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We Can't Be Broken
Always the youngest and tired of being called the baby, nine-year-old Casey is thrilled when her little sister, Anna, arrives in the winter of 1986. Once Anna is born everything changes for the better: a new sister, a new house and a perfect life. It’s as if nothing can go wrong—until Anna gets cancer.
In the wake of seemingly never-ending hospital stays and chemo treatments, Casey and her older siblings, Kelly and Sam, are suddenly forced to fend for themselves while constantly adapting to a new normal, which is anything but. Now growing up in the shadow of their sister’s cancer, Casey and her siblings try to survive as well as figure out their own place in the world.
With the family they once had no longer in existence, Casey finds herself wondering what’s next. Will they ever again find peace, happiness or each other?
In the wake of seemingly never-ending hospital stays and chemo treatments, Casey and her older siblings, Kelly and Sam, are suddenly forced to fend for themselves while constantly adapting to a new normal, which is anything but. Now growing up in the shadow of their sister’s cancer, Casey and her siblings try to survive as well as figure out their own place in the world.
With the family they once had no longer in existence, Casey finds herself wondering what’s next. Will they ever again find peace, happiness or each other?
- GenresFiction
254 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 9, 2018
Received this book as an ARC for my honest review.
The book jumped around a lot from point of view to point of view which made it kind of confusing at parts. The baby at 16 months old got a rare type of cancer and the family was impacted in different ways. There was 2 other girls and a boy that was also part of the family and it was how they all dealt with what was going on. It was on ok book. Felt like a documentary but a very slow one at that.
The book jumped around a lot from point of view to point of view which made it kind of confusing at parts. The baby at 16 months old got a rare type of cancer and the family was impacted in different ways. There was 2 other girls and a boy that was also part of the family and it was how they all dealt with what was going on. It was on ok book. Felt like a documentary but a very slow one at that.
June 7, 2025
A great book about a family trying to survive tragedy. When Anna gets cancer, everything seems to change and things go from bad, to worse. I liked watching how each person, child and adult, dealt with the illness and what happened within their lives as a result. It held my interest from the beginning!
October 17, 2018
Three and a half stars
The book began from the perspective of an eight year old, which is great, but it should have been from perspective of an adult remembering...not like it was written by an eight yr old (who lapsed into using adult words here and there). There were lapsed and inconsistencies in the story. I suspect the author was remembering events from her own life and filling in for purpose of story. The result was a not always plausible report of a hard luck story overcome. I read the book in a day, so it held my interest. I am irritated with the message that the story's narrator believed her life to be "one of the worst!" I found that irritating. Life gets tough for most folks. I've known a lot of survivors, thrivers, and Wounded Healers. Having a baby sister with childhood cancer is sad and difficult. So are poverty, abuse, and a myriad of other life situations. I have personally witnessed worse than what was reported in this fiction novel. Also the editing was bad. Is this common with current generation of authors? I think this was a first novel. The story idea was good. Maybe the author will get better.
The book began from the perspective of an eight year old, which is great, but it should have been from perspective of an adult remembering...not like it was written by an eight yr old (who lapsed into using adult words here and there). There were lapsed and inconsistencies in the story. I suspect the author was remembering events from her own life and filling in for purpose of story. The result was a not always plausible report of a hard luck story overcome. I read the book in a day, so it held my interest. I am irritated with the message that the story's narrator believed her life to be "one of the worst!" I found that irritating. Life gets tough for most folks. I've known a lot of survivors, thrivers, and Wounded Healers. Having a baby sister with childhood cancer is sad and difficult. So are poverty, abuse, and a myriad of other life situations. I have personally witnessed worse than what was reported in this fiction novel. Also the editing was bad. Is this common with current generation of authors? I think this was a first novel. The story idea was good. Maybe the author will get better.
