Perfectly Broken

by Robert Burke Warren

His rock star days may be behind him, but stay-at-home dad Grant Kelly's life is getting more interesting by the day. It's the beginning of the post 9/11 era, and he and his wife and four-year-old son have traded a New York City apartment for a Catskills farmhouse, where ghosts from the past, worries for the future, and temptations in the present converge to bring about drastic changes in their marriage, their friendships, and their family. A gorgeously nuanced novel with unforgettable characters, PERFECTLY BROKEN is a story of human frailty, the endurance of the heart, and the power and possibility of forgiveness.

Genres: Fiction

270 pages, Hardcover

Published March 8, 2016

About the author

Robert Burke Warren is a writer, performer, teacher, and musician, author of novel Perfectly Broken and one-man show Redheaded Friend, and editor of Cash on Cash: Interviews & Encounters with Johnny Cash. His work appears in Longreads, Salon, Texas Music, Brooklyn Parent, The Woodstock Times, Paste, The Rumpus, The Bitter Southerner, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, among others. You can find his music on albums by RuPaul, Rosanne Cash, and rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson; The Roots used his tune "The Elephant In the Room" as John McCain's entrance theme on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. In the 90s, he performed the lead in the West End musical Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. Prior to that he was a globetrotting bass player. He lives in Phoenicia, NY.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life after the words “I do.” Grant Kelly finds the reality of life when the fairytale happy ending doesn’t come bursting with hearts and flowers, sunshine and dreams fulfilled. A has-been rocker, now a stay-at-home father, Grant faces his life, the life he has built with his wife and son as they leave the familiarity of their urban apartment for the country living of the Catskills. This is their story, as seen through Grant’s eyes, from the arguments filled with anger to the revelations that maybe this is their happily ever after and they just refused to see it. Life is full of changes, pitfalls and soaring happiness, but is it worth it without the love of family and the day to day trials of making it all work? Will the ghosts of the past haunt them mercilessly or will they find redemption in the life they are building together?

Meet the quirky characters in the Catskills, and watch the antics of a four-year-old boy who often seems get what happiness and is all about. Feel the emotional and mental struggles of this couple as they attempt to settle into a foreign way of life and overcome their past demons. Robert Burke Warren has written a powerful tale that pulls readers in from the start. Perfectly Broken is a masterpiece about life, getting past the pain and earning trust and closeness once again. With wonderful attention to detail, Mr. Warren has created a tale that will last within your heart long after the last page is turned.

I received an ARC edition from Story Plant in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating 4.5 Stars
Publisher: Story Plant
Expected publication: March 8th 2016 by Story Plant
ISBN: 1611882184
ISBN13: 9781611882186
Hardcover: 270 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Heather Fineisen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books where you have to separate your distaste for the characters' choices from the the writing. Characters' choices are bad and the writing is good. This novel centers around anesthizing feelings post 9/11 through self medication, prescription medication or work and parenthood or some combination. The longed for result may be the numbness the characters are temporarily seeking but it leads them to a path of loss and pain and maybe regeneration. The friendships are real, the nineties throwback appealing. Many times I found myself trying to telepathically sway the characters from the path they were on so I was obviously vested. Not necessarily a happy read, but a thoughtful one.

Copy provided by TLC BOOK TOURS

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly Broken by Robert Burke Warren is a 2016 Storyplant publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, I must confess, the nineties decade is not my favorite and I don’t look back on it with a bittersweet fondness, like I do with other decades in my rearview mirror. However, this author will have many of you waxing nostalgic, as the characters here emerged from the nineties, and are now coping with the post 9/11 period, and aren’t exactly acing it. The attitudes, music, melancholy, the kind of directionless limbo people wandered around in, while trying to figure out this whole adulting thing was captured perfectly.

This story centers around Grant, our first person narrator, who was once a successful musician, is married, the father of a young son, and coping with a huge downward slide in his career, his financial situation, and with his mental health.

Grant and Beth are nearly broke, when old friends offer to let them live in an old farmhouse in the Catskills. Their marriage is rocky due to financial pressure, Beth is the sole breadwinner, and Grant chooses to be a stay at home dad, each immaturely resentful of the other. Evan, their son, is older and wiser than either parent, sadly enough, and absorbs much more than they realize.

