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Bluford High #12
Shattered
Darcy Wills is desperate. A painful secret is ruining her closest friendships at Bluford High School. And an even deeper lie is tearing her family apart. Unwilling to lose the people she loves, Darcy must confront her past and the truth. What she discovers will change her world forever.
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2006
175 people are currently reading
3131 people want to read
About the author
Paul Langan
46 books529 followersBorn in Philadelphia, Paul Langan spent his early childhood in the city before moving with his single mother to southern New Jersey. There he attended public school and worked a variety of jobs—including salesperson at a shoe store, attendant at a horse ranch, landscaper at a mental hospital, and a night-shift stockperson in a warehouse store near Atlantic City. “Each job,” he says today, “could be the topic of several juicy novels.”
In 1991, he enrolled at Camden County College and a year later transferred to La Salle University, where he studied creative writing and literature, earning a B.A. in English. While at La Salle, he lived with international students, traveled to his roommate’s home in Kenya, became a prison tutor, and found “the courage” to write.
After graduation, he worked for a nonprofit agency in Philadelphia and then joined Townsend Press (TP) as an Assistant Editor. After he contributed to a number of TP textbooks and taught English at a community college, Paul reconnected to his interests in creative writing through the Bluford Series. Originally working as an assistant with the Bluford novels, Paul’s role steadily grew. He now serves as both editor of the series and author or coauthor of several novels, including The Bully, The Gun, and The Fallen. His stories reflect his personal experiences, including the difficulties of growing up without a father, being the “new kid” in school, and dealing with the loss of a loved one.
In 2001, Paul completed a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to expanding the Bluford Series, he dreams of writing a successful movie script, preferably a “supernatural thriller.” Today Paul lives with his wife and three children near Philadelphia and stubbornly clings to the hope that he will one day see the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl.
In 1991, he enrolled at Camden County College and a year later transferred to La Salle University, where he studied creative writing and literature, earning a B.A. in English. While at La Salle, he lived with international students, traveled to his roommate’s home in Kenya, became a prison tutor, and found “the courage” to write.
After graduation, he worked for a nonprofit agency in Philadelphia and then joined Townsend Press (TP) as an Assistant Editor. After he contributed to a number of TP textbooks and taught English at a community college, Paul reconnected to his interests in creative writing through the Bluford Series. Originally working as an assistant with the Bluford novels, Paul’s role steadily grew. He now serves as both editor of the series and author or coauthor of several novels, including The Bully, The Gun, and The Fallen. His stories reflect his personal experiences, including the difficulties of growing up without a father, being the “new kid” in school, and dealing with the loss of a loved one.
In 2001, Paul completed a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to expanding the Bluford Series, he dreams of writing a successful movie script, preferably a “supernatural thriller.” Today Paul lives with his wife and three children near Philadelphia and stubbornly clings to the hope that he will one day see the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
January 20, 2012
Summary
A girl named Darcy Wills is a Junior,goes to Bluford
High School. She have a very unhappy life full of problems
at school and at home. She had a boyfriend named Hakeem
Randall. He moved to Detroit. She meets a boy who raped
over the summer when she had to babysit for Liselle
Mason. She still like her ex-boyfriend and is afraid to
tell him what happened to her. Some how someone comes to
help her. Her father is trying to come back in her life
but all he do is drink.
Themes and Ideas
A theme in the book is stress, she will never forget
the story when she was raped. And the hardest part of all
is telling her ex-boyfriend. Another theme is love because
she still have feeling for her ex-boyfriend and she really
want to get back with him. An idea is family issues because
she need to know how to separate her family, school and
boyfriend problems. After that, a theme is trust because her
friend keep it a secret when she was telling her about her
getting raped. Then, it shows that they had a really close
friendship with each other.
Why the book was so good?
I think the book was really good because I feel that
the story can relate to teenagers. It shows that people
make mistakes and can learn from them. The book made many
connections to my life. For example: My father was not
always in my life but i just needed to move more. I did
not even count on him either. So, most of the time i knew
how Darcy felt.
who would you recommend?
I would recommend the book to young teenagers
because i feel that they can have connections with the
character Darcy Wills. I know that it may inspire others
like it did to me.
A girl named Darcy Wills is a Junior,goes to Bluford
High School. She have a very unhappy life full of problems
at school and at home. She had a boyfriend named Hakeem
Randall. He moved to Detroit. She meets a boy who raped
over the summer when she had to babysit for Liselle
Mason. She still like her ex-boyfriend and is afraid to
tell him what happened to her. Some how someone comes to
help her. Her father is trying to come back in her life
but all he do is drink.
Themes and Ideas
A theme in the book is stress, she will never forget
the story when she was raped. And the hardest part of all
is telling her ex-boyfriend. Another theme is love because
she still have feeling for her ex-boyfriend and she really
want to get back with him. An idea is family issues because
she need to know how to separate her family, school and
boyfriend problems. After that, a theme is trust because her
friend keep it a secret when she was telling her about her
getting raped. Then, it shows that they had a really close
friendship with each other.
Why the book was so good?
I think the book was really good because I feel that
the story can relate to teenagers. It shows that people
make mistakes and can learn from them. The book made many
connections to my life. For example: My father was not
always in my life but i just needed to move more. I did
not even count on him either. So, most of the time i knew
how Darcy felt.
who would you recommend?
I would recommend the book to young teenagers
because i feel that they can have connections with the
character Darcy Wills. I know that it may inspire others
like it did to me.
September 19, 2012
This is the best book I have ever read so far in my life. I really love this book because it is a lot of drama, and that's what keep stories, and shows and all that stuff interesting. I really wish the book was bit longer because it help me feel like I was in her shoes, and see how other people life is going through. A girl name Darcy broke up with her boyfriend Hakeem during the summer while he went to live in Detroit for a little while. Hakeem met a girl already named Anika while he was over there. Darcy also went through a little bit of a problem of her own while he was gone... She almost got raped by her friend or kind of boyfriend, Brian. She didn't want anyone to know besides her best friend Tarah. A girl named Brisana told warned Darcy telling her that she saw Hakeem kissing another girl at the mall on a Saturday. But Darcy didn't believe her because Brisana always tried to break her and Hakeem up because she was always jealous of their relationship. This time, Brisana was not lying. Darcy was really hurt because her best friend Tarah didn't tell her. But what's really messed up is that Darcy didn't tell Hakeem about Brian. She was going through a lot of trouble and also at home! Darcy sister, Jamee got slapped because she said something disrespectful to her mother. Her mother is pregnant and the dad left the family after a huge argument between her and the mother. I recommend this book because a lot of teens go through problems on their everyday life, so you should appreciate the life you are having now, especially if it's going way better then Darcy's.