March 2, 2018
Like a diary
Not enough critical analysis for me. More like looking through glass at family drama. While the ending touts the wonderful finish line, I can't help thinking how small changes would have eliminated so much pain. If Mom had any strength of character her early choices would not have led to so much chaos. Having lived through a young sister's struggle with cancer I can appreciate the tough decisions parents make. But I also know the scars it leaves behind. More family decisions or discussions might have stopped the pain of trying to survive all by yourself for years.
Not enough critical analysis for me. More like looking through glass at family drama. While the ending touts the wonderful finish line, I can't help thinking how small changes would have eliminated so much pain. If Mom had any strength of character her early choices would not have led to so much chaos. Having lived through a young sister's struggle with cancer I can appreciate the tough decisions parents make. But I also know the scars it leaves behind. More family decisions or discussions might have stopped the pain of trying to survive all by yourself for years.
September 18, 2017
Casey nine years old and her two older siblings, Sam and Kelly, have a normal life with their mother and their stepfather. They can't be more happy when their little sister Anna is born. But suddenly their life is tourn upside down when Anna is diagnosed wi cancer. They star a very difficult path trying to go on with their lifes and keep faith in Anna's recovery. They have to face very tough situations but as a family they will grow stronger. A life's lesson of love, faith and family. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
August 5, 2018
Life, as it really is.
Enjoyed each and every page of this book. I too. Have written a book, however I am having difficulty and cannot get it down in paper. I am an 80 year old great grandmother. My book deals with life starting back with my teen years and expresses family life in the 50s....young love, loss and also deals with prejudices back then. I am trying to locate help in putting this into my book. Young love never dies....it still exists.the heart never forgets. Please, wish me luck. Rita. 5 stars
Enjoyed each and every page of this book. I too. Have written a book, however I am having difficulty and cannot get it down in paper. I am an 80 year old great grandmother. My book deals with life starting back with my teen years and expresses family life in the 50s....young love, loss and also deals with prejudices back then. I am trying to locate help in putting this into my book. Young love never dies....it still exists.the heart never forgets. Please, wish me luck. Rita. 5 stars
April 13, 2018
This one was a miss for me
Writing seemed juvenile which may have been intentional based on the age of the narrator but did not seem believable. I should have cared about this family but I largely did not. The character of Sam was the most sympathetic. The epilogue felt tacked on and again not believable.
Writing seemed juvenile which may have been intentional based on the age of the narrator but did not seem believable. I should have cared about this family but I largely did not. The character of Sam was the most sympathetic. The epilogue felt tacked on and again not believable.
October 7, 2018
Baby Anna is diagnosed and treated for cancer. Her older siblings lives have been turned upset down. From having to fend for themselves, spending countless hours at the hospital with their baby sister, they try to adjust to the new norm. A family that tries to stay strong in the reality of cancer. Written in the narrative of the older siblings, inspired by the author's own life.
February 18, 2020
I generally don't read literary fiction but took a chance on this one, despite some of the reviews. While the story line was engaging it seemed like such an elementary read. It was confusing at times to know which character's viewpoint was being shared. The experiences at the hospital were accurate, I think, for the time period covered. Cancer is such a difficult journey for any family, much less a family that's already hurting and dysfunctional. There are many ways this novel could be improved, however, a review isn't the place to share those thoughts.
I received a free Kindle version of this book from Reading Deals in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free Kindle version of this book from Reading Deals in exchange for an honest review.
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October 8, 2023This book is an absolute gem! The story had me hooked from the very first page. The characters are so well-developed, and the plot twists kept me guessing until the very end. I couldn't put it down and finished it in just a couple of days. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a gripping and entertaining read.
February 26, 2018
Good book
This is really a good book about family. When a toddler gets ill the whole family implodes. The older ones are left alone a lot and trouble follows them. Really good read.
This is really a good book about family. When a toddler gets ill the whole family implodes. The older ones are left alone a lot and trouble follows them. Really good read.
March 21, 2018
.