Once they’ve made the move out of the city, the peace they were hoping for never materializes, and life throws some major curveballs at them. It is how they responded to these events that speaks volumes about them as individuals, as parents, friends, and most of all as adults.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out where some things are heading, but I still felt the urge to scream at the characters, in order to convince them not to take that road. But, of course, I had to sit by, biting my nails, watching helplessly as they all made a complete muck of things, all while depending upon pharmaceuticals to help them cope.

Grant is very self-absorbed, as are the other characters in the book, but at the same time, he fights a huge feeling of doubt about his parenting skills, is too attached to Evan, for his own needs, not Evan’s, and is super sensitive. I didn’t want to like or care for him, instead feeling like maybe Beth was the rock in that family. Well, of course, she’s not all that stable either, and makes a few colossal mistakes of her own.

The people, or friends, the couple surrounds themselves with are not much help, all of whom seem to have their own agenda or are just morally skewed, or equally broken. Once again, I was never sure who to like, if I should care about any of them, and struggled to figure out what made them tick.

There is an emotional wallop or two along the way, but it works as a catalyst to wake this crew of people up and shake the ground beneath them, prompting them to stop wallowing around in their self-pity, and fear, to stop running in place, to make changes, prioritize, take stock, and to step back into life and back into the sun, a little older, a little wiser, and maybe a little stronger, too.

This book could be a little bit depressing, in my opinion, but, the soundtrack might bring on a smile or two, if you were into that kind of music back then, and while the book doesn’t end with that overly mushy, cheerio manner in which some people believe all books should, it does show progress and long overdue maturity, with Evan, my favorite character in the book, get the last word, which is as it should be.


Perfectly Broken is an apt title for this book, and fits Grant, well, perfectly. The story is well written, strangely intoxicating, and absorbing, and despite my initial misgivings about most of these characters, I did find myself invested in them, which means the author did his job, and did it well.

I will say, on a personal note, that this book might appeal to an audience younger than myself, who may understand the complexities of these characters more clearly than I could. I will admit to having a hard time relating to these people, since my own children were in high school in the early 2000’s, making this young adult generation, seem like a black hole for me, so I’m thinking I am probably a little less sympathetic, although I did grasp the atmosphere the author was trying to create, or I think I did, anyway.

This book is a little off the beaten path for me, since it doesn’t fall into the usual categories I read, but I am glad I found it and this author, who is certainly talented, and one to look out for.

4 stars

[Diane Moyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grant and Beth Kelly’s life is on a downward slope. Grant, a former rocker who hasn’t played in a band or had any interest in his songs in ten years is a stay at home dad. Beth is currently in between jobs as a publicist. Due to a money crunch, they are forced to move from their familiar life and New York City apartment. Due to the generosity of old friends, they move into a farmhouse in the Catskill Mountains. Grant feels his life is falling apart. Tragedy from his childhood has him feeling like his parenting skills are a failure. Then the loss of a close family member sends his life and marriage into a tailspin. Only through love and forgiveness can all the pieces be put back together again but he’s not sure he is strong enough or if he even wants that.

This is Mr. Warren’s first novel and it is riveting. The storyline is unpredictable and the all characters are well defined. You get a glimpse into each one’s mind, allowing you to understand their thought processes and why the react the way they do. You feel their pain, especially Grant’s. You may not agree with everyone’s reaction but you understand them. You want to keep reading, hoping all the pieces are put back together again.

I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book. There are twists and turns that are unexpected. You are compelled to read to the end. You feel connected with Grant and want him to put his demons to rest.