January 8, 2009
This book is about a girl named Darcy that attends Bluford High. She had plenty of problems. Some at school and some at home. Her grandma died a couple of months ago and her dad had a drinking problem. At the beginning of the summer, she was raped by a nineteen year old named Brian. Her ex-boyfriend, Hakeem had moved to Detroit. When he comes back, Darcy wants to tell him about Brian, but she couldn't find the right time to. She thinks her best friends Cooper and Tarah are against her and are ...more This book is about a girl named Darcy that attends Bluford High. She had plenty of problems. Some at school and some at home. Her grandma died a couple of months ago and her dad had a drinking problem. At the beginning of the summer, she was raped by a nineteen year old named Brian. Her ex-boyfriend, Hakeem had moved to Detroit. When he comes back, Darcy wants to tell him about Brian, but she couldn't find the right time to. She thinks her best friends Cooper and Tarah are against her and are lyin to her for Hakeem. Hakeem met another girl in Detroit named Anika. She didn't know until she met Anika. Hakeem and Cooper found out about Brian and had a fight with him. At the end, her father stops drinking for good and does the righ thing. Darcy and her sister Jamee work more hours because their mother is pregnant. Darcy and her friends are cool again, and neither of them no longer have to keep secrets....less
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January 7, 2019Personal Response
The book Shattered was very interesting. It was very realistic and gave good descriptive detail about how Darcy felt throughout the book. It showed that there were a lot of problems in the book and that Darcy had to somehow overcome all of them.
Plot
It was the last day of summer when Darcy and a few of her friends were going out to eat. She already had a lot on her mind since her dad left again, but she managed to push it out for a little while. All of her friends met up at the local restaurant and ordered food. Her ex boyfriend, Hankeen, had spent the summer in Detroit. When he showed up and started talking to everyone, he did not seem to act the same towards Darcy. The next day at school, a girl walked up to her and told her that she saw Hankeen at the mall with another girl. She was very stressed out about hearing all of that, until she found out it was true. She was going to go to ask him about it to see if he would admit to it, but when she got close to him in the hallway, some girl with dark hair came up and gave him a hug. It was the girl he was seeing over summer in Detroit. They both stopped and asked what was going on but Hankeen did not know what to do.
Characterization
Darcy was the the main character of the book. She went to Bluford High School with the rest of the characters in the book.
Hankeen was Darcy’s ex boyfriend who she had not seen all summer.
Brisanna was the girl who was telling Darcy about all the trouble and bad decisions Hankeen had made over summer.
Setting
Most of the book took place in Bluford High School. Most of the important details happened in the school when Darcy was with all of her friends. There was more from the book that took place in the inner city neighborhood where her family lived.
Thematic Connection
The main theme in the book was trust. Darcy was having trust issues with all of her friend and relationship issues with her ex boyfriend. Her family was falling apart with her dad’s drinking problem. She did not know who to trust anymore.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to boys and girls age 10 and up. It gave good detail about what they might run into when they start getting into middle school and high school. Most people end up losing friends they had in their younger years because everyone changes.
The book Shattered was very interesting. It was very realistic and gave good descriptive detail about how Darcy felt throughout the book. It showed that there were a lot of problems in the book and that Darcy had to somehow overcome all of them.
Plot
It was the last day of summer when Darcy and a few of her friends were going out to eat. She already had a lot on her mind since her dad left again, but she managed to push it out for a little while. All of her friends met up at the local restaurant and ordered food. Her ex boyfriend, Hankeen, had spent the summer in Detroit. When he showed up and started talking to everyone, he did not seem to act the same towards Darcy. The next day at school, a girl walked up to her and told her that she saw Hankeen at the mall with another girl. She was very stressed out about hearing all of that, until she found out it was true. She was going to go to ask him about it to see if he would admit to it, but when she got close to him in the hallway, some girl with dark hair came up and gave him a hug. It was the girl he was seeing over summer in Detroit. They both stopped and asked what was going on but Hankeen did not know what to do.
Characterization
Darcy was the the main character of the book. She went to Bluford High School with the rest of the characters in the book.
Hankeen was Darcy’s ex boyfriend who she had not seen all summer.
Brisanna was the girl who was telling Darcy about all the trouble and bad decisions Hankeen had made over summer.
Setting
Most of the book took place in Bluford High School. Most of the important details happened in the school when Darcy was with all of her friends. There was more from the book that took place in the inner city neighborhood where her family lived.
Thematic Connection
The main theme in the book was trust. Darcy was having trust issues with all of her friend and relationship issues with her ex boyfriend. Her family was falling apart with her dad’s drinking problem. She did not know who to trust anymore.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to boys and girls age 10 and up. It gave good detail about what they might run into when they start getting into middle school and high school. Most people end up losing friends they had in their younger years because everyone changes.
February 24, 2018
Would recommend to those interested in violence crimes. A family dealing with violence ends up affecting the main character's life. This is a very powerful and emotional read.
July 12, 2024
i feel like i’m growing up with this series and learning so much life lessons that you’ll get from real life but in a book. ❤️🩹
March 16, 2016
Personal Response
I thought Shattered was overall, a great book. I thought that Darcy and Hakeem were meant to be together forever. I thought the author did a great job introducing all of the characters and also putting multiple characters into the storyline to make things more exciting. I also thought that it was very attention grabbing because the author had two best friends fight and breakup. I thought it was even better that he found a way to have them make up and become best friends again.
Characterization
There are multiple characters in Shattered. Darcy was one and she was the main character. Darcy had a lot of problems in her life but the biggest one was that her dad had a very bad drinking problem. He overcame that problem and became a better dad towards the end of the book. Darcy dated a guy named Hakeem for almost all of her high school career. It all started freshman year but ended for a while because he moved to Detroit. He then came back and Darcy didn’t know what he had done with other girls. This caused her to be very distracted in school, at work, and at home. Darcy also had a best friend and her name was Tarah. Tarah was always there for Darcy and she would do anything to protect her feelings. She and Darcy always argued. Tarah dated a guy named Cooper. He went by the name of “Coop” for short. “Coop” was a laid back kind of guy but didn’t hesitate if he had to protect someone. Hakeem was the same way. He also had some anger issues. If something ticked him off he never took it lightly.
Plot
Darcy took on a lot of challenges throughout her teenage years that most teenagers don’t have to go through in a lifetime. Her dad had a very bad drinking problem when Darcy was younger. He left her mother at that point. What Darcy, Darcy’s sister, and Darcy’s mom didn’t know was that he didn’t leave to be with someone else, he left to better himself. He came back five years later to help out with his family. He worked two jobs which meant he was barely home. Darcy’s mom found out she was pregnant, so everyone in the household went to work long hours. Darcy also had boy troubles. She and her boyfriend, Hakeem, broke up last year, because he was moving to Chicago. He came back and they were both very nervous to meet. They finally met and it didn’t go perfectly but it wasn’t bad. As life goes on Darcy and Hakeem run into problems, mainly because Darcy over thought everything. Darcy thought that Hakeem had slept with another girl and got into a big fight with both Tarah and Hakeem. She got mad at Tarah, because Tarah knew about his interaction with this girl and didn’t tell Darcy. In Darcy’s eyes Tarah had lied to her best friend so she said that they are no longer best friends. This lasted a while but Darcy finally came to her senses and realized that Tarah and Hakeem were just protecting her. While Hakeem was gone in Detroit Darcy ran into trouble with another guy. His name was Brian. Brian tried to have sex with Darcy even though she refused. Darcy told Hakeem this and he got very upset. Hakeem then told Cooper about the incident and they were both upset so they went to have a “talk” with Brian. It ended up in a scuffle. Darcy ran across town to break up the fight. When all the fighting was done everyone went home. Darcy got home to find that both parents were not in the house. She heard beer bottle rattling together, so she thought it was her dad grabbing more beer from his stash outside. It turns out he was emptying his stash out to make sure he didn’t drink anymore.
Setting
Shattered was in the Fall right as school was starting so to sum it down it was in the month of September but “it felt like July.” Bluford High was the high school the kids went to. It’s also where Tarah and Darcy had most of their arguments. Scoops was where Darcy worked. She didn’t work often but when she did she did her job well. Nico’s Pizza was the first place Darcy and Hakeem met since he left. All this occurred in their junior year of high school in the 2001.
Recommendation/Rating
I would recommend this book to kids or young adults from 12 to 18 years old who like drama because there is a lot of drama in this book. Anyone from 12 through 18 years old will like it because the kids in the book are around the same age. I would rate this book a solid 4 stars because it was very attention grabbing but wasn’t really my type of book.
I thought Shattered was overall, a great book. I thought that Darcy and Hakeem were meant to be together forever. I thought the author did a great job introducing all of the characters and also putting multiple characters into the storyline to make things more exciting. I also thought that it was very attention grabbing because the author had two best friends fight and breakup. I thought it was even better that he found a way to have them make up and become best friends again.
Characterization
There are multiple characters in Shattered. Darcy was one and she was the main character. Darcy had a lot of problems in her life but the biggest one was that her dad had a very bad drinking problem. He overcame that problem and became a better dad towards the end of the book. Darcy dated a guy named Hakeem for almost all of her high school career. It all started freshman year but ended for a while because he moved to Detroit. He then came back and Darcy didn’t know what he had done with other girls. This caused her to be very distracted in school, at work, and at home. Darcy also had a best friend and her name was Tarah. Tarah was always there for Darcy and she would do anything to protect her feelings. She and Darcy always argued. Tarah dated a guy named Cooper. He went by the name of “Coop” for short. “Coop” was a laid back kind of guy but didn’t hesitate if he had to protect someone. Hakeem was the same way. He also had some anger issues. If something ticked him off he never took it lightly.
Plot
Darcy took on a lot of challenges throughout her teenage years that most teenagers don’t have to go through in a lifetime. Her dad had a very bad drinking problem when Darcy was younger. He left her mother at that point. What Darcy, Darcy’s sister, and Darcy’s mom didn’t know was that he didn’t leave to be with someone else, he left to better himself. He came back five years later to help out with his family. He worked two jobs which meant he was barely home. Darcy’s mom found out she was pregnant, so everyone in the household went to work long hours. Darcy also had boy troubles. She and her boyfriend, Hakeem, broke up last year, because he was moving to Chicago. He came back and they were both very nervous to meet. They finally met and it didn’t go perfectly but it wasn’t bad. As life goes on Darcy and Hakeem run into problems, mainly because Darcy over thought everything. Darcy thought that Hakeem had slept with another girl and got into a big fight with both Tarah and Hakeem. She got mad at Tarah, because Tarah knew about his interaction with this girl and didn’t tell Darcy. In Darcy’s eyes Tarah had lied to her best friend so she said that they are no longer best friends. This lasted a while but Darcy finally came to her senses and realized that Tarah and Hakeem were just protecting her. While Hakeem was gone in Detroit Darcy ran into trouble with another guy. His name was Brian. Brian tried to have sex with Darcy even though she refused. Darcy told Hakeem this and he got very upset. Hakeem then told Cooper about the incident and they were both upset so they went to have a “talk” with Brian. It ended up in a scuffle. Darcy ran across town to break up the fight. When all the fighting was done everyone went home. Darcy got home to find that both parents were not in the house. She heard beer bottle rattling together, so she thought it was her dad grabbing more beer from his stash outside. It turns out he was emptying his stash out to make sure he didn’t drink anymore.
Setting
Shattered was in the Fall right as school was starting so to sum it down it was in the month of September but “it felt like July.” Bluford High was the high school the kids went to. It’s also where Tarah and Darcy had most of their arguments. Scoops was where Darcy worked. She didn’t work often but when she did she did her job well. Nico’s Pizza was the first place Darcy and Hakeem met since he left. All this occurred in their junior year of high school in the 2001.
Recommendation/Rating
I would recommend this book to kids or young adults from 12 to 18 years old who like drama because there is a lot of drama in this book. Anyone from 12 through 18 years old will like it because the kids in the book are around the same age. I would rate this book a solid 4 stars because it was very attention grabbing but wasn’t really my type of book.
March 28, 2017
Personal Response
I think that Shattered is a very sad book. I think the saddest part is when Darcy loses her friend Tarah, after she finds out Tarah was lying to her about Brian cheating on her. I did like how it ended when Darcy and Jamie's father decides to stop drinking and lying to them about it.
Plot
Shattered is about a girl named Darcy whose life is falling apart. She lost her best friend, Tarah, because she didn't tell her about Brian cheating on her. Darcy's home life is becoming miserable too. Her mother is pregnant, and her parents were close to separating again. Darcy and her little sister Jamie were keeping a secret from their mom, that their dad was secretly drinking again. Brian eventually came back asking Darcy for a second chance. That is when her friend came to her rescue, and started a physical fight with Brian. Darcy didn't like that her friends were risking their lives for her. She told them that he isn't worth it, and refused to give him a second chance. At home Darcy and Jamie's mom had the baby, and they told her that they will do anything to help out. Their father said that since they acted real mature, and there i a new baby coming in the house, he had no reason to drink. He then said he will try to get better.
Characterization
The main character in Shattered is Darcy. She seems like a nice girl and will do anything to protect her loved ones. I think she seems that way because when her friends are fighting with her ex-boyfriend Brian she screams "stop," and shouts he isn't worth it.
Setting
The setting in Shattered takes place in Darcy's home. The time is present day, because these are the things that happen in our lives today.
Theme
The theme for Shattered is loss of a loved one. I think this is the theme because when Darcy's life is falling apart she is losing her loved ones too. Darcy lost her best friend, because her friend didn't tell her that her boyfriend was cheating on her. She also almost lost her dad after her parents had a big fight.
Recommendation
I recommend Shattered to people whose lives are falling apart. The reason I recommend it for them is because, it can teach them that at the end everything might get better. Students between the ages of 13 - adult would enjoy this book, and it may help them see that things can work out in the end.
I think that Shattered is a very sad book. I think the saddest part is when Darcy loses her friend Tarah, after she finds out Tarah was lying to her about Brian cheating on her. I did like how it ended when Darcy and Jamie's father decides to stop drinking and lying to them about it.
Plot
Shattered is about a girl named Darcy whose life is falling apart. She lost her best friend, Tarah, because she didn't tell her about Brian cheating on her. Darcy's home life is becoming miserable too. Her mother is pregnant, and her parents were close to separating again. Darcy and her little sister Jamie were keeping a secret from their mom, that their dad was secretly drinking again. Brian eventually came back asking Darcy for a second chance. That is when her friend came to her rescue, and started a physical fight with Brian. Darcy didn't like that her friends were risking their lives for her. She told them that he isn't worth it, and refused to give him a second chance. At home Darcy and Jamie's mom had the baby, and they told her that they will do anything to help out. Their father said that since they acted real mature, and there i a new baby coming in the house, he had no reason to drink. He then said he will try to get better.
Characterization
The main character in Shattered is Darcy. She seems like a nice girl and will do anything to protect her loved ones. I think she seems that way because when her friends are fighting with her ex-boyfriend Brian she screams "stop," and shouts he isn't worth it.
Setting
The setting in Shattered takes place in Darcy's home. The time is present day, because these are the things that happen in our lives today.
Theme
The theme for Shattered is loss of a loved one. I think this is the theme because when Darcy's life is falling apart she is losing her loved ones too. Darcy lost her best friend, because her friend didn't tell her that her boyfriend was cheating on her. She also almost lost her dad after her parents had a big fight.
Recommendation
I recommend Shattered to people whose lives are falling apart. The reason I recommend it for them is because, it can teach them that at the end everything might get better. Students between the ages of 13 - adult would enjoy this book, and it may help them see that things can work out in the end.
Read
December 16, 2015Personal Response: I read the book Shattered by Paul Langan. I thought the book was pretty good considering I do not usually like to read. It was a very suspense-building book. It kept me guessing what would happen next. There were things that just kept happening unexpectedly. I liked how the author explained the personal life of the main character. It made me relate to her so much better because I understood what she was going through.
Plot: In this book there were a few plots. It was about the main character, Darcy seeing her ex-boyfriend Hakeem again. Darcy and her best friend, Tarah went to a restaurant to meet Hakeem and Cooper. That was the day Darcy realized things would not be the same between her and Hakeem. The two of them barely talked anymore. She was thinking of him the whole time he was gone. Both Darcy and Hakeem were keeping secrets from each other. Her secret was Brian, the guy she saw a couple times while Hakeem was away. He forced her to do stuff at his apartment. Hakeem's secret was talking to another girl while he was away. In the end they both told each other their secrets. After Darcy found out Hakeem's secret, she did not want to talk to him anymore. She knew it was over for good. When Darcy told Hakeem what happened the summer he was gone, he was all upset. The day he found out Hakeem and Cooper planned to fight Brian. When Darcy's best friend told her their plan, she ran to Brian’s. It was too late when she got there. Hakeem and Cooper already fought Brian. All of these events brought them all closer together. The other plot was with Darcy’s family. They were having a lot of problems. Darcy’s parents split up. Their mother and father were trying to work things out again. It took a while for the whole family to be normal and happy, but in the end they worked everything out as a family.
Characterization:The main character was Darcy Wills. Her best friend was Tarah. She went to Bluford High along with Cooper, Tarah, and Hakeem. Darcy was a senior. She lived with her two parents and her sister. She worked a part time job at an ice cream place. Hakeem Randall was Darcy’s ex-boyfriend. His best friend was Cooper. He moved away during the summer and came back for school. He was also a senior in high school.
Setting: The setting was at the end of August. Most of the events occurred at Bluford High and at Darcy’s home. The author did not include the location.
Theme:The main theme of this story was to not doubt people or overthink situations. Another theme was to not keep secrets from friends and family. Darcy doubted a lot of people. She doubted her three friends for not being real friends as they should be. Keeping secrets was what caused friendship struggles with Darcy, Tarah, Cooper, and Hakeem. Secrets also caused problems in Darcy's family.
Recommend:I would recommend this book to both genders of high school and middle school students. It gave me an insight on how to get along with my friends. The rating I gave Shattered was a four out of five. I enjoyed reading the book.
Plot: In this book there were a few plots. It was about the main character, Darcy seeing her ex-boyfriend Hakeem again. Darcy and her best friend, Tarah went to a restaurant to meet Hakeem and Cooper. That was the day Darcy realized things would not be the same between her and Hakeem. The two of them barely talked anymore. She was thinking of him the whole time he was gone. Both Darcy and Hakeem were keeping secrets from each other. Her secret was Brian, the guy she saw a couple times while Hakeem was away. He forced her to do stuff at his apartment. Hakeem's secret was talking to another girl while he was away. In the end they both told each other their secrets. After Darcy found out Hakeem's secret, she did not want to talk to him anymore. She knew it was over for good. When Darcy told Hakeem what happened the summer he was gone, he was all upset. The day he found out Hakeem and Cooper planned to fight Brian. When Darcy's best friend told her their plan, she ran to Brian’s. It was too late when she got there. Hakeem and Cooper already fought Brian. All of these events brought them all closer together. The other plot was with Darcy’s family. They were having a lot of problems. Darcy’s parents split up. Their mother and father were trying to work things out again. It took a while for the whole family to be normal and happy, but in the end they worked everything out as a family.
Characterization:The main character was Darcy Wills. Her best friend was Tarah. She went to Bluford High along with Cooper, Tarah, and Hakeem. Darcy was a senior. She lived with her two parents and her sister. She worked a part time job at an ice cream place. Hakeem Randall was Darcy’s ex-boyfriend. His best friend was Cooper. He moved away during the summer and came back for school. He was also a senior in high school.
Setting: The setting was at the end of August. Most of the events occurred at Bluford High and at Darcy’s home. The author did not include the location.
Theme:The main theme of this story was to not doubt people or overthink situations. Another theme was to not keep secrets from friends and family. Darcy doubted a lot of people. She doubted her three friends for not being real friends as they should be. Keeping secrets was what caused friendship struggles with Darcy, Tarah, Cooper, and Hakeem. Secrets also caused problems in Darcy's family.
Recommend:I would recommend this book to both genders of high school and middle school students. It gave me an insight on how to get along with my friends. The rating I gave Shattered was a four out of five. I enjoyed reading the book.
November 18, 2015
Personal Response - I just completed the book titleby Paul Langan. My thoughts on this book are that it wasn’t the best read by this author, but it was still a good read. I felt as if I couldn't put the book down because once something happened in the plot, it lead to another right away. It was still an overall good read, but it wasn’t the best.
Plot - The plot in this story starts off with Darcy worrying about her ex boyfriend coming back home to start school. He was gone for the whole summer because he had to move away. His name is Hakeem, and the reason Darcy is worried is because she had a secret. Little did she know, Hakeem also had a secret. Once school started at Bluford High, as freshman, it was all drama from there. Darcy’s friends kept the secrets from her as well as Hakeem. Darcy already had enough problems at home with her parents always fighting. Once Darcy finally decided to just talk to Hakeem, she felt better. They got back together at the end and everyone became close friends once again.
Characterization - The main characters in the story were Darcy and Hakeem. Most of the story revolved around them. Darcy’s mom was a hardworking nurse and was hardly home. While her dad was an alcoholic, and was trying his hardest to make the family come together again. Tarah and Brisana were Darcy’s closest friends who kept secrets for her and Hakeem.
Setting - The story mostly took place at Darcy’s home and at Bluford High School. Some parts took place at the small pizza shop where Darcy and her friends would always hang out. The time period this story took place was present day.
Thematic Connection - The message in this story I believe is that people can't keep secrets from their good friends. Tarah was hiding secrets for Darcy and Hakeem, and it turned out to be a huge deal. If they would have all just talked it out in the beginning, it would have all been fine. Don’t go behind others backs and say things that are not true.
Recommendation - Overall this story wasn't a bad read. Like I said, I have read better by this author. I feel like this story is more for the female audience. Also for a more mature audience with a good understanding of high school drama. I will continue to read more by this author and do recommend this book for someone who likes Paul Langan.
Plot - The plot in this story starts off with Darcy worrying about her ex boyfriend coming back home to start school. He was gone for the whole summer because he had to move away. His name is Hakeem, and the reason Darcy is worried is because she had a secret. Little did she know, Hakeem also had a secret. Once school started at Bluford High, as freshman, it was all drama from there. Darcy’s friends kept the secrets from her as well as Hakeem. Darcy already had enough problems at home with her parents always fighting. Once Darcy finally decided to just talk to Hakeem, she felt better. They got back together at the end and everyone became close friends once again.
Characterization - The main characters in the story were Darcy and Hakeem. Most of the story revolved around them. Darcy’s mom was a hardworking nurse and was hardly home. While her dad was an alcoholic, and was trying his hardest to make the family come together again. Tarah and Brisana were Darcy’s closest friends who kept secrets for her and Hakeem.
Setting - The story mostly took place at Darcy’s home and at Bluford High School. Some parts took place at the small pizza shop where Darcy and her friends would always hang out. The time period this story took place was present day.
Thematic Connection - The message in this story I believe is that people can't keep secrets from their good friends. Tarah was hiding secrets for Darcy and Hakeem, and it turned out to be a huge deal. If they would have all just talked it out in the beginning, it would have all been fine. Don’t go behind others backs and say things that are not true.
Recommendation - Overall this story wasn't a bad read. Like I said, I have read better by this author. I feel like this story is more for the female audience. Also for a more mature audience with a good understanding of high school drama. I will continue to read more by this author and do recommend this book for someone who likes Paul Langan.
December 22, 2015
Shattered
Personal Response
I read the book Shattered by Paul Langan. I did not like this book mostly because of the drama in the book. I would recommend, but not to anyone willing. It felt like I was reading a chick flick with a good ending.
Plot
Shattered was about Darcey, whose summer was just ending. Darcey’s boyfriend Hakeem lived in Detroit during the summer. Darcey had a rocky summer after she got with a guy who nearly raped her. After numerous nightmares she pushed it back. Now that Hakeem is back for school, Darcey was finding a way to tell him about it. After the first day of school, Darcey went to talk to Hakeem. Hakeem’s friend was there, Anika. The both of them met in Detroit after a guitar lesson. Darcey was furious, and she stormed away. Getting home, she realized nobody was home. Her parents got into an argument and she had not seen her dad in a few days. Darcey found beer bottles in the house, meaning her dad was drinking again. Darcey waited about a day to tell Hakeem what happened with the guy. Hakeem was so enraged, him and a few of his friends went out to beat him up. Darcey stopped them, and Hakeem went away. By the end of the book everything was resolved and Darcey was happy. Hakeem and Darcey’s relationship was mended.
Characterization
Darcey changed a lot during this book. It seemed that Darcey was decisive with everything that happened in the story. Darcey always went with her gut feeling, and that was the right thing to do. Darcey’s bond with her family and friends only grew stronger throughout. Hakeem was the main protagonist. Hakeem came back to Bluford without telling Darcey about Anika. Hakeem was very static and did not change much throughout the story.
Impact of Setting
Shattered is based in Bluford in present times. So far in the series there is no definitive place for Bluford.
Thematic connection
The motif of this book is to go with your gut feeling. Every time Darcey feels she is in trouble, she goes with instinct. When Hakeem went to beat Darcey’s “friend” she went to stop him because it was the right thing in her mind.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to females ages 12 to 18. I would recommend this more to females due to the drama. The book was well written, but I did not enjoy it much.
Personal Response
I read the book Shattered by Paul Langan. I did not like this book mostly because of the drama in the book. I would recommend, but not to anyone willing. It felt like I was reading a chick flick with a good ending.
Plot
Shattered was about Darcey, whose summer was just ending. Darcey’s boyfriend Hakeem lived in Detroit during the summer. Darcey had a rocky summer after she got with a guy who nearly raped her. After numerous nightmares she pushed it back. Now that Hakeem is back for school, Darcey was finding a way to tell him about it. After the first day of school, Darcey went to talk to Hakeem. Hakeem’s friend was there, Anika. The both of them met in Detroit after a guitar lesson. Darcey was furious, and she stormed away. Getting home, she realized nobody was home. Her parents got into an argument and she had not seen her dad in a few days. Darcey found beer bottles in the house, meaning her dad was drinking again. Darcey waited about a day to tell Hakeem what happened with the guy. Hakeem was so enraged, him and a few of his friends went out to beat him up. Darcey stopped them, and Hakeem went away. By the end of the book everything was resolved and Darcey was happy. Hakeem and Darcey’s relationship was mended.
Characterization
Darcey changed a lot during this book. It seemed that Darcey was decisive with everything that happened in the story. Darcey always went with her gut feeling, and that was the right thing to do. Darcey’s bond with her family and friends only grew stronger throughout. Hakeem was the main protagonist. Hakeem came back to Bluford without telling Darcey about Anika. Hakeem was very static and did not change much throughout the story.
Impact of Setting
Shattered is based in Bluford in present times. So far in the series there is no definitive place for Bluford.
Thematic connection
The motif of this book is to go with your gut feeling. Every time Darcey feels she is in trouble, she goes with instinct. When Hakeem went to beat Darcey’s “friend” she went to stop him because it was the right thing in her mind.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to females ages 12 to 18. I would recommend this more to females due to the drama. The book was well written, but I did not enjoy it much.
August 31, 2016
This book is amazing!....spoiler alert kind of !
In this book it talks about A girl named Darcy and things that happened in her life basically. In the beggining of the story she is getting ready to see her ex boyfriend that she haven't seen all summer because he had moved with his dad so he could help take care of him and stuff because he was sick. She was playing on getting back with him but towards the middle the both find out they've been hiding stuff from each other. But that's not all her mom and dad are fighting wen she comes home from the "date " with her friends an Hakeem. Because she walks in on them fussing about the baby and money/jobs . So she really had no one to talk to that knew what was going on or even to explain it to them except for Tarah her bestfriend but that ended very fast because she knew the secret that Hakeem was keeping a she didn't tell her but she also didn't tell Hakeem about the secret that happened to Darcy over the summer. So eventually Darcy realized that Tarah didn't do anything wrong and they all became friends again. Darcy an Hakeem tell each other the secrets that happened to them both over the summer and her mom and dad stopped arguing an they all came up with an agreement.
What I liked about this book it that it had stuff that related to me like he parents arguing an like the drama between her ,her friends and boyfriend. Also because she is in school just like me an it kind of feels like wen one of my older cousins tell me a story about something that has happened in there life. It really doesn't seem like I'm reading a book and I think the author did an very good job at writing this book an with the detail because when I read this I get caught up in the book an cant stop also I feel like I'm reliving what she went thru kind of because I can kind of feel how she's feeling or where she is coming from just by the way she explains it,if u get what I'm saying . It was nothing that I didn't like in this book really it was all good. I just wish this book was a little bit longer.
I would recommend this book to people just like me that don't really like to read because it doesn't seem like you're reading an like a movie and it so relative in many different ways.
In this book it talks about A girl named Darcy and things that happened in her life basically. In the beggining of the story she is getting ready to see her ex boyfriend that she haven't seen all summer because he had moved with his dad so he could help take care of him and stuff because he was sick. She was playing on getting back with him but towards the middle the both find out they've been hiding stuff from each other. But that's not all her mom and dad are fighting wen she comes home from the "date " with her friends an Hakeem. Because she walks in on them fussing about the baby and money/jobs . So she really had no one to talk to that knew what was going on or even to explain it to them except for Tarah her bestfriend but that ended very fast because she knew the secret that Hakeem was keeping a she didn't tell her but she also didn't tell Hakeem about the secret that happened to Darcy over the summer. So eventually Darcy realized that Tarah didn't do anything wrong and they all became friends again. Darcy an Hakeem tell each other the secrets that happened to them both over the summer and her mom and dad stopped arguing an they all came up with an agreement.
