wasn't here for them being together.
I liked seeing how the addiction affected everyone in Natalie's life and not just her, at least her perspective on how it affected them. I think it brought depth to the story to see that other people were affected by it and didn't quite know how to handle it -- or Natalie -- but do their best to try anyway. I think the best example of this was Brent and the A's because Brent wanted to be with Nat "no matter what" but didn't really realize what this meant and the A's were just waiting for Nat to "be herself" again without realizing that Nat was being herself.
This one was really good. I liked Natalie's journey through AA and I liked seeing everything from her perspective. But I did feel a bit of a disconnect at some points. That mostly had to do with her relationship with Joe though. Which I wasn't a fan of. I think it ended up being handled well but I still idk I didn't like it.
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I feel like a weight has been lifted from me because, it too, was really well done. I mean, it was a pretty tough fucking read. Natalie goes through some SHIT man. But it was also enlightening and I have a lot of feelings about how she figured her shit out because it wasn't pretty, it was actually pretty messy. But isn't that how life is? And I just want to say that it really rocks when authors don't try to make life, hard times, good times, etc. seem better than they are. That's so important! And this book is definitely not going to be for everyone, I get that. Hell, I wasn't sure it was for me. But it is so emotionally packing that I do recommend at least giving it a shot before writing it off completely.
The only thing for me was that I was really put off by Natalie's relationship with Joe. Not because he was older but because I could tell it wasn't a healthy one. She was an addict through and through and just replaced one addiction with another. She wasn't good at balancing, which is discussed in the book, and I don't think she realized that her relationship with Joe was the exact same thing. I think Desir did a good job at setting the stage by having Joe be so conflicted about it, but I just wasn't here for them being together.
I liked seeing how the addiction affected everyone in Natalie's life and not just her, at least her perspective on how it affected them. I think it brought depth to the story to see that other people were affected by it and didn't quite know how to handle it -- or Natalie -- but do their best to try anyway. I think the best example of this was Brent and the A's because Brent wanted to be with Nat "no matter what" but didn't really realize what this meant and the A's were just waiting for Nat to "be herself" again without realizing that Nat was being herself.
This one was really good. I liked Natalie's journey through AA and I liked seeing everything from her perspective. But I did feel a bit of a disconnect at some points. That mostly had to do with her relationship with Joe though. Which I wasn't a fan of. I think it ended up being handled well but I still idk I didn't like it.
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July 17, 2017"I appreciate that Natalie is from a traditionally “good” home, because in my opinion, it’s important that teens realize that addiction and alcoholism don’t care who you are, how much money you do or don’t have, if your parents are still together, or if you’re in high school or college or a successful business person. Addiction doesn’t just strike the poor and unfortunate, which is a dangerous myth many believe."
Read contributor Randi Oomens' full review at Disability in Kidlit.
Read contributor Randi Oomens' full review at Disability in Kidlit.
May 21, 2016
Really sad and disappointed I didn't enjoy this. It sounded like such a powerful novel when I first heard about OTHER BROKEN THINGS but when I finished reading it, I was really disappointed.
September 27, 2015
I cannot decide which rating to give this book. If 3.5 stars was an option that is the one I would go with.
So many things to love about this book.
The main character, Nat, so flawed, so resentful, so young and just starting to grow into who she really wants to be.
The author did a wonderful job of slowly making us discover who Nat is becoming. At first, she is simply a brat who got caught drinking and driving, but as the story develops, we see that she wants more for herself as she digs deep into what she really wants. The process is very well detailed and gives us the opportunity to grow with her and get pissed at her for some of her choices.
The relationship with Nat's mother is also a developing one. At times, I hated both of Nat's parents, but this is a theme that has become too typical in social issues type books - yet, it worked here. The author does not focus on the father - daughter relationship much except to portray it as destructive. I would have liked this explored more.