Amazing story of a family's determination to survive despite the trials they had to endure. The illness of a child, the uncertainty of knowing what the outcome will be, and the way it affected the entire family makes for a good read.
Amazing story of a family's determination to survive despite the trials they had to endure. The illness of a child, the uncertainty of knowing what the outcome will be, and the way it affected the entire family makes for a good read.
June 13, 2018
Why
This is about a family who baby goes through having cancer sense birth. There are the four other children in the families and it's hard for them with the stress in the families.
This is about a family who baby goes through having cancer sense birth. There are the four other children in the families and it's hard for them with the stress in the families.
July 14, 2018
As a survivor from abuse, a broken home, I fell in love with this book. Everyone has a story to tell. One day we look up and sigh..we made it.
I would recommend this to anyone. I learned a lot about cancer I knew nothing about
A true page turner!!!!
I would recommend this to anyone. I learned a lot about cancer I knew nothing about
A true page turner!!!!
August 11, 2018
Loved it
Picked this up as a random KU book! So glad i did, didnt put it down once, finished in a matter of hours! What a heartfelt story, im so in love with anna, looking forward to the next part of caseys story
Picked this up as a random KU book! So glad i did, didnt put it down once, finished in a matter of hours! What a heartfelt story, im so in love with anna, looking forward to the next part of caseys story
August 24, 2018
This could have been better. I know it was a true family account of how one issue effects everyone but this book jumped around a lot with various kids perspectives. Although the ending was a Happy one the mom made me upset a lot.
October 24, 2018
Heart-felt
The story of a true survivor. We Can't be Broken gives readers an in-depth experience in what one family has to deal with in order to survive. A truly emotional packed tale of childhood cancer, divorce, abuse and poverty and how it affects family dynamics.
The story of a true survivor. We Can't be Broken gives readers an in-depth experience in what one family has to deal with in order to survive. A truly emotional packed tale of childhood cancer, divorce, abuse and poverty and how it affects family dynamics.
November 1, 2018
I don't believe I'm going to be able to finish this book. I like the subject matter, but I can't get past the writing. It's as if someone told the writer she had to include a brief description of everyone Casey encounters, so it was added. It's very offputting. Not enjoyable to read.
February 14, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway on my kindle. I couldn't really get into this one I have a hard time getting into books with a really serious nature being told by the POV of the child. I had the same issue with the book Room.
November 19, 2017
Fantastic
What a great book. It seemed like it was a true story. The obstacles they survived just made them all stronger with determination.
What a great book. It seemed like it was a true story. The obstacles they survived just made them all stronger with determination.
March 9, 2018
We Can’t Be Broken
When a child gets cancer the whole world around them changes. This book is no exception. There is a lot of love in this book.
When a child gets cancer the whole world around them changes. This book is no exception. There is a lot of love in this book.
October 4, 2018
True story. Well written!
October 12, 2018
This book was a bit slow moving for a while, but really enjoyed it.
December 30, 2018
Story about the effects of having a child with cancer on a family. The family faces much more than cancer.
June 18, 2019
Ok
This was a good story but it seemed to drag on. It was just an ok read. Not my favorite book
This was a good story but it seemed to drag on. It was just an ok read. Not my favorite book
October 26, 2019
A great book
I have it five stars because it was a great book. I liked the book because family stuck together thru the bad times and good times. It was hard to put down
I have it five stars because it was a great book. I liked the book because family stuck together thru the bad times and good times. It was hard to put down
January 22, 2020
Interesting read.
January 29, 2020
Love love love
Honestly couldn't put my kindle down... By far one of the best books I've read and answered every question I've had!!!
Honestly couldn't put my kindle down... By far one of the best books I've read and answered every question I've had!!!
September 5, 2022
Sad story, had a hard time reading due to things being to depressing.
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May 16, 2023A really good read. Very emotional, but very enlightening. Gives a very good insight to how cancer changes the lives of everyone in the family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews