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The Way Back from Broken

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Rakmen Cannon's life is turning out to be one sucker punch after another. His baby sister died in his arms, his parents are on the verge of divorce, and he's flunking out of high school. The only place he fits in is with the other art therapy kids stuck in the basement of Promise House, otherwise known as support group central. Not that he wants to be there. Talking doesn't bring back the dead.

When he's shipped off to the Canadian wilderness with ten-year-old Jacey, another member of the support group, and her mom, his summer goes from bad to worse. He can't imagine how eight weeks of canoeing and camping could be anything but awful.

Yet despite his expectations, the vast and unforgiving backcountry just might give Rakmen a chance to find the way back from broken . . . if he's brave enough to grab it.

Amber J. Keyser's debut novel is a wrenching and brutally honest story of adversity and hope.

-- "Other Print"

216 pages, ebook

First published October 1, 2015

7 people are currently reading
465 people want to read

About the author

Amber J. Keyser

20 books61 followers
Amber J. Keyser writes fiction and non-fiction for young adults. Trained as an evolutionary biologist, she cares deeply about the intersection of art and science and the way these disciplines unlock how the world works. She believes in the power of sharing our stories.

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5 stars
68 (35%)
4 stars
61 (32%)
3 stars
47 (24%)
2 stars
12 (6%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
7 reviews
April 19, 2022
I also lost a child and as the book unfolds I feel the pain of the main characters and know the journey to want to live again can be overwhelming. The author portrays so many emotions and setbacks as well as the tiny glimpses of hope.
There is lots of adventure and rooting for the characters. Great read.
Profile Image for Drew.
Author 7 books30 followers
November 1, 2015
Read this book in one straight sitting, with occasional stops to breathe; it's that engaging.

So vivid and real. Touching and tender, without an ounce of saccharine. A refreshingly honest perspective on loss and survival in all its complexity.
Profile Image for John Clark.
2,605 reviews48 followers
October 21, 2015
Deep grief often kicks logic and responsibility to the curb, dragging relationships and awareness of the effect on family members with it. When Rakmen Cannon's baby sister died in his arms, so did the life he'd come to take for granted. Even though it wasn't his fault because Dora had a defective heart, that hasn't quelled the guilt. Things are even worse for his parents because Dad is an RN and war veteran who is used to saving lives and hiding feelings, while mom can't get through hers. It's tearing the family apart as well as contributing to Rakmen's failure at school.
As the family situation worsens, his mother drags him to Promise House where she attends a grief support group and he's banished to the art therapy room in the basement. Despite having crawled deep into his own shell, Rakmen recognizes the mutual sense of loss everyone in the group shares. He particularly relates to Molly whose parents have reacted to their loss by tightening her life until it resembles a prison.
When he hangs back before going downstairs one evening, he's the one who answers the door to let a couple latecomers in. It is his teacher, Mrs Tatlas and her ten year old daughter Jacey. The little girl attaches herself to him almost immediately and thus begins a double journey for the two of them and her mother, one physical, the other emotional.
When Jacey makes a frantic late night call after her mother loses it completely, it becomes clear to Rakmen's mother that the girl sees her son as the most reliable and safe person aside from her own mom, maybe even more so. Even though Rakmen resents the way Jacey pulls his feelings out, he also starts to understand just how much their losses are alike. Jacey's baby brother was stillborn and she had invested a lot of emotional energy into preparing the be the best possible sister, all for naught.
When Jacey's mom decides that a trip to the remote Canadian camp where she spent girlhood summers might help the healing process, she invites Rakmen to come along. Despite kicking and screaming mentally about his summer being hijacked, he goes.
The camp is a disaster, but what happens after they arrive is life-changing in unexpected ways. The experience is dangerous, scary, beautiful and transforming. The author has taken pieces of her personal experiences and crafted a fabulous story about how grieving effects everyone and its effects cannot be predicted. This is an emotional and riveting story. Teens and tweens who like feeling stories, adventure or who have experienced sibling loss will really relate to the story. This is an excellent book for all school and public libraries to own.
Profile Image for Mary Farrell.
Author 11 books85 followers
September 2, 2015
I won a copy of this book through a blog contest and I'm really glad I did. I was immediately hooked by the title and couldn't wait to read it.

I highly recommend this read because it offers something different than the usual YA fare. One of the things I enjoy most about books is when the relationships between characters are complex and unique and the two people have a profound impact on each other. In this book the main character is a teenage boy, but the most important secondary character is a young girl maybe 10 yrs old. Like I said, not your usual teenage read, yet it is very powerful.

I also enjoyed the wilderness aspect to the story, and the way it showed how nature can be a healing force. I haven't mentioned the main aspect of the book which is grief over the death of a sibling, as I'm sure most of the reviews will comment on that part of the plot, and I don't feel qualified to.
Profile Image for Stephanie A..
2,869 reviews93 followers
November 21, 2016
A moving portrait of how young people cope with not just their own but their parents' grief over the loss of a younger sibling, rather unlike anything I've seen before, set largely in the tranquil wilderness of Middle of Nowhere Canada.

Maybe the most unique thing about it was the mix of characters: a 10-year-old latches onto a teenage boy in their therapy group and sees him as her new best friend/role model/hero. It turns out that she is his biology teacher's daughter, which leads to an offer for him to spend the summer with them at a remote cabin, his role somewhere between a built-in babysitter and a troubled kid in his own right who could use some time away from his squabbling parents.

While things certainly happen, sometimes scary things, the best word I can think of for this book is "quiet." Not boring, not slow. Just the introspective, contemplative reflection required for healing.
Profile Image for LeeAnn.
679 reviews5 followers
December 21, 2015
4.5 stars. I seem to have read a number of books this year that tackled the theme of loss and grief. And all of them have been surprisingly different--but then, all of us deal with loss and grief differently. Just as each of the characters in this story do. Anger, curiosity, despair, blame, regret, avoidance. These are just some of the emotions that can leach away at your life when you have been broken by the loss of a loved one. For 15 yo Rakmen and 10 yo Jacey, Keyser skillfully paralleled their emotional survival, their way back, with a true to life wilderness survival adventure. Interwoven touches of humor and the sibling-like snarking between Rakmen and Jacey balanced the heavier moments. A well-done debut I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Laurène Poret.
217 reviews7 followers
June 23, 2015
Yes.

It's incredible to see how big an impact a small book can have. How poignant a few words can be.
I loved The Way Back From Broken. I loved the title and I love it even more now.
This is a book for everyone to read.
1,173 reviews5 followers
April 15, 2018
The truth of grief. The truth of life, larger than grief.

This is a very good bok. I thought it something less on a beginning (my bad), but now I can only recommend this story of suffering and healing. It rings true in both pain and hope. I like the books when I can connect because of the authenticity - and here I can connect wholeheartedly.

15-year-old Rakmen, 9-year-old Jacey and her mother Leah (and several more characters) are connected by death of someone beloved. They are broken and just cope, feeling empty and alone.
So when Rakmen is made by his parents to spend the summer with Jacey and Leah at the lake in the Canadian wilderness, he is infuriated. And sure, they are both wacky. But then Leah decides they go to trip to wilderness, "au large" - and while the trip is physically hard, it is also healing. Because everything is connected in life and even the broken ones can go all the way.

This is the read that can stay with you in its simple message of a deeper truth.
4 reviews
August 26, 2019
This book was probably one of my all time favorites. It perfectly captures the process of pain and healing through a loved one's passing, while putting you in the canoe with Rakmen as he is given a second chance to care for a little sister. I was laughing at some points, crying at others, all the while on the edge of my seat. I would recommend this book to older teens and young adults due to mild language, but in all, this page turner is a must read for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
182 reviews
April 15, 2021
Initially I was really annoyed by the fact that this teenage kid was being sent with a really unstable adult to watch over a much younger kid he hardly knew but as the story evolved, I fell in love with the story and how it evolved. I easily could have sat and read this book in one sitting had I the time to do so.
Profile Image for Diana.
146 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2023
This year has begun with a lot of loss for me and I have found myself struggling. I chose to read this book hoping it would be cathartic. It was. A well written story that all who have experienced loss will relate to and hopefully find a little peace in knowing grief is a human trial that we can get through with time, nature, and community.
3 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2018
I loved this book! I easily related to the struggles of the characters, as I myself have portaged before. This book had a great concept and very good writing.
2 reviews
October 28, 2018
A beautiful read from begging to end. The characters and environment came to life on the page, I couldn't put it down. The ending gave me chills, I don't think it could have been done any better!
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,775 reviews71 followers
February 8, 2016
This wasn’t one of those amazing reads that captured my attention from page one. Actually as I began reading it, I couldn’t figure out why I chose this book to begin with as the beginning was slow and depressing, more depressing than I normally like and believe me, I like down-and-out novels. There had to be a reason why I chose this novel and as I dug deeper into it, I figured it out. The true essence of the novel’s activities occurs in the last third of the book, as two of the main characters make major discoveries in their lives. Throughout the story, the characters faced many emotions as they come to terms with the struggles that life throws at them. Trying to face these struggles alone, they realize that they are not alone and that working together they are stronger.

Rakman attend support group with his mother. The support group is for individuals who have lost a loved one. The children assembled in the basement, trying to drown out the cries from their mothers above. Jacey and her mother just joined, her mother’s sorrow consumes her, and Jacey has taken to Rakman, literally following him around like a dog. She’s younger than Rakman and I visualize that she saw in Rakman a big brother, someone she could look up to. The sorrow is thick inside this building as Rakman tries to keep the noise level high in the basement to keep the cries from hitting the children’s ears. Rakman can’t find a job for the summer but Jacey’s mother wants to take a trip to Canada to clear her head and Jacey wants Rakman to go. Rakman’s parents like the idea for they need some time alone to come to terms over their own loss. Rakman begs not to go for there are things here at home he will miss and two months away is a long time. His parents win out and they make the trip sounds wonderful but when they arrive at Jacey’s uncle’s cabin, the sight is not what they had imagined. Cleaning is superficial and what lies beneath takes its toll overtime. It becomes an adventure for the three of them, au large. For me, the story really began here as the three of them began the real journey. Testing their strengths and finding out who they really were. Stepping on toes and pushing aside their limitations. It was an okay story, I would take it or leave it.
Profile Image for Darlene.
1,961 reviews214 followers
April 16, 2016
Yay! I won this book in a contest by Cidney Swanson. Here is her page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

I think I would have finished this book a long time ago had it been in Kindle format. But this way I will be able to share not only the signed book but the swag of postcards that came with it. I'll add the BookCrossing BCID at the bottom of this review.

This book addresses the children of families that have lost babies, either pre or post birth. It may seem silly that we leave the siblings out of the grieving process for these situations but this shows the depth that kids of all ages feel for their departed loved ones. And though 'lost infants' is the focus of the mourning process, and though the book is aimed at children or young adults, I think this might be a great book for other ages and other types of losses.

With the topic that is so sad and frustrating for the young characters in the book, I found the book slow for me. But for those whose eyes can handle the font, this might read faster. Still, I felt the author said what needed to be said for the reader, and the characters. And please don't give up if it doesn't move along fast enough. It will pick up toward the end and you will be so happy that you stayed with it.

I finished reading the book a couple days ago. I just didn't want to let go of the characters or adventure that they find themselves a part of. I miss all of it. I miss them. I want to know more of what happens next. I don't know if the author plans a sequel. The reader isn't left on any cliff. But I would love to see the story continue.

Congratulations, Amber J. Keyser, on a book well done and on a subject matter not covered very often.

Here is the BCID: 118-13963555
3 reviews
September 19, 2016
Intricate is without a doubt the word for this book. The book had a compelling story and a good plot but the many little details made the book shine for me. These details are hidden that only focused readers could’ve caught, and I’m sure I missed a few.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and flew through it with joy. The story line and plot were great, and the character development was one of the best features. The dialogue and flow was nice, and the length of the book wasn’t bad at all. The book was all around decent in almost all aspects. Another reason I liked the book was there was just so much background information that makes you think, and this gets you into the story. I usually dislike books with this setup, but this one did it beautifully. Lastly, I enjoyed the book because leaves you craving for more. It ends with a satisfying resolution, but is a hybrid between a closed ending and an open one. The book seems to finish with an ending that needs a sequel, but It doesn't. This perfect balance is very satisfying and something I haven’t seen much before reading this book.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to go in depth, or “digest their food” thoroughly. But if you are someone looking for a fun read that’s “out of sight, out of mind”, be careful. This may not be the novel for you.

Profile Image for Kim Piddington.
358 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2015
Fifteen-year-old Rakman and his family are devastated when his infant sister, Dora, dies in his arms. Everyone processes the death differently. While his father, a nurse, uses alcohol and avoidance, Rakman and his mother attend therapy sessions at Promise House. But attending the support group, talking, and writing in his journal doesn’t change the way Rakman feels: guilty. His grades plummet and after a brawl that leaves him bloodied and with a broken rib, his parents decide to ship him off on “vacation” with a ten-year-old girl and her mother—Rakman’s high school science teacher, Mrs. Tatlas, who is grieving her still born son. The camping trip goes from bad, an infestation of mice, to worse, when the plumbing explodes and floods the cabin. Mrs. Tatlas snaps and drags the two children Au large through the Canadian wilderness.

Keyser’s debut novel is an emotional journey through the grieving process, seen from a variety of perspectives. Rakman, and his side-kick, Jacey, are likable protagonists who struggle to survive the extreme mental and physical challenges thrown in their paths
1 review1 follower
August 12, 2016
really like this book because it explains how a young boy goes in and out of therapy sessions with other kids who has the same problems as he does. This book tells how a 15 year old boy named Rakmen and a 10 year old girl named Jacey both lost their baby silibing. 10 months after his sister's death he joined a club that is held in a neighborhood basement. Then he meets a girl named Jacey who's mom is his biology teacher. At the end of the school year his biology teacher ( Leah Tatlas ) invites him on a summer camp trip. At first he doesn't like the trip but soon after he loves the idea. While he is on the trip his parents works on their relationship which is on the verge of divorce. Towards the end of book there are a few plot twist and manor conflicts. But at the end Jacey and Rakmen bulids a good relationship as friends and is on the road of recovery from their grief stories about losing their loved ones.
182 reviews
December 23, 2016
Wow. I don't think I can think of any other word to describe it. Often times books take you to different worlds or dimensions - Ok maybe just the books I read - but it is hard to create a book that pours so much emotion into something that people think about in everyday life, or mine with a younger sister. I have not personally lost a sibling, but this book brought to life the pain that entangles the body with death, especially death of a child. It was remarkable the way the writing captured each and every different aspect - I especially love the Jacey and Rakmen relationship. All the characters brought different aspects into the story (I love Edna!!)

I couldn't set this book down, I really wanted to read it, but sometimes you just have to pause for reflection because this is heavy topic. Through the character transformation it was truly that WOW book ... It is difficult to choose the right words to give the credit to the story that author has created. Wow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ellie.
488 reviews10 followers
September 9, 2015
I was a little concerned about the potential darkness of this book, which centers on youth in a grief group. Add to that the fact that the main characters lost young siblings, and it could be easy to make this an overly tragic book. I was impressed, though, but the way that Keyser addressed the grief felt by the siblings so truthfully that it never seems cliche or overdone. The emotions are true, and that truthfulness leads the entire story. I found this to be an immensely powerful book that didn't try too hard, which I think is a true accomplishment considering the subject nature. This is a book that touched me, and I bet it would be even more powerful if read by someone currently experiencing loss. I will recommend this book to any teens looking for a more serious read.

I received a galley of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Heather Brown.
656 reviews11 followers
July 26, 2015
Rakmen Cannon and Jayce Tatlas have something in common. Their families both lost an infant child and haven't been able to deal with the losses. Jayce is the 10 year old daughter of Rakmen's teacher at high school. Their families decide that it would be a great idea for Rakmen, Jayce, and Mrs. Tatlas to spend 8 weeks in the Canadian wilderness so that Rakmen's parents can work on their marriage and so that someone can watch Jayce if Mrs Tatlas falls apart. What no one expects is for the struggle against nature to help them all in their struggle to understand loss.
The Way Back from Broken is well-written and thought provoking, without being sappy. Rakmen is someone we can all relate to in his attempts to hold everything together even though he is falling apart.
Thanks a bunch to Netgalley for the advance copy!
Profile Image for Brie.
Author 17 books115 followers
September 11, 2015
I had the privilege of reading this jewel. My heart still aches. These characters find themselves in an unenviable club of surviving siblings and more than a few times I had to rest the book on my lap and pause because the emotions were so strong, so real. It's a topic that's rarely addressed and I commend the author for going there and bringing everything to the page. Amber Keyser doesn't just validate Rakmen's emotions, they are honored.

Will be recommending this book until the end of time. A must read.
1 review
November 1, 2015
In her debut novel, Amber Keyser introduces us to a stunning French Canadian wilderness and a big way of life the early trappers called “au large,” which means ‘to the unknown,’ ‘to adventure.’ Against this timeless backdrop, Keyser leads us through shifting landscapes of grief and redemption. The story of a canoe camping trip is beautifully told; the wilderness as finely drawn as any of the book’s characters. A compelling race against time and a page-turning climax cap an original and deeply moving story to be remembered long after the final page.
Profile Image for Angela Critics.
349 reviews8 followers
June 29, 2016
This book wasn't on my radar. But when I was looking through new arrivals at the library, I was quickly caught by Rakmen's voice and immediately put a hold on it. The rest of the book did not disappoint. It is a story about grief and trying to continue living after losing a family member. It's also a survival story set in the Canadian wilderness.

This book didn't bring me to tears, but did leave me emotionally wrung out. There is enough adventure to help break up the mood.

4.5 stars - maybe I should have rounded up.
Profile Image for Jenni V..
1,182 reviews5 followers
December 27, 2016
The premise to get everyone into this situation was eye-rollingly unbelievable but the story is pretty good if you can let it go. The ending came together in a rushed way but it's forgivable since it's for a younger audience.

Quote from the Book
"He would go.
Not because Jacey needed him or because Leah did or because his mother wanted to believe he was weaving her a goddamn basket at summer camp. But because all around him, houses were collapsing, and maybe it was better to be where there were no houses at all."

Find all my reviews at: http://readingatrandom.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Nidia Rodriguez.
82 reviews
September 15, 2015
Rakmen Cannon makes his weekly visit to Promise House just like all of the other grieving families. Rakmen's baby sister Dora died in his arms. He knows that the odds of his parents staying together after losing a child are slim. Now his mother has decided that camping in the woods with his teacher and her daughter who are also grieving the loss of a baby will be good for him. Rakmen's experiences on this camping trip will either make or break him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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