[Jack Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his debut novel, Perfectly Broken , Robert Burke Warren spins an infectiously compelling yarn about growing older, raising kids, and reckoning with death. From Katie, a belligerent Chinese toddler, to Ricky Schulz, a goodhearted libertarian countryfolk, to Grant Kelly, our depressed, neurotic, and ultimately heroic protagonist, these electric characters brim with soul and wit. Their lives twist and turn with each chapter, begging you to keep reading into the small hours of the morning. Every conversation rings true and every action--whether reckless or selfless--leaves a lasting mark. Mr. Warren's depiction of children is particularly nuanced, painting them as complex beings as prone to wisdom and kindness as silliness and tantrums. Equally brilliant is the author's portrayal of mental illness and medication, both of which alter the characters afflicted with them, but not beyond recognition. The doldrums and anxieties of Grant Kelly's world are grippingly real, but so is the magic--be it provided by lingering ghosts, the wisdom of a child, or the wingspan of a bald eagle. Perfectly Broken is more than a nail-biting, heartbreaking, and life-reaffirming novel that kicks ass and takes names, it is the dazzling beginning to what will be a spectacular career.

[Patricia (Pat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grant Kelly remembers. He was a rock star. He had a band of his own, STEREOBLIND. He even has the aches in his thighs from when he jumped off the speaker cabinets during his concerts. Now he is broke and moving from an apartment in the Big Apple to a loaned farmhouse in the sticks. Rural St. Marie, in the Catskill Mountains, will be his new address for he and his wife, Beth. He is a stay- at -home dad, bringing up their 4 year old son, Evan. Financial woes follow them and new temptations await, but he also has his hopes and dreams.

In this debut novel filled with emotions covering fame and fortune; deaths of family and friends, marriage and divorce, Ambien, Xanax or Effexor?parenthood and finally forgiveness, I was rooting and cheering for Grant. Sometimes I laughed, several times I cried. PERFECTLY BROKEN is a warmly written story, accompanied by some musical references that added to my enjoyment. Nice cast of characters. You have a winner Robert Burke Warren. Look forward to your next!

[Barbara Mansfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

These characters felt so familiar that I was surprised to be surprised by them. But, I was. I was also thrilled, and ultimately comforted by them. This is very Gen X tale, but one that will have wider appeal.

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at: http://everydayiwritethebookblog.com/...

Perfectly Broken by Robert Burke Warren is a debut novel about Beth and Grant, a couple who leaves New York City after 9/11 when Beth loses her job at a magazine. Grant, whose days as a rock star are behind him, has been staying home with their 4 year-old son Evan, growing increasingly numb, medicated and depressed. With no income to pay the rent on their East Village apartment, they reluctantly move upstate, where they move into a farmhouse owned by their best friends, Christa and Trip.

Perfectly Broken is raw and gritty, full of flawed characters grappling with midlife and its attendant stresses - professional failures, parenting struggles and anxiety. They are on drugs, but their drugs are the prescription type - antidepressants and sleeping pills. There is simmering tension between most of these unhappy characters, tension that surfaces in the climax of the novel during a dramatic storm. Grant and Beth are forced to confront some secrets in their marriage, while Christa and Trip's relationship implodes, ignited by Christa's drunken tirade.

I know this all sounds really depressing, and some of it is, but Warren is a funny, observant writer who has added a nice entry to the oeuvre of contemporary dad fiction. (See also Fathermucker by Greg Olear and pretty much anything by Jonathan Tropper). I loved the rock elements of the book, from Grant's jealousy about others' hits to the role that music plays in his life and relationships. I also loved the little details and observations in Warren's writing - he has a very sharp eye. I felt like I was in the room right next to these characters as the action unfolded.

There is a lot of pain in Perfectly Broken, but also hope, as these characters try to confront their issues and figure out how to leave their pasts behind and move on. One character quotes Lily Tomlin: "Forgiveness means giving up all hope for a better past." I think that's a good theme for this book. Accepting our imperfect pasts is the best way to move on to a better future.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grant Kelly, the novel's narrator, is a stay at home dad, and a has-been would-be punk rocker. Post 9/11 he, his unemployed publicist wife and 4 year old son move from their lower east side apartment to the Catskills. Before long ghosts from the past seep into their lives in the form of betrayal, revenge and tragedy. The characters are strongly written in this compelling first novel and the story proceeds flawlessly. I didn't want to finish the book. Especially memorable is the character of the delightfully precocious and insightful young son. This is a novel about love, friendship, betrayal, and redemption. It is about the complexities and responsibilities of marriage and parenthood. Finally, it is about how becoming a parent means you've got to finally grow up. I look forward to reading more of Robert Burke Warren!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certain people are cut out for certain things, while others are not.
People don't get to have all of their dreams fulfilled.
Stuff happens.
Lives change.
But even when we feel we've been broken, there is hope.
Sometimes, we move on. Sometimes we carry on.
If we can forgive each other our flaws & our mistakes, we can build from there.
The past doesn't need to define our future.

Grant Kelly had a tough childhood. He feels like he's a failure as a musician. He so afraid of not being a good father to his 4-yr old son. He thinks his wife is cheating on him. He blames himself for his friend's death.

But his friends, his wife Beth in particular, convince him that his life is important and that it is good, that he has been forgiven, that it is worth the effort for him to forgive and then work on making a better future.

[Beauxeault · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "between the lines" of the author's bio make me wonder if he always wanted to be a rock star, got stuck at first base (hey, getting on base is still a worthy achievement) and decided to take up writing as a fallback option. And his first novel is about an also-ran rocker facing life after the end of the dream, so you might wonder if the high rating for this book comes primarily from the realism of first-hand observation rather than any actual writing skills.

If any of these thoughts threaten to dissuade you from giving this book a try, please forget them at once. This time at bat, Robert Burke Warren has hit a homer. At least it's a long enough ball; I hope he makes it around the bases (i.e, achieves great commercial success with the book).

Mr. Warren is a highly skilled novelist. He tells a compelling story with a mastery of the medium that does the difficult technical work of keeping the reader always comfortable in the prose, without ever drawing attention to the craft. At the same time, he is able to weave in moments of literary wit and grace that make for a rich reading experience.

It is not a story for kids. Some sensitive readers may be uncomfortable with language and adult situations and a couple of moderately explicit but not gratuitous sex scenes. And I was frequently made uncomfortable by the unwise choices of some of the characters (e.g., six weeks?!) But not in a bad way. That discomfort is, I'm sure, intentional, as it is crucial to the payoff at the end.

I don't usually write reviews, but wanted specifically to encourage the author with this one. Mr. Warren, there's no telling where your musical talents will take you, but if writing is your fallback, please be encouraged to fall all the way back! I wait in eager anticipation of your next novel.

Wish I could have given this book a 4.5 rating.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard the author interviewed on Woodstock Radio and knew I had to read this book. It would be easy to dislike the characters due to bad decisions but they are so well written you can't help but to root for them. Relationships are messy, life is messy. This book is great.

[Shannon L. Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a story of what is; what could be and what will never be
Perfectly Broken

By Robert Burke Warren

Unemployed musician Grant Kelly finds his life turning upside down. His landlord raised the rent of their New York City apartment forcing Grant, his wife, Beth, and their son, Evan, to take up the offer of their friend’s to live in the Shulz farmhouse. The catch- it is in rural St. Marie in the Catskills of New York. Forcing city dwellers to become country dwellers gives an entirely different adventure from the danger of darkened city alleys.

Perfectly Broken shows the life of a rock star is not all fame and fortune. It shows the nitty gritty of life after the amps are unplugged and the spotlights are turned off. When the future is uncertain, and past insecurities threaten the well-being of everyone involved, a multitude of compromising situations lead to revelations of secrets and indiscretions. It’s post 9/11 New York, with three families of friends that have links that connect them, but much more that sets them apart.

Retired frontman of successful rock band, Six Ray Star, Paul Fairchild is Beth and Grant’s good friend and godfather to Evan. Paul and his wife Melora don’t have children which makes Paul adore Evan even more.

Trip and Christa with their adopted daughter, Katie moved to the Victorian house on their 3 acre property shortly after 9/11. The Victorian, a farmhouse dubbed the Shulz house and a double-wide trailer all sit within the 3 acre plot.

Grant takes that unavoidable path down mid-life crisis as he questions his abilities as a father, as a husband and as a friend. When he defines his life by his professional accomplishments or lack of, and he lets an innocent parenting mistake haunt him, he sinks down the rabbit hole of depression. If he doesn’t figure it out soon, he will lose everything that really matters to him.

