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Other Breakable Things
According to Japanese legend, folding a thousand paper cranes will grant you healing.
Evelyn Abel will fold two thousand if it will bring Luc back to her.
Luc Argent has always been intimately acquainted with death. After a car crash got him a second chance at life—via someone else’s transplanted heart—he tried to embrace it. He truly did. But he always knew death could be right around the corner again.
And now it is.
Sick of hospitals and tired of transplants, Luc is ready to let his failing heart give out, ready to give up. A road trip to Oregon—where death with dignity is legal—is his answer. But along for the ride is his best friend, Evelyn.
And she’s not giving up so easily.
A thousand miles, a handful of roadside attractions, and one life-altering kiss later, Evelyn’s fallen, and Luc’s heart is full. But is it enough to save him? Evelyn’s betting her heart, her life, that it can be.
Right down to the thousandth paper crane.
Evelyn Abel will fold two thousand if it will bring Luc back to her.
Luc Argent has always been intimately acquainted with death. After a car crash got him a second chance at life—via someone else’s transplanted heart—he tried to embrace it. He truly did. But he always knew death could be right around the corner again.
And now it is.
Sick of hospitals and tired of transplants, Luc is ready to let his failing heart give out, ready to give up. A road trip to Oregon—where death with dignity is legal—is his answer. But along for the ride is his best friend, Evelyn.
And she’s not giving up so easily.
A thousand miles, a handful of roadside attractions, and one life-altering kiss later, Evelyn’s fallen, and Luc’s heart is full. But is it enough to save him? Evelyn’s betting her heart, her life, that it can be.
Right down to the thousandth paper crane.
306 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2017
20 people are currently reading
1950 people want to read
About the author
Kelley York
23 books604 followersKelley resides off the coast of Northern California with her wife, dogs, cats, and birds. In addition to writing, she has her A.S. in Anthropology, and is a graphic designer with a successful book cover design business called Sleepy Fox Studio. She spends her spare time playing video games and tabletop games like the nerd she is. Her specialty is LGBT+ fiction, usually with a dark twist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
March 30, 2017
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to Entangled Publishing, LLC and NetGalley.)
This was a YA contemporary romance story, about a boy who had a heart transplant that was slowly being rejected.
Luc was an okay character, but it did bother me how much he kept from Evelyn. Considering how sick he was I felt that he should have told her before he became seriously ill.
The storyline in this was about Luc and Evelyn meeting again after 3 years apart, and trying to restart their friendship. Luc had had a heart transplant that he hadn’t told Evelyn about, and had also had news that his transplant was slowly being rejected and that he would need a new transplant. Luc didn’t want to go through having another transplant though, and instead decided to take off on a road-trip and to take Evelyn with him. Not telling Evelyn what was going on seemed like a bit of a mistake though, especially considering that he could have dropped dead on her at any moment.
We did get a romance between Luc and Evelyn, but it was overshadowed a bit by Luc’s imminent death, and it was also super-quick too.
The ending to this was pretty depressing really.
6.5 out of 10
“I love you. You know that, right?”
This was a YA contemporary romance story, about a boy who had a heart transplant that was slowly being rejected.
Luc was an okay character, but it did bother me how much he kept from Evelyn. Considering how sick he was I felt that he should have told her before he became seriously ill.
The storyline in this was about Luc and Evelyn meeting again after 3 years apart, and trying to restart their friendship. Luc had had a heart transplant that he hadn’t told Evelyn about, and had also had news that his transplant was slowly being rejected and that he would need a new transplant. Luc didn’t want to go through having another transplant though, and instead decided to take off on a road-trip and to take Evelyn with him. Not telling Evelyn what was going on seemed like a bit of a mistake though, especially considering that he could have dropped dead on her at any moment.
We did get a romance between Luc and Evelyn, but it was overshadowed a bit by Luc’s imminent death, and it was also super-quick too.
The ending to this was pretty depressing really.
6.5 out of 10
April 25, 2017
It's my Other Breakable Things blog tour day!! Blog post + a Giveaway link HERE!!
Copy received through NetGalley
This is a YA contemporary romance about Luc, a boy who's had a heart-transplant, but his body is now rejecting it, and Evelyn, his best friend. It’s a moving story that explores subject of death, and it features a road-trip to Oregon.
I really liked the writing style, especially the masterfully executed double POV, which is hard to pull of. I loved the realistic characters, and their development was the most amazing part of it all, the emotional journey was beautifully paced. I have to note that the ending felt sudden (keep it bleak to keep it spoiler-free), and that I wish Luc had been a little less secretive (at moments it bothered me), otherwise this would’ve been a five-star rating.
I have to admit, those few sentences haven't been easy to write at all. After I finished Other Breakable Things, I had no idea what I thought of it. It took me three weeks to sit and write it down because this book is so captivating, and the story stays with you.
If you’re looking for a tragic YA romance, this is the one for you.
Copy received through NetGalley
This is a YA contemporary romance about Luc, a boy who's had a heart-transplant, but his body is now rejecting it, and Evelyn, his best friend. It’s a moving story that explores subject of death, and it features a road-trip to Oregon.
I really liked the writing style, especially the masterfully executed double POV, which is hard to pull of. I loved the realistic characters, and their development was the most amazing part of it all, the emotional journey was beautifully paced. I have to note that the ending felt sudden (keep it bleak to keep it spoiler-free), and that I wish Luc had been a little less secretive (at moments it bothered me), otherwise this would’ve been a five-star rating.
I have to admit, those few sentences haven't been easy to write at all. After I finished Other Breakable Things, I had no idea what I thought of it. It took me three weeks to sit and write it down because this book is so captivating, and the story stays with you.
If you’re looking for a tragic YA romance, this is the one for you.
April 26, 2017
Oh, my goodness...this book! Ok so to be honest, I knew going into reading Other Breakable Things that the sadness factor was oozing from the pages. This rarely scares me away, I love a good cry as much as the next girl, but this book made me ugly cry. Like sob! And not just at the end, but multiple times throughout! That being said, this book was amazing! It touched me, my soul, my heart, in such a special way. Now, where to start and not ruin everything for you…
This story is ultimately a sweet love story between two young kids. Evelyn and Luc met in high school, both kids were slightly awkward and different. They immediately connected with each other. However, their friendship never evolved into anything more serious. She and Luc were just hitting their groove when Evelyn's Mom decided to run off with her new “male flavor of the week” to Arizona. Evelyn longed to stay connected with Luc, she wrote to Luc while she was gone. Luc was busy in his own right having heart transplant surgery and dealing with his extensive recovery. His correspondence had slowed, he wanted to keep Evelyn at arm's length, to keep her safe. After 3 years, when her mother’s romance inevitably fizzled, Evelyn and her mother returned home to California.
It didn't take long for Evelyn to reach out to Luc, she left an origami bird on his front porch. As soon as he saw it, he knew she was back, now what? They quickly rekindled their friendship. Luc kept his surgery and his newest health information secret from her. Evelyn knew he didn’t look good, but she had no idea the extent of his medical issues. Luc wanted to feel normal, to escape his recent diagnosis, and to experience life as he should. Not as a boy with limited time to live. He wanted to control how and when his life ended. But before that could happen, he wanted to go on one last trip. To travel to see some of the things he had always wanted to experience first hand but had been too sick. Evelyn ended up going on that trip with him. The trip changed their lives for the better and for the worse. When all is said and done, the big question was did either of them have any regrets? I can think of a few I would have had if I were them!
Legends say that if you make a thousand paper cranes when you are sick, that you’ll get better. Did Evelyn construct enough cranes to make Luc better? To make him want to fight to live? To live for her and their love? That was the question that broke my heart...left me ugly sobbing. But all and all, this book ranks right up there with John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. A book that I hold in the highest regard. While being similar in scope, they tackle different topics, while still dancing the same dance. The writing and plot are strong and I dare you to try to not fall in love with these two main characters...go ahead and try - impossible in my eyes!!!
Finally, this book made me really think about all the time we waste with petty foolishness. Such as bickering with each other, and so much wasted negative energy! We just never know when we will lose someone we care for. We should share quality time with them, be giving of your full self, and tell them how much they mean to you, leave nothing unsaid, and lastly have no regrets!
A gigantic thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Teen, Kelley York, and Rowan Altwood for allowing me to purge so many tears! No sincerely, thank you for letting me read this incredible piece of work, in exchange for my honest opinion. This book is definitely going on my top 10 for the year.
This story is ultimately a sweet love story between two young kids. Evelyn and Luc met in high school, both kids were slightly awkward and different. They immediately connected with each other. However, their friendship never evolved into anything more serious. She and Luc were just hitting their groove when Evelyn's Mom decided to run off with her new “male flavor of the week” to Arizona. Evelyn longed to stay connected with Luc, she wrote to Luc while she was gone. Luc was busy in his own right having heart transplant surgery and dealing with his extensive recovery. His correspondence had slowed, he wanted to keep Evelyn at arm's length, to keep her safe. After 3 years, when her mother’s romance inevitably fizzled, Evelyn and her mother returned home to California.
