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Broken People
Librarian's Note: This is an alternate/new cover for ASIN B00DNMCKRI
Intentionally becoming obese in an effort to shield himself from the approach of outsiders wanting to better understand him, The Fat Kid hides behind his thick outer self. With an overbearing obnoxious attitude, he allows few people to enter his otherwise private life. Most of the people that he encounters come from his internet blog, and pose no real threat to him or to his odd lifestyle.
The Fat Kid is a self-proclaimed therapist who devotes his life to help people that have difficulties helping themselves, people he considers to be ‘broken’. When he encounters a bulimic teenage girl through his internet blog who threatens to commit suicide, he begins to reflect on parts of his life that he has spent years repressing. He continues to assist her, and many other ‘Broken People’ through his blog. When he meets an extremely independent woman who challenges him, his way of living, and his way of viewing life, he reluctantly listens. In doing so he challenges his past mistakes, his future, and ultimately he finds himself.
Five broken people, five points of view, one story. From each of five characters perspective, this story unfolds and grips you from the beginning. If there is any part of you that feels broken, this book is a mirror held before you. In the end, you'll see your true reflection.
From time to time, a book comes along, and makes you stop. It makes you stop and second guess who you are, what you’re doing in life, with life, and for the ones you love. This is that book. Through colorfully painted characters, “Broken People” forces the reader to reflect on self. There will be a broken part of you in one (or all) of these characters, guaranteed.
Through The Fat Kid, his reflections on past experiences, and his online assistance to others, we are exposed to everything that high school kids these days deal with. Additionally, we are exposed to what parents should be considering, thinking, and doing - but often don't. The writings of Catherine Ryan Hyde, John Green, and Donna Tartt are similar. If you loved those reads, you'll certainly love Broken People. The characters in this book come to life before your eyes, and you become one with them. The result is a book that will have you laughing, crying, contemplating your own life, and the lives of your parents and/or children. A must read for parents and children alike, regardless of age. It gives teens and young adults an honest look at what parents consider, and provides parents with a realistic view of what teens are exposed to in today’s competitive social networking world.
Intentionally becoming obese in an effort to shield himself from the approach of outsiders wanting to better understand him, The Fat Kid hides behind his thick outer self. With an overbearing obnoxious attitude, he allows few people to enter his otherwise private life. Most of the people that he encounters come from his internet blog, and pose no real threat to him or to his odd lifestyle.
The Fat Kid is a self-proclaimed therapist who devotes his life to help people that have difficulties helping themselves, people he considers to be ‘broken’. When he encounters a bulimic teenage girl through his internet blog who threatens to commit suicide, he begins to reflect on parts of his life that he has spent years repressing. He continues to assist her, and many other ‘Broken People’ through his blog. When he meets an extremely independent woman who challenges him, his way of living, and his way of viewing life, he reluctantly listens. In doing so he challenges his past mistakes, his future, and ultimately he finds himself.
Five broken people, five points of view, one story. From each of five characters perspective, this story unfolds and grips you from the beginning. If there is any part of you that feels broken, this book is a mirror held before you. In the end, you'll see your true reflection.
From time to time, a book comes along, and makes you stop. It makes you stop and second guess who you are, what you’re doing in life, with life, and for the ones you love. This is that book. Through colorfully painted characters, “Broken People” forces the reader to reflect on self. There will be a broken part of you in one (or all) of these characters, guaranteed.
Through The Fat Kid, his reflections on past experiences, and his online assistance to others, we are exposed to everything that high school kids these days deal with. Additionally, we are exposed to what parents should be considering, thinking, and doing - but often don't. The writings of Catherine Ryan Hyde, John Green, and Donna Tartt are similar. If you loved those reads, you'll certainly love Broken People. The characters in this book come to life before your eyes, and you become one with them. The result is a book that will have you laughing, crying, contemplating your own life, and the lives of your parents and/or children. A must read for parents and children alike, regardless of age. It gives teens and young adults an honest look at what parents consider, and provides parents with a realistic view of what teens are exposed to in today’s competitive social networking world.
209 pages, ebook
First published June 26, 2013
68 people are currently reading
925 people want to read
About the author
Scott Hildreth
99 books3,871 followersScott Hildreth in an international bestselling author. He has written more than fifty novels.
His preferred careers of being a hit man, serial killer, biker, military hero, mafia boss, boxer, vigilante, and tattoo artist will always be favorites, but as writing has become a full-time gig, he must live vicariously through the characters in his books who share his admiration for these professions.
He resides in Naples, Florida with his wife and children.
You can keep up with Scott’s self-published and traditionally published work here:
Twitter: @ScottDHildreth
Face book "OFFICIAL LIKE" page - (for updates on released books and upcoming books)
www.facebook.com/ScottDHildreth
Facebook Author Page - (currently at 5,000 friend limit, but Scott invites you to come enjoy his contests, giveaways, and playful book banter) www.facebook.com/sdhildreth
Website (or to signup for Scott's newsletter) www.scotthildreth.com
His preferred careers of being a hit man, serial killer, biker, military hero, mafia boss, boxer, vigilante, and tattoo artist will always be favorites, but as writing has become a full-time gig, he must live vicariously through the characters in his books who share his admiration for these professions.
He resides in Naples, Florida with his wife and children.
You can keep up with Scott’s self-published and traditionally published work here:
Twitter: @ScottDHildreth
Face book "OFFICIAL LIKE" page - (for updates on released books and upcoming books)
www.facebook.com/ScottDHildreth
Facebook Author Page - (currently at 5,000 friend limit, but Scott invites you to come enjoy his contests, giveaways, and playful book banter) www.facebook.com/sdhildreth
Website (or to signup for Scott's newsletter) www.scotthildreth.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 30, 2013
.....Warning.....
My review may contain remarks/comments/quotes someone may find offensive, but they in no way reflect my view on the situation or person depicted. This is a review and therefore is only a reflection of my own personal feelings and emotions for the book and nothing more...
5 people....5 broken people.....5 beautifully broken stories...5 beatifully amazingly broken stars....Infinite messages....Many many emotions.
You ever read something that really...REALLY makes you think about life, your actions, your reactions, your personal feelings, your view of others?? Oh? No? There have been a few for me....and this is one of them. This story blew me away. I mean....really fucked with my emotions, my thinking, and honestly made my heart hurt a bit.
How does one begin to put their thoughts and emotions into words......let me attempt to....
"Broken people attract broken people"
The Fat Kid…""Chocolate. I need fucking chocolate."
David.... "God hates fags"
Marc...."Love that just is."
Britney..."Help. This. Girl."
Michelle"Stay human"
"Time passes, and things change. "
A heart wrenching story of broken souls finding broken souls. Broken souls mending broken souls. Broken souls saving broken souls.
Life ain't always beautiful.....Scott Hildreth's debut definitely forces us as readers to face that fact and see the ugliness, the darker side of life's dirty little secrets. He shows us that we are not alone in our fears, our insecurities...in a very raw and real way. You might not think of yourself broken, but everyone...in their own way...is somehow broken....if only a little bit.
"Knowing or admitting being broken doesn't help if we aren't conscious of just what the underlying problem is. I am conscious of my faults, my character defects, and my short comings. I do what I do, not to mask it or separate myself from the realization, but to make my life less painless.
I found myself relating to parts of this story's messages. This book forced me to take a look at my scars and my fears. Forced me to consider others....and their scars.
I am broken in my own ways....
"Letting down others hurts me far more than letting myself down. It disappoints me greatly to disappoint others."
I have my demons...but.....
"From destruction comes creation. Beauty will rise from the ashes."
Hildreth introduces us to "The Fat Kid"……
"I ate donuts the way a 110 pound Asian eats hot dogs at the Nathan's Hot Dog National Eating Championship. Bite. Drink. Swallow. Bite. Drink. Swallow."
He pads himself, uses vulgar language, acts like a snarky asshole at times..... all to shut people out. Why would someone want to get to know an obese, vulgar, insensitive human being? It's his defense against life....against failure....against getting close....against hurt.
He takes us on his journey....and gives us his broken and scattered puzzle pieces. Although there are multiple points of view, for me the "Fat Kid" is the focal point of the story. This is his life. This is his brilliant story of his road to redemption and forgiveness. This is him overcoming his incident
"Good friends, friends that really care, are a once in a life time thing."
My heart bled a little for each character. My compassion for their situation and their heart ache grew with each page I turned. Hildreth most definitely has an amazing sense of verbal prowess and an uncanny ability to tell each character's heart breaking story in a brilliant light.
As a parent, this book was some what of a self-help inspirational piece of art. Although I am not a parent to teen....yet...God forbid my child have to go thru any of the pain depicted or face any of the same issues. I can't 100% safe guard my child from all the pain or troubles in life, but I can damn well make sure that I am there every step of the way, helping walk them thru it when I can and holding their hand.....regardless is the situation. Full fledged support and understanding.
I would without any reservations recommend everyone to read this amazing story.
"If someone makes you think, keep them. If someone makes you feel, keep them."
This one is a keeper.........
My review may contain remarks/comments/quotes someone may find offensive, but they in no way reflect my view on the situation or person depicted. This is a review and therefore is only a reflection of my own personal feelings and emotions for the book and nothing more...
5 people....5 broken people.....5 beautifully broken stories...5 beatifully amazingly broken stars....Infinite messages....Many many emotions.
You ever read something that really...REALLY makes you think about life, your actions, your reactions, your personal feelings, your view of others?? Oh? No? There have been a few for me....and this is one of them. This story blew me away. I mean....really fucked with my emotions, my thinking, and honestly made my heart hurt a bit.
How does one begin to put their thoughts and emotions into words......let me attempt to....
"Broken people attract broken people"
The Fat Kid…""Chocolate. I need fucking chocolate."
David.... "God hates fags"
Marc...."Love that just is."
Britney..."Help. This. Girl."
Michelle"Stay human"
"Time passes, and things change. "
A heart wrenching story of broken souls finding broken souls. Broken souls mending broken souls. Broken souls saving broken souls.
Life ain't always beautiful.....Scott Hildreth's debut definitely forces us as readers to face that fact and see the ugliness, the darker side of life's dirty little secrets. He shows us that we are not alone in our fears, our insecurities...in a very raw and real way. You might not think of yourself broken, but everyone...in their own way...is somehow broken....if only a little bit.
"Knowing or admitting being broken doesn't help if we aren't conscious of just what the underlying problem is. I am conscious of my faults, my character defects, and my short comings. I do what I do, not to mask it or separate myself from the realization, but to make my life less painless.
I found myself relating to parts of this story's messages. This book forced me to take a look at my scars and my fears. Forced me to consider others....and their scars.
I am broken in my own ways....
"Letting down others hurts me far more than letting myself down. It disappoints me greatly to disappoint others."
I have my demons...but.....
"From destruction comes creation. Beauty will rise from the ashes."
Hildreth introduces us to "The Fat Kid"……
"I ate donuts the way a 110 pound Asian eats hot dogs at the Nathan's Hot Dog National Eating Championship. Bite. Drink. Swallow. Bite. Drink. Swallow."
He pads himself, uses vulgar language, acts like a snarky asshole at times..... all to shut people out. Why would someone want to get to know an obese, vulgar, insensitive human being? It's his defense against life....against failure....against getting close....against hurt.
He takes us on his journey....and gives us his broken and scattered puzzle pieces. Although there are multiple points of view, for me the "Fat Kid" is the focal point of the story. This is his life. This is his brilliant story of his road to redemption and forgiveness. This is him overcoming his incident
"Good friends, friends that really care, are a once in a life time thing."
My heart bled a little for each character. My compassion for their situation and their heart ache grew with each page I turned. Hildreth most definitely has an amazing sense of verbal prowess and an uncanny ability to tell each character's heart breaking story in a brilliant light.
As a parent, this book was some what of a self-help inspirational piece of art. Although I am not a parent to teen....yet...God forbid my child have to go thru any of the pain depicted or face any of the same issues. I can't 100% safe guard my child from all the pain or troubles in life, but I can damn well make sure that I am there every step of the way, helping walk them thru it when I can and holding their hand.....regardless is the situation. Full fledged support and understanding.
I would without any reservations recommend everyone to read this amazing story.
"If someone makes you think, keep them. If someone makes you feel, keep them."
This one is a keeper.........
January 7, 2016
5 "God works in mysterious ways" stars
This is hard for me to sum up!
It's the story of intertwined paths of destinies of people who are strangers but their lives are connected in more ways one can imagine and hold in one's hands...
those paths are destined by proficency of individuals to "see" the "truths" through the piles of masks in the forrests of souls hidden behind the shells of an everyday's existence where people are emerged into the rut of a false security and are walking around half-blind, unaware, dense and dull...
and I will borrow the author's part of the blurb:
"Five broken people, five points of view, one story. From each of five characters perspective, this story unfolds and grips you from the beginning. If there is any part of you that feels broken, this book is a mirror held before you. In the end, you'll see your true reflection."
There are so many levels and layers in this book that it actually took me 5 days to read it,
re-read it, study it, think on it, re-think it, question what I have read, question myself on what
I previously thought on the subject I have read in this book and i probably will think about some things as the time goes by...
My personal thoughts or the part where it HIT me:
I will probably evoke these thoughts gathered from all that I have experienced while reading and it will surely come in the crucial times when I would dwell upon doing smth that i think is justified under the veil of my "kids' interest"and welfare and then I will stop and (God, I truly hope I will make myself stop and re-think, "is that really what I need to do in the name of my kids' interest") and then I would pay "attention".
and that is what I have gained from reading this book, i will walk away with the "attention", with the notion that i need to continue as equally to "pay attention" and to "give attention", so that is a reminder for me personally.
i can't speak for others, i guess everyone has to find their own reasons and messages if they are opened enough, if they are willing to listen and to see.
cause I do too, believe that God does work in mysterious ways and he works THROUGH PEOPLE.
Cause just in a flick of a moment, in a blink of an eye we can be in a position to "see" if we "want to" if we "choose to" no matter the heights.
in the end it's all about the journey we all take and not just physically, it's an emotional road as much as it's an aging path and the part of learning we must be opened to is the one of reading the SIGNS.
"How long did it take you to get here"
"How long to get here?"
I thought for a brief moment and finished responding.
"A lifetime, Michelle, It took me a lifetime."
Even if it takes ME a LIFETIME to reach the goal of serenity, on my way, i will fucking try, and read the bloody SIGNS.
I HIGHLY recommened this book ; for those who want to SEE INSIDE the parts that are NOT VISIBLE.
April 17, 2015
JUST READ IT!!!!
Have you ever had an “Aha” moment? Where you have come across something that touched you so deeply that you knew that you HAD to make changes in your life, right that very second. Well Broken People had that effect on me. I was apprehensive to read this book because I consider myself broken in many ways and previous books from Scott Hildreth were raw, deep and thought provoking. Book Hangover was a term that was used on more than one occasion. So I was not sure what I would encounter with this story. What I quickly learned through the story of “Fat Kid”, a man who dedicates his life to helping people, was that Broken People held all the trademark’s of a Scott Hildreth book, but at the same time it was almost an instruction manual to being a better person. I am no way prefect but I have always considered myself a good mother, but this book made me realize that we have to do more than love and provide for our children we have to respect them.
This quote was my first Aha moment… “It is, and will always remain disturbing to me, to think that a once a month hug, accompanied with such a statement, could save a life or lives. What a small price to pay. I do wonder, if parents know in advance where the minds of their children will lie, what they would be willing to do to prevent the suicide of their child."
I am not sure I can put into words the effect that these words have had on my life. I now stop and/or pause when dealing with my children. I weigh my words with their feelings in mind with a clarity that was not there before. Broken People helped me understand that I not only need to raise my children but that I should appreciate them as individuals.
Another important character in the book was Michelle a 17-year-old senior in High School that has become a confidant to Fat Kid. This character was amazing and in my opinion wise beyond her years. My second Aha moment came from Michelle…
This taught me that eating dinner together is more important than one more after school activity, that vacations can happen at home, and that keeping up with the Jones means that the Jones are having a say in the raising of my children.
There are several more moments in this story that have touched me and made me look at people, places and things with a new perspective. To say that you should read this book is not a strong enough statement. I feel that everyone MUST read this book. I know that this book will be part of my library for the rest of my life. Broken People is the type of book that will teach you something different each time you read it. Do not make the mistake that I did, read this book today.
Have you ever had an “Aha” moment? Where you have come across something that touched you so deeply that you knew that you HAD to make changes in your life, right that very second. Well Broken People had that effect on me. I was apprehensive to read this book because I consider myself broken in many ways and previous books from Scott Hildreth were raw, deep and thought provoking. Book Hangover was a term that was used on more than one occasion. So I was not sure what I would encounter with this story. What I quickly learned through the story of “Fat Kid”, a man who dedicates his life to helping people, was that Broken People held all the trademark’s of a Scott Hildreth book, but at the same time it was almost an instruction manual to being a better person. I am no way prefect but I have always considered myself a good mother, but this book made me realize that we have to do more than love and provide for our children we have to respect them.
This quote was my first Aha moment… “It is, and will always remain disturbing to me, to think that a once a month hug, accompanied with such a statement, could save a life or lives. What a small price to pay. I do wonder, if parents know in advance where the minds of their children will lie, what they would be willing to do to prevent the suicide of their child."
I am not sure I can put into words the effect that these words have had on my life. I now stop and/or pause when dealing with my children. I weigh my words with their feelings in mind with a clarity that was not there before. Broken People helped me understand that I not only need to raise my children but that I should appreciate them as individuals.
Another important character in the book was Michelle a 17-year-old senior in High School that has become a confidant to Fat Kid. This character was amazing and in my opinion wise beyond her years. My second Aha moment came from Michelle…
This taught me that eating dinner together is more important than one more after school activity, that vacations can happen at home, and that keeping up with the Jones means that the Jones are having a say in the raising of my children.
There are several more moments in this story that have touched me and made me look at people, places and things with a new perspective. To say that you should read this book is not a strong enough statement. I feel that everyone MUST read this book. I know that this book will be part of my library for the rest of my life. Broken People is the type of book that will teach you something different each time you read it. Do not make the mistake that I did, read this book today.
November 19, 2014
Once in a great while, a book comes along, slaps you in the face and tugs at your heart. Broken People was that book. It worms its way into the soul, removes the clouds from your eyes and the fog from your brain.