As Grant and his family settle into their new life, a weekend brings all six adults and the two kids together. While a storm outside threatens their fun, it’s the storm inside as tensions and accusations boil over that ultimately threaten their lives.

Perfectly Broken is raw in its emotion. As much as it is human instinct to gawk and rubberneck at a horrific auto accident, it’s the same when these fictional characters seem so real you can’t help but turn the page to see how the train wrecks. It gets down to the core that we all strive to have more or be better, but even those that have attained the dream aren’t always in bliss. As MTV has turned to reality entertainment, this Rock & Roll tale follows suit with literary panache. It is cool, hip and has just the right amount of sex, drugs and rock & roll, it lives the dream.

Follow Robert Burke Warren on Facebook at: https://m.facebook.com/robertburkewar...
Be sure to visit The Story Plant to download 5 free MP3 songs inspired by Perfectly Broken at: http://thestoryplant.com/all-books/pe...

FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title by The Story Plant for review purposes only; no other compensation was awarded.

[Gus Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel slightly inhibited about writing a review for this book. Mainly because I know the author, we worked together for a few years back in the 90’s and, despite the Atlantic being in the way, we’ve managed to stay in touch via the wonder that is Facebook. He’s a fine writer and I have enjoyed many of his articles and reviews.

I do like to encourage my friends and acquaintances in their artistic endeavours, from musicians doing local ‘songwriters nights’ to struggling actors doing ‘profit-share’ fringe shows in obscure venues. Sometimes I even get off my bum and go see/hear them! (or buy their CD’s/downloads/fan-fic/etc). That’s the spirit in which I approached this novel.

Initially I was apprehensive, due to the story having rock music as a backdrop. I’m no fan of “bio-pics”. Rob’s novel is written in the first person, which makes it an even trickier proposition.

In the hands of a lesser author this could have been an exercise in wish-fulfillment, stepping into the imaginary shoes of a character who was a more successful, rich & famous version of himself. Or, on the other hand it could have been a bitter listing of how a thinly disguised cipher of himself was under-appreciated, under-valued and spat out by an ignorant music-business (e.g. the sort of book I’d have written myself, if I ever got round to it). Yet, it’s a world Rob knows and he has obviously saved himself a load of research time by giving his protagonist a similar background to himself (hey, nobody complains when John Le Carre uses his secret-service experiences as grounding for his novels, or when Grisham sets all of his books among court-cases. I bet nobody expected to see those two author’s names mentioned in a review of this book) anyway, one of the so-called ‘golden rules’ of literature is “write what you know” that’s what’s going on here.

Enough about the background, let’s consider the story itself. It’s a fairly classic version of the “normal-enough-family-have-some-relatable-personal-dramas-then-something-awful-happens-and-they-all-have-to-deal-with-it” type tale, there’s even a fairly upbeat ending. The joy of the book and what makes it special is in the detail, in the unique voice that the writer brings to telling of this story, the little touches and turns of phrase that are particular to the author.

I don’t like to make comparisons, I consider it a lazy way to describe things, but I will confess to buying books because somebody, somewhere has said or written “oh, if you like that - then you’ll love this!”. I could reel off a list of books and authors here, most of whom I’m sure Rob would be embarrassed to have been mentioned in the same article as.

That being said, however, here’s my snappy one line review (which includes comparisons) - “Perfectly Broken is a beautifully written story that brings to mind the art of Anne Tyler at her best, with the occasional flourish of Nick Hornby at his, if you like those writers then you’re going to love this”

[Laura.125Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on [www.125pages.com]

I was unsure how I was going to rate Perfectly Broken. I loved the first half, so emotional and full of true characters. Then something happened. Something that is usually a full stop for me liking a book, movie, show, whatever. It is my thing and I just don't care for it. But, bugger all, the writing was just so good, I was sucked back in and really enjoyed the end of the book. Beth and Grant are a way cool couple living in New York City with their small son. Grant is an ex rocker who is now a stay at home dad. When Beth loses her job they have to move to the country to get by. Losing their lifestyle while Grant is losing his sense of self leads to issues that shock their foundation and could potentially end everything they have.