Finally. the OTHER main characters in this book - addiction and 12 step programs. I felt that, for the most part, both of these were extremely well researched and incorporated into the storyline, especially when Nat backslides into her addiction when things get too hard for her. The author does an amazing job of introducing the "trigger" while we basically watch the addict side of Nat take over, realistically showing us that even when you are in AA and especially if you are just starting program, things are very, very hard. Very well done. So, for all of this 4 ++++ stars!
So, why my hesitation about the rating? The storyline between Joe and Nat. At first, I thought it would be a story of two broken people trying to help each other, instead the author chose to develop this into a romance???? Nope, did not work for me at all. First of all, no matter how the author tries to make this romance a sweet and caring one, Joe just comes off at sketchy and disgusting. In fact, there was just so much wrong with this whole thing.
Firstly, while I am sure many young girls fall for older guys (been there!) the fact that she was only 17 did not work for me and this is not because of any weird moral thing - its because at 17 and NEWLY sober, Nat does not know where or who she is yet. In fact, in the book, Joe basically tells her that, but yet, the relationship happens.
Secondly, while I know that "13th stepping" in twelve step programs happens all the time in real life, in this storyline, it made me want to take a shower because the story felt gross. Nat came to AA to get help from those who have been in program for longer than she - she needed guidance (loved the Kathy character) not scuzzy Joe. As you can see THIS DID NOT WORK FOR ME AT ALL and really removed a lot of the wonderfulness of this story.
However, the overall story was amazing and this is a definite "to read".
I would love to see a sequel to this book to see where Nat lands.
So many things to love about this book.
The main character, Nat, so flawed, so resentful, so young and just starting to grow into who she really wants to be.
The author did a wonderful job of slowly making us discover who Nat is becoming. At first, she is simply a brat who got caught drinking and driving, but as the story develops, we see that she wants more for herself as she digs deep into what she really wants. The process is very well detailed and gives us the opportunity to grow with her and get pissed at her for some of her choices.
The relationship with Nat's mother is also a developing one. At times, I hated both of Nat's parents, but this is a theme that has become too typical in social issues type books - yet, it worked here. The author does not focus on the father - daughter relationship much except to portray it as destructive. I would have liked this explored more.
Finally. the OTHER main characters in this book - addiction and 12 step programs. I felt that, for the most part, both of these were extremely well researched and incorporated into the storyline, especially when Nat backslides into her addiction when things get too hard for her. The author does an amazing job of introducing the "trigger" while we basically watch the addict side of Nat take over, realistically showing us that even when you are in AA and especially if you are just starting program, things are very, very hard. Very well done. So, for all of this 4 ++++ stars!
So, why my hesitation about the rating? The storyline between Joe and Nat. At first, I thought it would be a story of two broken people trying to help each other, instead the author chose to develop this into a romance???? Nope, did not work for me at all. First of all, no matter how the author tries to make this romance a sweet and caring one, Joe just comes off at sketchy and disgusting. In fact, there was just so much wrong with this whole thing.
Firstly, while I am sure many young girls fall for older guys (been there!) the fact that she was only 17 did not work for me and this is not because of any weird moral thing - its because at 17 and NEWLY sober, Nat does not know where or who she is yet. In fact, in the book, Joe basically tells her that, but yet, the relationship happens.
Secondly, while I know that "13th stepping" in twelve step programs happens all the time in real life, in this storyline, it made me want to take a shower because the story felt gross. Nat came to AA to get help from those who have been in program for longer than she - she needed guidance (loved the Kathy character) not scuzzy Joe. As you can see THIS DID NOT WORK FOR ME AT ALL and really removed a lot of the wonderfulness of this story.
However, the overall story was amazing and this is a definite "to read".
I would love to see a sequel to this book to see where Nat lands.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2016
Powerful. Gripping. Honest.
Desir tells this story of addiction and coming to terms with who you are and who you want to be--as only she can. Compelling and visceral, OTHER BROKEN THINGS pulled me in from the start, and didn't let me go until I put the book down. Actually, it still hasn't let me go--and I think that's the point. I love her honest, messed up, beautiful characters. This book is gritty. It's needed. At its core, OTHER BROKEN THINGS is a story of love. Not just romantic love, or even self love, but even deeper; love felt on a soul level. Elemental love. And Desir delivers it with her signature page-turning, edginess, unapologetic about love and life in all its messy wonder.
Desir tells this story of addiction and coming to terms with who you are and who you want to be--as only she can. Compelling and visceral, OTHER BROKEN THINGS pulled me in from the start, and didn't let me go until I put the book down. Actually, it still hasn't let me go--and I think that's the point. I love her honest, messed up, beautiful characters. This book is gritty. It's needed. At its core, OTHER BROKEN THINGS is a story of love. Not just romantic love, or even self love, but even deeper; love felt on a soul level. Elemental love. And Desir delivers it with her signature page-turning, edginess, unapologetic about love and life in all its messy wonder.
February 18, 2016
Let's just say my expectations for this one weren't met. This is a very character driven book and I didn't feel very much for the characters and I wasn't really connected to them. Their relationships and interactions were all very odd and weird for me and I wasn't really clicking with the story as a whole. The ending was a whole mix of different things coming together at once and a lot of things happened all at once. I was really looking forward to this one, especially after reading some stellar reviews but maybe my expectations were set too high.
November 6, 2015
I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read this book. This book was tough and gritty. She gets out of rehab and starts going to AA meetings . She meets someone who helps her along the way. She also deals with her issues. She also works for a better relationship with her mom. She also finds love along the way. This book was real and dark and gritty. This author has become an auto read for me. I'm going to recite the prayer along with my group.
June 21, 2016
If you want to read something by Christa Desir, and aren't sure where to start - this book is where you start.
This book is everything real and difficult and I want everyone who struggles with addiction, or knows someone who does, to read this book.
The writing is stellar, the characterization is spot on, and this is one I know I'll read again.
This book is everything real and difficult and I want everyone who struggles with addiction, or knows someone who does, to read this book.
The writing is stellar, the characterization is spot on, and this is one I know I'll read again.
February 27, 2016
review to come
March 18, 2020
I loved the characters and plot, but the writing style was a little flat for me. I just could not be fully submerged into the story as easily as others. But I truly loved this one
December 22, 2015
**Thanks to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for providing me with an uncorrected proof of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
A few years ago, I read Christa Desir's Fault Line and Bleed Like Me, and let me tell you, I absolutely loved them. Desir knows how to weave a dark, gritty, compelling story that is sure to pull you in from the start - which is what happened with this book. There are so many elements that combined together beautifully that help pull you in. The realistic characters, plot, and - of course - writing.
My favorite element was the truthful way the characters were portrayed. Our MC has a no-nonsense, rude attitude, but that doesn't stop us from feeling sympathetic toward her. There is so much development everywhere, not only by the MC, but by secondary side characters too, which contributed to the realistic atmosphere the story successfully conveyed. Also, the older characters were a refreshing change from other 'recovering addict' stories that were practically just filled with teenagers.
I felt like the dialogue in this book meant something, too. They outlined many of the problems teens face when they try to grow up too fast, which is what happened to Natalie. The discussions were handled very skillfully & truthfully, evoking the reader's emotions along the way.
I love how we slowly learn about Natalie's backstory and past throughout the story; the way they were revealed definitely showed great plot progression. The writing also had a hand in the story's overall flow. It was conversational and slangy, yet very fluent, making it easy to read along.
However, the one issue that made me give this book such a hesitant rating was Joe's age. It kind of made me uncomfortable, so I had to ignore it - which wasn't easy as it was central to the plot. When the blurb said he was "Much older", I didn't expect it to be THAT much older. The guy's almost 30! Frankly, it's kind of gross. As pointed out by Joe, Natalie is newly sober. She doesn't know what she wants yet; I think it's just unhealthy.
Overall, this book's compelling story, realistic characters, and communicative writing makes it worth adding to your TBR. I'm warning you, however, if you typically feel extremely grossed out by books that portray teen-adult relationships, then I'm afraid this isn't for you. Keep that in mind.
A few years ago, I read Christa Desir's Fault Line and Bleed Like Me, and let me tell you, I absolutely loved them. Desir knows how to weave a dark, gritty, compelling story that is sure to pull you in from the start - which is what happened with this book. There are so many elements that combined together beautifully that help pull you in. The realistic characters, plot, and - of course - writing.
My favorite element was the truthful way the characters were portrayed. Our MC has a no-nonsense, rude attitude, but that doesn't stop us from feeling sympathetic toward her. There is so much development everywhere, not only by the MC, but by secondary side characters too, which contributed to the realistic atmosphere the story successfully conveyed. Also, the older characters were a refreshing change from other 'recovering addict' stories that were practically just filled with teenagers.
I felt like the dialogue in this book meant something, too. They outlined many of the problems teens face when they try to grow up too fast, which is what happened to Natalie. The discussions were handled very skillfully & truthfully, evoking the reader's emotions along the way.
I love how we slowly learn about Natalie's backstory and past throughout the story; the way they were revealed definitely showed great plot progression. The writing also had a hand in the story's overall flow. It was conversational and slangy, yet very fluent, making it easy to read along.
However, the one issue that made me give this book such a hesitant rating was Joe's age. It kind of made me uncomfortable, so I had to ignore it - which wasn't easy as it was central to the plot. When the blurb said he was "Much older", I didn't expect it to be THAT much older. The guy's almost 30! Frankly, it's kind of gross. As pointed out by Joe, Natalie is newly sober. She doesn't know what she wants yet; I think it's just unhealthy.
Overall, this book's compelling story, realistic characters, and communicative writing makes it worth adding to your TBR. I'm warning you, however, if you typically feel extremely grossed out by books that portray teen-adult relationships, then I'm afraid this isn't for you. Keep that in mind.
April 27, 2018
PROS: This is an absolute page-turner, and the narrator's voice is especially raw and authentic - the descriptions of addiction are excellent and realistic. Both the voice and the pacing make it hard to put the book down. Teens who are always looking for drama in their books will love it for these aspects.
CONS: (Potential spoilers) The protagonist enters into a relationship with a much older man, about twice her age, who she meets through AA. Because the rest of this book is so realistic and raw, I expected there to be some nuance here, and some more explicit indicators of predatory behavior or the extreme potential for hurt under these circumstances, however this element of the story is mostly handled with kid gloves (taking extra care to mention that in the state the story takes place in, the age of consent is 17, the same age as the protagonist). While I am not a fan of moralizing in books, this particular book does take on the classic frame of a YA "problem novel" in the tradition of Laurie Halse Anderson or Judy Blume, where readers get to explore real life problem and consequences either as a window into the world or as bibliotherapy for situations that have already had experiences with in their own lives. To present this inherently problematic relationship with only subtle hints that the behavior is classically predatory (the older man had an emotional relationship in the recent past with another teenager, but even this is brushed aside as harmless, since the relationship wasn't physical) is an incredibly problematic angle for the genre.
Additionally, the (minimal) representation of race in this book is problematic - there are only 5 explicit characters of color in this book - only two of them have names (a dishwasher who is also in AA and a female boxer who has no lines), as well as 3 nameless African American men at AA who also have no lines. Because race was a main descriptor used for these characters, it leaves the reader to assume that when race is not mentioned as a descriptor, the characters in the scene must be white, like the protagonist.
Not recommended for purchase at a school library for the above concerns; high school and up due to an extremely explicit (though very well written) oral sex scene.
CONS: (Potential spoilers) The protagonist enters into a relationship with a much older man, about twice her age, who she meets through AA. Because the rest of this book is so realistic and raw, I expected there to be some nuance here, and some more explicit indicators of predatory behavior or the extreme potential for hurt under these circumstances, however this element of the story is mostly handled with kid gloves (taking extra care to mention that in the state the story takes place in, the age of consent is 17, the same age as the protagonist). While I am not a fan of moralizing in books, this particular book does take on the classic frame of a YA "problem novel" in the tradition of Laurie Halse Anderson or Judy Blume, where readers get to explore real life problem and consequences either as a window into the world or as bibliotherapy for situations that have already had experiences with in their own lives. To present this inherently problematic relationship with only subtle hints that the behavior is classically predatory (the older man had an emotional relationship in the recent past with another teenager, but even this is brushed aside as harmless, since the relationship wasn't physical) is an incredibly problematic angle for the genre.
Additionally, the (minimal) representation of race in this book is problematic - there are only 5 explicit characters of color in this book - only two of them have names (a dishwasher who is also in AA and a female boxer who has no lines), as well as 3 nameless African American men at AA who also have no lines. Because race was a main descriptor used for these characters, it leaves the reader to assume that when race is not mentioned as a descriptor, the characters in the scene must be white, like the protagonist.
Not recommended for purchase at a school library for the above concerns; high school and up due to an extremely explicit (though very well written) oral sex scene.
December 24, 2015
This review was originally posted on [www.125pages.com]
Other Broken Things kept me up till 2 a.m. and I'm not sad about that at all. This is the type of YA book I love. Smart and with a well defined sense of self, it wasn't trying to hard to be edgy or cool. The world built was strong and the pacing was spot on. What made this a standout was the characters. Nat is perfection as a broken doll trying to repair herself and Joe is a reluctant hero. The supporting cast was strong, minus the parents who were just there. The two drunken best friends and the hook-up boyfriend add some nice comic relief, especially a scene in Red Lobster where the two drunk girls were stealing biscuits. I was surprised that the age difference between Nat and Joe did not squick me out. The way their relationship built so naturally made sense and by the end I was rooting for them to persevere. A book about a teen alcoholic forming a relationship with a man in his thirties is not a feel good light romp. I went into Other Broken Things knowing that. I also knew that if not done well, the story would be distasteful or ridiculous. I put the book down with a feeling of satisfaction as it was so well done. I have found that it is a rare author who can properly balance an addiction story and a love story and C. Desir is one that can.
Favorite lines - His cheeks are wet with tears now. Not the sobbing kind, the silent ones that remind you of who you are and what you’ve lost. I woke up with so many of those kinds of tears when I was in rehab.
Biggest cliché - It's a YA, so the obligatory detached, clueless parent.
Have you read Other Broken Things, or added it to your TBR?
Other Broken Things kept me up till 2 a.m. and I'm not sad about that at all. This is the type of YA book I love. Smart and with a well defined sense of self, it wasn't trying to hard to be edgy or cool. The world built was strong and the pacing was spot on. What made this a standout was the characters. Nat is perfection as a broken doll trying to repair herself and Joe is a reluctant hero. The supporting cast was strong, minus the parents who were just there. The two drunken best friends and the hook-up boyfriend add some nice comic relief, especially a scene in Red Lobster where the two drunk girls were stealing biscuits. I was surprised that the age difference between Nat and Joe did not squick me out. The way their relationship built so naturally made sense and by the end I was rooting for them to persevere. A book about a teen alcoholic forming a relationship with a man in his thirties is not a feel good light romp. I went into Other Broken Things knowing that. I also knew that if not done well, the story would be distasteful or ridiculous. I put the book down with a feeling of satisfaction as it was so well done. I have found that it is a rare author who can properly balance an addiction story and a love story and C. Desir is one that can.Favorite lines - His cheeks are wet with tears now. Not the sobbing kind, the silent ones that remind you of who you are and what you’ve lost. I woke up with so many of those kinds of tears when I was in rehab.
Biggest cliché - It's a YA, so the obligatory detached, clueless parent.
Have you read Other Broken Things, or added it to your TBR?
September 5, 2015
I read Desir's first two books this summer and was blown away. Other Broken Things is just as awesome. Desir is an author I'm putting on my buy and always recommend list.