This book is about the “broken”, those going through life’s challenges. All connected, yet battling their own demons in various ways and stages. Some live with the pain—afraid of the road ahead. Some see the light at the end, slowly moving toward it. Yet sadly, some only see darkness. This is life. We are who we are through our experiences, our choices, and our environment. And we all need a helping hand from time to time—from the tall, or the broken helping the broken.
“And the pain never stops. It burns from within me and consumes me. Living the pain had not become part of who I was; it had become me.”
“We’re all, in some respects, broken. When we realize it—when we truly accept it—it allows us to, in being conscious of it, possibly make adjustments in our lives to combat the fault.”
Through the complexity of the characters and unique wit, we are seeing every angle of hurt, self-loathing, destruction, despair, prejudices, confusion, and fear. But what will it take to break the chains that bind them from living a life of fulfillment, the life they are meant to lead. Can the broken really help the broken? Absofreakinlutely! And you may just find that you heal yourself in the process.
“Life’s antibiotic for pain associated with how we feel is communication—communication with people who possessed or had endured the same feelings or exposures in life.”
What I took away from this magnificently written story was: take the time to care. Everyone is going through something, whether big or small. Take the time to listen; you may just be saving a life. Take the time to teach; your wisdom may not be known to them yet. Take the time to praise; positivity may not find them often. And most importantly, take the time to love.
“Parent, as I am growing up...provide me with love, and tell me you love me. Provide me with guidance, and tell me you care. Provide me with reassurance, and tell me you are proud of me. And as I grow older, give me some freedom. With the freedom, trust in me the way I have trusted in you, and I will make decisions to make you proud.”
We are all here for a short time—in the grand scheme of things—a blink of an eye. Leave your world a better place than when you entered it. STAY HUMAN.
This book is about the “broken”, those going through life’s challenges. All connected, yet battling their own demons in various ways and stages. Some live with the pain—afraid of the road ahead. Some see the light at the end, slowly moving toward it. Yet sadly, some only see darkness. This is life. We are who we are through our experiences, our choices, and our environment. And we all need a helping hand from time to time—from the tall, or the broken helping the broken.
“And the pain never stops. It burns from within me and consumes me. Living the pain had not become part of who I was; it had become me.”
“We’re all, in some respects, broken. When we realize it—when we truly accept it—it allows us to, in being conscious of it, possibly make adjustments in our lives to combat the fault.”
Through the complexity of the characters and unique wit, we are seeing every angle of hurt, self-loathing, destruction, despair, prejudices, confusion, and fear. But what will it take to break the chains that bind them from living a life of fulfillment, the life they are meant to lead. Can the broken really help the broken? Absofreakinlutely! And you may just find that you heal yourself in the process.
“Life’s antibiotic for pain associated with how we feel is communication—communication with people who possessed or had endured the same feelings or exposures in life.”
What I took away from this magnificently written story was: take the time to care. Everyone is going through something, whether big or small. Take the time to listen; you may just be saving a life. Take the time to teach; your wisdom may not be known to them yet. Take the time to praise; positivity may not find them often. And most importantly, take the time to love.
“Parent, as I am growing up...provide me with love, and tell me you love me. Provide me with guidance, and tell me you care. Provide me with reassurance, and tell me you are proud of me. And as I grow older, give me some freedom. With the freedom, trust in me the way I have trusted in you, and I will make decisions to make you proud.”
We are all here for a short time—in the grand scheme of things—a blink of an eye. Leave your world a better place than when you entered it. STAY HUMAN.
December 9, 2014
I'm going to make this quick because I feel like I've already wasted too much time on this.
This book was about... Well, I don't know what it was about, as it was completely all over the place. I guess suicide and parent-children relationships would be the main theme, but there were also mentions of racism, homophobia, interracial romance, anorexia and various kinds of prejudice. All of them very interesting subjects, but all of them poorly executed.
This book was pretentious, preachy and often repetitive. The dialogue was stiff and involved a lot of out-of-place monologues. It was completely boring and at times even a little annoying.
Most of the characters were unlikable and behaved incosistently. Kid, the protagonist, was way too judgemental and mean considering that he ran a blog giving people advice (I won't even go into the whole reading-people and dreaming-the-future thing, because that was just ridiculous).
The rest of the characters were either stupid or obnoxious or both, and none of them seemed to talk like a real person. Britney often contradicted herself (which may or may not have been because she was supposed to be an idiot), Marc was too sappy to take seriously and Michelle was a conceited know-it-all.
To top it off, the phrase "love that just is" was introduced as a substitute word for instalove.
Enough said.
July 11, 2013
An amazing book, the story was gripping and I believe all parents should read it as well as any teenagers that are struggling with modern day life. I know of a few that this book would help and will be recommending it to them. Brill, thanks to a recommendation I was lucky to get to read this amazing book.
February 7, 2015
I haven't always been the person I am today, I like to think that as I get older I become a better person, a more understanding and compassionate person. One thing I know for sure is I am a good wife and a good mother. I often wondered over the years if the decision my husband and I made for me to give up my career and stay home to raise our children was the right one....well our oldest is 18 now, so this wondering has been going on for 18 years, but after reading this book...I finally have my answer.
I get tons of compliments about my children, how kind they are, how smart they are, how giving, all that. And as proud as I am that people think that, I could care less what they think or say. What matters to me is when I hear things like my 18 year old talking to his friends telling them that I am his best friend and he can talk to me or his Dad about anything or when he tells them that he knows his parents are proud of him and will support him no matter what he is or what he chooses to do in life. I don't care about the "Jones" or what people think or feel about me, my husband, or my two children. All I care about is what my husband and my children feel about me and what my kids feel about my husband and I as parents. I have always told my kids that it's my job as a parent to make them into respectful productive members of society, but more importantly for me is that they love what they do, enjoy what they do, do what makes them happy.
Several times while reading this book, it hit me hard that not all kids have parents that love and respect them as individuals, I find this very sad and all to often see this in life. Life is hard, I understand that people get carried away with time and things...the need to do better, to have better. But really in the end, what does all that mean? Does it really matter what we have or if our kids have the best of the best? Sure we all like to have nice things and we hate to say "no" to our children, we want them to have the same as all the other kids have, but really in the end it doesn't matter. What matters is that we loved, and that we were loved. A little kindness goes along way as we learned in this book...sometimes just a hug or an "I'm proud of you" can make all the difference in the world.
Thank you Scott for this great book, this eye opening, life changing work of art!
I get tons of compliments about my children, how kind they are, how smart they are, how giving, all that. And as proud as I am that people think that, I could care less what they think or say. What matters to me is when I hear things like my 18 year old talking to his friends telling them that I am his best friend and he can talk to me or his Dad about anything or when he tells them that he knows his parents are proud of him and will support him no matter what he is or what he chooses to do in life. I don't care about the "Jones" or what people think or feel about me, my husband, or my two children. All I care about is what my husband and my children feel about me and what my kids feel about my husband and I as parents. I have always told my kids that it's my job as a parent to make them into respectful productive members of society, but more importantly for me is that they love what they do, enjoy what they do, do what makes them happy.
Several times while reading this book, it hit me hard that not all kids have parents that love and respect them as individuals, I find this very sad and all to often see this in life. Life is hard, I understand that people get carried away with time and things...the need to do better, to have better. But really in the end, what does all that mean? Does it really matter what we have or if our kids have the best of the best? Sure we all like to have nice things and we hate to say "no" to our children, we want them to have the same as all the other kids have, but really in the end it doesn't matter. What matters is that we loved, and that we were loved. A little kindness goes along way as we learned in this book...sometimes just a hug or an "I'm proud of you" can make all the difference in the world.
Thank you Scott for this great book, this eye opening, life changing work of art!
October 10, 2014
Boy do I hate the internet. So the thing about me is or what I’ve been told by others is I kind of have an obsessive personality. It is (thankfully) rare for me to get intrigued by a person. It happens, but not for long. Most people I figure out pretty quickly and honestly (probably unfairly) write them off. They peak my interest, I take a look, decide & move on. I am, or so I’ve been told, intriguing. Strangers talk to me, take my shoes off on the metro, leave books for me to read at my dentists, the craziest things, often. So it has been hurtful when I move on.
I started Broken People & stopped about 50% in. I’m on a deadline at work & could sense a couple of things with the story. One it was getting to me. Two it had a truthful quality to it, which made me wonder why someone would write a book like this. I stopped reading the book…because honestly I knew reading the book wouldn’t be enough. If I read the book & still thought about why the book was written I knew it’d be a problem. I don’t have time to be intrigued.
A few days later I’m still thinking about the book, or the 50% of the book. More specifically the why’s of writing Broken People. I absolutely refused to send the author a direct email about why he would write the book, I like to make up my own mind and feel when talking to a stranger people are less than truthful. I also try not to interact too much with people on the internet. If we are friends or I know you it’s because we’ve talked & you’ve shared what you wanted me to know.
The thing is…well honestly I couldn’t figure it out, not for sure. I could theorize, but that’s really just making shit up. I then did something I never do….I googled Scott Hildreth. There’s not much, but enough that I had more of an understanding of why someone would write a book like Broken People. I think it’s hard to go through life unbroken, or unscarred. Knowing what little I know I decided to finish the book. I love the book and think it will stay with me always. I’m thankful that Scott Hildreth has had the experiences he’s had to make it possible to write something like this. It actually made me wonder about my “moving on” that maybe it matters more than I think.
Oh…& Mr. Hildreth, you intrigue me.
I started Broken People & stopped about 50% in. I’m on a deadline at work & could sense a couple of things with the story. One it was getting to me. Two it had a truthful quality to it, which made me wonder why someone would write a book like this. I stopped reading the book…because honestly I knew reading the book wouldn’t be enough. If I read the book & still thought about why the book was written I knew it’d be a problem. I don’t have time to be intrigued.
A few days later I’m still thinking about the book, or the 50% of the book. More specifically the why’s of writing Broken People. I absolutely refused to send the author a direct email about why he would write the book, I like to make up my own mind and feel when talking to a stranger people are less than truthful. I also try not to interact too much with people on the internet. If we are friends or I know you it’s because we’ve talked & you’ve shared what you wanted me to know.
The thing is…well honestly I couldn’t figure it out, not for sure. I could theorize, but that’s really just making shit up. I then did something I never do….I googled Scott Hildreth. There’s not much, but enough that I had more of an understanding of why someone would write a book like Broken People. I think it’s hard to go through life unbroken, or unscarred. Knowing what little I know I decided to finish the book. I love the book and think it will stay with me always. I’m thankful that Scott Hildreth has had the experiences he’s had to make it possible to write something like this. It actually made me wonder about my “moving on” that maybe it matters more than I think.
Oh…& Mr. Hildreth, you intrigue me.
December 10, 2013
I can brag about this book for days, but I won't. I reD this book really quick, it's a fast read to begin with, but I didn't want to put it down. Once I finished it I just sat there for quite a while reflecting on what I just read. I couldn't move, I couldn't talk. I wanted so much to message Scott HILDRETH right away but I just couldn't move. It took me a good 20 minutes before I was able to go to his FB page and give him my review personally. There were a few chapters that were just so hard to get thru because it came so close to a personal issue I've had to live thru for the past 2 years. But I loved how he got me thru reading those chapters. I couldn't put it down, I couldn't blink, I held my breath and cried. Scott has written erotica books that are fun and sexy but thus book is about very serious issues, a lot different from his other books, which I love just as much.
I think everyone who has had to deal with serious teen issues, suicide, family problems etc... , which is everyone, should pick up this book and read it. It will open your mind , your heart your soul. It touched a part of me I never thought a book could reach. Awesome job Scott. I will recommend this book to everyone I know. Your an amazing author, I can't wait to read another book like this from you. But, this may be a once in a lifetime type of book. AMAZING, JUST AMAZING!!!
I think everyone who has had to deal with serious teen issues, suicide, family problems etc... , which is everyone, should pick up this book and read it. It will open your mind , your heart your soul. It touched a part of me I never thought a book could reach. Awesome job Scott. I will recommend this book to everyone I know. Your an amazing author, I can't wait to read another book like this from you. But, this may be a once in a lifetime type of book. AMAZING, JUST AMAZING!!!
December 8, 2013
I never, ever write reviews (pathetically cliche, I know!). I read so much, so fast, I post my stars and move on to the next book. I don't even take the time to rate most of them. I came across this book after reading Baby Girl. I don't even know where to start. I was completely blown away. It's taken me two days to think about what to even write here. As someone that works with children, is a stepparent to a 14 year old girl, and was once a teenager myself, I could relate to everything these characters were experiencing. We've all been one of these characters at one time. We've all experienced something that changed us. We've all felt a deep pain. We've all made a snap judgement about someone based on what they wanted us to see that didn't even scratch the surface of what was really going on with them.
Many parts of this book spoke to me. This conversation between Michelle and Kid was memorable:
Kid: "I really wanted to ask you if you had anyone in your school like Shellie, someone that really relied on social networking for a means of feeling alive. Someone that, in the absence of having their electronic Facebook friends, would have nothing or no one?"
Michelle: "Oh my God yes, tons of them. There are so many kids here that are social misfits. They are afraid of being rejected, so they don't expose themselves to anyone in public. They're shy and I feel sorry for them. They stay on their phones all day and night. They Tweet, Instagram photos, they post things on Facebook, and they try to get recognition for being pretty, being smart, being intelligent or being thin from their social networking friends. It's so sad."
Kid: "What if someone took one of those kids that you're talking about and eliminated the social networking. What would happen?"
Michelle: "They'd just die. It has become such a necessity, such a way of life for these kids, it's incomprehensible. They would probably, at least some of them, be suicidal. Can you imagine if when you were in school, your parents took every friend you had, and said you couldn't have any of them any longer? For these kids, the electronic friends, as you call them, that's all they have."
Do you know how weird it is to have six teenage girls in your car and none of them talk to each other because they are all on their phones seeing what everyone else is doing instead of interacting with the people that are RIGHT THERE? It's disconcerting to witness. These kids today seem so disconnected from everything. OMG! It's official….I just became my parents!
I also loved Michelle's "Things I've Learned in 18 Years of Life" list. She's like a little Buddha. I hope she's exactly like your real Michelle! An observer that sees everything but doesn't need to discuss it all. When you ask for her opinion, it's the best thing you've heard. I liked her a lot. I liked the connection that she and Kid had even though they never met in person until the end. How sometimes the universe brings people together and they have a connection that seems random, but isn't.
When Marc was reflecting on graduating and said, "I have come to believe that we become the sum of our experiences in life. We are not really individuals; we are assembled from a little bit of everyone that we encounter in life." I never thought of it that way before, but it's so true. I think of all the people I've encountered at different times in my life that made me who I am today and smile.
And finally, Kid, when he was reflecting on his girlfriend. He was in my head. He verbalized all the things I couldn't (and still can't) after the recent suicide of one of my best friends:
"We make adjustments in our lives to get by, to survive. Sometimes we don't actually heal. We make adjustments. We deny. We mask. We cover up. We hide things. I can't change the fact that Shellie committed suicide while I was away. No more than I can change the fact that she left me the poem. I put the poem away to separate Shellie and the thoughts of Shellie from my day-to-day life. I quit carrying a wallet because the wallet reminded me of the poem, and the poem reminded me that I was helpless. Incapable of providing whatever may have been necessary to save Shellie from the pain. Pain that ultimately exceeded her capacity to cope with it. I hurt, and I still hurt today. The pain never ends. I run from it, and I deny it exists, but it does exist. It has never left me. I run from person to person attempting to save someone, thinking all along that this person will be the one that makes the pain go away. And the pain never stops. It burns from within me and consumes me. Living with that pain has not become part of who I was, it had become me. It has, since that day, controlled my life. Try as I might, not a week has passed, since that day, that I haven't at some point in time wallowed in the guilt of Shellie's suicide."
You can never make sense of something like that….ever. Even though you don't talk about it, you still think about it constantly. Michelle said it best when she said, "I cannot get comfortable with the thought of living my entire life feeling the way I do now.". Neither can I.
Great Job Scott!
Many parts of this book spoke to me. This conversation between Michelle and Kid was memorable:
Kid: "I really wanted to ask you if you had anyone in your school like Shellie, someone that really relied on social networking for a means of feeling alive. Someone that, in the absence of having their electronic Facebook friends, would have nothing or no one?"
Michelle: "Oh my God yes, tons of them. There are so many kids here that are social misfits. They are afraid of being rejected, so they don't expose themselves to anyone in public. They're shy and I feel sorry for them. They stay on their phones all day and night. They Tweet, Instagram photos, they post things on Facebook, and they try to get recognition for being pretty, being smart, being intelligent or being thin from their social networking friends. It's so sad."
Kid: "What if someone took one of those kids that you're talking about and eliminated the social networking. What would happen?"
Michelle: "They'd just die. It has become such a necessity, such a way of life for these kids, it's incomprehensible. They would probably, at least some of them, be suicidal. Can you imagine if when you were in school, your parents took every friend you had, and said you couldn't have any of them any longer? For these kids, the electronic friends, as you call them, that's all they have."
Do you know how weird it is to have six teenage girls in your car and none of them talk to each other because they are all on their phones seeing what everyone else is doing instead of interacting with the people that are RIGHT THERE? It's disconcerting to witness. These kids today seem so disconnected from everything. OMG! It's official….I just became my parents!
I also loved Michelle's "Things I've Learned in 18 Years of Life" list. She's like a little Buddha. I hope she's exactly like your real Michelle! An observer that sees everything but doesn't need to discuss it all. When you ask for her opinion, it's the best thing you've heard. I liked her a lot. I liked the connection that she and Kid had even though they never met in person until the end. How sometimes the universe brings people together and they have a connection that seems random, but isn't.
When Marc was reflecting on graduating and said, "I have come to believe that we become the sum of our experiences in life. We are not really individuals; we are assembled from a little bit of everyone that we encounter in life." I never thought of it that way before, but it's so true. I think of all the people I've encountered at different times in my life that made me who I am today and smile.
And finally, Kid, when he was reflecting on his girlfriend. He was in my head. He verbalized all the things I couldn't (and still can't) after the recent suicide of one of my best friends:
"We make adjustments in our lives to get by, to survive. Sometimes we don't actually heal. We make adjustments. We deny. We mask. We cover up. We hide things. I can't change the fact that Shellie committed suicide while I was away. No more than I can change the fact that she left me the poem. I put the poem away to separate Shellie and the thoughts of Shellie from my day-to-day life. I quit carrying a wallet because the wallet reminded me of the poem, and the poem reminded me that I was helpless. Incapable of providing whatever may have been necessary to save Shellie from the pain. Pain that ultimately exceeded her capacity to cope with it. I hurt, and I still hurt today. The pain never ends. I run from it, and I deny it exists, but it does exist. It has never left me. I run from person to person attempting to save someone, thinking all along that this person will be the one that makes the pain go away. And the pain never stops. It burns from within me and consumes me. Living with that pain has not become part of who I was, it had become me. It has, since that day, controlled my life. Try as I might, not a week has passed, since that day, that I haven't at some point in time wallowed in the guilt of Shellie's suicide."
You can never make sense of something like that….ever. Even though you don't talk about it, you still think about it constantly. Michelle said it best when she said, "I cannot get comfortable with the thought of living my entire life feeling the way I do now.". Neither can I.
Great Job Scott!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2013
Broken People embark the debut of Scott Hildreth, but while reading the book I could not make out that it was his maiden attempt. The narration was very mature and almost flawless. I was going through from one chapter to another without realizing the passage of time.
This is not a book about just one character; instead the narration has been shifted from one chapter to another. Usually, it is very hard to justify with the flow of any novel while changing the narration between chapters, but the Author has done a remarkable job in narrating the storyline from different perceptions in a single book.
The storyline revolves around a “Fat-Kid”, who runs an internet blog, helping troubled people (read Broken People), suffering from depression, peer pressure, parental problems, sexuality, eating disorders and suicidal tendencies. He started the blog after losing his girlfriend and another “incident” which happened in his life. His girlfriend committed suicide and left a letter for him, which he carried throughout his life, and with that letter he carried guilt, resentment, and the weight of this entire world. If you want to know about the other “incident”, then you have to read the book!
But his life was changed when he met another broken soul like him, who changed his life entirely. The book does not entirely revolve around just these two people; it elucidates struggles, failures, and hardships that are faced by people like us every day. It is an amalgamation of stories of broken people, not one or two, but a lot – which I believe is the best part about this book.
The author is a brilliant storyteller, a wordsmith, and the way with which he has interwoven these people together is absolutely above my comprehension. I was able to relate with almost each and every character, but it was one specific character which reflected me entirely and I cried while reading all of its narration.
It is written with utmost thoughtfulness and will leave a deep impression on your mind after a read, because of its depth. It has some hauntingly beautiful descriptions and metaphors, and is filled with breathtaking quotes. There are numerous quotes in this book which broke my heart and created a space for them inside of my soul, but this one quote stood out for me from the entire text -
“I wondered what was behind the suicide. There is always a reason, something, an event that takes them over the edge, making the pain unbearable. Sometimes it may be a combination of items that the person just can’t comprehend living with, but it’s always one thing that takes them over the edge. It’s not that they actually want to die. Generally, they just want the pain to stop.”
I admit in this review that all my life I have felt broken. Well, not entirely, but a part of me was always broken. And after reading this book I realized that I was not alone. There are people like me – damaged, broken, shattered, who are waiting for someone to heal them, for someone to put them back at their place.
I have to admit that this book broke my heart while reading. I cried so many times while reading it, that I lost the count. But it also inspired me to wipe my tears away, and to put a smile on my face. This book inspired me to look at my scars – my battle wounds, and the broken piece of my soul with my eyes full of empathy and heal them. It is one of the first times in my life when I found solace in words that are written by someone else. It was like, as if his words were healing my soul. I never felt that way before.
I can clearly admit that this is a life changing book. You may ask me now, how am I so certain about it? The reason is pretty simple. It changed my life, and that is more than enough to prove my beliefs right.
This is not just a piece of fiction, this is more than that. These are stories which will tear you apart, and heal your heart – surprisingly both at the same time. It is a kind of those “self-help” books that makes you a better person after a read. It doesn’t matter if you are a teenager, or a single parent, an Egyptian or an Indian (like me), a research scholar or a teacher – but this is a book which everyone should read, regardless of their age and the genres which they prefer to read.
I will cherish this book for the rest of my life, and I express my gratitude to the Author for writing such an honest and heart-wrenching tale. You certainly changed my life. I might be broken, but I think, I will find peace with that. And someday, one day, I won’t be this broken. No more.
This is not a book about just one character; instead the narration has been shifted from one chapter to another. Usually, it is very hard to justify with the flow of any novel while changing the narration between chapters, but the Author has done a remarkable job in narrating the storyline from different perceptions in a single book.
The storyline revolves around a “Fat-Kid”, who runs an internet blog, helping troubled people (read Broken People), suffering from depression, peer pressure, parental problems, sexuality, eating disorders and suicidal tendencies. He started the blog after losing his girlfriend and another “incident” which happened in his life. His girlfriend committed suicide and left a letter for him, which he carried throughout his life, and with that letter he carried guilt, resentment, and the weight of this entire world. If you want to know about the other “incident”, then you have to read the book!
But his life was changed when he met another broken soul like him, who changed his life entirely. The book does not entirely revolve around just these two people; it elucidates struggles, failures, and hardships that are faced by people like us every day. It is an amalgamation of stories of broken people, not one or two, but a lot – which I believe is the best part about this book.
The author is a brilliant storyteller, a wordsmith, and the way with which he has interwoven these people together is absolutely above my comprehension. I was able to relate with almost each and every character, but it was one specific character which reflected me entirely and I cried while reading all of its narration.
It is written with utmost thoughtfulness and will leave a deep impression on your mind after a read, because of its depth. It has some hauntingly beautiful descriptions and metaphors, and is filled with breathtaking quotes. There are numerous quotes in this book which broke my heart and created a space for them inside of my soul, but this one quote stood out for me from the entire text -
“I wondered what was behind the suicide. There is always a reason, something, an event that takes them over the edge, making the pain unbearable. Sometimes it may be a combination of items that the person just can’t comprehend living with, but it’s always one thing that takes them over the edge. It’s not that they actually want to die. Generally, they just want the pain to stop.”
I admit in this review that all my life I have felt broken. Well, not entirely, but a part of me was always broken. And after reading this book I realized that I was not alone. There are people like me – damaged, broken, shattered, who are waiting for someone to heal them, for someone to put them back at their place.
I have to admit that this book broke my heart while reading. I cried so many times while reading it, that I lost the count. But it also inspired me to wipe my tears away, and to put a smile on my face. This book inspired me to look at my scars – my battle wounds, and the broken piece of my soul with my eyes full of empathy and heal them. It is one of the first times in my life when I found solace in words that are written by someone else. It was like, as if his words were healing my soul. I never felt that way before.
I can clearly admit that this is a life changing book. You may ask me now, how am I so certain about it? The reason is pretty simple. It changed my life, and that is more than enough to prove my beliefs right.
This is not just a piece of fiction, this is more than that. These are stories which will tear you apart, and heal your heart – surprisingly both at the same time. It is a kind of those “self-help” books that makes you a better person after a read. It doesn’t matter if you are a teenager, or a single parent, an Egyptian or an Indian (like me), a research scholar or a teacher – but this is a book which everyone should read, regardless of their age and the genres which they prefer to read.
I will cherish this book for the rest of my life, and I express my gratitude to the Author for writing such an honest and heart-wrenching tale. You certainly changed my life. I might be broken, but I think, I will find peace with that. And someday, one day, I won’t be this broken. No more.
September 21, 2013
A must read. This book is for everyone. Lessons of love, loss, heartache, value and courage. The author pulls your heart out and hands it to you on a silver platter. I can't imagine anyone being able to read this book and not take away something that is relevant to your life.
People all have their flaws and no one is perfect. This book has a multitude of different stories but the author's ability to make it effortlessly flow is astounding. You may need to grab a few (or a box) of tissues, you will definitely need them. While reading this book I found myself, found that in life you can not be perfect and should never let anyone make you feel less than who you are. It made me sad for experiences I have had, it made be want to kick my own ass for things I should of never said and did, it made me want to make sure I take the time to look past the surface and dig deep inside. We all have a story and no one should have to feel like they are not good enough. In today's society, expectations are what the leaders and masses have cut from molds to create, drones of the same breed. It is brainwashed from such a young age what is right and wrong, but who are we as humans to decide that, what gives us that right? It is ok, more than ok to be different or as I like to say, yourself. Own it and hold your head up high. If someone doesn't appreciate you for who you are then they don't deserve to be in your life. If we all took the time to make someone smile or stop to ask if they are ok versus judging and ridiculing we would have the ability to make a difference. Accept people for who they are and never judge a book by it's cover it's the contents inside that make it special.
Diversity among us is a precious keepsake that should never be controlled and it definitely should never be frowned up.
uniqueness is a gift. I truly think that everything happens for a reason, some call it fate, I call it serendipity.
I came by this book at a time where I needed it most. I was breaking and this book helped me realize so many things about myself. I truly hope that you can take away as much as I did. Be the change in your own life as well as others.
Remember this:
thank you Mr. Hildreth for being a voice and I have an assumption that you will touch many souls with this work of art.