What I liked about this book it that it had stuff that related to me like he parents arguing an like the drama between her ,her friends and boyfriend. Also because she is in school just like me an it kind of feels like wen one of my older cousins tell me a story about something that has happened in there life. It really doesn't seem like I'm reading a book and I think the author did an very good job at writing this book an with the detail because when I read this I get caught up in the book an cant stop also I feel like I'm reliving what she went thru kind of because I can kind of feel how she's feeling or where she is coming from just by the way she explains it,if u get what I'm saying . It was nothing that I didn't like in this book really it was all good. I just wish this book was a little bit longer.
I would recommend this book to people just like me that don't really like to read because it doesn't seem like you're reading an like a movie and it so relative in many different ways.
January 9, 2015
"Shattered" by Paul Langan is a very exciting young adult story with many life like occurrences. Darcy finds out who her real friends are, and how a family can grow not only closer but also more mature.
Darcy has been through more rough times than easy times but has always seemed to get through it. Not only was she almost sexually violated by someone older than her but she also had to worry about her father leaving the family. Her father had a drinking problem that he later resolved when they became closer as a family and Darcy also got her boyfriend back.
Darcy, being the main character of the story is a teenage girl who attends high school and works a part time job at a ice cream store to help support the family. Brian would be the guy who pinned Darcy down, but her dad stopped what was going to happen. Hakeem, Darcy's ex who later turned back into her boyfriend was more of a drama queen than anyone else in the story. Darcy's dad who was a recovering alcoholic who had walked out on the family became more than just a dad when he came back into their lives and changed.
The story takes place at the end of August right before school starts. Most of the event either occurred at home or at school. The location of the story is not mentioned anywhere, but based off of detail it appears to be in a bigger city. The high schools name is Blueford High.
I rated this book four out of five stars because, it was very interesting, and always pushed me to keep reading more. Paul Langan is a very good author, and I have enjoyed all of his books. I would recommend this book to teenagers as many of them may be having the same issues. This book would pertain to high school girls, as the main character is a girl and they might be having the same issues.
Darcy has been through more rough times than easy times but has always seemed to get through it. Not only was she almost sexually violated by someone older than her but she also had to worry about her father leaving the family. Her father had a drinking problem that he later resolved when they became closer as a family and Darcy also got her boyfriend back.
Darcy, being the main character of the story is a teenage girl who attends high school and works a part time job at a ice cream store to help support the family. Brian would be the guy who pinned Darcy down, but her dad stopped what was going to happen. Hakeem, Darcy's ex who later turned back into her boyfriend was more of a drama queen than anyone else in the story. Darcy's dad who was a recovering alcoholic who had walked out on the family became more than just a dad when he came back into their lives and changed.
The story takes place at the end of August right before school starts. Most of the event either occurred at home or at school. The location of the story is not mentioned anywhere, but based off of detail it appears to be in a bigger city. The high schools name is Blueford High.
I rated this book four out of five stars because, it was very interesting, and always pushed me to keep reading more. Paul Langan is a very good author, and I have enjoyed all of his books. I would recommend this book to teenagers as many of them may be having the same issues. This book would pertain to high school girls, as the main character is a girl and they might be having the same issues.
August 30, 2011
I really liked this book. It related to me in many ways because it was about high school life. It also focused alot on the main issues that teenagers face and how they deal with them. I can put myself in the character's shoes and compare or contrast myself to them. This book can be related to everyday lives of all teens and even parents.
The main characters in the book are Darcey, Hakeem, Bryan, Tracey, Darcey's Parents & Anika. Darcey is a Junior in high school who is facing drama in almost everything in her life. Her boyfriend Hakeem left to go live with his dad for awhile until his illness got better. Her mother has been taking care of her and her sister since their dad left, and grandmother died. And now her dad has came back! When school starts back, Darcey is faced with alot of different conflicts that she has to learn how to be an adult, and deal with.
The story mainly takes place at school. That's where the character's went through the most drama. They had to deal with other kids that would instigate situations. Also at Darcey's house, where she would face the drama between her family.
The main audience of the book I would say are both teens and adults(parents). I think so because, teenagers face a lot of issues in their lives and sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. I also think parents because, sometimes they don't know how much pressure their kids are under, or how pressured they make their kids feel. Especially when you are being raised and taken care of by one parent, and you have to make adult decisions.
The main characters in the book are Darcey, Hakeem, Bryan, Tracey, Darcey's Parents & Anika. Darcey is a Junior in high school who is facing drama in almost everything in her life. Her boyfriend Hakeem left to go live with his dad for awhile until his illness got better. Her mother has been taking care of her and her sister since their dad left, and grandmother died. And now her dad has came back! When school starts back, Darcey is faced with alot of different conflicts that she has to learn how to be an adult, and deal with.
The story mainly takes place at school. That's where the character's went through the most drama. They had to deal with other kids that would instigate situations. Also at Darcey's house, where she would face the drama between her family.
The main audience of the book I would say are both teens and adults(parents). I think so because, teenagers face a lot of issues in their lives and sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. I also think parents because, sometimes they don't know how much pressure their kids are under, or how pressured they make their kids feel. Especially when you are being raised and taken care of by one parent, and you have to make adult decisions.
October 15, 2012
Darcy Wills is beginning her junior year at Bluford High after an eventful summer. Her beloved grandmother died, her mother is pregnant, her father has moved back in promising that he is sober, and she and Hakeem, her ex, is back after moving to Detroit at the beginning of the summer. But now in early September the night before school starts Darcy sees him again with mutual friends Tarah and Cooper. Darcy does not know what to tell him about the summer. It turns out he’s keeping secrets too. To make matters worse, tensions are rising at home between her mother and father. Her mother is worried about bills, the new baby, and reconciling with her husband who came back after walking out five years ago. Darcy has a falling out with her best friend Tarah and she feels completely alone and wonders who she can trust. This is the fifth book with Darcy in the Bluford High series and like the others it portrays real problems with believable inner-city slang, though no profanity. It is unnecessary to read the entire series because enough of the back-story is included to understand what has come before. The happy ending may seem too pat to some readers but it is a good choice none the less for reluctant readers.
January 6, 2009
1. Darcy is the main character in Shattered, she is having a mental breakdown. She is having trouble with her boyfriend, and things with her best friend aren't going so well. Her parents are going threw a tough time in there relationship. She can only express her true feelings with her grandmother. She learns how to handle her problems at the end.
2. "Darcy must confront her past and the truth. What she discovers will change her world forever." a line from Shattered. She must first talk about her past, to get it out of her system. Also the irony of the story is that she just overcame her inner conflict, and then out of nowhere her boyfriend starts drama between them.
3. I gave this book 4 possible stars out of 5. I could vision the authors perspective when I was reading this book. Also the book could relate to an average teenagers life. When ever I can see the story in my mind, I can understand it better that's why I liked it. I would recommend this book to someone that is having trouble in their life and want's to learn how to deal with it and could use a little laughter.
2. "Darcy must confront her past and the truth. What she discovers will change her world forever." a line from Shattered. She must first talk about her past, to get it out of her system. Also the irony of the story is that she just overcame her inner conflict, and then out of nowhere her boyfriend starts drama between them.