Robert Burke Warren has a way with words. As stated above his turn of phrase pulled me back into a situation I did not like at all. He built a very real world, and the addition of music helped the scenes play vividly in my mind. The pacing was great, everything segued naturally and flowed well. There was plenty of emotion. If I can get mad at a character I know the feelings quotient was high. The plot and the characters were where I was a little let down, but again, that is due to my thing and not the writing of Robert Burke Warren.

Even though there was that one plot point I did not care for, I really enjoyed Robert Burke Warren's writing and Perfectly Broken. This was a debut that showed a high degree of talent and depth. Warren is an author to watch and I will be sure to pick up whatever he writes next. I would recommend Perfectly Broken, as it is a rare book that can pull a reader back in purely based on the writing.

Favorite lines - Parenting is not unlike living with a drunken, howling, megalomaniac midget lead singer, a situation with which, having backed up a few of those, I am uniquely familiar (except maybe the midget part). And indeed, Evan and I are up all hours, we eat whenever, and we make a lot of noise. We have crazy hair—especially Evan—and we stink. Plus, if I let him out of my sight: calamity. So all that time in rock and roll bands, during which I often needed to babysit drunken musicians, provided excellent prerequisites for parenting a child.

Biggest cliché - I'm unhappy with my life so I must take that out on those around me.

 Have you read Perfectly Broken, or added it to your TBR?

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly Broken by Robert Burke Warren is a highly recommended novel about dealing with marriage, parenting, friendships, uncertain futures and devastating secrets.

Grant Kelly is currently a stay-at-home dad who used to be in a successful rock band. Now he cares for 4 year old Evan while his wife, Beth supports them. They are struggling, though, and deep in debt. When Beth loses her job, they have to accept the offer from their friends, Trip and Christa, and they leave NYC to move into an old farmhouse that their friends own in the Catskills. Their friends are living nearby and recently adopted a daughter.

Grant and Beth are already going through a hard time and the change to rural NY state don't make their lives easier. Grant is still suffering from depression and low self-esteem. He's had to halve his meds due to their cost and may have to discontinue them. There doesn't seem to be an end in sight for his malaise. His dreams have been left by the wayside and he is unable to talk about his mental suffering.

Their friend, another former rocker and godfather to Evan, Paul Fairchild, has succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. He and his wife, Melora, don't have children and Paul adores Evan. He helps Grant move and offers his unconditional friendship, but Grant resents his success, which stand in sharp contrast to Grant's failures.

When Beth leaves for a job interview in the city, Grant is left on his own with Evan and his worries about his marriage. Trip and Christa are no better off emotionally, although they have the financial security for which Grant and Beth yearn. Their adopted daughter has behavioral issues and both parents resent her. At this point the novel takes a turn that will be very difficult emotionally for some readers. (I'll admit I just didn't see where it was necessary, but since I wasn't consulted...) The events left me disturbed and tired of these individuals who need to grow up.

But I kept reading and a very rude awakening that will lead to growing up may be where they are headed, with even more emotional turmoil involved. I also wanted these people to open up and honestly share what they are thinking with their spouses. The anguish and raw emotions from all the characters overflow into a major train wreck.

This is an excellent debut novel that portends even more accomplished works in the future. The quality of the writing is admirable. The characters are well developed and nuanced, especially Grant in the depiction of the emotional baggage he is carrying and needs to let go. They are real, flawed individuals. The writing makes it easy to read; some of the actions and emotions make it difficult because of their brutal honesty.

Disclosure: I received an advanced reading copy of this book from the author and TLC for review purposes.

[Ricki Treleaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The oxymoronic title Perfectly Broken is the first thing that intrigued me about this novel. The second is the main character Grant Kelly. Grant is a fantastic husband and father, yet he struggles with anxiety and self-doubt about his parenting skills. He suffered as a child at the hands of selfish, stoic parents, and clearly children are not resilient: Grant is proof of this fallacy (many of the main characters espouse to this lie as they quote this several times in the novel).