People all have their flaws and no one is perfect. This book has a multitude of different stories but the author's ability to make it effortlessly flow is astounding. You may need to grab a few (or a box) of tissues, you will definitely need them. While reading this book I found myself, found that in life you can not be perfect and should never let anyone make you feel less than who you are. It made me sad for experiences I have had, it made be want to kick my own ass for things I should of never said and did, it made me want to make sure I take the time to look past the surface and dig deep inside. We all have a story and no one should have to feel like they are not good enough. In today's society, expectations are what the leaders and masses have cut from molds to create, drones of the same breed. It is brainwashed from such a young age what is right and wrong, but who are we as humans to decide that, what gives us that right? It is ok, more than ok to be different or as I like to say, yourself. Own it and hold your head up high. If someone doesn't appreciate you for who you are then they don't deserve to be in your life. If we all took the time to make someone smile or stop to ask if they are ok versus judging and ridiculing we would have the ability to make a difference. Accept people for who they are and never judge a book by it's cover it's the contents inside that make it special.
Diversity among us is a precious keepsake that should never be controlled and it definitely should never be frowned up.
uniqueness is a gift. I truly think that everything happens for a reason, some call it fate, I call it serendipity.
I came by this book at a time where I needed it most. I was breaking and this book helped me realize so many things about myself. I truly hope that you can take away as much as I did. Be the change in your own life as well as others.
Remember this:
thank you Mr. Hildreth for being a voice and I have an assumption that you will touch many souls with this work of art.
July 18, 2013
To start, I love this book. There are parts, mostly those owned by the character of Michelle, that are great. Her insight into the best and most desirable aspects of the human condition is heartwarming but keen enough to be mostly realistic. Her reference to her obligation as a medical provider to care for all of humankind is particularly astute. Her "Things I've Learned in 18 years of Life" are exceptional rules that we should all do our very best to adopt and live by. The rules are inspiring, tender and eloquent, if not a little bit unrealistic as written from the perspective of someone who is a mere 18 years old. I also think there are many sad and weary people out there who will really identify with Fat Kid's adopted persona. Many of us have become so disenchanted with ourselves, our lives, those who surround us that we would make desperate attempts to escape, which Fat Kid has successfully done. He realizes eventually, as should we all, that in doing so he made himself miserable, alone and forsaken. I also suspect that there is a huge population of scared, angry teenagers that will strongly identify with this book, the Britney character in particular, and will internalize the core message enough leave the book as better, healed, inspired people. I am hopeful the author is successful in marketing to that sector and is able to make an impact. I think the weakest character, who contributed little to the overall effect of the storytelling, is David. I would have liked for the author to spend more time developing the Marc/Britney story and strengthening the investment readers have to their tale as that would have made my empathy with Britney even deeper than it already is. There are certainly aspects of the writing, such as maturation of character development, sentence flow, and organization of the story that will improve with subsequent works but nothing enough to discourage a reader looking for an honest and intriguing tale. There is a delicate mix of reality, fantasy and enduring message to make this a successful first novel. I look forward to Scott's future work and until then, I hope we all Stay Human
November 22, 2014
This book definitely makes you think. Think about what you’re doing in life, with life, and for the ones you love. I always try to view things from all possible angles and this book will make you do just that. And yes, it will make you reflect on yourself and your past, the decisions and choices you have made and will make.
Learn from your mistakes, except your flaws, break those chains, destroy your past and give yourself a new life...to be the best "you" you can be to yourself and others.
Some of the the most powerful, thought provoking, and unforgettable quotes from the book that hit home for me:
"Then, there is love that just is. The love that can't always be explained. The love that, according to those that have it, can't ever be anything but what it is. Endless."
"That person doesn't give you reason to live. That person is your life. Love that just is."
"Time passes, and nothing and everything changes. Don't live half asleep. Don't drag your soul through the days. Feel everything you do. Be there physically and mentally. Do things that make you feel this way as well."
"If someone makes you think, keep them. If someone makes you feel, keep them."
"God didn't break our chains for us to be bound again. Alcohol, drugs, depression, addiction, toxic relationships, monotony and repetition, the bind us. Break those chains. Destroy your past and give yourself a new life like God has given you."
"This is your life. Your struggle, your happiness, your sorrow, and your success. You do not need to justify yourself to anyone. You owe no one an explanation for the choices that you make and the position you are in. In the same vein, respect yourself."
"We make adjustments in our lives to get by, to survive. Sometimes we don't actually heal. We make adjustments. We deny. We mask. We cover up. We hide things."
"Letting down others hurts me far more than letting myself down. It disappoints me greatly to disappoint others."
"Guilt turns to pain for those of us that have a reasonable amount of common sense. I like to think that I possess a tremendous amount of common sense, therefore, I have a tremendous amount of pain."
Learn from your mistakes, except your flaws, break those chains, destroy your past and give yourself a new life...to be the best "you" you can be to yourself and others.
Some of the the most powerful, thought provoking, and unforgettable quotes from the book that hit home for me:
"Then, there is love that just is. The love that can't always be explained. The love that, according to those that have it, can't ever be anything but what it is. Endless."
"That person doesn't give you reason to live. That person is your life. Love that just is."
"Time passes, and nothing and everything changes. Don't live half asleep. Don't drag your soul through the days. Feel everything you do. Be there physically and mentally. Do things that make you feel this way as well."
"If someone makes you think, keep them. If someone makes you feel, keep them."
"God didn't break our chains for us to be bound again. Alcohol, drugs, depression, addiction, toxic relationships, monotony and repetition, the bind us. Break those chains. Destroy your past and give yourself a new life like God has given you."
"This is your life. Your struggle, your happiness, your sorrow, and your success. You do not need to justify yourself to anyone. You owe no one an explanation for the choices that you make and the position you are in. In the same vein, respect yourself."
"We make adjustments in our lives to get by, to survive. Sometimes we don't actually heal. We make adjustments. We deny. We mask. We cover up. We hide things."
"Letting down others hurts me far more than letting myself down. It disappoints me greatly to disappoint others."
"Guilt turns to pain for those of us that have a reasonable amount of common sense. I like to think that I possess a tremendous amount of common sense, therefore, I have a tremendous amount of pain."
July 23, 2013
I am not even sure I can do this book any justice. This is a book that I think all teens and parents should read. I found myself as a parent reflecting alot on my parenting style and hoping that I am not making the same mistakes as the parents in this book. As parents we want what is best for our children when what is best is for us to just be there, be present and listen.
The story takes you through the life of Fat Kid who tries to help people through his internet blog. He is contacted by Shellie a suicidal teen that he talks to and gives advice. Th characters in this story are all likable and identifiable. In a round about way they all seem to be connected. This story not only takes you into the mind of Shellie the suicidal teen but also Michelle who is the unlucky one that finds her and is left picking up the pieces. Not only does suicide effect the person directly committing the act but often leaves the family and friends with the guilt of thinking what they could have done differently. I think that we can all identify with one of these characters at some point in our lives. I am sure that we have felt not good enough, too fat, too ugly etc. This is why I feel it is such a relevant book.
My favorite part of the entire book are the 22 things Michelle has learned in her 18 years of life. I will share 2 of those with you
"There is no wrong way to feel"
"Remember who you are and where you came from. Remember that you are not from this earth. You are a child of heaven, you're invaluable, you are beautiful. Carry yourself that way."
You will have to read the rest of the book, but I assure you that you will think differently once you have finished. I will leave you with this "Broken people attract broken people."
The story takes you through the life of Fat Kid who tries to help people through his internet blog. He is contacted by Shellie a suicidal teen that he talks to and gives advice. Th characters in this story are all likable and identifiable. In a round about way they all seem to be connected. This story not only takes you into the mind of Shellie the suicidal teen but also Michelle who is the unlucky one that finds her and is left picking up the pieces. Not only does suicide effect the person directly committing the act but often leaves the family and friends with the guilt of thinking what they could have done differently. I think that we can all identify with one of these characters at some point in our lives. I am sure that we have felt not good enough, too fat, too ugly etc. This is why I feel it is such a relevant book.
My favorite part of the entire book are the 22 things Michelle has learned in her 18 years of life. I will share 2 of those with you
"There is no wrong way to feel"
"Remember who you are and where you came from. Remember that you are not from this earth. You are a child of heaven, you're invaluable, you are beautiful. Carry yourself that way."
You will have to read the rest of the book, but I assure you that you will think differently once you have finished. I will leave you with this "Broken people attract broken people."
September 5, 2013
I really liked the lesson this book discussed, which is around the parent/child relationship and understanding what is really important. Sometimes expectations are placed (or enforced) on others without people listening to each other and understanding the other person's point of view. If a child is crying out, the parents need to listen before something devastating happens. Lots of good life lessons packed in this book.
I also like how the author used his clairvoyant gift and wrote a fictional tale about that gift. I'm not saying the author experienced what is written on these pages, because I don't know that. The author gave his main character this gift and it was interesting to see how the character could "read" people with such accuracy.
I was confused, however, in the first half of this book. Two characters in particular confused me as I often thought I was reading about the same person yet they had different names. The confusion was cleared up around 60% of the way through. I also felt the book had a slow start through the first half. All of the action is at the tale end. I found myself skipping paragraphs to get to the dialogue and action. I personally don't like a lot of foul language and this book had quite a bit of it, especially toward the end. I felt it unnecessary and that it detracted from the story. I also had some issues with the dialogue; characters saying unbelievable things at a point in time when they were going through something traumatic. I also felt the story could use an edit both from a grammatical standpoint (floating between past & present tense) as well as from a story structure perspective. I think this could be a really great story with some polishing.
I also like how the author used his clairvoyant gift and wrote a fictional tale about that gift. I'm not saying the author experienced what is written on these pages, because I don't know that. The author gave his main character this gift and it was interesting to see how the character could "read" people with such accuracy.
I was confused, however, in the first half of this book. Two characters in particular confused me as I often thought I was reading about the same person yet they had different names. The confusion was cleared up around 60% of the way through. I also felt the book had a slow start through the first half. All of the action is at the tale end. I found myself skipping paragraphs to get to the dialogue and action. I personally don't like a lot of foul language and this book had quite a bit of it, especially toward the end. I felt it unnecessary and that it detracted from the story. I also had some issues with the dialogue; characters saying unbelievable things at a point in time when they were going through something traumatic. I also felt the story could use an edit both from a grammatical standpoint (floating between past & present tense) as well as from a story structure perspective. I think this could be a really great story with some polishing.
April 30, 2014
The book is a Landslide. It speaks to everything I have ever believed, feel and know. There are people out there who fit into the puzzle that is you; even the pieces that are torn, bent, disfigured. I don't do labels as ironic as that sounds because my profession revolves around labels. (EBD, ED, ESE, ODD, Socio- anything). These aren't adults they are little people ages 5 - 8 whose pieces are already being torn from them. See I believe God makes us an entire puzzle woven together with beauty and love. At birth, immediately society, stigmas, LABELS, peers, even family members begin to rip our perfectly completed puzzles of who we are apart. Its a shame that its allowed whether due to codependency, a heavy parental hand; whatever reason. My heart and my mind doesn't allow me to see those labels but sees the sweet eyes staring back at me. Even at that age, they know they are losing themselves.
This book should empower you to open your mind and see. Not judge, SEE. There is a huge difference. Im not saying this brilliant piece of literature will send you running out to save the world because most of us walking around this earth aren't interested enough to care. However what I am saying is maybe after reading it and really allow it to consume you and your thoughts you might just find you are a piece of someone's puzzle that you never imagined you would be.
Scott Hildreth is an author after my own mind. Brilliance comes in all shapes and size, looks and stereotypes. Exceptional. All I can say is thank you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM7-P...
This book should empower you to open your mind and see. Not judge, SEE. There is a huge difference. Im not saying this brilliant piece of literature will send you running out to save the world because most of us walking around this earth aren't interested enough to care. However what I am saying is maybe after reading it and really allow it to consume you and your thoughts you might just find you are a piece of someone's puzzle that you never imagined you would be.
Scott Hildreth is an author after my own mind. Brilliance comes in all shapes and size, looks and stereotypes. Exceptional. All I can say is thank you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM7-P...
February 5, 2014
Warning if you don’t like books that stir real emotions when you read...don’t read this, because this book makes you stop and think. The author does not sugar coat, he writes about real issues and feelings that most the time we as humans try to push aside because it’s painful to think about. But if you can handle the TRUTH then you should read Broken People! This book is made to make you think; truly think about the problems that the character went through.
Like Brittney the girl we all know from high school who is so materialistic and selfish; she is always on her phone and most of us hate her because we don’t understand why she can’t be happy with what she has. But we never stop and think about what she does not have, like love. In my opinion this book is mostly about showing everyone to STOP judging people by what we see on the inside and start getting to know them as an individual. You never know when you stop to talk to someone you could have just saved their life...because they could be at the point where the pain in life had become too much for them and they think there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but by making the time to say hi an talk to them could be just the flicker of light the need to find their way out of the darkness.
Personally, I take away from this book wanting to be a better mother to spend just a little more time with my daughter. To make sure she never feels like she is unloved, unwanted or a problem. Me making the choice to have a child - should also mean making the choice to be there as a parent - because yes there is a difference.
Like Brittney the girl we all know from high school who is so materialistic and selfish; she is always on her phone and most of us hate her because we don’t understand why she can’t be happy with what she has. But we never stop and think about what she does not have, like love. In my opinion this book is mostly about showing everyone to STOP judging people by what we see on the inside and start getting to know them as an individual. You never know when you stop to talk to someone you could have just saved their life...because they could be at the point where the pain in life had become too much for them and they think there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but by making the time to say hi an talk to them could be just the flicker of light the need to find their way out of the darkness.
Personally, I take away from this book wanting to be a better mother to spend just a little more time with my daughter. To make sure she never feels like she is unloved, unwanted or a problem. Me making the choice to have a child - should also mean making the choice to be there as a parent - because yes there is a difference.
August 11, 2015
fantastic absolutely fuc*ing fantastic
I'm pretty much at a loss for words with this book but I'll do my best to get my point across. Scott Hildreth has written this soul touch book about the emotions many people have and struggle with each and everyday . His clever and unique way of writing has once again captured me.
Kid Wow were to even begin this character embraces how even when knocked down to the ground you can pick yourself up and strive to be an amazing person not only to yourself but to those who surround you. Through it all his attempts to push people away, you knew he was a person you would always want to stand beside you. On a lighter note really buy some new shoes lol
The ancillary/other characters in this book all brought to the story real, raw emotions and issues. This book shone a light on young people and what there exposure to their environments are really like. "I would like to think we are not a product of our childhood, or of our parents but a product of the environment that we are exposed to, and our ability to discern right from wrong." I believe this to my core. Although this book was about serious issues people go through, the wit and unique writing style of Scott had me laughing quite a bit. Stay human and Fu*k oatmeal. Thank you Scott for writing and sharing this story with us it was exceptional ;0)
I'm pretty much at a loss for words with this book but I'll do my best to get my point across. Scott Hildreth has written this soul touch book about the emotions many people have and struggle with each and everyday . His clever and unique way of writing has once again captured me.
Kid Wow were to even begin this character embraces how even when knocked down to the ground you can pick yourself up and strive to be an amazing person not only to yourself but to those who surround you. Through it all his attempts to push people away, you knew he was a person you would always want to stand beside you. On a lighter note really buy some new shoes lol
The ancillary/other characters in this book all brought to the story real, raw emotions and issues. This book shone a light on young people and what there exposure to their environments are really like. "I would like to think we are not a product of our childhood, or of our parents but a product of the environment that we are exposed to, and our ability to discern right from wrong." I believe this to my core. Although this book was about serious issues people go through, the wit and unique writing style of Scott had me laughing quite a bit. Stay human and Fu*k oatmeal. Thank you Scott for writing and sharing this story with us it was exceptional ;0)
January 23, 2015
Wow! Some of the events in this book hit a little to close to home for me. Broken People, is the perfect title and description for sure. It amazes me how all of us have something "broken" in our pasts. Most teenagers like high school and go on and on about how those years are the best. I'm 100% opposite! I hated high school. The pressure to do everything right, and not embarrass your family, can be overwhelming. Having to wear all the latest trends in clothes especially for girls is unreal.
If you can read this book without crying, or being able to relate to any one of the "broken people's" issues, you must be supernatural. Or, if you don't know someone who has gone through any of those problems, you are very fortunate.
I have recommended this book to a lot of people. I personally feel like anyone who reads this book can learn from it, and apply that knowledge and compassion along. You never know what the people in your life are dealing with. Be there for anyone you can.
As I was reading about one teenage girls predicament, the lyrics to Everlast' What it's like.
I'm curious to know, how many people relate to each characters problems.
Another great book by Author Scott Hildreth.
If you can read this book without crying, or being able to relate to any one of the "broken people's" issues, you must be supernatural. Or, if you don't know someone who has gone through any of those problems, you are very fortunate.
I have recommended this book to a lot of people. I personally feel like anyone who reads this book can learn from it, and apply that knowledge and compassion along. You never know what the people in your life are dealing with. Be there for anyone you can.
As I was reading about one teenage girls predicament, the lyrics to Everlast' What it's like.
I'm curious to know, how many people relate to each characters problems.
Another great book by Author Scott Hildreth.
February 5, 2014
Human Consideration = Hope
Reading this book with the multi-POV's has been a first for me. It made the book so much more real. Refreshing change. 5 POV's in all, from 5 people somehow linked by "life along the way".
This is a phenomenal story. I think anyone human...can relate to a lot of points made in the book. It will definitely make you think. Either of an experience you have had or maybe one you are going through.
So many people struggle with a wide range of complexities. Use this book as a kind-of teaching or learning tool. Be inquisitive enough to not judge one another.
I do need to point out My Favorite Character.....Fat Kid, all smiles for him. I am shocked at how well I relate to him. Hidden away in my own shell....
And now what I want to believe is the moral of the story. ~ Please be considerate of the rest of the human race. We are equals in the fact that...We are all born and we will all die. You, as said human, should try to keep an open mind and an open heart for others. If you see someone struggling....Help Them!!!!! ///////HUGS ARE FREE\\\\\\\
**Now You Should Totally Read This Book
Reading this book with the multi-POV's has been a first for me. It made the book so much more real. Refreshing change. 5 POV's in all, from 5 people somehow linked by "life along the way".
This is a phenomenal story. I think anyone human...can relate to a lot of points made in the book. It will definitely make you think. Either of an experience you have had or maybe one you are going through.
So many people struggle with a wide range of complexities. Use this book as a kind-of teaching or learning tool. Be inquisitive enough to not judge one another.
I do need to point out My Favorite Character.....Fat Kid, all smiles for him. I am shocked at how well I relate to him. Hidden away in my own shell....
And now what I want to believe is the moral of the story. ~ Please be considerate of the rest of the human race. We are equals in the fact that...We are all born and we will all die. You, as said human, should try to keep an open mind and an open heart for others. If you see someone struggling....Help Them!!!!! ///////HUGS ARE FREE\\\\\\\
**Now You Should Totally Read This Book
April 11, 2014
"A lifetime, Michelle, It took me a lifetime"
Broken people was an exceptional and unique read. It was told in a series of vignettes focusing on 1 of 5 broken indivduals.
Through out the story the author intertwines the different characters lives to weave together a tale so life changing that I am in awe by how moved I was.
When I read a book I often highlight the scenes that effect me…by the time I was done with this book… half the story was highlighted
I was enthralled, I finished it in one day….locking myself in my room until completion.
The lessons I learned from reading this story resonated within me even days later
I was able to identify with the characters and feel their pain. It was a gripping story so real and so true.
It was heart wrenching and tragic but in it's completion it became beautiful and inspirational. The story touched a part of me that I didn’t know was vulnerable but in the end I felt healed.
Scott Hildreth has a gift, he is able to see people and it is beautiful.
This story brought tears to my eyes and for that I am thankful.
I was rendered speechless..........
August 9, 2016
As I sit down to write this review, I admit I'm emotionally drained. Things worthwhile usually are draining...and this book is definitely worth your time and energy to process and work through whatever the book stirs in your life (because it will touch on at least one thing, if not many). As a psychologist, I saw the aching and pain and heartache I have seen for years so eloquently written for others to feel in a mere couple hundred pages. As a broken person, I started crying while reading Chapter 1. Immediately, I was touched and the book continued to resonate with parts of me that I don't talk about and parts that I don't want to work on and parts that fuel me to help others on a daily basis. It's a book about finding your inner demons, learning how to manage/overcome them, and surviving amongst all of that knowledge. It's about hope and triumph and joy in helping others and strength in helping yourself.
I have not read a single book in my life thus far that will bring about more self-revelation and work than this one. After years upon years of graduate school and psychology training, that is one of the best compliments I can give.
I have not read a single book in my life thus far that will bring about more self-revelation and work than this one. After years upon years of graduate school and psychology training, that is one of the best compliments I can give.
March 14, 2014
WOW! Another great book by Scott!! This one was amazing, it really made you think and look at stuff differently, well it did me anyway. It made me see that actually most of us have some sort of broken part in us, it's just realising it and living with it or changing it that is the hard bit.
There was some humour in it too and lots of emotions as usual per Scott's books. He writes in such a way that you just can't help not loving the books and becoming involved in the characters' lives. I loved Fat Kid and all the others, they really were brilliantly written and portrayed. Just.The.Tip, a part in the book, made me laugh out loud!!
One of my favourite quotes in it has to be:
"This is your life. Your struggle, your happiness, your sorrow, and your success. You do not need to justify yourself to anyone. You owe no one an explanation for the choices that you make and the position you are in."
This definitely made sense to me and helped that I need to remember this more!
Once again I loved this book and really think that everyone should read it!
There was some humour in it too and lots of emotions as usual per Scott's books. He writes in such a way that you just can't help not loving the books and becoming involved in the characters' lives. I loved Fat Kid and all the others, they really were brilliantly written and portrayed. Just.The.Tip, a part in the book, made me laugh out loud!!
One of my favourite quotes in it has to be:
"This is your life. Your struggle, your happiness, your sorrow, and your success. You do not need to justify yourself to anyone. You owe no one an explanation for the choices that you make and the position you are in."
This definitely made sense to me and helped that I need to remember this more!
Once again I loved this book and really think that everyone should read it!
May 9, 2014
Broken People by Scott Hildreth ~My Review~
This was an okay book. Not one of my more favorites by Scott, maybe it would have been better to read it first before his other books. It started a little slow I noticed myself skipping a little to get to the good parts. I have very mixed emotions about this book. On one hand it was moving, and definitely made you think about life. It made me think about my life as a child, a teenager, an adult and now as a mom. I really loved the message it sent and the lessons it taught. Although I liked this book it left me with more questions than answers pertaining to the characters themselves. The message of the book was clear but the story was confusing. I loved the concept of this book, switching POVs between all the characters, it definitely kept me on my toes. Each one of these characters could have there own book. I would have liked some more back story, I'm missing pieces of the whole picture on my head. I would recommend you read this book because although the story could have been better the message came through loud and clear.
This was an okay book. Not one of my more favorites by Scott, maybe it would have been better to read it first before his other books. It started a little slow I noticed myself skipping a little to get to the good parts. I have very mixed emotions about this book. On one hand it was moving, and definitely made you think about life. It made me think about my life as a child, a teenager, an adult and now as a mom. I really loved the message it sent and the lessons it taught. Although I liked this book it left me with more questions than answers pertaining to the characters themselves. The message of the book was clear but the story was confusing. I loved the concept of this book, switching POVs between all the characters, it definitely kept me on my toes. Each one of these characters could have there own book. I would have liked some more back story, I'm missing pieces of the whole picture on my head. I would recommend you read this book because although the story could have been better the message came through loud and clear.
February 27, 2014
Scott Hildreth
VABULOUS!!! I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
This book makes you think. It makes you feel. It truthfully was a very emotional read for me. I started it over three times before reading it all the way through and then.....WOW! I highly recommend this book to everyone of all ages. I also recommend that when you read it , it must be read in one sitting or at least two. Don't make the mistake to read this book in stages or slowly. You just won't get it.I loved all the main characters, Fat Kid, Michelle, Marc and Britney. All of their situations reminded me of people I knew or could relate to. One of my favorite quotes from this book......"If someone makes you think, keep them. If someone makes you feel, keep them." ~ Scott Hildreth.
Once again I totally loved a great Scott Hildreth book. Now on to more! ;)
VABULOUS!!! I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
This book makes you think. It makes you feel. It truthfully was a very emotional read for me. I started it over three times before reading it all the way through and then.....WOW! I highly recommend this book to everyone of all ages. I also recommend that when you read it , it must be read in one sitting or at least two. Don't make the mistake to read this book in stages or slowly. You just won't get it.I loved all the main characters, Fat Kid, Michelle, Marc and Britney. All of their situations reminded me of people I knew or could relate to. One of my favorite quotes from this book......"If someone makes you think, keep them. If someone makes you feel, keep them." ~ Scott Hildreth.
Once again I totally loved a great Scott Hildreth book. Now on to more! ;)
January 29, 2014
This is worth so many more stars than 5. This book took its toll on me. My heart and mind were on an emotional roller coaster the whole time I was reading. Why? Because I am BROKEN. This is a must read but be aware it is a very emotional read. Especially if you are or were broken.
This book is starts with the Fat Kid. He is a blogger who tries to help broken people. Through him we meet teenagers who are hurting for various reasons. Family issues, unplanned pregnancy, viral photos,suicide and incidents from the past all are a part of these people's brokenness. Can you find healing through other broken people?
If you are someone who is hurting or is broken, you want to read this book. It is true to life. Find out for yourself if Broken People Can fix other Broken People.
This book is starts with the Fat Kid. He is a blogger who tries to help broken people. Through him we meet teenagers who are hurting for various reasons. Family issues, unplanned pregnancy, viral photos,suicide and incidents from the past all are a part of these people's brokenness. Can you find healing through other broken people?
If you are someone who is hurting or is broken, you want to read this book. It is true to life. Find out for yourself if Broken People Can fix other Broken People.
April 27, 2014
If only read one book in your life PLEASE make it this one. First off this was nothing like I normally read and I couldn't put it down. I read it from start to to finish in about 4 hours. (I read fast) It was incredible and eye opening. It takes a lot to get me to cry and this did just that. I loved how everything played out and every character was perfectly established. I learned a lot through this book but mainly about myself and I will still hope everyday to hear the words David had so desperately wanted to hear, but until then. I will read this book over and over again. Scott as always your way with words continues to astound me. You Sir are Beast!! I know you said in your bio that you want your work to change people well at least with me and this book I can honestly say you succeeded!
June 7, 2014
This is a simple review, nothing fancy but it says all I need to say.
This was an emotional read with some profound messages. I know it is what we have come to expect with Scott, every book has some bigger meaning. I struggled in some parts of this because it was telling the story of 5 people. The OCD, must solve everything part of me kept wondering when he stories where going to come together but once I stopped trying to solve it and just started reading it all started coming together for me. It really gave me an aha moment.
Broken people attract broken people. Sometimes along the way they mend what is broken. Read this book, give it a chance and be forever changed.
This was an emotional read with some profound messages. I know it is what we have come to expect with Scott, every book has some bigger meaning. I struggled in some parts of this because it was telling the story of 5 people. The OCD, must solve everything part of me kept wondering when he stories where going to come together but once I stopped trying to solve it and just started reading it all started coming together for me. It really gave me an aha moment.
Broken people attract broken people. Sometimes along the way they mend what is broken. Read this book, give it a chance and be forever changed.
February 26, 2015
Broken People is about, well, Broken People, it is told in 5 different POVs. It deals with real life issues, anorexia, bulimia, suicide, low self esteem. insecurities and more. Kid is a guy who runs a blog to help people, but he is also broken himself. This book makes you think, and if you have kids it will make you think how much you really listen to them and remember the conversations you have had and how well are you interacting with them. It will make you talk to them, listen and ask questions. Loved Michelle and the list of things she had learned at 18. The line that stuck with me explains everything: Stay Human. Loved. 5 fabulous stars.
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