3. I gave this book 4 possible stars out of 5. I could vision the authors perspective when I was reading this book. Also the book could relate to an average teenagers life. When ever I can see the story in my mind, I can understand it better that's why I liked it. I would recommend this book to someone that is having trouble in their life and want's to learn how to deal with it and could use a little laughter.
Read
January 21, 2014i really don't like reading but this book got my attention from the first page i really like it and i want to get all books i like it because it talks about realist thing stuff that happens in the real world .i book is about a girl name who is going to see her ex boyfriend that she hasn't seen in a while he left out of town and came back and she is excited to see him and couldn't wait to see him but she is hiding something from him that happen when he left and wants to tell him but she is scared to know that if she tell him that they will never get back together. But she meet up with him and her two best friend and then she found out that he also had a secret and the secret ruins her closet friendship at Buford's high school and an even dee4per lie is tearing her family apart unwilling to lost the people she and the what she discovers will change her world fore ever. what i learned from this book is that things happen for a reason and that every thing change in time thing nothing stays that same and you just have to learned to keep moving sometimes things that don't brake you just make you stronger.
December 7, 2010
So far Im on page 27 and the story is about a teenage girl name darcy.She is having a hard time with her friend and family.For one with her mom and dad keep on fighting about the baby and stuff.Next she meets up with this boy name david and he tries to fill up under her skirt and tounch her in wrong spots.So then her dad gets angre and says if you touch my daughter again it would be the last mistake you make.Then her boyfriend name hakeem comes back because his dad is cure from cancer.So know she is scared to tell her boyfriend what happend between her and david.Because she thinks that if she tells her boyfriend he would hate her and break up with her.So know her friend name tarah is telling her everything is going to be all right just give hakeem some time because he just got back. by:jasmine jackson
December 18, 2017
Shattered is one of the best books i’ve read. This book is about Darcey, a young teenage girl, who has a deep, secret within her friend group and a even deeper lies within her family. Unwilling to lose her family and friends she must confront the past. She must battle her inner demons to keep the ones she loves. While reading i got really into the book. This book really caught my attention fast. After the first page i was hooked. This book is very short. It only has about 123 pages. For being such a small book it does tell the story very well. It doesnt rush the story in anyway. “Darcey knew Tarah was right even before she looked at her watch.” This is the first problem the pops up in the book. This is the start of her weird behavior. She was always has been on time.
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October 11, 2009this book is about a girl name darcy who have got alot of problems and finds out that her ex boyfriend hakeem has another girlfriend.And she just discovered that she been shattered she wants to hakeem wat happen about her n brian but she dont know how to put in words to say she desprately of telling someone but then she's afraid they wont be her friend anymore and i am 12 years old and i read this wow im happy of myself
February 27, 2015
darcy found out that her ex has came back from detroit and darcy don't know what to tell him what happen this summer break and she asked her best friend should she tell him but her best friend had to keep a secret from dacry that hakeem had he wanted to tell darcy but he wanted to keep it a secret from her.
March 5, 2015
I think it is a really good book because its about a young lady missing her boyfriend that had left her to go live in another state because him and his family had got evicted from their apartment, also becuase they didn't have enough money to pay the rent every month.
October 23, 2015
The book is about a young girl Darcy wills and she is desperate. She goes through some obstacles that aren't easy to overcome but she always does. Shattered is a great book and the author does a very good job of keeping everything on topic and making the scenes interesting. Overall it was great.
January 29, 2020
Shattered
By: Paul Langan
In the story, Shattered, this takes place in Darcy Wills’ house where Darcy finds herself staring at her reflection in the bathroom mirror until she’s called by her best friend, Tarah. The story soon has Darcy on the brink of breaking away from her friends, Cooper and Tarah and breaking up with her boyfriend, Hakeem. Hakeem and Darcy both have dark secrets that were serious for their relationship. This book was found interesting in many aspects. The author used symbolism dialogue and many details that lead me through the story. As the story continues, you find yourself getting sucked into the story as if you see it really happening.
In the backstory, Darcy and Hakeem lost each other after the school year ended. During that time, Hakeem went with another girl and Darcy was almost raped by a guy named Brian if it wasn’t for her dad. They both chose not to tell each other so then they’re relationship wouldn’t be ruined. The problem was that things started falling apart for Darcy when Hakeem’s secret unfolded itself. Her father had a drinking problem as soon as she got to her house, she and her little sister found an empty bottle hidden under the sink in the kitchen. They were scared about what would happen if their mother saw this so they kept it a secret to themselves. Eventually Hakeem explained to Darcy about his secret saying that he thought that he wasn’t going to see her again and missed her from the previous summer vacation. Since he was honest, Darcy told him her secret about Brian. She told Hakeem everything about how she was almost raped by Brian. This made Hakeem furious; not at Darcy, but at Brian. He left Darcy standing by herself to find Brian.
In the end of it all, Hakeem and Darcy got back together again and Darcy apologized to Tarah because she knew Tarah was trying not to make the situation worse by telling any of Hakeem and Darcy’s secrets. I like the ending of the story because this is when everything is resolved and when Darcy’s dad stop his drinking addiction and throws all of his beer bottles on the wall of the outside of the house. Darcy hears her father outside breaking the beer bottles and the speaker says “She heard him tossing the bottles one-by-one into a trash can. Heard them shatter. A sound sweeter than any music.” My favorite part was the part where Hakeem fought Brian for almost raping Darcy because this shows how loyal of a man Hakeem is and that he would do anything, almost anything for Darcy.
Overall, this is probably one of my favorite books so far. It has a good plot and has good detailing that drives you further into the story. This book is a part of the other series of books(Lost and Found, A Matter of Trust, Secrets in the Shadows, Someone to Love Me, The Bully, Payback, Until We Meet Again, Blood Is Thicker, Brothers in Arms, And Summer of Secrets.) If you like stories with plot and drama, this story will interest you the most. The fact that the story goes together with the claim pulls you further into the story.
By: Paul Langan
In the story, Shattered, this takes place in Darcy Wills’ house where Darcy finds herself staring at her reflection in the bathroom mirror until she’s called by her best friend, Tarah. The story soon has Darcy on the brink of breaking away from her friends, Cooper and Tarah and breaking up with her boyfriend, Hakeem. Hakeem and Darcy both have dark secrets that were serious for their relationship. This book was found interesting in many aspects. The author used symbolism dialogue and many details that lead me through the story. As the story continues, you find yourself getting sucked into the story as if you see it really happening.
In the backstory, Darcy and Hakeem lost each other after the school year ended. During that time, Hakeem went with another girl and Darcy was almost raped by a guy named Brian if it wasn’t for her dad. They both chose not to tell each other so then they’re relationship wouldn’t be ruined. The problem was that things started falling apart for Darcy when Hakeem’s secret unfolded itself. Her father had a drinking problem as soon as she got to her house, she and her little sister found an empty bottle hidden under the sink in the kitchen. They were scared about what would happen if their mother saw this so they kept it a secret to themselves. Eventually Hakeem explained to Darcy about his secret saying that he thought that he wasn’t going to see her again and missed her from the previous summer vacation. Since he was honest, Darcy told him her secret about Brian. She told Hakeem everything about how she was almost raped by Brian. This made Hakeem furious; not at Darcy, but at Brian. He left Darcy standing by herself to find Brian.