Other Broken Things begins with Natalie going to an AA meeting after getting out of rehab. The reader finds out that Natalie was in court ordered rehab for a DUI and now she has to go to AA and do community service. Natalie is only 17 and she doesn't feel she was/is and alcoholic. As the novel progresses Natalie meets and bonds with a much older man, Joe, at AA. Through conversations with Joe and her sponsor, Kathy, Natalie begins to really work the AA steps and get realistic about her disease. She starts confronting the issues in her family and life that lead her down the alcohol path. But at the same time she and Joe fall for each other. There's a lot of discussion about the addictive personality traits and how these feelings are an outcropping of those traits. It's handled really well and readers get to see the hard issues teens face when they try to grow up too fast.
Other Broken Things begins with Natalie going to an AA meeting after getting out of rehab. The reader finds out that Natalie was in court ordered rehab for a DUI and now she has to go to AA and do community service. Natalie is only 17 and she doesn't feel she was/is and alcoholic. As the novel progresses Natalie meets and bonds with a much older man, Joe, at AA. Through conversations with Joe and her sponsor, Kathy, Natalie begins to really work the AA steps and get realistic about her disease. She starts confronting the issues in her family and life that lead her down the alcohol path. But at the same time she and Joe fall for each other. There's a lot of discussion about the addictive personality traits and how these feelings are an outcropping of those traits. It's handled really well and readers get to see the hard issues teens face when they try to grow up too fast.
May 25, 2016
There's just way too much going on in this book, and it's certainly not redeemed by the writing--which is pretty amateur, if you ask me.
Writing style aside, the bigger issue I have with this book is that it tries to do WAY too much in 250 pages. The author should've chosen one or two main conflicts--not twenty! There's the main character's drinking problem, a dysfunctional home situation, the whole dating-a-much-older-guy-statutory-rap-thing, academic failure, ostracization from friends, , literally everything. In order to cover all of these conflicts within 250 pages, the writing is extremely fast-paced, so much that it's hard to keep up.
I have 50 pages left. Will I finish? Yes (because I've made it this far already). Will I enjoy reading 50 more pages of this (despicable) novel? That's a no from me.
Writing style aside, the bigger issue I have with this book is that it tries to do WAY too much in 250 pages. The author should've chosen one or two main conflicts--not twenty! There's the main character's drinking problem, a dysfunctional home situation, the whole dating-a-much-older-guy-statutory-rap-thing, academic failure, ostracization from friends, , literally everything. In order to cover all of these conflicts within 250 pages, the writing is extremely fast-paced, so much that it's hard to keep up.
I have 50 pages left. Will I finish? Yes (because I've made it this far already). Will I enjoy reading 50 more pages of this (despicable) novel? That's a no from me.
May 31, 2016
To be honest, I grabbed this book completely due to the cover of the book while looking for something to read on our county's digital library. It looked interesting. Yes, I judged a book by the cover, lol, but it paid off! I loved this book. It was real and raw emotion and it wasn't one of the far-fetched stories that is hard to believe. The story revolves around a 17 year old high school addict named Natalie, who (of course) doesn't believe she has a problem. She received a DUI and was court-ordered to AA meetings and to perform community service. Working her program, finding real friendships in the addict community and coming to terms with the issues that drove her to alcohol. I wish this was a series, as I want to know the rest of Natalie's story.
November 30, 2015
4.5 really, and with more time to think maybe a 5. This was a difficult book to read. I feel like it's important though, because so many people don't understand what addiction is like, or what it's like to live with an addict. Desir does a remarkable job of describing both of those things. The majority of the situation felt very real. Natalie has slips. She has to figure out why she wants to be sober and not just do it for someone else. It's hard and it's gritty and it's real. Very well done.
February 23, 2016
Emotionally brutal for more reasons than I can articulate. But still persistent and hopeful. Some parts of this cut me so deeply that I actually had to put the book down and walk away (and then come back and pick it up and keep going). Would recommend to people who love John Green's Looking for Alaska.
January 31, 2016
"...I'd cut a bitch for a cigarette..." = one of the best openers I've read in quite some time. Desir's books certainly aren't for everyone nor are they particularly enjoyable, but she sure does do grit lit pretty well.
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