It didn't take long for Evelyn to reach out to Luc, she left an origami bird on his front porch. As soon as he saw it, he knew she was back, now what? They quickly rekindled their friendship. Luc kept his surgery and his newest health information secret from her. Evelyn knew he didn’t look good, but she had no idea the extent of his medical issues. Luc wanted to feel normal, to escape his recent diagnosis, and to experience life as he should. Not as a boy with limited time to live. He wanted to control how and when his life ended. But before that could happen, he wanted to go on one last trip. To travel to see some of the things he had always wanted to experience first hand but had been too sick. Evelyn ended up going on that trip with him. The trip changed their lives for the better and for the worse. When all is said and done, the big question was did either of them have any regrets? I can think of a few I would have had if I were them!
Legends say that if you make a thousand paper cranes when you are sick, that you’ll get better. Did Evelyn construct enough cranes to make Luc better? To make him want to fight to live? To live for her and their love? That was the question that broke my heart...left me ugly sobbing. But all and all, this book ranks right up there with John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. A book that I hold in the highest regard. While being similar in scope, they tackle different topics, while still dancing the same dance. The writing and plot are strong and I dare you to try to not fall in love with these two main characters...go ahead and try - impossible in my eyes!!!
Finally, this book made me really think about all the time we waste with petty foolishness. Such as bickering with each other, and so much wasted negative energy! We just never know when we will lose someone we care for. We should share quality time with them, be giving of your full self, and tell them how much they mean to you, leave nothing unsaid, and lastly have no regrets!
A gigantic thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Teen, Kelley York, and Rowan Altwood for allowing me to purge so many tears! No sincerely, thank you for letting me read this incredible piece of work, in exchange for my honest opinion. This book is definitely going on my top 10 for the year.
March 30, 2017
"I'm not made of much time and never have been."
Critics who say that Young Adult is a dumb genre without any valuable content have obviously never read any books like Other Breakable Things. Or much other than Twilight, for that matter, but it sounded like a good opening sentence, which I have now ruined.
I would recommend reading this book with something lighter on the side, as it tends to grow quite heavy. Think A Walk to Remember, or like a YA version of the heart-wrenching Me Before You. You remember how much you cried with those two works? Yeah, be ready.
I have to admit that the story didn't do much for me during the first half - it felt like any other YA contemporary, where the main source of drama belonged to two teenagers choosing not to tell each other things, and then stuff hits the fan when this info comes out. That's also the gist of Other Breakable Things, only there are much bigger things at stake than someone's reputation. A human life, for example. Several broken hearts. And during the second act of the book, I started to really feel those emotions. I began to really appreciate the scenes - like when they visited the Butterfly Emporium together - and I began to truly understand the stakes.
So I'm glad that I decided to stick this one out and see where it would end. Because this book has depth and meaning to it, and it made me think throughout.
Thank you NetGalley / Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy
April 18, 2017
2-2'5★
This is a sad hard book about a guy who has had a heart transplant and his body is rejecting it. Tired of living always counting down his time and being surrounded by doctors' appointments, he decides to go after euthanasia. Only thing is, he enrolls in his journey that one special girl he has always liked... and who also has her own share of heartaches.
The book is written going back and forth between the two main characters, and I really enjoyed the clever prologue, which can be applied to two different parts of the book and it still make sense.
The characters are nice enough, with developed personalities, and the book is a raw lecture.
While I was reading it I was thinking more than once about how much influence have the authors had by Jojo Moyes' "Me before you" book, as there are a lot of paralelisms between the two books: the dying male and the loving doting female who thinks she can be enough to change his mind about euthanasia (although the endings differ).
Nice but sad and maybe depressing read.
This is a sad hard book about a guy who has had a heart transplant and his body is rejecting it. Tired of living always counting down his time and being surrounded by doctors' appointments, he decides to go after euthanasia. Only thing is, he enrolls in his journey that one special girl he has always liked... and who also has her own share of heartaches.
The book is written going back and forth between the two main characters, and I really enjoyed the clever prologue, which can be applied to two different parts of the book and it still make sense.
The characters are nice enough, with developed personalities, and the book is a raw lecture.
While I was reading it I was thinking more than once about how much influence have the authors had by Jojo Moyes' "Me before you" book, as there are a lot of paralelisms between the two books: the dying male and the loving doting female who thinks she can be enough to change his mind about euthanasia (although the endings differ).
Nice but sad and maybe depressing read.
March 24, 2017
I finished reading Other Breakable Things, late at night, as one does, and I really liked it. There are some very poignant moments about death, dying, and what it means to die with dignity, etc. so I found myself highlighting so much of the book that it's actually slightly ridiculous. Like there are over 190 parts highlighted. And no, I'm not exaggerating.
The growth in the characters was great, and I was definitely surprised about various things that happened. My favorite thing was seeing Evelyn's growth from someone who goes along with what's best for everyone else she knows into someone capable of expressing how she feels to other people and what she needs from them. While so many teen girls and young women are socialized to be nice and kind and sweet, I think seeing a character like Evelyn who can express the full range of human emotions, especially anger / rage when necessary, is so important.
Also, and this is just a personal thing, but my dad was born with a congenital heart defect...not the same as Luc...but still required open heart surgery. Probably if he was younger, he would've had the corrective surgery as a baby, but when he was born in 1956, it was deemed experimental and the doctors assumed he wouldn't live very long. He ended up having the surgery he needed at the age of 15, but it really impacted his quality of life throughout his childhood, so this book helped me...somewhat...get an understanding of what it would've been like for him to be living with a heart that didn't work properly for a long stretch of his life beyond what he's told me.
Finally, the whole paper crane thing is meaningful to me as well since my sister, my parents, my sister's friends, and I all folded 1000 cranes last year, so my sister and her now-husband could have a wish on their wedding day, so definitely a lot to love from my perspective.
The growth in the characters was great, and I was definitely surprised about various things that happened. My favorite thing was seeing Evelyn's growth from someone who goes along with what's best for everyone else she knows into someone capable of expressing how she feels to other people and what she needs from them. While so many teen girls and young women are socialized to be nice and kind and sweet, I think seeing a character like Evelyn who can express the full range of human emotions, especially anger / rage when necessary, is so important.
Also, and this is just a personal thing, but my dad was born with a congenital heart defect...not the same as Luc...but still required open heart surgery. Probably if he was younger, he would've had the corrective surgery as a baby, but when he was born in 1956, it was deemed experimental and the doctors assumed he wouldn't live very long. He ended up having the surgery he needed at the age of 15, but it really impacted his quality of life throughout his childhood, so this book helped me...somewhat...get an understanding of what it would've been like for him to be living with a heart that didn't work properly for a long stretch of his life beyond what he's told me.
Finally, the whole paper crane thing is meaningful to me as well since my sister, my parents, my sister's friends, and I all folded 1000 cranes last year, so my sister and her now-husband could have a wish on their wedding day, so definitely a lot to love from my perspective.
March 17, 2017
4.5 stars! Heartstrings tugged (no pun intended)! Following this young couple as their relationship grows and blossoms, even under a deadline of an illness that's taking a bad turn was so heart warming (again...no pun intended). Already having a heart transplant, Luc just wants to live the rest of his short life being happy and taking risks. I loved the relationship between Evelyn and Luc. It grew realistically and just made me happy. There were quite a few troupes here: one is sick, thinking of ending his life on his terms, she wants to save him....blah blah blah. But, what I liked was that it left you guessing on what decisions Luc would make. Would he end his life himself? Would he hold on as long as he could? Would he survive? Nothing was a guarantee. Overall such a great read! Really enjoyed this one!
March 7, 2017
“Other Breakable Things” absolutely wrecked me- it’s a beautiful and heartwrenching story about Evelyn and Luc. The book begins when Evelyn returns to town after leaving Arizona, where she and her mother lived with her mother’s boyfriend. Her best friend, Luc, has not been great about staying in touch, but Evelyn is eager to see if they are/can still be friends. Luc is suffering after his heart transplant years ago- it seems his body is rejecting the heart. He feels that it would be easier on Evelyn if they weren’t friends to save her the heartbreak when he dies.
Everything changes when Evelyn finds out her mother wants to go back to her boyfriend in Arizona. Evelyn feels like she finally got away, and since her mother always treats her like the second choice, Evelyn is not sure if her mother will believe her about what her boyfriend has been doing to Evelyn. Unsure of what else to do, she runs to Luc for comfort. Luc invites her on a roadtrip to Oregon that he had been considering- Oregon allows euthanasia. Luc is keeping his heart condition from Evelyn, though she knows that something is going on. Evelyn is a lover of origami and suggests that he fold a thousand paper cranes.
Their trip takes many unexpected and lovely turns as they both learn more about the other and what it means to be alive. This book was absolutely beautiful and I loved it. Both Evelyn and Luc were so real and incredibly well crafted. The alternating viewpoints between the two was a perfect way to tell this story of young love and life. I absolutely could not put it down and loved every second of this book- it’s such a poignant and beautiful story. I’m not sure I can write how amazing this book is, but I highly recommend it.