In the end of it all, Hakeem and Darcy got back together again and Darcy apologized to Tarah because she knew Tarah was trying not to make the situation worse by telling any of Hakeem and Darcy’s secrets. I like the ending of the story because this is when everything is resolved and when Darcy’s dad stop his drinking addiction and throws all of his beer bottles on the wall of the outside of the house. Darcy hears her father outside breaking the beer bottles and the speaker says “She heard him tossing the bottles one-by-one into a trash can. Heard them shatter. A sound sweeter than any music.” My favorite part was the part where Hakeem fought Brian for almost raping Darcy because this shows how loyal of a man Hakeem is and that he would do anything, almost anything for Darcy.
Overall, this is probably one of my favorite books so far. It has a good plot and has good detailing that drives you further into the story. This book is a part of the other series of books(Lost and Found, A Matter of Trust, Secrets in the Shadows, Someone to Love Me, The Bully, Payback, Until We Meet Again, Blood Is Thicker, Brothers in Arms, And Summer of Secrets.) If you like stories with plot and drama, this story will interest you the most. The fact that the story goes together with the claim pulls you further into the story.
December 13, 2025
Shattered is about a teenager, Darcy, who is entering junior high school. Not only that, but her ex has come back. She never thought she would see him again, but there he was. Before school started, Darcy met up with a boy and they started kissing. Darcy then wanted to stop but the guy kept going until her dad came to stop him. Darcy didn’t want her ex to know about this as they talked again, in fear of him not liking her anymore. Along with her high school drama, Darcy also faces family issues. With a new baby on the way, the family seems to have financial issues. Darcy’s father is taking a dangerous job and her mother can’t seem to stop working, even if she’s pregnant. When Darcy finds out that his father may also be drinking again, her life seems to shatter even more.
This book was a fast and easy book to read. There is no empty space in the story as every problem is direct and the reader gets a quick solution at the end. I can see young readers being able to relate to Darcy as she figures out how to balance school life and home life. It is also an important time in the story as Darcy is becoming more of an adult. I did enjoy that the title Shattered was mentioned a lot and symbolized how Darcy felt. One thing that I did not enjoy about the book was how the topic of sex assault was handled. For some reason, Darcy kinda off pushed to tell her ex about the assault she faced. Even when she talked to friends and family about it, the topic was kind of brushed away or seen as an unfortunate event that happened. I would have liked to see Darcy talk to someone about the actual assault, rather than it being focused on her meeting up with a guy. Other than that, I liked the plot and would recommend it to young readers.
This book was a fast and easy book to read. There is no empty space in the story as every problem is direct and the reader gets a quick solution at the end. I can see young readers being able to relate to Darcy as she figures out how to balance school life and home life. It is also an important time in the story as Darcy is becoming more of an adult. I did enjoy that the title Shattered was mentioned a lot and symbolized how Darcy felt. One thing that I did not enjoy about the book was how the topic of sex assault was handled. For some reason, Darcy kinda off pushed to tell her ex about the assault she faced. Even when she talked to friends and family about it, the topic was kind of brushed away or seen as an unfortunate event that happened. I would have liked to see Darcy talk to someone about the actual assault, rather than it being focused on her meeting up with a guy. Other than that, I liked the plot and would recommend it to young readers.
December 17, 2018
Shattered is a sad book containing life struggles. The book definitely shows the worst parts of everyday life. I would only recommend this book to someone old enough to at least be in highschool. The length of the book isn’t long so it makes it a good read for someone who doesn't have the time for a big book.
The protagonist of the book is Darcy Wills who is a junior at Bluford High. Darcy is faced with many difficulties in the book, such as her ex boyfriend and her alcoholic father. I like how the book shows incidents that happen in the world we live in. Her mom is worrying about bills while being pregnant. Her dad decides to come back into her life from leaving. Her ex boyfriend that came back has a girlfriend. Darcy is faced with numerous problems she has to overcome to get her life back in order. Darcy’s life is troubled and she is unsure what to do. The author does a good job of making you want to read more. Darcy’s life can relate some teens and could help them overcome the same problems they face in everyday life.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it for someone who wants a short book. The dramatic incidents make it interesting to read. If you prefer a book with all happy story this wouldn’t be the book. The sad and real live events make it better in my opinion but that’s all on preference.
The protagonist of the book is Darcy Wills who is a junior at Bluford High. Darcy is faced with many difficulties in the book, such as her ex boyfriend and her alcoholic father. I like how the book shows incidents that happen in the world we live in. Her mom is worrying about bills while being pregnant. Her dad decides to come back into her life from leaving. Her ex boyfriend that came back has a girlfriend. Darcy is faced with numerous problems she has to overcome to get her life back in order. Darcy’s life is troubled and she is unsure what to do. The author does a good job of making you want to read more. Darcy’s life can relate some teens and could help them overcome the same problems they face in everyday life.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it for someone who wants a short book. The dramatic incidents make it interesting to read. If you prefer a book with all happy story this wouldn’t be the book. The sad and real live events make it better in my opinion but that’s all on preference.
February 13, 2020
I love this novel of the Bluford High Series of Books. Darcy should have put all the blame on Hakeem (her ex boyfriend)and her friends. She kept a secret from him too, but when she found out that he had been keeping a secret too she got mad and upset and didn’t realize she had hid something too. Tarah (her best friend) had kept hakeems secret away from Darcy, just so she wouldn’t get hurt. In a way I agree with Tarah but she should not have kept it away from her if she was her best friend. In the midst of that, Darcy is having problems at home with her parents. Her parents are going through financial problems and her father has been gone for years, returning a couple of months ago! They try to make ends meet; her mom is pregnant, her dad got laid off from his job and, working nights. All of those things put pressure on Darcy. The tables turned when Darcy starts finding out more disturbing news, even when her friends lied to her. Her world comes crumbling down in this book and “Summer of Secrets” the other novel.
March 3, 2022
Shattered is young adult fiction and urban fiction series written by Paul Langan. Shattered is about a girl named Darcy and her friends. While she is keeping a painful secret of what happened to her over the summer. Darcy is eager to repair her relationship with her old boyfriend Hakeem. The painful secret is ruining her closest friendships at Bluford High School. I am currently reading the book, and I'm not too far into the book yet. I don't particularly like reading adult fiction, but this book style is easing going. I could keep up with this book and remember what was happening in the story. The character is also easy to remember. This book really made me feel something, the part where the mom and the dad were fighting. When the mom talks about how the dad walked out on them in the past and she had to work hard with the two kids. The family drama almost made me tear up while I was in school. I recommend this book to someone in high school.
December 19, 2019
I like this book because it is a story on a teen and preteens life like me. The theme of the story is that you do not have to keep secrets when it comes to friends that want to help. The authors purpose is to entertain the reader on how Darcy is having problems with her friends and her boyfriend. The authors point of view is first person because Darcy is talking about her problems at school and at home and how they are keeping secrets.The main characters of the story are Darcy, Darcy's Mom and dad, Tarah, Cooper, Hakeem, and Brian. They change over time when Darcy first thinks that her friends are being mean and keeping secrets from her but then she realizes that they are helping her.
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December 19, 2019This book was a drama filled, breathtaking book. The main character is Darcy. Darcy changed over time, because at the beginning of the book she was dealing with her former cheating boyfriend, her best friend keeping secrets from her, and a couple of problems at home which is causing her to be very frustrated. A the end of the story she figures out solutions to all of her problems which causes her to be a normal high student once again. The theme of the story is to not let a bunch of drama ruin some of your closest relationships. The point of view is first person. The purpose of the story is to entertain.
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