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Splinters of Light
From the acclaimed author of Pack Up the Moon comes a poignant and beautiful novel about love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of family—particularly those between mothers, daughters, and sisters. Ten years ago, Nora Glass started writing essays about being a single mother of a six-year-old daughter. Her weekly column made her a household name, and over the years, her fans have watched Ellie grow from a toddler to a teenager.But now Nora is facing a problem that can’t be overcome. Diagnosed with a devastating disease that will eventually take away who she is, she is scared for herself, but even more frightened about what this will mean for her sixteen-year-old daughter.Now Nora has no choice but to let go of her hard-won image as a competent, self-assured woman, and turn to the one person who has always relied on her twin sister, Mariana. Nora and Mariana couldn’t be more different from one another, and they’ve always had a complicated relationship. But now the two sisters will have to summon the strength to help them all get through a future none of them could have ever imagined, while uncovering the joy and beauty that was always underneath.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2015
27 people are currently reading
1430 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Herron
50 books897 followersUnofficial bio: Rachael eats way too many Cadbury Creme eggs, no matter time of year it is. She lives with a menagerie, and battles dog hair on a full-time basis. She's a Knitter with a capital-K, and she reads WAY more than she'd ever even think about exercising.
Official bio: Rachael Herron (RH Herron) is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thriller, mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she teaches writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She is a proud member of the NaNoWriMo Writer’s Board. She’s a New Zealand citizen as well as an American.
Find her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachael.Herr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachaelherron
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rachaelherron
Blog: http://rachaelherron.com/blog
Official bio: Rachael Herron (RH Herron) is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thriller, mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she teaches writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She is a proud member of the NaNoWriMo Writer’s Board. She’s a New Zealand citizen as well as an American.
Find her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachael.Herr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachaelherron
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rachaelherron
Blog: http://rachaelherron.com/blog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 3, 2015
Splinters of Light is a love story, through and through. Not a romance, like author Rachael Herron's Cypress Hollow books; rather a story about the love of sisters and of mothers and daughters.
The book follows Nora as she battles with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. An author and journalist, Nora is used to knowing exactly what to say at all the right moments - but what does one do when one starts losing the words, and there are no right moments?
Nora's life is moored to the anchors of her twin sister Marianna and her daughter Ellie. Ellie, a teenager trying to stand in the already troubled waters of romance, college prep, and life after school has an understandably hard time dealing with both her mother's disease and the inexorable knowledge of a future without Nora at all. While some of Ellie's teen angst angered me, it was also incredibly relateable and logical. Marianna is on the cusp of success for the first time in her life; however, that success is happening at the same time her twin, the other half of herself, is losing her grip on the successful life she's lived.
What I loved best about this book (and I loved it all) was the way Herron cleverly weaves the threads of love and family through a tragedy as it happens. Herron achieves superlative levels of excellence in this book. You will become a part of the Glass family, another beach stone worn by time and tragedy. When you reach the epilogue, you are simultaneously let go and pulled closer by the ties at the end of the story. It stays with you, long after the book is over.
I recommend this book to all who love excellent story telling, and to all who have women they love in their lives.
The book follows Nora as she battles with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. An author and journalist, Nora is used to knowing exactly what to say at all the right moments - but what does one do when one starts losing the words, and there are no right moments?
Nora's life is moored to the anchors of her twin sister Marianna and her daughter Ellie. Ellie, a teenager trying to stand in the already troubled waters of romance, college prep, and life after school has an understandably hard time dealing with both her mother's disease and the inexorable knowledge of a future without Nora at all. While some of Ellie's teen angst angered me, it was also incredibly relateable and logical. Marianna is on the cusp of success for the first time in her life; however, that success is happening at the same time her twin, the other half of herself, is losing her grip on the successful life she's lived.
What I loved best about this book (and I loved it all) was the way Herron cleverly weaves the threads of love and family through a tragedy as it happens. Herron achieves superlative levels of excellence in this book. You will become a part of the Glass family, another beach stone worn by time and tragedy. When you reach the epilogue, you are simultaneously let go and pulled closer by the ties at the end of the story. It stays with you, long after the book is over.
I recommend this book to all who love excellent story telling, and to all who have women they love in their lives.
January 2, 2016
Absolutely beautiful, and heartbreaking in the very best way.
Read
October 2, 2016Wow! The last time I read a book this good was back in July of last year! It was Goodnight June, and you all know what I thought about that one. Now I'm adding Splinters of Light by Rachael Herron to that rarified air. This is the 3rd of 3 books that Rachael has written in the mis lit genre (remember? that's where something tragic happens). I really liked the 1st 2 - Pack Up the Moon and The Ones Who Matter Most - a lot. But this one stands out.
So what tragic event happens in SoL? It's actually a tragic event that is in process. I'm not giving anything away by quoting the back page:
Ten years ago, Nora Glass started writing essays about being a single mother of a six-year old daughter. Her weekly column made her a household name, and over the years, her fans have watched Ellie grow from a toddler to a teenager.
But now Nora is facing a problem that can't be overcome. Diagnosed with a devastating disease that will eventually take away who she is, she is scared for herself, but even more frightened about what this will mean for her sixteen-year old daughter.
Now Nora has no choice but to let go of her hard-won image as a competent, self-assured woman and turn to the one person who has always relied on her: her twin sister, Mariana. Nora and Mariana couldn't be more different from each other, and they've always had a complicated relationship. But the two sisters will have to summon the strength to help them all get through a future none of them could have ever imagined, while uncovering the joy and beauty that was always underneath.
You can see that this is very Still Alice-like. And I liked that one a lot (5/14/15 review). I gave it a 3.25/4 and might have given it a 3.5/4 if I had read the book before I saw the movie. Either way, it was very good. It gave us a pretty good idea of what it must be like to have this kind of disease. But here's the thing - Rachael makes it even clearer. I really felt like I was living inside Nora's head. And it was an extremely uncomfortable place to be.
There is so much good stuff about this book that I don't even really know that I can get it all in. I think I'll fall back on my itemized list. This will not only let you know what to look for. But it will also help me get a handle on my feelings.
1. The writing is terrific. I felt like every word, sentence, and paragraph flowed into one another. And the latter part of the book was extremely Pat Conroy-like. That is to say, something literary but still easy to read.
2. There are plenty of tears, OMGs, and Wows (including one some time after I finished the book!). In fact, at one point I actually had to stop reading in order to get myself under control. We all know I'm a big baby, but I normally can at least keep reading. Not so much this time.
3. We get a good description of the neurological testing that goes into determining whether or not somebody has an early form of dementia.
4. Rachael gives a great definition of flirting. It's too long to quote her, but you can find it on the bottom of 135, top of 136.
5. I absolutely love how the narrator goes back and forth among Nora, Mariana, and Ellie. What Rachael makes us understand is how each of them is feeling. And for us oldies (but goodies? - not sure), it's fun to get inside the head of a 16-year old.
6. Rachael also sprinkles in essays about Ellie's childhood from the book that Nora published and that was very successful commercially. She knows just when to give us one of those. And they are very cool.
7. I like the parts that both Luke and Harrison play as boyfriend and next door neighbor for Mariana and Nora.
8. The ending may be one of my favorite endings of all time. And I'm not just saying that.
9. I am blown away by how Rachael can use one word and have it just explode with impact. I won't tell you what it is (but it's on page 141, 3rd line from the bottom).
10. And, finally, how about making you feel that you are right there with Nora?
a. "Nora didn't know when the knowledge that she wouldn't escape her diagnosis had shifted inside her, but it felt, somehow, okay. It felt all right. Not Ideal. But all right." Or
b. "Where did the knowledge go when it left her mind?"
See what I mean?
Lest you think there is only doom and gloom in this book, you are very wrong. Much of it is uplifting with funny and, yes, poignant moments. And I even had a couple of personal connections (you know how much I like pointing those out!):
1. Mariana remembers taking turns reading books when they were kids. One of those books was The Giving Tree. I know I've told you this before, but that is the very 1st children's book I bought for my kids - and it was 2 years before my oldest (who's now 40! - can that be?) was even born!
2. Nora, in one of her magazine articles, talks about a Thanksgiving where they ate everything with their hands, including mashed potatoes. When my 3 kids were all living at home, Joni had a "no manners" dinner where we used no silverware. One of our dishes was mashed potatoes! And Joni scooped portions onto everybody's plate with her hands. Needless to say, that meal was a big hit.
I think I've gone on long enough. But I obviously have a lot to say about this fantastic book. My last comment is: PLEASE READ SPLINTERS OF LIGHT!
So what tragic event happens in SoL? It's actually a tragic event that is in process. I'm not giving anything away by quoting the back page:
Ten years ago, Nora Glass started writing essays about being a single mother of a six-year old daughter. Her weekly column made her a household name, and over the years, her fans have watched Ellie grow from a toddler to a teenager.
But now Nora is facing a problem that can't be overcome. Diagnosed with a devastating disease that will eventually take away who she is, she is scared for herself, but even more frightened about what this will mean for her sixteen-year old daughter.
Now Nora has no choice but to let go of her hard-won image as a competent, self-assured woman and turn to the one person who has always relied on her: her twin sister, Mariana. Nora and Mariana couldn't be more different from each other, and they've always had a complicated relationship. But the two sisters will have to summon the strength to help them all get through a future none of them could have ever imagined, while uncovering the joy and beauty that was always underneath.
You can see that this is very Still Alice-like. And I liked that one a lot (5/14/15 review). I gave it a 3.25/4 and might have given it a 3.5/4 if I had read the book before I saw the movie. Either way, it was very good. It gave us a pretty good idea of what it must be like to have this kind of disease. But here's the thing - Rachael makes it even clearer. I really felt like I was living inside Nora's head. And it was an extremely uncomfortable place to be.
There is so much good stuff about this book that I don't even really know that I can get it all in. I think I'll fall back on my itemized list. This will not only let you know what to look for. But it will also help me get a handle on my feelings.
1. The writing is terrific. I felt like every word, sentence, and paragraph flowed into one another. And the latter part of the book was extremely Pat Conroy-like. That is to say, something literary but still easy to read.
2. There are plenty of tears, OMGs, and Wows (including one some time after I finished the book!). In fact, at one point I actually had to stop reading in order to get myself under control. We all know I'm a big baby, but I normally can at least keep reading. Not so much this time.
3. We get a good description of the neurological testing that goes into determining whether or not somebody has an early form of dementia.
4. Rachael gives a great definition of flirting. It's too long to quote her, but you can find it on the bottom of 135, top of 136.
5. I absolutely love how the narrator goes back and forth among Nora, Mariana, and Ellie. What Rachael makes us understand is how each of them is feeling. And for us oldies (but goodies? - not sure), it's fun to get inside the head of a 16-year old.
6. Rachael also sprinkles in essays about Ellie's childhood from the book that Nora published and that was very successful commercially. She knows just when to give us one of those. And they are very cool.
7. I like the parts that both Luke and Harrison play as boyfriend and next door neighbor for Mariana and Nora.
8. The ending may be one of my favorite endings of all time. And I'm not just saying that.
9. I am blown away by how Rachael can use one word and have it just explode with impact. I won't tell you what it is (but it's on page 141, 3rd line from the bottom).
10. And, finally, how about making you feel that you are right there with Nora?
a. "Nora didn't know when the knowledge that she wouldn't escape her diagnosis had shifted inside her, but it felt, somehow, okay. It felt all right. Not Ideal. But all right." Or
b. "Where did the knowledge go when it left her mind?"
See what I mean?
Lest you think there is only doom and gloom in this book, you are very wrong. Much of it is uplifting with funny and, yes, poignant moments. And I even had a couple of personal connections (you know how much I like pointing those out!):
1. Mariana remembers taking turns reading books when they were kids. One of those books was The Giving Tree. I know I've told you this before, but that is the very 1st children's book I bought for my kids - and it was 2 years before my oldest (who's now 40! - can that be?) was even born!
2. Nora, in one of her magazine articles, talks about a Thanksgiving where they ate everything with their hands, including mashed potatoes. When my 3 kids were all living at home, Joni had a "no manners" dinner where we used no silverware. One of our dishes was mashed potatoes! And Joni scooped portions onto everybody's plate with her hands. Needless to say, that meal was a big hit.
I think I've gone on long enough. But I obviously have a lot to say about this fantastic book. My last comment is: PLEASE READ SPLINTERS OF LIGHT!
April 8, 2015
This review originally appeared in this blog post: http://ivoryowlreviews.blogspot.com/2...
Single mom finds out she's dying? I wasn't ready for another FIVE DAYS LEFT (that book ripped my heart out!) This novel wasn't as emotional (still some heart-wrenching scenes) as it was thought provoking. I found myself often drifting off (like the main character but a little different) thinking about how I would want particulars handled if I were in the same situation. It would be a great "ice breaker" or book club selection to discuss bucket lists, end of life wishes, etc.
Single mom finds out she's dying? I wasn't ready for another FIVE DAYS LEFT (that book ripped my heart out!) This novel wasn't as emotional (still some heart-wrenching scenes) as it was thought provoking. I found myself often drifting off (like the main character but a little different) thinking about how I would want particulars handled if I were in the same situation. It would be a great "ice breaker" or book club selection to discuss bucket lists, end of life wishes, etc.
March 9, 2015
"Rachael’s latest novel snuggles its way into your heart, wraps around it like Mariana’s feet twisting a sheet around Nora’s leg, and doesn’t let go until the heartbreaking/heartwarming, lovely-as-it-should-be end."
From a longer review at http://crafting-a-life.com/mamaoknits...
*I received an advance copy
From a longer review at http://crafting-a-life.com/mamaoknits...
*I received an advance copy
September 12, 2017
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
4.5 stars
Why have a waited so long to read this book? I have had it sitting on my Kindle for two years now and all this time I didn't know what I was missing out on. Rachael Herron is a fantastic author and she writes such beautiful stories. I might not always like the characters, but I love her stories regardless. Simply wonderful.
Splinters of Light is the story of the Glass woman, or more accurately the story of Nora Glass and how what happens to her affects the other women. Nora is Ellie's mom and Mariana's twin sister. Ellie who is just on the cusp of adulthood, but still so young. She is sixteen when the story opens and acts like a typical teenager. She is moody and her mom is not cool anymore. She plays video games a lot, but she doesn't want her mom to know how much she loves the one she got for her. Throughout the story she deals with that awkward first love, the insecurities that come along with it, the pressure to choose a college and what you want to do with your life. I feel like I knew Ellie. Like she was from my real life. That age...man. She goes from only having the typical teenage things to worry about to having so much placed on her shoulders. My heart really broke for her and often. She feels so alone, especially since her mom and aunt are twins. They always have someone, but who does she have? This girl. You really see her grow up throughout the story. You see her deal with so much, but she is strong.
Then there is Mariana the mess up. Everything she does seems to turn out wrong. She was an interesting one. I didn't always understand why she did things or the way she acted, so I don't completely understand it, but you can't help but root for her. To want things to work out just this once. For her to finally have something she can say is a success.
And Nora. Oh Nora. She feels like she is the glue that holds everything together. Without her what will everyone do? She has been writing a column for the newspaper for the past years and everything she does is for Ellie. Her husband left them both when Ellie was little, but Nora got by. She started writing about her experiences getting divorced and raising a small child, with tips and tricks for her readers. She even has a book out about life with Ellie. She was interesting to read because there were a lot of times when she wouldn't want Ellie to do or experience something because Nora knew that she wouldn't enjoy it, only to find that Ellie did like it. It was Nora that didn't enjoy whatever it was. She has this way of thinking that the other Glass woman are the same as her. That they would like the same things, be afraid of the same things, react the same way to things. But it is simply not true. They each deal with things in their own way.
There is a really beautiful/heartbreaking scene towards the end of the book where Mariana and Nora get into a big fight. Understandably, but they both let out what they really think and never said. It was this beautifully terrible scene where I just thought yes to all of this. Yes to Mariana finally letting Nora know how she saw everything. How everything is. How Nora is not the center of the world. How they can stand on their own without her if need be. That scene stuck out so much to me partly because it really explained Nora in a way I hadn't noticed before, but afterwards it was so obvious.
Overall this is a fantastic read. Nora gets some bad news when she goes to the doctors and to watch what happens with her and how it affects the others...it was simply heartbreaking. I couldn't help but put myself in Ellie's place. What would I have done at her age? What would I do now? It was a beautiful, heartbreaking read of growing older and how the inevitable sometimes comes a little too soon. The story was amazing, the writing magnificent. Go read this story. Even if it doesn't sound like your thing try it out. These characters will get under your skin and stay there. It is hard to read at times, but so worth it.
4.5 stars
Why have a waited so long to read this book? I have had it sitting on my Kindle for two years now and all this time I didn't know what I was missing out on. Rachael Herron is a fantastic author and she writes such beautiful stories. I might not always like the characters, but I love her stories regardless. Simply wonderful.
Splinters of Light is the story of the Glass woman, or more accurately the story of Nora Glass and how what happens to her affects the other women. Nora is Ellie's mom and Mariana's twin sister. Ellie who is just on the cusp of adulthood, but still so young. She is sixteen when the story opens and acts like a typical teenager. She is moody and her mom is not cool anymore. She plays video games a lot, but she doesn't want her mom to know how much she loves the one she got for her. Throughout the story she deals with that awkward first love, the insecurities that come along with it, the pressure to choose a college and what you want to do with your life. I feel like I knew Ellie. Like she was from my real life. That age...man. She goes from only having the typical teenage things to worry about to having so much placed on her shoulders. My heart really broke for her and often. She feels so alone, especially since her mom and aunt are twins. They always have someone, but who does she have? This girl. You really see her grow up throughout the story. You see her deal with so much, but she is strong.
Then there is Mariana the mess up. Everything she does seems to turn out wrong. She was an interesting one. I didn't always understand why she did things or the way she acted, so I don't completely understand it, but you can't help but root for her. To want things to work out just this once. For her to finally have something she can say is a success.
And Nora. Oh Nora. She feels like she is the glue that holds everything together. Without her what will everyone do? She has been writing a column for the newspaper for the past years and everything she does is for Ellie. Her husband left them both when Ellie was little, but Nora got by. She started writing about her experiences getting divorced and raising a small child, with tips and tricks for her readers. She even has a book out about life with Ellie. She was interesting to read because there were a lot of times when she wouldn't want Ellie to do or experience something because Nora knew that she wouldn't enjoy it, only to find that Ellie did like it. It was Nora that didn't enjoy whatever it was. She has this way of thinking that the other Glass woman are the same as her. That they would like the same things, be afraid of the same things, react the same way to things. But it is simply not true. They each deal with things in their own way.
There is a really beautiful/heartbreaking scene towards the end of the book where Mariana and Nora get into a big fight. Understandably, but they both let out what they really think and never said. It was this beautifully terrible scene where I just thought yes to all of this. Yes to Mariana finally letting Nora know how she saw everything. How everything is. How Nora is not the center of the world. How they can stand on their own without her if need be. That scene stuck out so much to me partly because it really explained Nora in a way I hadn't noticed before, but afterwards it was so obvious.
Overall this is a fantastic read. Nora gets some bad news when she goes to the doctors and to watch what happens with her and how it affects the others...it was simply heartbreaking. I couldn't help but put myself in Ellie's place. What would I have done at her age? What would I do now? It was a beautiful, heartbreaking read of growing older and how the inevitable sometimes comes a little too soon. The story was amazing, the writing magnificent. Go read this story. Even if it doesn't sound like your thing try it out. These characters will get under your skin and stay there. It is hard to read at times, but so worth it.
March 11, 2015
I really like character driven novels. This is a wonderful book about the relationship between 2 sisters and the daughter of one of them. It makes you cry but it is not fundamentally a sad book despite the tragedy at its centre. It's about love. About growing up. About figuring out who you are in relation to the people you love the most.
April 2, 2016
While this story centers around Nora's early onset Alzheimer's Disease -- heartbreaking and wonderfully portrayed -- it's so much more than that. It's about the relationships that the Glass women (Nora's twin Mariana and Nora's daughter Ellie) have with each other and the men in their lives, and about living life despite obstacles thrown in your way. It's realistic, moving, and yes, enjoyable.
April 12, 2016
A sad book about a heartbreaking disease - and yet - it's a hopeful book, too. Rachael Herron has this way of showing us that life is full of all kinds of things, some good and some terrible, but that ultimately hope is what comes through. I loved this book and recommend it without reservation.
March 30, 2015
Beautifully descriptive writing, insightful and heart breaking. I loved this book.
October 16, 2015
I found this to be too long and not really gripping.
May 29, 2020
Deeply touching
I started reading this book and had to put it aside for several weeks until I could actually gain the courage to read it . We are in the middle of a pandemic and I wasn€™t ready to deal with a story of a single mother in her early forties who has been diagnosed with a life threatening disease of which there is no cure. I think I had only read 6 or 7 chapters when I put it aside.
Once I returned to reading this book, I was very glad that I did. While the story is sad, it is also a wonderful depiction of the relationships of sisters as well as mothers and daughters. I can totally relate to the characters and the author has done a wonderful job in making them all very real. Nora, the mother is not only dealing with her diagnosis, but her 16 year old daughter, Ellie. Those of us who have raised girls can relate to the struggles between mothers and daughters of that age. Knowing she is not going to be there later in her daughter€™s life as various milestones are reached makes it even more difficult for Nora. Then we have Nora€™s twin sister, Mariana, who has emotional issues herself and has always relied on Nora as the €œstrong, reliable €œ sister. Will she be up for the challenge of her sister€™s disease? Worse, since the disease is genetic, does Mariana or even Ellie have it as well? Will Mariana be strong enough to provide a place for Ellie once Nora no longer can?
I started reading this book and had to put it aside for several weeks until I could actually gain the courage to read it . We are in the middle of a pandemic and I wasn€™t ready to deal with a story of a single mother in her early forties who has been diagnosed with a life threatening disease of which there is no cure. I think I had only read 6 or 7 chapters when I put it aside.
Once I returned to reading this book, I was very glad that I did. While the story is sad, it is also a wonderful depiction of the relationships of sisters as well as mothers and daughters. I can totally relate to the characters and the author has done a wonderful job in making them all very real. Nora, the mother is not only dealing with her diagnosis, but her 16 year old daughter, Ellie. Those of us who have raised girls can relate to the struggles between mothers and daughters of that age. Knowing she is not going to be there later in her daughter€™s life as various milestones are reached makes it even more difficult for Nora. Then we have Nora€™s twin sister, Mariana, who has emotional issues herself and has always relied on Nora as the €œstrong, reliable €œ sister. Will she be up for the challenge of her sister€™s disease? Worse, since the disease is genetic, does Mariana or even Ellie have it as well? Will Mariana be strong enough to provide a place for Ellie once Nora no longer can?
January 18, 2019
An amazing, “slow read” of a book about relationships: mother and daughter, sister and sister, niece and aunt, and the men in all of their lives.
Nora Glass is a 44 year old divorced mother of an almost 17 year old daughter, Ellie, and twin sister to Mariana. She has just been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.
This is a story of love, hate, rage, confusion, fear, and acceptance. I found reading the story to be tedious at the start, and questioned if I should complete it, but I persevered and found a beautiful story beneath the turmoil. The following quote from the book sums it all up:
“...stories that will break people apart, fracture them into splinters of light and color and sound, and then put them back together again in their own kaleidoscope of beauty.”
The author certainly succeeded with this novel.
Nora Glass is a 44 year old divorced mother of an almost 17 year old daughter, Ellie, and twin sister to Mariana. She has just been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.
This is a story of love, hate, rage, confusion, fear, and acceptance. I found reading the story to be tedious at the start, and questioned if I should complete it, but I persevered and found a beautiful story beneath the turmoil. The following quote from the book sums it all up:
“...stories that will break people apart, fracture them into splinters of light and color and sound, and then put them back together again in their own kaleidoscope of beauty.”
The author certainly succeeded with this novel.
March 9, 2018
I loved this book! The characters, the writing style, the stories within the story. I was truly invested in the lives of these 3 women and their relationship with each other and the men in their lives. Highly, highly recommend.
April 30, 2020
I've been reading light romances during the shelter in place order. I like Rachael Herron's books because I can easily relate to the characters. This book had more serious themes and was well done. I like the way the characters all have flaws.
June 19, 2023
Overall it was a touching book, but I felt like it could have done without the excerpts from the main character, Nora’s, novel. I was moved by the relationship between Nora and both her sister and daughter.
July 12, 2017
Lovely. The story pulls you in and the emotions make you feel.
January 13, 2018
Absolutely beautiful.
September 9, 2018
Long, a bit uneventful, the daughter was really hard to like. Sick or not, who lets their 16 year old stay at a hotel with a boyfriend???
May 24, 2019
Similar to Lisa Genova’s ‘Still Alice.’ Really liked it.
February 12, 2022
Wonderful book of early onset of Alzheimers, a mothers journey with teen daughter.
October 12, 2023
An amazing book that I couldn’t put down. From laughter to tears, my emotions ran the full gamut. A beautiful story of family, love, relationships and grief.
November 26, 2024
Lovely. The story pulls you in and the emotions make you feel.
March 18, 2015
Imagine you are a successful 44-year-old woman. You have overcome raising your daughter alone after your husband left you for a younger woman and started a new family. Your newspaper columns have become syndicated and you have authored best-selling books. Your twin sister is finally becoming successful in her own right and your next door neighbor is a "friend with benefits". Life is grand until you realize things have started becoming fuzzy. You often find yourself "getting stuck" and can't figure out why. After numerous tests, the doctor reveals your diagnosis, EOAD or Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. This can't be happening to Nora. She is the Martha Stewart of organization. She is the one who handles everything. She has a 16-year-old daughter who needs her. Nora can't understand why this is happening to her. She can't trace it back to anyone in her family since she doesn't know her father and her mother died young. She can't imagine telling her twin sister, Mariana and her daughter, Ellie. What if they have it too? What will happen to her family, her career, and all of their futures?
EOAD is a horrible disease that wrecks the minds of people still in the prime of their life. As you follow Nora through her early stages of diagnosis, you realize this isn't going to be a happy story. We know there possibly can't be a happy ending. Even though there have been advances in medicine, there is not a cure for Alzheimer's.
I found myself moving slowly through the pages because I wasn't looking forward to the ending. I didn't want to read the debilitating changes in Nora's life; from yelling at her daughter, to getting lost downtown, to eventually losing her job. I didn't want to watch Nora lose control of her life. So, I too became stuck, like Nora, in this book. I didn't want to read further, but I didn't want to stop either.
Then, at some point in the story, I realized this story wasn't really just about the EOAD, but about the relationship between Nora and her twin sister, between Nora and her daughter, and the three of them as a family. I became overcome with emotion as I struggled with Mariana and Ellie accepting the loss of someone so dearly loved. As a mother, my heart broke for Ellie, who had to grow up much too fast. As a professional, I suffered alongside Nora as she feared losing the ability to say or write the right words. I loved the honest way Nora described the disease:
"I'm on a merry, go, round, and someone's pushing it and I can't jump off
because I'll die if I do, but the problem is that it's speeding up,
and in time it's going to throw me.
I'm smart enough to know that,
and not smart enough to figure out how to get off." Page 205-206
"Nora was flaking apart, iron left to rust in acid rain." Page 358
Even though this story is sad and difficult to read, Herron has found a way to leave "Splinters of Light" throughout the sadness and despair. She has found a way for happiness and joy to still be felt among the anger and illness. She has found a way to express the deep love between the three women in this story. Ultimately, she has written this book so the reader can relate to the bond between the sisters, the devotion of a mother, and the horrible disease that has come between all of it.
EOAD is a horrible disease that wrecks the minds of people still in the prime of their life. As you follow Nora through her early stages of diagnosis, you realize this isn't going to be a happy story. We know there possibly can't be a happy ending. Even though there have been advances in medicine, there is not a cure for Alzheimer's.
I found myself moving slowly through the pages because I wasn't looking forward to the ending. I didn't want to read the debilitating changes in Nora's life; from yelling at her daughter, to getting lost downtown, to eventually losing her job. I didn't want to watch Nora lose control of her life. So, I too became stuck, like Nora, in this book. I didn't want to read further, but I didn't want to stop either.
Then, at some point in the story, I realized this story wasn't really just about the EOAD, but about the relationship between Nora and her twin sister, between Nora and her daughter, and the three of them as a family. I became overcome with emotion as I struggled with Mariana and Ellie accepting the loss of someone so dearly loved. As a mother, my heart broke for Ellie, who had to grow up much too fast. As a professional, I suffered alongside Nora as she feared losing the ability to say or write the right words. I loved the honest way Nora described the disease:
"I'm on a merry, go, round, and someone's pushing it and I can't jump off
because I'll die if I do, but the problem is that it's speeding up,
and in time it's going to throw me.
I'm smart enough to know that,
and not smart enough to figure out how to get off." Page 205-206
"Nora was flaking apart, iron left to rust in acid rain." Page 358
Even though this story is sad and difficult to read, Herron has found a way to leave "Splinters of Light" throughout the sadness and despair. She has found a way for happiness and joy to still be felt among the anger and illness. She has found a way to express the deep love between the three women in this story. Ultimately, she has written this book so the reader can relate to the bond between the sisters, the devotion of a mother, and the horrible disease that has come between all of it.
February 17, 2017
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. There are alot of 5 star ratings and I can see why, however my emotional response to the story was all over the place. I was so sad for Nora but it was a scary sad. My heart hurt for her, Marianna and Ellie...maybe I just needed more lightness thrown in there.
It certainly was educational with respect to early onset Alzheimer's which left me feeling empathy for those who have thus terrible disease. The story was well written but for some reason I struggled to enjoy it. I've ready plenty of books with this type of theme (don't always have to read "happy" books) doing don't know why this one left me unsure of how I truly felt about this book.
Maybe it felt too "literarish" although I understand that's not what the author intended, maybe it's just a bad week in my life.... so with that being said I will rate the book at 4 to be fair.....because I think it's more about my state of mind while reading it that caused my indeciveness....kinda like those "it isn't you, it's me" when you break up with someone.
It certainly was educational with respect to early onset Alzheimer's which left me feeling empathy for those who have thus terrible disease. The story was well written but for some reason I struggled to enjoy it. I've ready plenty of books with this type of theme (don't always have to read "happy" books) doing don't know why this one left me unsure of how I truly felt about this book.
Maybe it felt too "literarish" although I understand that's not what the author intended, maybe it's just a bad week in my life.... so with that being said I will rate the book at 4 to be fair.....because I think it's more about my state of mind while reading it that caused my indeciveness....kinda like those "it isn't you, it's me" when you break up with someone.
October 29, 2015
Ooh - really gooood writing. Main POV was the mother, diagnosed at age 44 with early onset Alzheimer's. We also get the POV of the her twin sister and teenaged daughter. A really strong character-driven story where their relationships with each other are explored with deep insights and smart observations. Their relationships with their respective ex's and current men are secondary, but add an important dimension to the novel.
The California setting is vivid and there were spurts of wit and subtle humor -- especially present in outdoor scenes such as the camping experience -- interspersed among the challenges faced by this family.
The Mom is a writer, and through her writings of years past and the narrative, we learn of her strength in dealing with life's challenges from her POV and eventually discover along with her the strengths of her sister and daughter as they are slowly revealed to both her and us.
My only small disappointment was the lack of resolution in the relationship between the daughter and her boyfriend Dylan. Things between them seemed a bit glossed over leaving some unfinished business there that was uncharacteristic of the rest of the novel and frankly puzzled me.
However, I LOVED everything else about how this was written. I could not put this book down! I have seen this book described as "logical" by other reviewers. Maybe that's why I connected with it? I did not for one second think while reading it: "This is logical," however, this is the first novel I have read in a long time that did not bug me with what I have perceived as implausible plot points or gaps in credibility. I guess I am a logical thinker, therefore logical writing seems normal to me. I did not feel for one moment manipulated by emotion or cliches. It seemed real and authentic. Refreshing to read something of this caliber.
I think this would be a great book club selection.
This is my first book by this really talented author and I can't wait to read more of what she wrote.
The California setting is vivid and there were spurts of wit and subtle humor -- especially present in outdoor scenes such as the camping experience -- interspersed among the challenges faced by this family.
The Mom is a writer, and through her writings of years past and the narrative, we learn of her strength in dealing with life's challenges from her POV and eventually discover along with her the strengths of her sister and daughter as they are slowly revealed to both her and us.
My only small disappointment was the lack of resolution in the relationship between the daughter and her boyfriend Dylan. Things between them seemed a bit glossed over leaving some unfinished business there that was uncharacteristic of the rest of the novel and frankly puzzled me.
However, I LOVED everything else about how this was written. I could not put this book down! I have seen this book described as "logical" by other reviewers. Maybe that's why I connected with it? I did not for one second think while reading it: "This is logical," however, this is the first novel I have read in a long time that did not bug me with what I have perceived as implausible plot points or gaps in credibility. I guess I am a logical thinker, therefore logical writing seems normal to me. I did not feel for one moment manipulated by emotion or cliches. It seemed real and authentic. Refreshing to read something of this caliber.
I think this would be a great book club selection.
This is my first book by this really talented author and I can't wait to read more of what she wrote.
March 16, 2015
This is a heartbreak tale. It is a story that I could not put down. The story of Nora, Ellie, and Mariana touched my heart at the first page and never let go. Splinters of Light is a story that even now that I am finished with the story it is still in my thoughts. I just cannot let go it.
Everything about this book is real. The story is realistic, the characters are relatable, and the disease is real. Alzheimer’s is a disease that everyone is familiar with. Rachel Herron tackled this disease with care and understanding. She made the disease real and understandable. I enjoyed that the story was told from Nora’s point of view. I could feel the panic, frustration, and fear as she experienced it. While each day was a challenge, and some days she was not up for the challenge, she managed to make it through each day and learn something new about herself. It seemed that with every step back she took a step forward, learning something new about herself or her family.
While the main character was Nora, Ellie and Mariana were very important to the story also. When a person get sick like Nora did it affects the entire family unit. The scary thing is that Ellie does not have a dad who is willing to step in and help out (LOSER!). There is never a doubt that Mariana will be involved and do all that can be done to keep Ellie and Nora together and safe.
This is a beautiful story about relationships between mothers and daughter and sisters. It is heartbreaking, yet it is uplifting. Splinters of Light is the perfect book. I recommend checking it out.
Everything about this book is real. The story is realistic, the characters are relatable, and the disease is real. Alzheimer’s is a disease that everyone is familiar with. Rachel Herron tackled this disease with care and understanding. She made the disease real and understandable. I enjoyed that the story was told from Nora’s point of view. I could feel the panic, frustration, and fear as she experienced it. While each day was a challenge, and some days she was not up for the challenge, she managed to make it through each day and learn something new about herself. It seemed that with every step back she took a step forward, learning something new about herself or her family.
While the main character was Nora, Ellie and Mariana were very important to the story also. When a person get sick like Nora did it affects the entire family unit. The scary thing is that Ellie does not have a dad who is willing to step in and help out (LOSER!). There is never a doubt that Mariana will be involved and do all that can be done to keep Ellie and Nora together and safe.
This is a beautiful story about relationships between mothers and daughter and sisters. It is heartbreaking, yet it is uplifting. Splinters of Light is the perfect book. I recommend checking it out.
April 15, 2015
Women's fiction/chick lit isn't my genre of choice.Why? I can't really say - but sometimes the conflict and plot isn't something I usually relate to - so it's just not enjoyable for me. With Splinters of Light - I took a chance, and it's one I am glad I did.
This is the story of Nora - her twin sister and daughter Ellie. Nora has been diagnosed with EOAD. She is a perfectionist, and loves control - so her struggle with the diagnosis and start of losing her memories was heart breaking. She has fears about Ellie, and what will happen once she is gone. Yet it's so much more than that.
This story is so much more to it than just a family dealing with such a heartbreaking diagnosis. It's about life and the struggles we all could potentially face. It's about love, family and finding who you are and where you stand. It's honest; in the sense that the characters say and act in ways we all think or want to do, but are scared to.
I wish there were most coherent things I could say about this book. But it's one that I think needs to be experienced to fully grasp just how impacting it is. Splinters of Light is heartbreaking yet beautiful. It's not a sad story, per se, but one that fills you with such strong emotions it's hard not to love.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
April 12, 2015
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
Nora Glass has been a single mom for many years and has always taken care of her daughter, her twin and herself - she has always been "the responsible one." She learns that she is in for the fight of her life and she knows it is a battle that she will not win. She has fear for leaving both of the important women in her life and her life ending short of what she thought it would.
For very different reasons, I loved each of the Glass women. I loved that they found what they needed in each other, but in the same breath they didn't improve their weaknesses because they leaned on each other. It was absolutely entertaining to read the story of these three and how they pushed each other away and pulled together through it all.
With such unique formatting, sprinkled throughout the book were excerpts from Nora Glass' book and these chapters helped move the book along chronologically with a focus on the holidays they celebrated together as mother/daughter. I loved that following those excerpts were the contemporary story around the holiday and other moments that were the story.
Nora Glass has been a single mom for many years and has always taken care of her daughter, her twin and herself - she has always been "the responsible one." She learns that she is in for the fight of her life and she knows it is a battle that she will not win. She has fear for leaving both of the important women in her life and her life ending short of what she thought it would.
For very different reasons, I loved each of the Glass women. I loved that they found what they needed in each other, but in the same breath they didn't improve their weaknesses because they leaned on each other. It was absolutely entertaining to read the story of these three and how they pushed each other away and pulled together through it all.
With such unique formatting, sprinkled throughout the book were excerpts from Nora Glass' book and these chapters helped move the book along chronologically with a focus on the holidays they celebrated together as mother/daughter. I loved that following those excerpts were the contemporary story around the holiday and other moments that were the story.
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