There are some really big themes here- sexual assault, euthanasia/suicide, running away, etc.- and as a warning, it will absolutely make you feel some big emotions- heartbreak, sadness, happiness/joy. However, it’s really a fantastically well-crafted story and I wouldn’t change a word of it. Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Everything changes when Evelyn finds out her mother wants to go back to her boyfriend in Arizona. Evelyn feels like she finally got away, and since her mother always treats her like the second choice, Evelyn is not sure if her mother will believe her about what her boyfriend has been doing to Evelyn. Unsure of what else to do, she runs to Luc for comfort. Luc invites her on a roadtrip to Oregon that he had been considering- Oregon allows euthanasia. Luc is keeping his heart condition from Evelyn, though she knows that something is going on. Evelyn is a lover of origami and suggests that he fold a thousand paper cranes.
Their trip takes many unexpected and lovely turns as they both learn more about the other and what it means to be alive. This book was absolutely beautiful and I loved it. Both Evelyn and Luc were so real and incredibly well crafted. The alternating viewpoints between the two was a perfect way to tell this story of young love and life. I absolutely could not put it down and loved every second of this book- it’s such a poignant and beautiful story. I’m not sure I can write how amazing this book is, but I highly recommend it.
There are some really big themes here- sexual assault, euthanasia/suicide, running away, etc.- and as a warning, it will absolutely make you feel some big emotions- heartbreak, sadness, happiness/joy. However, it’s really a fantastically well-crafted story and I wouldn’t change a word of it. Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
March 16, 2017
3.5 stars
Hmmm. What can you say about a book that attempts to pick you up, take you on a roller coaster of emotions and then rip your heart out? I wasn't sure which path this book would take - ultimately hopeful, focusing on the joys and hurts of living or a complete and utter sob fest? Even after finishing I'm still not sure - a bit of both, maybe? Either way, Other Breakable Things is a very interesting book and quick to read, perfect for contemporary fiction fans.
Evelyn has always loved Luc. Loved him throughout their stilted friendship and then the past three years of silence when she moved away from him. Now she is back in the same town as Luc but still isn't sure if he will reach out to her, or include her in his life. She is used to being the second choice in people's lives. But to Luc, Evelyn was never the second choice, just a choice he never allowed himself to make. Luc's heart is failing. The second time in his short, nineteen-year life. He knows that he doesn't want to try another transplant, and is sick of hospitals and tests and doctors. So, instead, he takes off on a road trip - one last effort to really live. And he takes Evelyn with him. Evelyn has always suspected that Luc was unwell, but it isn't until she is on the road with him that she finally, fully begins to understand as she uncovers everything he has been hiding.
One might think that you could kind of guess from the summary that this book would be heart-pulled-from-your-chest-and-put-through-a-meat-mincer-breaking. And yet a lot of the time I felt a little numb to the characters' emotions. Perhaps this in part was due to Evelyn's level-headed manner of dealing with things or maybe because despite the sad nature of the book, it was equally uplifting and deliciously sweet.
However, I did feel like there was something missing in this story. I wanted more, but maybe that's not because the book was lacking and rather that I was unhappy with the whole situation. But maybe that makes it all the more lifelike - where we are handed things in life with which we must make lemonade.
How does one end a book like this? Is there a right way? Did I think this was the right ending for this book? I'm not sure, but then I'm not sure how else you could end it.
This is simply a story about these particular characters in one particular situation. I may not have made the same decisions, but I could certainly see that the choices Evelyn and Luc made were true to their characters - even if there actions might seem good, bad, impulsive or crazy to others.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
Hmmm. What can you say about a book that attempts to pick you up, take you on a roller coaster of emotions and then rip your heart out? I wasn't sure which path this book would take - ultimately hopeful, focusing on the joys and hurts of living or a complete and utter sob fest? Even after finishing I'm still not sure - a bit of both, maybe? Either way, Other Breakable Things is a very interesting book and quick to read, perfect for contemporary fiction fans.
Evelyn has always loved Luc. Loved him throughout their stilted friendship and then the past three years of silence when she moved away from him. Now she is back in the same town as Luc but still isn't sure if he will reach out to her, or include her in his life. She is used to being the second choice in people's lives. But to Luc, Evelyn was never the second choice, just a choice he never allowed himself to make. Luc's heart is failing. The second time in his short, nineteen-year life. He knows that he doesn't want to try another transplant, and is sick of hospitals and tests and doctors. So, instead, he takes off on a road trip - one last effort to really live. And he takes Evelyn with him. Evelyn has always suspected that Luc was unwell, but it isn't until she is on the road with him that she finally, fully begins to understand as she uncovers everything he has been hiding.
One might think that you could kind of guess from the summary that this book would be heart-pulled-from-your-chest-and-put-through-a-meat-mincer-breaking. And yet a lot of the time I felt a little numb to the characters' emotions. Perhaps this in part was due to Evelyn's level-headed manner of dealing with things or maybe because despite the sad nature of the book, it was equally uplifting and deliciously sweet.
However, I did feel like there was something missing in this story. I wanted more, but maybe that's not because the book was lacking and rather that I was unhappy with the whole situation. But maybe that makes it all the more lifelike - where we are handed things in life with which we must make lemonade.
How does one end a book like this? Is there a right way? Did I think this was the right ending for this book? I'm not sure, but then I'm not sure how else you could end it.
This is simply a story about these particular characters in one particular situation. I may not have made the same decisions, but I could certainly see that the choices Evelyn and Luc made were true to their characters - even if there actions might seem good, bad, impulsive or crazy to others.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
April 26, 2017
Original review
Other Breakable Things tells the story of Evelyn and Luc. They've been friends when they were younger but Evelyn had to leave town for her mother's boyfriend. Three years later they meet each other and they decide to leave town together. Both for another reason. Evelyn feels like a second choice to her mum and her mother's boyfriend did certain things that a stepdad shouldn't do. Luc has problems with his heart, he had a heart transplant a few days after Evelyn left town, but his body is rejecting the heart. He decided to take this trip to go to Oregon, for euthanasia. Evelyn doesn't know a thing about his illness or euthanasia until he's really sick and needs to go to the hospital. Will she stay with him after she figured out his plan?
Other Breakable Things is such a heartbreaking story. Wow. It was so beautiful yet so sad. It was really fast paced and I couldn't stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen and how they were going to solve their problems/disputes. At the end I couldn't stop crying. It was hard to read and cry at the same time, but I managed!
I really really love Other Breakable Things and I highly recommend it!
Other Breakable Things tells the story of Evelyn and Luc. They've been friends when they were younger but Evelyn had to leave town for her mother's boyfriend. Three years later they meet each other and they decide to leave town together. Both for another reason. Evelyn feels like a second choice to her mum and her mother's boyfriend did certain things that a stepdad shouldn't do. Luc has problems with his heart, he had a heart transplant a few days after Evelyn left town, but his body is rejecting the heart. He decided to take this trip to go to Oregon, for euthanasia. Evelyn doesn't know a thing about his illness or euthanasia until he's really sick and needs to go to the hospital. Will she stay with him after she figured out his plan?
Other Breakable Things is such a heartbreaking story. Wow. It was so beautiful yet so sad. It was really fast paced and I couldn't stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen and how they were going to solve their problems/disputes. At the end I couldn't stop crying. It was hard to read and cry at the same time, but I managed!
I really really love Other Breakable Things and I highly recommend it!
June 21, 2017
I loved this book. It was both uplifting and devastating. I cried unabashedly in public while reading this. I literally sat there with tears streaming down my face, trying not to sob. As I type this, the tears are starting again.
Kelley York and Rowan Altwood have written a phenomenal book. Luc and Evelyn are wonderful people. It's easy to see them light up when they're around one another. Both of them have troubles of their own, but it's like together they are able to forget and just live.
I hope Kelly and Rowan continue to write together. I can't imagine this book was easy to write, but it would be a shame if they didn't. I would love to read more about Evelyn and Luc, the Argents, and their lives, especially from the point where this book ended.
Kelley York and Rowan Altwood have written a phenomenal book. Luc and Evelyn are wonderful people. It's easy to see them light up when they're around one another. Both of them have troubles of their own, but it's like together they are able to forget and just live.
I hope Kelly and Rowan continue to write together. I can't imagine this book was easy to write, but it would be a shame if they didn't. I would love to read more about Evelyn and Luc, the Argents, and their lives, especially from the point where this book ended.
March 7, 2018
Émouvant, touchant mais je n’ai pas pleuré... je n’ai pas été brisé non plus. Je m’attendais presque à pire?
February 26, 2018
Beau, doux, émouvant, triste, drôle, BEAU. J’ai beaucoup aimé ce livre. Il n’a pas brisé mon cœur (contrairement à ce qu’on m’avait promis !) mais il m’a beaucoup émue et, j’avoue, j’ai versé ma petite larme... cette petite pépite s’inscrit dans la lignée de Nos Étoiles Contraires ou First Love ... et j’ai été happée.
March 28, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of Other Breakable Things provided by Entangled Publishing and the author. Thank you so much for the reviewing opportunity!
Quoting Jennifer on her one-liner review, my first reaction when I finished the book was indeed:
I normally refrain from any crudeness in my review, but this a state of desperation, no other words could perfectly describe the emotions that are running rampage in my heart, so please forgive me!
As expected from Kelley York, her books are always laced with such emotional depth and a plotline that challenges your thinking capacity. I first read Hushed back in 2011 and until this date, I still remember Archer and Evan's story as if it was just yesterday. I have a feeling that Luc and Evelyn's tale will be forever etched into my mind. Being Rowan's debut novel, she has also gained a loyal fan, I love their collaborative writing!
Reading OBT was more of a slow burn. The story started off at a slow pace in which the authors took their time to build their characters. I fell in love with Luc who was struggling with his failing heart transplant and Evelyn who were always the second choice. I loved the fact that neither of them is perfect and their relationship is purely platonic, that is until the road trip.
From the time Luc and Evelyn embarked on their road trip to Oregon, the story picked up its pace and I was completely absorbed into their little bubble of happiness. The writing was so vivid that I felt every emotion, from the joy of visiting the aquarium to the disappointment from the Butterfly's farm closure; from Luc and Evelyn's first kiss to the time when Evelyn discovered Luc's sickness, I was bombarded with all sorts of feelings - hopefulness, longing, desperation and an underlying sadness I can't seem to shake off. But, Luc and Evelyn's romance was beautifully written, the tenderness in Luc's actions and Evelyn's selflessness made my heart swell with happiness and for a second all sadness was forgotten.
To be honest, I have NO idea where the story will lead me. Life or death, it was a constant mystery in the story that drove me to keep reading to discover what Luc will ultimately choose.
BUT.
THE PLOT TWIST happened and know this, it completely destroyed my heart and soul, I'm talking about heart-wrenching-sobfest with lots of snot and crumpled tissues. It wasn't pretty.
WHY. OH GOD. WHY.
Long after I finished the story and turned off my kindle, I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. Gosh, I tried so hard but I just can't seem to find the stopper.
Heartbreaking and bittersweet, Luc and Evelyn's story is one who would capture your heart and bring you to tears.
*This book explores darker themes including mild sexual assault, suicide, and euthanasia.
Quoting Jennifer on her one-liner review, my first reaction when I finished the book was indeed:
I normally refrain from any crudeness in my review, but this a state of desperation, no other words could perfectly describe the emotions that are running rampage in my heart, so please forgive me!
As expected from Kelley York, her books are always laced with such emotional depth and a plotline that challenges your thinking capacity. I first read Hushed back in 2011 and until this date, I still remember Archer and Evan's story as if it was just yesterday. I have a feeling that Luc and Evelyn's tale will be forever etched into my mind. Being Rowan's debut novel, she has also gained a loyal fan, I love their collaborative writing!
Reading OBT was more of a slow burn. The story started off at a slow pace in which the authors took their time to build their characters. I fell in love with Luc who was struggling with his failing heart transplant and Evelyn who were always the second choice. I loved the fact that neither of them is perfect and their relationship is purely platonic, that is until the road trip.
From the time Luc and Evelyn embarked on their road trip to Oregon, the story picked up its pace and I was completely absorbed into their little bubble of happiness. The writing was so vivid that I felt every emotion, from the joy of visiting the aquarium to the disappointment from the Butterfly's farm closure; from Luc and Evelyn's first kiss to the time when Evelyn discovered Luc's sickness, I was bombarded with all sorts of feelings - hopefulness, longing, desperation and an underlying sadness I can't seem to shake off. But, Luc and Evelyn's romance was beautifully written, the tenderness in Luc's actions and Evelyn's selflessness made my heart swell with happiness and for a second all sadness was forgotten.
To be honest, I have NO idea where the story will lead me. Life or death, it was a constant mystery in the story that drove me to keep reading to discover what Luc will ultimately choose.
BUT.
THE PLOT TWIST happened and know this, it completely destroyed my heart and soul, I'm talking about heart-wrenching-sobfest with lots of snot and crumpled tissues. It wasn't pretty.
WHY. OH GOD. WHY.
Long after I finished the story and turned off my kindle, I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. Gosh, I tried so hard but I just can't seem to find the stopper.
Heartbreaking and bittersweet, Luc and Evelyn's story is one who would capture your heart and bring you to tears.
*This book explores darker themes including mild sexual assault, suicide, and euthanasia.
April 11, 2017
Luc has always been sick, but when he gets the news that his transplanted heart is being rejected he is ready to give up. When his old childhood friend Evelyn moves back to town and attempts to be his friend again despite his years of ignoring her, he pushes her away again. But regardless of how standoffish he is, Evelyn comes to him in a moment of need, he makes the decision to take her on a road trip with him. But Evelyn has no idea what Luc's real destination is or what is really going on.
Oh my gawd, this book was a heart-breaker. And no, I don't mean that in a bad way because I absolutely love these kind of teen angsty, "death" books as my friends and family call them. I was plugging along, enjoying this book, when all of a sudden something happened and I found myself with a lump in my throat, fighting tears, and I realized that I was sucked in the story and was so invested in these characters. This was not an easy read, but a look at two very broken kids who are given the chance to find a moment of happiness together. Sniff, sniff. I can honestly say I had no idea what would happen, and I was holding my breath the second half of the book waiting to see.
The story is narrated by both Evelyn and Luc allowing the reader to get to know both characters and their motivations. Luc has always been sick and refuses to get close to anyone since he knows his days are numbered. Evelyn is a shy awkward girl who has never had any friends besides Luc, and a messed up home situation that she wants to escape from, even if just for a few days. Both characters are so damaged in different ways and watching them heal each other made the book even more with the feels. I wanted to wrap them both up in bubble wrap yet at the same time I wanted to watch the train wreck they were making of life to see where they would end up.
This book was a romance in the best and most heart breaking way. I am so glad that I had the chance to read the book even while I felt like I was going to shatter into pieces and cry. The book was bittersweet and I look forward to more form these authors.
I received this title in return for my honest review.
For more reviews visit my blog at http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
Oh my gawd, this book was a heart-breaker. And no, I don't mean that in a bad way because I absolutely love these kind of teen angsty, "death" books as my friends and family call them. I was plugging along, enjoying this book, when all of a sudden something happened and I found myself with a lump in my throat, fighting tears, and I realized that I was sucked in the story and was so invested in these characters. This was not an easy read, but a look at two very broken kids who are given the chance to find a moment of happiness together. Sniff, sniff. I can honestly say I had no idea what would happen, and I was holding my breath the second half of the book waiting to see.
The story is narrated by both Evelyn and Luc allowing the reader to get to know both characters and their motivations. Luc has always been sick and refuses to get close to anyone since he knows his days are numbered. Evelyn is a shy awkward girl who has never had any friends besides Luc, and a messed up home situation that she wants to escape from, even if just for a few days. Both characters are so damaged in different ways and watching them heal each other made the book even more with the feels. I wanted to wrap them both up in bubble wrap yet at the same time I wanted to watch the train wreck they were making of life to see where they would end up.
This book was a romance in the best and most heart breaking way. I am so glad that I had the chance to read the book even while I felt like I was going to shatter into pieces and cry. The book was bittersweet and I look forward to more form these authors.
I received this title in return for my honest review.
For more reviews visit my blog at http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
April 28, 2017
I've never read Me Before You but I'm going to go out on a ledge and say that this is pretty much the teen equivalent of that. When Evelyn Abel moves back into town after another failed relationship on her mother's part, she is both exited and hesitant to look up her old best friend. I mean, she wrote and wrote and wrote to him, but suddenly he just stopped.
Luc Argent is dying from a heart condition. Rather than suffer through another failed transplant and tired of the doctors & hospitals, he starts to consider dying on his terms. When Evelyn blows back into his life, he's not quite sure how to handle it. When both have had enough of their current situation and need to get away, Luc comes up with the road trip to Oregon idea. Unknown to Evelyn, Luc has ulterior motives for going to Oregon - they have the Death with Dignity Act.
The beginning of this book was a little slow. Mostly teen agnst and a lot of whining (mostly on Evelyn's part). I wasn't really liking the characters or feel any attachment. Sadly, that didn't really change as the story went on, it just got more interesting. I loved the road trip shenanigans and Luc's cousin Max was a highlight, but just when I thought it was getting meaty, something happened toward the end that cued the eye roll.
People dying with diseases is heartbreaking, and when it's a child or teen with their life not fully lived it takes on an even deeper sadness. I came to feel for Luc and I understood his frustration and his tiredness. I'm not saying I agree with a lot of what he thinks, but I can see his reasoning. Although, I don't agree with him not telling Evelyn he was sick before they went on the trip. I feel like that's important information. Evelyn was the hard part for me. She was always whining and more interested in the facade that was created than the truth. The ending was also a little stunted - it felt a lot was rushed (Evelyn and her mom especially).
Overall, I think it was a good book and it touches on situations that most people gloss over. So bravo for that.
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Luc Argent is dying from a heart condition. Rather than suffer through another failed transplant and tired of the doctors & hospitals, he starts to consider dying on his terms. When Evelyn blows back into his life, he's not quite sure how to handle it. When both have had enough of their current situation and need to get away, Luc comes up with the road trip to Oregon idea. Unknown to Evelyn, Luc has ulterior motives for going to Oregon - they have the Death with Dignity Act.
The beginning of this book was a little slow. Mostly teen agnst and a lot of whining (mostly on Evelyn's part). I wasn't really liking the characters or feel any attachment. Sadly, that didn't really change as the story went on, it just got more interesting. I loved the road trip shenanigans and Luc's cousin Max was a highlight, but just when I thought it was getting meaty, something happened toward the end that cued the eye roll.
People dying with diseases is heartbreaking, and when it's a child or teen with their life not fully lived it takes on an even deeper sadness. I came to feel for Luc and I understood his frustration and his tiredness. I'm not saying I agree with a lot of what he thinks, but I can see his reasoning. Although, I don't agree with him not telling Evelyn he was sick before they went on the trip. I feel like that's important information. Evelyn was the hard part for me. She was always whining and more interested in the facade that was created than the truth. The ending was also a little stunted - it felt a lot was rushed (Evelyn and her mom especially).
Overall, I think it was a good book and it touches on situations that most people gloss over. So bravo for that.
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2017
4.5 Stars
There are some books you know going in will leave you a broken and simpering mess and Other Breakable Things is one such book. Being something of a glutton for emotional punishment, I do tend to adore YA books with terminally I'll characters. When I saw this time there was also a road trip thrown into the mix, I practically got whip lash throwing myself into this one.
Luc is on close speaking terms with death. Even after getting a second lease on life he isn't convinced it will take. When it turns out he was right, he decides he's had enough of hospitals and transplants that won't go the distance. He is going to take a road trip to Oregon, where he plans to die with a little dignity left intact.
Evelyn, his best friend, comes along for the ride. Where Luc is ready to give up, Evelyn has only started fighting. She's determined to show Luc there is plenty of life left to live and give him as many reasons as possible to fight. As they travel on their journey to Oregon, Evelyn is falling even harder for her best friend who she has always loved and Luc finds his heart filling with hope for the first time in longer than he can count, but is it enough to save him?
To say this was an emotional read would be the understatement of the century. It wasn't a simple someone is dying, but they're loved so let's hold out hope for an improbable happy ending kind of story. There were a lot of heavy themes being tackled that unfold as you read (sexual assault, euthanasia, suicide to name a few). It's a heavy read that will have you crying, gasping for air, clutching hope and picking up the pieces of your broken heart. If you like to at times get emotionally sadistic with your reading choices, I don't think you'll be disappointed with Other Breakable Things.
There are some books you know going in will leave you a broken and simpering mess and Other Breakable Things is one such book. Being something of a glutton for emotional punishment, I do tend to adore YA books with terminally I'll characters. When I saw this time there was also a road trip thrown into the mix, I practically got whip lash throwing myself into this one.
Luc is on close speaking terms with death. Even after getting a second lease on life he isn't convinced it will take. When it turns out he was right, he decides he's had enough of hospitals and transplants that won't go the distance. He is going to take a road trip to Oregon, where he plans to die with a little dignity left intact.
Evelyn, his best friend, comes along for the ride. Where Luc is ready to give up, Evelyn has only started fighting. She's determined to show Luc there is plenty of life left to live and give him as many reasons as possible to fight. As they travel on their journey to Oregon, Evelyn is falling even harder for her best friend who she has always loved and Luc finds his heart filling with hope for the first time in longer than he can count, but is it enough to save him?
To say this was an emotional read would be the understatement of the century. It wasn't a simple someone is dying, but they're loved so let's hold out hope for an improbable happy ending kind of story. There were a lot of heavy themes being tackled that unfold as you read (sexual assault, euthanasia, suicide to name a few). It's a heavy read that will have you crying, gasping for air, clutching hope and picking up the pieces of your broken heart. If you like to at times get emotionally sadistic with your reading choices, I don't think you'll be disappointed with Other Breakable Things.
March 11, 2017
Three years ago, a terrible accident for a girl saved Luc's life and provided him with a much needed heart to prolong his life.
Now, he finds out the heart is starting to fail and so he needs another transplant. Yet after the anguish of waiting before, he's now contemplating euthanasia, so he can die on his own terms and not his body's terms.
Evelyn, has returned home to their town after her mum took her off to live with her new boyfriend at the time. Evelyn missed seeing Luc and is happy to be back and so they slowly start to hang out again. She is aware there's something wrong with Luc but is not entirely sure what exactly is wrong with him. We also learn her mum's boyfriend used to abuse her and Luc is whom she chooses to confide in about this.
Luc enlists Evelyn to accompany him on an adventure as he wants to go and look into euthanasia but lives away from the area they are located. He plans the trip with interests of Evelyn's interwoven and we see from the split narrative point of view just how much he grows to care for her more despite him growing weaker as the book goes on. He still plans on killing himself, yet Evelyn is obviously emotional when she finds tabs open on his phone about euthanasia, pill bottles and a business card too all to do with a specific drug. The couple really care for each other so much that Luc wants to make sure Evelyn is looked after when he's gone so calls his parents to make them promise so.
A running theme through the book also linking them is the butterflies Luc collects and also wants to see in the conservation building when they're travelling but they have to break in as it was shut. Luc also buys Evelyn a butterfly necklace, another reminder of him for her to keep. Evelyn makes a lot of origami animals such as the crane from the cover of the book, she states in the book it helps her stay calm and keeps her hands busy but also again, it's symbolic as she does make a lot of them around Luc, nervous at first in their feelings but less so as we go on.
This book was beautifully crafted and reminiscent of Morgan Matson's novel, Amy and Roger's Epic Detour which I love!
It dealt with the topic of euthanasia and transplants seriously and showed the toll it takes on everyone, how one life can have a ripple effect on so many others one way or another.
If you like books with adventure, love and an interest in health issue storylines, this is your book!
Thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
Now, he finds out the heart is starting to fail and so he needs another transplant. Yet after the anguish of waiting before, he's now contemplating euthanasia, so he can die on his own terms and not his body's terms.
Evelyn, has returned home to their town after her mum took her off to live with her new boyfriend at the time. Evelyn missed seeing Luc and is happy to be back and so they slowly start to hang out again. She is aware there's something wrong with Luc but is not entirely sure what exactly is wrong with him. We also learn her mum's boyfriend used to abuse her and Luc is whom she chooses to confide in about this.
Luc enlists Evelyn to accompany him on an adventure as he wants to go and look into euthanasia but lives away from the area they are located. He plans the trip with interests of Evelyn's interwoven and we see from the split narrative point of view just how much he grows to care for her more despite him growing weaker as the book goes on. He still plans on killing himself, yet Evelyn is obviously emotional when she finds tabs open on his phone about euthanasia, pill bottles and a business card too all to do with a specific drug. The couple really care for each other so much that Luc wants to make sure Evelyn is looked after when he's gone so calls his parents to make them promise so.
A running theme through the book also linking them is the butterflies Luc collects and also wants to see in the conservation building when they're travelling but they have to break in as it was shut. Luc also buys Evelyn a butterfly necklace, another reminder of him for her to keep. Evelyn makes a lot of origami animals such as the crane from the cover of the book, she states in the book it helps her stay calm and keeps her hands busy but also again, it's symbolic as she does make a lot of them around Luc, nervous at first in their feelings but less so as we go on.
This book was beautifully crafted and reminiscent of Morgan Matson's novel, Amy and Roger's Epic Detour which I love!
It dealt with the topic of euthanasia and transplants seriously and showed the toll it takes on everyone, how one life can have a ripple effect on so many others one way or another.
If you like books with adventure, love and an interest in health issue storylines, this is your book!
Thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
April 10, 2017
Other Breakable Things by Kelley York and Rowan Altwood just stole a lil' piece of my heart. Splendid!!
The "wife & wife" writing duo -Kelley and Rowan- is exceptionally talented! Together they deliver what's probably one of the best YA you could find on the shelves of your bookstore; Luc and Evelyn are such splendid characters, and you'll fall in love with them immediately.
Read more on The Serial Reader Blog, follow the link and enter for your chance to win the Other Breakable Things Prize Pack: Signed copy of Modern Monsters by Kelley York and an origami crane kit (US) OR eBook of Modern Monsters by Kelley York + a $25 Amazon Gift Card (INT)
The "wife & wife" writing duo -Kelley and Rowan- is exceptionally talented! Together they deliver what's probably one of the best YA you could find on the shelves of your bookstore; Luc and Evelyn are such splendid characters, and you'll fall in love with them immediately.
Read more on The Serial Reader Blog, follow the link and enter for your chance to win the Other Breakable Things Prize Pack: Signed copy of Modern Monsters by Kelley York and an origami crane kit (US) OR eBook of Modern Monsters by Kelley York + a $25 Amazon Gift Card (INT)
June 30, 2021
Other Breakable Things was heartbreaking, beautiful yet very hard to read. I can't say too much without spoilers but it tackles serious topics surrounding health and life. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it a lot.
Thank you NetGalley for the free ebook copy in exchange of a honest review
TW: death, euthanasia, sexual harassment
Thank you NetGalley for the free ebook copy in exchange of a honest review
TW: death, euthanasia, sexual harassment
March 31, 2017
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)
The characters in this were okay, but I didn't love them.
This was an okay read overall, although I did find that there were parts that struggled to keep my interest slightly.
Overall, An alright read.
The characters in this were okay, but I didn't love them.
This was an okay read overall, although I did find that there were parts that struggled to keep my interest slightly.
Overall, An alright read.
April 7, 2017
*I received an e-arc of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
[3.5 stars] This is a hard one for me to rate because there was a lot of eye rolling, but in the end, I really enjoyed the story. If you liked The Fault in Our Stars and/or A Walk to Remember i'm fairly confident this will be your kind of book. Those are two of my all time favorites, so of course I was going to like this.
This book deals with assisted suicide, which is a topic I have written a 20 page paper on. I am very pro assisted suicide. So I was interested to see how this was handled. It didn't go how I was going to go, but it didn't turn into a political book preaching for or against it, which I appreciated.
I can't attest to the accuracy of the portrayal for his heart disease, or the symptoms of organ rejection, but it seemed believable?
All in all, I enjoyed the characters, and the romance, and the road trip. It's not insta-lovey at all, if you're worried. If you like a sad, but heartwarming romance, I'd recommend it.
[3.5 stars] This is a hard one for me to rate because there was a lot of eye rolling, but in the end, I really enjoyed the story. If you liked The Fault in Our Stars and/or A Walk to Remember i'm fairly confident this will be your kind of book. Those are two of my all time favorites, so of course I was going to like this.
This book deals with assisted suicide, which is a topic I have written a 20 page paper on. I am very pro assisted suicide. So I was interested to see how this was handled. It didn't go how I was going to go, but it didn't turn into a political book preaching for or against it, which I appreciated.
I can't attest to the accuracy of the portrayal for his heart disease, or the symptoms of organ rejection, but it seemed believable?
All in all, I enjoyed the characters, and the romance, and the road trip. It's not insta-lovey at all, if you're worried. If you like a sad, but heartwarming romance, I'd recommend it.
March 14, 2018
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
18/20 - Une intrigue assez simple mais des personnages qui m'ont énormément touchée !!
18/20 - Une intrigue assez simple mais des personnages qui m'ont énormément touchée !!
March 14, 2017
A gorgeous book that reminds us to live our life to the fullest and love to until your heart is full.
April 13, 2017
If you want a story that makes you cry, this book is for you. If you liked Me Before You, this book may be for you. But for me, because I enjoyed Me Before You, I struggled a bit with this novel.
If you read the summary, you know the book has a very similar plot. A girl falls for a boy, and vice versa, but the girl discovers the boy is planning on taking his own life because of an illness. The girl thinks if she can show the boy that life is still worth living, that she can change his mind. Sound familiar? This is basically a YA version and I was often distracted by the similarities.
Regardless, Other Breakable Things was well-written and I enjoyed reading it. It's a stirring story of what makes life worth living as it follows two teens on a road-trip meant to distract them from reality. At least, that's what it starts off as for Evelyn. For Luc, it's a journey he doesn't intend to come back from. But it isn't just Luc who has his struggles, Evelyn has her own demons and fears to overcome. And together, it turns out, they are stronger than alone.
I felt the characters were well-developed, the story was gripping, and I was surprisingly satisfied with the ending (I was worried about that).
Despite my personal biases, I enjoyed Other Breakable Things and am giving it 4 out of 5 Stars.
If you read the summary, you know the book has a very similar plot. A girl falls for a boy, and vice versa, but the girl discovers the boy is planning on taking his own life because of an illness. The girl thinks if she can show the boy that life is still worth living, that she can change his mind. Sound familiar? This is basically a YA version and I was often distracted by the similarities.
Regardless, Other Breakable Things was well-written and I enjoyed reading it. It's a stirring story of what makes life worth living as it follows two teens on a road-trip meant to distract them from reality. At least, that's what it starts off as for Evelyn. For Luc, it's a journey he doesn't intend to come back from. But it isn't just Luc who has his struggles, Evelyn has her own demons and fears to overcome. And together, it turns out, they are stronger than alone.
I felt the characters were well-developed, the story was gripping, and I was surprisingly satisfied with the ending (I was worried about that).
Despite my personal biases, I enjoyed Other Breakable Things and am giving it 4 out of 5 Stars.
April 19, 2017
According to Japanese legend, folding a thousand paper cranes will grant you healing.
Evelyn Abel will fold two thousand if it will bring Luc back to her.
Luc Argent has always been intimately acquainted with death. After a car crash got him a second chance at life—via someone else’s transplanted heart—he tried to embrace it. He truly did. But he always knew death could be right around the corner again.
And now it is.
Sick of hospitals and tired of transplants, Luc is ready to let his failing heart give out, ready to give up. A road trip to Oregon—where death with dignity is legal—is his answer. But along for the ride is his best friend, Evelyn.
And she’s not giving up so easily.
A thousand miles, a handful of roadside attractions, and one life-altering kiss later, Evelyn’s fallen, and Luc’s heart is full. But is it enough to save him? Evelyn’s betting her heart, her life, that it can be.
Right down to the thousandth paper crane.
Rating: 5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: LIFE. RUINER.; this book HURT...and it hurt so good; this book left me in pieces; endearing, believable characters; such a strong, poignant, beautiful love; powerful look into life--and, flip-side of the coin, death; loveloveloved everything about this read
Huge thanks to Kelley York and Rowan Altwood; Entangled: Teen; Netgalley; and Chapter by Chapter Book Tours for sending me a free digital galley of this title in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
When I finally drift off to sleep, I'm still uncertain, still trying to figure out what I should do. I need to come up with an answer and I need to come up with it fast, I know that much.
I'm not made of much time and never have been.
Now, penguins--I'm sure you've noticed, I've read my fair share of chronic illness books in the recent past. Most of them dealing with heart transplants and heart failures. Why these books call to me, I can't say--usually I don't even realize that's what they're about until I pick up the book and start reading, because you all know I'm TERRIBLE about actually reading a book's blurb before diving in. Case in point: for this book? I dove in because of the paper crane on the cover. Talk about basing my life on a snap judgement, right?! But I am so, so glad that I did--because this book? Absolutely BROKE me (which, I mean, I guess I say a lot...but it's TRUUUE, okay?! Cross my penguin toes and hope I never lose my pebbles!)
Seriously, maybe I'm just a hormonal penguin right now, but this book really touched me. I'm not sure if maybe it's because the ending wasn't quite as trite/cliched as I expected it to be (there was no "consolation prize baby," which YAY I'm happy about because seriously don't do that). I loved every moment of the journey, as painful as I knew it would be in the end--and it was PAINFUL, penguins. This book is full-throttle, a race to the end, not because it's filled with action...but because we go into this read knowing it's a race against the clock. And that was heartbreaking, and beautiful, and so sensitively handled. There are, granted, some very mature themes and subjects explored--some of the ideas might be a bit heavy for certain readers.
I reach my free hand out to give in to the stupid temptation of brushing the hair from Evelyn's face. No, her mother couldn't understand. Our magic is the kind that doesn't go away.
Kelley York and Rowan Altwood took my heart out of my hands and SHATTERED it--several times over. These characters are believable, endearing, and so adorable together I cannot even. I was rooting for them before I knew there was even anything there to root for, which is saying something. The romance is slow-kindling, but explosive once the spark hits--the best kind in books like this, I think. We were able to "see" the characters, and how they changed one another. I just honestly... so much about this book is beautiful, words fail me right now.
To sum it up... this book broke me, and it broke me hard, but it was so so worth the fall. I'll just be over here trying to glue the tiny pieces of myself back together for now, okay? The characters are adorable; the subject is handled with sensitivity and tact; the whole read is gorgeous. I definitely recommend to lovers of contemporaries, heartbreaking reads, and life-changing journeys. I cannot wait to see what Rowan Altwood and Kelley York do next! Take a trip with me, penguins; you might learn something about yourself in the process.
March 30, 2017
If you want to know my quick review of this book, it's this: This book took me in a roller coaster of emotions and it was so worth it.
Like how can these quotes not get you?
Call me crazy but I was actually looking for a book that had the same feel/tone as this book. Sometimes us readers just want to suffer a little bit, lol. I hate comparing books but if you enjoyed books like the Fault in Our Stars, My Heart and Other Black Holes, and Love & Other Unknown Variables, then you definitely have to check this book out.
I appreciated the switching POVs. I'm usually not a big fan because it could sometimes get confusing but it felt necessary for this book because I wanted to understand how both characters felt, especially Luc. Between our two main characters, Evelyn would have to be my favorite because sometimes, I just get so frustrated with Luc. Like, I totally understood how Evelyn felt when she was frustrated.
This book also discusses the topic of suicide and euthanasia. By no means do I see that the authors are glamorizing/romanticizing these topics. I've recently noticed that readers nowadays tend to criticize books for having themes set around this. The authors are not promoting these ideas but rather telling readers that it's a reality that people actually think about and face.
The plot is great. I really enjoyed the road trip and when they would go on "adventures". My favorite part on their trip was probably meeting Max. His personality gives me life -we need more people like Max in this world. He's so accepting of people and he doesn't care about what people about him. As long as he's happy, everything is great.
So why did I knock off one star? I can't go into detail without giving spoilers so let's just say that there was one thing in particularly that felt so abrupt. I'll discuss it in the spoilers so be my guest. But please do read the book before you read the spoilers, lol.
.
.
.
Spoilers ahead
.
you've been warned (:
.
.
So I knocked off one star because they got married so quickly. Like okay, I understand given the circumstances but couldn't they just be happy with spending time with each other? Plus, they haven't verbally told each other "I love you". I remember Luc confessing in his thoughts but I don't think they ever defined their relationship. Maybe they did, but I'm a hundred percent sure that they did not tell each other "I love you". I get that Luc was trying to protect Evelyn from Roger but in the end, even if they didn't get married, her mother would have chosen her over Robert. Then again we don't know that until the end.
I figured that this book will not have the happiest of endings. I thought that Luc was either gonna die early on (which he did) or that they'll be able to live together for a few more months. I'd be happier with the latter but that didn't happen *shrugs*. I was reading during class when he died and I wanted to cry so bad but my classmates will thing I'm weird so nope. I held my tears. I just learned a new skill.
When Luc decided to get rid of the nembutal, I was so happy. He finally decided that he wanted to try living and be with Evelyn. They were headed home for god's sake! But disaster strikes :(
I'll be honest, I was hoping that Luc will recover but realized that the accident probably had a great effect on his heart. His last moments with Evelyn were just beautiful. When he asked Evelyn to go buy books, I just knew that something was going to happen and Luc knew.
and yup. The inevitable happened. I guess in some way, Luc didn't want Evelyn to remember how he dies. He wanted her to remember her last moment with him was when he was alive and happy. I kinda wished the author expanded more on her relationship with her mother considering the revelation but all is good. So yeah. 4 stars. :)
Like how can these quotes not get you?
"I'm not made of much time and never have been."
"The most terrifying thing is death claiming me out of nowhere, of having no say over it."
Call me crazy but I was actually looking for a book that had the same feel/tone as this book. Sometimes us readers just want to suffer a little bit, lol. I hate comparing books but if you enjoyed books like the Fault in Our Stars, My Heart and Other Black Holes, and Love & Other Unknown Variables, then you definitely have to check this book out.
I appreciated the switching POVs. I'm usually not a big fan because it could sometimes get confusing but it felt necessary for this book because I wanted to understand how both characters felt, especially Luc. Between our two main characters, Evelyn would have to be my favorite because sometimes, I just get so frustrated with Luc. Like, I totally understood how Evelyn felt when she was frustrated.
This book also discusses the topic of suicide and euthanasia. By no means do I see that the authors are glamorizing/romanticizing these topics. I've recently noticed that readers nowadays tend to criticize books for having themes set around this. The authors are not promoting these ideas but rather telling readers that it's a reality that people actually think about and face.
The plot is great. I really enjoyed the road trip and when they would go on "adventures". My favorite part on their trip was probably meeting Max. His personality gives me life -we need more people like Max in this world. He's so accepting of people and he doesn't care about what people about him. As long as he's happy, everything is great.
So why did I knock off one star? I can't go into detail without giving spoilers so let's just say that there was one thing in particularly that felt so abrupt. I'll discuss it in the spoilers so be my guest. But please do read the book before you read the spoilers, lol.
.
.
.
Spoilers ahead
.
you've been warned (:
.
.
So I knocked off one star because they got married so quickly. Like okay, I understand given the circumstances but couldn't they just be happy with spending time with each other? Plus, they haven't verbally told each other "I love you". I remember Luc confessing in his thoughts but I don't think they ever defined their relationship. Maybe they did, but I'm a hundred percent sure that they did not tell each other "I love you". I get that Luc was trying to protect Evelyn from Roger but in the end, even if they didn't get married, her mother would have chosen her over Robert. Then again we don't know that until the end.
I figured that this book will not have the happiest of endings. I thought that Luc was either gonna die early on (which he did) or that they'll be able to live together for a few more months. I'd be happier with the latter but that didn't happen *shrugs*. I was reading during class when he died and I wanted to cry so bad but my classmates will thing I'm weird so nope. I held my tears. I just learned a new skill.
When Luc decided to get rid of the nembutal, I was so happy. He finally decided that he wanted to try living and be with Evelyn. They were headed home for god's sake! But disaster strikes :(
I'll be honest, I was hoping that Luc will recover but realized that the accident probably had a great effect on his heart. His last moments with Evelyn were just beautiful. When he asked Evelyn to go buy books, I just knew that something was going to happen and Luc knew.
"'I love you. You know that, right?' he says.
I smile back at him, sliding my fingers through his hair, relishing the way he leans into my touch. 'I know. I love you, too.'
'All things considered, have you had fun?'
A soft laugh escapes my lips. 'All things considered, yes.'"
and yup. The inevitable happened. I guess in some way, Luc didn't want Evelyn to remember how he dies. He wanted her to remember her last moment with him was when he was alive and happy. I kinda wished the author expanded more on her relationship with her mother considering the revelation but all is good. So yeah. 4 stars. :)
April 20, 2017
Although this is a contemporary, not a mystery or paranormal suspense or spy-thriller, it’s the kind of contemporary that is best read without knowing ahead of time too much about what will happen. So for this review, to avoid any spoilers, I’m not going to go heavily into the plot or what happens at certain points. Rather, I’ll keep to the big picture, in hopes that you will get a feel for why I loved the book without ruining your own reading experience.
So let me go ahead and say this again – I loved this book! It was one of those contemporaries that kind of rips your heart out, but somehow gives you hope and comforts you at the same time. I personally never felt it veered into maudlin or cliche territory (although I definitely went through some tissues). It is a delightful and original take on a timeless love story, with characters who are so real and in circumstances that are so unfair, but which doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve just spent hours reading a book that ripped your heart out and left you feeling like there is no hope to be found in this bleak, bleak world we inhabit. (Those stories are good every once in a while, but you don’t want them to make up the majority of your diet, right?) Instead, you’re left with a feeling that just maybe all is right with the world, that our characters will grow stronger day by day, that there is still so much positive in life even when we are faced with some pretty awful circumstances.
I absolutely adored both Evelyn and Luc, and I loved that we got the story in alternating perspectives from both of them. I am a huge fan of that format, although I know some people really hate it. I just think it’s a fantastic way of telling a story, whether we have 2 POVs or 5 – if the author does it well. (Perhaps the people who dislike this format just haven’t read a book where the author has done a good job of alternating perspectives?) I’d love to know if Kelley and Rowan split the characters up, with one writing Luc and one writing Evelyn, or if they both had input on both characters. Either way, I think they did a fabulous job of giving us two very distinct voices and perspectives. This method of telling a story is especially well-suited for contemporaries, in my opinion, and Kelley and Rowan nailed it.
There was a point around halfway through the book (okay, I’ll be honest, it was at exactly 47% and I remember it well!), where I thought I had figured out what was going to happen, and I wrote a note on my Kindle saying something to this effect: “oh my god oh my god oh my god i think i know what’s going to happen, the car wreck in the prologue was (spoiler) and they’re gonna (big spoiler) and no no no i can’t take it!!!!!!” Rather eloquent, don’t you think? (ha! that’s how I write notes to myself on my Kindle) WELL, as it turns out, I was…..flat-out wrong! The authors really surprised me – what I *thought* was going to happen would’ve been very emotional and a huge “shocker” twist, and yet… I so very much prefer the way they ended the story! Their skill in telling the right story for Luc and Evelyn is what kept it from taking that turn into the sob-fest, rip-your-heart-out-for-no-reason territory. They were able to keep it on solid ground, with a realistic, devastating and yet life-affirming ending, so that I closed the cover on my Kindle with a sense of peace. To be honest, I think it takes more talent, courage, and restraint to stay true to the story and go with the less dramatic ending than it is to have that huge shocking twist that may surprise your readers but which also leaves them feeling bleak and hopeless. Kelley and Rowan chose the former route, and they nailed it with this book.
I know this all seems vague and all about my “feelings,” but it’s best to experience this one not knowing too much ahead of time. There is so much joy to be discovered in these pages, in the story of Luc and Evelyn, even among the sadness. I hope you’ll take a chance on this one! I also hope that Kelley and Rowan continue to write together, because if Other Breakable Things is any indication, they are pure magic as a team. Give it a try, and I think you’ll agree!
Thanks so much to Entangled Teen and to Kelley York and Rowan Altwood for letting me read an early copy of this book. Thanks also to Chapter by Chapter for letting me take part in this blog tour! Finally, since it must be said, this review is purely voluntary on my part.
Rating: 4 heartfelt stars!
So let me go ahead and say this again – I loved this book! It was one of those contemporaries that kind of rips your heart out, but somehow gives you hope and comforts you at the same time. I personally never felt it veered into maudlin or cliche territory (although I definitely went through some tissues). It is a delightful and original take on a timeless love story, with characters who are so real and in circumstances that are so unfair, but which doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve just spent hours reading a book that ripped your heart out and left you feeling like there is no hope to be found in this bleak, bleak world we inhabit. (Those stories are good every once in a while, but you don’t want them to make up the majority of your diet, right?) Instead, you’re left with a feeling that just maybe all is right with the world, that our characters will grow stronger day by day, that there is still so much positive in life even when we are faced with some pretty awful circumstances.
I absolutely adored both Evelyn and Luc, and I loved that we got the story in alternating perspectives from both of them. I am a huge fan of that format, although I know some people really hate it. I just think it’s a fantastic way of telling a story, whether we have 2 POVs or 5 – if the author does it well. (Perhaps the people who dislike this format just haven’t read a book where the author has done a good job of alternating perspectives?) I’d love to know if Kelley and Rowan split the characters up, with one writing Luc and one writing Evelyn, or if they both had input on both characters. Either way, I think they did a fabulous job of giving us two very distinct voices and perspectives. This method of telling a story is especially well-suited for contemporaries, in my opinion, and Kelley and Rowan nailed it.
There was a point around halfway through the book (okay, I’ll be honest, it was at exactly 47% and I remember it well!), where I thought I had figured out what was going to happen, and I wrote a note on my Kindle saying something to this effect: “oh my god oh my god oh my god i think i know what’s going to happen, the car wreck in the prologue was (spoiler) and they’re gonna (big spoiler) and no no no i can’t take it!!!!!!” Rather eloquent, don’t you think? (ha! that’s how I write notes to myself on my Kindle) WELL, as it turns out, I was…..flat-out wrong! The authors really surprised me – what I *thought* was going to happen would’ve been very emotional and a huge “shocker” twist, and yet… I so very much prefer the way they ended the story! Their skill in telling the right story for Luc and Evelyn is what kept it from taking that turn into the sob-fest, rip-your-heart-out-for-no-reason territory. They were able to keep it on solid ground, with a realistic, devastating and yet life-affirming ending, so that I closed the cover on my Kindle with a sense of peace. To be honest, I think it takes more talent, courage, and restraint to stay true to the story and go with the less dramatic ending than it is to have that huge shocking twist that may surprise your readers but which also leaves them feeling bleak and hopeless. Kelley and Rowan chose the former route, and they nailed it with this book.
I know this all seems vague and all about my “feelings,” but it’s best to experience this one not knowing too much ahead of time. There is so much joy to be discovered in these pages, in the story of Luc and Evelyn, even among the sadness. I hope you’ll take a chance on this one! I also hope that Kelley and Rowan continue to write together, because if Other Breakable Things is any indication, they are pure magic as a team. Give it a try, and I think you’ll agree!
Thanks so much to Entangled Teen and to Kelley York and Rowan Altwood for letting me read an early copy of this book. Thanks also to Chapter by Chapter for letting me take part in this blog tour! Finally, since it must be said, this review is purely voluntary on my part.
Rating: 4 heartfelt stars!
April 28, 2017
Nineteen-year-old Luc Argent thought he had a second chance at life when he got a heart transplant. But this one is letting him down, too. His family and his doctors want him to hold on for another transplant, but Luc is fed up with hospitals, medications and being sick all the time. He's seriously considering ending his life in Oregon, where the Death with Dignity Act makes assisted suicide legal.
Meanwhile, his best friend Evelyn Abel is back from Arizona after three years. Evelyn's mom has just gotten out of yet another failed relationship, so they're again living with Evelyn's grandmother in California. Evelyn is anxious to see Luc again, yet she's not too happy with him because he stopped replying to her emails and never called or texted even though she gave him her number. Luc still cares about Evelyn, but his illness has made it difficult for him to get out of his own head. Evelyn has always known Luc is in poor health, but he's never told her about his heart.
When Evelyn's mom announces she's patched things up with her previous boyfriend and it's time to go back to Arizona, Evelyn is devastated. There's more than one reason she doesn't want to return. On the verge of turning 18, Evelyn goes to Luc for help. And in a spur-of-the-moment decision, Luc decides to take her with him to Oregon. But how long can he hide the real reason for their road trip?
Along the way, Luc is torn between wanting to die and longing to stick around for as long as he can. His feelings for Evelyn, and his promise to protect her, are making it really difficult for him to just end it all ...
I loved this book so much more than I thought I would. It started out awfully slow, but once the road trip began, I was fascinated by Evelyn and Luc's journey and how much they learn about each other -- and from each other. It's told from their alternating points of view, which flow really nicely as the story unfolds.
It's also interesting to see the dynamics between the main characters and their families. Luc's parents live for their son and want nothing more than for him to come home and get medical help, yet they learned long ago to give him his space. Poor Evelyn is always playing second fiddle to whoever her mom is dating.
The one element of the story that was hard to believe is that Evelyn is still 17 when she runs away, and no one seems to be looking for her. Granted, she's finishing high school through online courses and continues her schoolwork while on the road, but she's underage and traveling with a 19-year-old. I suppose that's a minor technicality, especially considering her mom is pretty hands off and self-involved.
Luc takes some pretty drastic steps to prepare for taking his own life, and yet having Evelyn beside him, seeing amazing sights and deepening his friendship with her along the way, is giving him second thoughts. For a while, she doesn't realize why Luc wanted to take this trip, and she's anxious to know where they're going next. At one point, Luc delivers a piece of universal advice:
"Stop jumping ahead. Enjoy what we've got here and now."
I (Evelyn) get into the car with a thoughtful frown.
"Here and now is a three-hour drive."
He starts the car and gives me a long look whose meaning I can't place. "Enjoy it. Sometimes, it's all you have."
The turn of events, as highly improbable as they may be, took my breath away. I don't normally cry over books, but I found myself wanting to shed some tears as I read "Other Breakable Things." Even just one single tear would have been appropriate, but nothing. No matter, I was crying on the inside as the book wrapped up. With the prologue foreshadowing a possible conclusion, I was sure I knew what was going to happen, but the authors managed to surprise me.
This is only the second YA book I've read as an adult (I'm very picky about that genre), and I feel like the message of "Other Breakable Things" will resonate with any age group. It's all about making the most of the days we've been given. We're all destined to leave this earth at some point, and we never know when our time might come. With that in mind, we should never pass up an opportunity to explore, to fall in love, to take a risk.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Meanwhile, his best friend Evelyn Abel is back from Arizona after three years. Evelyn's mom has just gotten out of yet another failed relationship, so they're again living with Evelyn's grandmother in California. Evelyn is anxious to see Luc again, yet she's not too happy with him because he stopped replying to her emails and never called or texted even though she gave him her number. Luc still cares about Evelyn, but his illness has made it difficult for him to get out of his own head. Evelyn has always known Luc is in poor health, but he's never told her about his heart.
When Evelyn's mom announces she's patched things up with her previous boyfriend and it's time to go back to Arizona, Evelyn is devastated. There's more than one reason she doesn't want to return. On the verge of turning 18, Evelyn goes to Luc for help. And in a spur-of-the-moment decision, Luc decides to take her with him to Oregon. But how long can he hide the real reason for their road trip?
Along the way, Luc is torn between wanting to die and longing to stick around for as long as he can. His feelings for Evelyn, and his promise to protect her, are making it really difficult for him to just end it all ...
I loved this book so much more than I thought I would. It started out awfully slow, but once the road trip began, I was fascinated by Evelyn and Luc's journey and how much they learn about each other -- and from each other. It's told from their alternating points of view, which flow really nicely as the story unfolds.
It's also interesting to see the dynamics between the main characters and their families. Luc's parents live for their son and want nothing more than for him to come home and get medical help, yet they learned long ago to give him his space. Poor Evelyn is always playing second fiddle to whoever her mom is dating.
The one element of the story that was hard to believe is that Evelyn is still 17 when she runs away, and no one seems to be looking for her. Granted, she's finishing high school through online courses and continues her schoolwork while on the road, but she's underage and traveling with a 19-year-old. I suppose that's a minor technicality, especially considering her mom is pretty hands off and self-involved.
Luc takes some pretty drastic steps to prepare for taking his own life, and yet having Evelyn beside him, seeing amazing sights and deepening his friendship with her along the way, is giving him second thoughts. For a while, she doesn't realize why Luc wanted to take this trip, and she's anxious to know where they're going next. At one point, Luc delivers a piece of universal advice:
"Stop jumping ahead. Enjoy what we've got here and now."
I (Evelyn) get into the car with a thoughtful frown.
"Here and now is a three-hour drive."
He starts the car and gives me a long look whose meaning I can't place. "Enjoy it. Sometimes, it's all you have."
The turn of events, as highly improbable as they may be, took my breath away. I don't normally cry over books, but I found myself wanting to shed some tears as I read "Other Breakable Things." Even just one single tear would have been appropriate, but nothing. No matter, I was crying on the inside as the book wrapped up. With the prologue foreshadowing a possible conclusion, I was sure I knew what was going to happen, but the authors managed to surprise me.
This is only the second YA book I've read as an adult (I'm very picky about that genre), and I feel like the message of "Other Breakable Things" will resonate with any age group. It's all about making the most of the days we've been given. We're all destined to leave this earth at some point, and we never know when our time might come. With that in mind, we should never pass up an opportunity to explore, to fall in love, to take a risk.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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