The story is told from Grant's point of view, and I almost wonder if he might be "spectrum-ish" because he is very descriptive of how people smell: His friends don't seem to bathe very often. However I appreciate his descriptive observations and internal struggle with his anxiety and self-medication. And in spite of his self-doubt, I trust him as a reliable narrator.

Grant's character as well as the other main characters are very well-developed, and Grant's transformation from beginning to end is nothing short of miraculous. Although Grant is certainly flawed, he's still very likable and I found myself pulling for him the second half of the novel. I must confess that I don't like many of the characters other than Grant and his son, Evan. He's more mature than most of the adults, and I like how he calls-out his mother, Beth, on her cursing. There's a lot of cursing in the book (my only complaint). Perhaps that's a literary device Warren uses to enhance the characters' immaturity.

The story maintained my attention, and halfway through I couldn't put it down. I can't imagine living in a post-911 New York City. The setting is very intriguing, especially when the Kellys retreat to a tiny upstate New York hamlet after being evicted from thier rent-controlled Manhattan apartment. Warren is a wonderful storyteller, and I really like his writing style: Warren can write! I think it would make a fantastic movie. ;)

DISCLOSURE: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Perfectly Broken by Robert Burke Warren is a riveting novel of family, friendship, loss and ultimately, healing.

Years after quitting his band over creative differences, Grant's life has not exactly turned out as he expected. He's a mildly depressed (and slightly neurotic) stay at home dad whose friendship with fellow rocker Paul Fairchild reminds him of everything he never achieved. Forced to rely on the goodwill of longtime friends Trip and Christa Lamont after wife Beth loses her job, the couple, along with four year old son Evan, relocate from New York City to the Catskills. Soon after their move, the cracks in their marriage rise to the surface and after a terrible tragedy, Grant makes a impetuous decision that might destroy his family.

Dating back to childhood, Grant has a history of avoiding his problems instead of facing them. Suffering PTSD after a traumatic event, he has relied on anti-depressants to cope with the world but tapering off the medication after losing their health insurance, everything he has repressed begins resurface. After a shocking discovery, Grant continues to bottle up his emotions until they spill over into an act of betrayal that can never be undone. Everything comes to a head during a raging storm when a tension filled evening with friends leads to drunken revelations and a tragic decision that ends in heartache.

Gritty, raw and filled with deep emotions, Perfectly Broken is a realistic portrayal of life after marriage and the disappointment of unfulfilled dreams. The storyline is engaging and full of unexpected twists and turns. The characters are vibrantly developed, wonderfully flawed and surprisingly likable. Robert Burke Warren brings the novel to a brilliant conclusion that is heartwarming and immensely gratifying. An engrossing debut that readers will remember long after the last page is turned.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly Broken is a great title for this book. Everyone in the book was broken in one way or another. The book focuses on Grant who is a former rocker, stay at home dad and uncertain about the future. His wife has lost her job and they have decided to move out of the city to try to get back on their feet. I was a little wary of this book. I wasn't sure if I would like the story. But in the end, I found that Grant's story relatable in some ways.

This book isn't exactly uplifting throughout most of it. In fact, everyone in it is kind of a mess. But one thing I liked about this book was the writing. I felt like the author did a great job of putting me in Grant's shoes. It's 2 years after 9/11, when everyone was still iffy about the future. I could really feel Grant's uncertainty about his marriage and being a father. You know...when your life hasn't ended up where you thought it would. How do you make peace with the past and figure out how to love your present and future? I've also been through that panic of turning away for one second and your kid is gone. It makes you wonder if you are really cut out for the job. I think a lot of parents go through that when they first start out.

The characters are really what drive this novel. I really hated Grant's choices, but I was really rooting for him to figure things out. I hated Beth's choices as well, but I found myself rooting for her as well. In fact, I found myself rooting for everyone to figure things out. I was about the same age as the characters in this book in 2003. It think that is why the book really spoke to me. It made me feel really nostalgic for the late 80s and 90s. Even though I wasn't a fan of 90s music in general. Music is something that make memories more vivid in our minds, right?

I hope you will give this book a shot. I was surprised at how much I ended up liking it. I look forward for more from this talented writer in the future.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book because I was told that if I liked Jonathan Tropper then I would like this book. That held true, although Robert Burke Warren definitely has his own voice and is not a Tropper copycat.

Perfectly Broken is an apt title for this book. Every character in it is broken in some way. Told in first person by Grant, it’s the story of a group of people who have been friends since the 90s. Some, like Grant’s friend Paul have made it big. Grant has not. He quit his band and tried for a solo career that never took off. Now he’s a stay-at-home dad to son Evan. He and his wife Beth have moved into a vacant house that their friends own to save money. Grant can’t help but wonder why Paul got to become a famous musician and he didn’t.

The characters in this book are relatable, yet so frustrating. Some of the choices they make are outstandingly bad. Even so, I was rooting for them to wake up and get it together. I loved the 90s flashbacks. I’m the same age as Grant and his friends and so I was listening to a lot of the same music and stuff that they were. It was fun to take a little trip back to my college days through Grant.

This is a great book about a group of friends struggling to be grown-ups. A few surprises are thrown in along the way that kept it really interesting. I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his wonderfully embracing debut novel, Robert Burke Warren leaps onto the literary terrain with an authentic story of life after rock & roll that proves without a doubt his command of language is equaled by his knowledge of the music world tilted to reality. To understand his protagonist Grant Kelly is to look rebirth and redemption straight in the eye and bet again on the love of family life. Grant's band Stereoblind may be in the rear view mirror, but the challenges ahead for this stay-at-home dad are as daunting as any uphill battle he has chosen to face. Family life for the former performer is emotionally complex, with healing as uneasy a charter as the composition of any song. We see ourselves in his eyes for the path he had the courage to pursue, and for accepting the outcome with renewal we may never know. Grant's world is open to us for learning, his slice of life an important synthesis of emotions captured with accuracy and heart by a fearless, inspiring author.

[Jay Phillippi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a debut novel, from musician and writer Robert Burke Warren. And it's a stunner. The author creates excruciatingly real people in real life situations. Excellent story telling continues to carry you along until there are about 100 pages left. At that point Warren takes a 2x4 to the story and your expectations. Up to that point, "Perfectly Broken" has been a good book and a creditable first novel. From there to the end, he shows the chops of a really outstanding writer and story teller. The book roars away from good, headed directly toward greatness. Given that the entire story is told in about 260 pages, it is a remarkable achievement.

Great characters, great story, solid writing. The kind of book you will happily recommend to your friends.

"Perfectly Broken" hits the book shelves March 8.

[Siouxzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. From the very start I felt like I knew these people- I could have hung out with them back in the city years ago when I lived there. The characters and the relationships developed and lived through experiences that I could feel taste and touch. I lived in Woodstock when Irene came through and brought the Wallkill River up out of her banks and into the streets and houses in the area. I could so relate to the flood in Mount Marie. Thank you for sharing your story and bringing us along for the ride as you you lived and loved through good and bad alike. When I reached the end, I was wishing there was more.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I galloped through this novel, a vivid window into a marriage, fatherhood, coming to terms with who we are, as opposed to who we wanted to be. The voice of Grant is unique but also someone to relate to in his humanness. The appeal and occasional natural peril of the Catskill Mountains were really fun to read - as I too am a city refugee . Great job. What's the next book ??

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read! 1990s East Village rockers move with their toddler to upstate NY near some old friends. The ensuing antics, airing of dirty laundry and catastrophic aftermath are like that night in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? or The Ice Storm. Rollicking and juicy! I also like the way it examines the highs and lows of long-term relationships.

[Sara Loughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended. An entertaining, enjoyable read. Written with a beautifully detailed eye and an authentic voice. A pleasure.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting perspective on shift into another phase of adulthood.

[Ginny Tata-Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent debut novel. Read more at www.gspotslyvania.wordpress.com when I review this for TLC Book Tours 3/21/16

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing writing. Beautiful story. If I were a better writer myself, I would write a review worthy of this book. Congratulations to Robert Burke Warren. This is a success well-earned.

[Susan Breslow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broke rocker manqué leaves the East Village for the sticks with his wife and young son.