What do you think?
Rate this book
Bits of Broken Glass
How much really changes in 25 years? Former classmates are poised to find out as their first-ever high school reunion gets closer. Some lives have improved, some have soured, but all remained connected by their shared West Alton High past...
Once the target of ridicule, one-time "ugly duckling" Kellie has transformed in both beauty and attitude, though her fears and fragility remain as deep scars within. Will facing those who once wronged her help or do even more damage to her delicate psyche? Joe was adored by everyone in school. Well...almost everyone. Being gay in a close-minded small town, he knew he had no future in West Alton, so right after graduation, he traded one ocean for another. Now an Oscar-winning Hollywood director, Joe is ready to return. Except that it means having to face the horrific event that ultimately pushed him away... Former cheerleader Cherry planned this reunion to make peace with those she may have wronged in school. But as she faces cancer and stares down her own mortality, will she really be able to make things right again? And then there's Scott, the West Alton "lifer," who's been collecting a disability pension from the town for a suspicious back injury, among other questionable life choices. Are his reasons for wanting to attend the reunion pure? Or does he have another agenda? As the months count down, long-kept secrets will be revealed as the question ever looms... Can you ever really go home again?
Once the target of ridicule, one-time "ugly duckling" Kellie has transformed in both beauty and attitude, though her fears and fragility remain as deep scars within. Will facing those who once wronged her help or do even more damage to her delicate psyche? Joe was adored by everyone in school. Well...almost everyone. Being gay in a close-minded small town, he knew he had no future in West Alton, so right after graduation, he traded one ocean for another. Now an Oscar-winning Hollywood director, Joe is ready to return. Except that it means having to face the horrific event that ultimately pushed him away... Former cheerleader Cherry planned this reunion to make peace with those she may have wronged in school. But as she faces cancer and stares down her own mortality, will she really be able to make things right again? And then there's Scott, the West Alton "lifer," who's been collecting a disability pension from the town for a suspicious back injury, among other questionable life choices. Are his reasons for wanting to attend the reunion pure? Or does he have another agenda? As the months count down, long-kept secrets will be revealed as the question ever looms... Can you ever really go home again?
Unknown Binding
First published September 16, 2013
18 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Martha Reynolds
12 books220 followersI am the author of eleven novels, including the Amazon bestsellers CHOCOLATE FOR BREAKFAST and BITS OF BROKEN GLASS.
My writing has appeared in Magnificat magazine and my very short poem was read by journalist Connie Schultz during National Public Radio's "Tell Me More" poetry challenge.
I live in Rhode Island, never far from the ocean.
My novel VILLA DEL SOL won the 2018 Book Prize in Literary Fiction from the Independent Publishers of New England.
Check out my newest novel - I WISH I HAD A RIVER, available now!
My writing has appeared in Magnificat magazine and my very short poem was read by journalist Connie Schultz during National Public Radio's "Tell Me More" poetry challenge.
I live in Rhode Island, never far from the ocean.
My novel VILLA DEL SOL won the 2018 Book Prize in Literary Fiction from the Independent Publishers of New England.
Check out my newest novel - I WISH I HAD A RIVER, available now!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 26, 2018
Can one write a story about a 25 year class reunion and not be cliche? Yes, if you're Martha Reynolds and your novel is Bits of Broken Glass .
A rundown of the main characters would lead one to think otherwise: the reunion organizer, Cherry, who is undergoing cancer treatment; Kellie, unattractive in high school and shunned for it and now a beautiful television personality; Joe, gay, who left town right after graduation and who is now a successful Hollywood film-maker, and of course, the requisite skunk, Scott, a rat then and a rat now.
But don't let them fool you. Each of these characters is real, fully developed, with distinct personalities who draw you into their current lives as they reflect on their formative years. You like them. It's as simple and as extraordinary as that.
What happens when these folks finally reunite? I'm not telling. Finding out for yourself is an enjoyable journey. Highly recommended.
A rundown of the main characters would lead one to think otherwise: the reunion organizer, Cherry, who is undergoing cancer treatment; Kellie, unattractive in high school and shunned for it and now a beautiful television personality; Joe, gay, who left town right after graduation and who is now a successful Hollywood film-maker, and of course, the requisite skunk, Scott, a rat then and a rat now.
But don't let them fool you. Each of these characters is real, fully developed, with distinct personalities who draw you into their current lives as they reflect on their formative years. You like them. It's as simple and as extraordinary as that.
What happens when these folks finally reunite? I'm not telling. Finding out for yourself is an enjoyable journey. Highly recommended.
June 24, 2022
A twenty-fifth high school reunion is being planned for six months in the future, and for four characters it becomes an opportunity to think back on how those important years shaped them. For Kellie and Joe it stirs up old trauma. For Cherry, it’s an opportunity to make amends, and for Scott it’s an opportunity missed.
The actual reunion takes place in the last chapter, so the book is really about the lead-up to that event. Each character has a separate POV narrative, which begins to intersect with other characters as the day draws near. I enjoyed the way the author slowly revealed each character’s memories as well as how their lives had progressed. The healing that takes place was cathartic and touching. To me, it seemed that karma was in play, and that kindness bred kindness, as well as the other way around.
The characters were beautifully crafted, their actions and choices realistic and their emotions full of depth. Secondary characters had the same three-dimensional feel. The story unfolds in third-person with a little first-person mixed in. The pace was excellent, and I read the book in two days since it caught me and wouldn’t let go. Recommended to readers who enjoy women’s fiction, and stories about personal growth and rising above old hurts
The actual reunion takes place in the last chapter, so the book is really about the lead-up to that event. Each character has a separate POV narrative, which begins to intersect with other characters as the day draws near. I enjoyed the way the author slowly revealed each character’s memories as well as how their lives had progressed. The healing that takes place was cathartic and touching. To me, it seemed that karma was in play, and that kindness bred kindness, as well as the other way around.
The characters were beautifully crafted, their actions and choices realistic and their emotions full of depth. Secondary characters had the same three-dimensional feel. The story unfolds in third-person with a little first-person mixed in. The pace was excellent, and I read the book in two days since it caught me and wouldn’t let go. Recommended to readers who enjoy women’s fiction, and stories about personal growth and rising above old hurts
November 4, 2013
Twenty-five years after graduation, Cherry, the original perky cheerleader invites her former classmates to their first-ever high school reunion. This story focuses on Cherry, plus Kellie, who used to be the outcast ugly duckling, Scott, the bully, and Joe, the popular guy. In the countdown to the big day we find out why this reunion means so much to Cherry, and how much (or little) each of them has changed. Some highly personal secrets are revealed along the way, too.
I love how the author introduces us to each of these contrasting characters, initially giving us tempting snippets, and then sharing out more and more intriguing information about their past and present lives. I know back story is frowned upon, but these back stories are such a natural flowing part of the narrative that we lap them up. The physical and emotional transformation of the two women is particularly interesting, and I’m also impressed by how well this author gets under the skin of her male characters.
While Cherry’s story is very moving, and Scott’s low-life behaviour is truly astounding, I found myself more interested in Kellie and Joe. Kellie had an awful time at school, shunned by most of her classmates for her appearance, she’s had hard times since, but transformed herself, even if the scars remain deep down. Her developing relationship with Bill, the new man in her life, feels really authentic. Joe appears to have it all in terms of good looks, a film career, money in the bank and a gorgeous house, but it’s an empty house, and Joe is a lonely man.
The earlier careful development of the plot and the characters seems somewhat at odds with the way in which the reunion itself is handled. Although there is more than a little drama at the reunion, things feel a bit too rushed, and the whole story ends rather abruptly. As the reunion is what we have been building up to, I expected more from this scene. Having said that, it did leave me wanting more, and wondering what was going to happen next for each of these memorable characters.
I’m always pleased when the meaning behind the title of a novel isn’t revealed until near the very end. And that’s exactly what happens with Bits of Broken Glass.
I’d like to thank the author for sending me a review copy of this book.
I love how the author introduces us to each of these contrasting characters, initially giving us tempting snippets, and then sharing out more and more intriguing information about their past and present lives. I know back story is frowned upon, but these back stories are such a natural flowing part of the narrative that we lap them up. The physical and emotional transformation of the two women is particularly interesting, and I’m also impressed by how well this author gets under the skin of her male characters.
While Cherry’s story is very moving, and Scott’s low-life behaviour is truly astounding, I found myself more interested in Kellie and Joe. Kellie had an awful time at school, shunned by most of her classmates for her appearance, she’s had hard times since, but transformed herself, even if the scars remain deep down. Her developing relationship with Bill, the new man in her life, feels really authentic. Joe appears to have it all in terms of good looks, a film career, money in the bank and a gorgeous house, but it’s an empty house, and Joe is a lonely man.
The earlier careful development of the plot and the characters seems somewhat at odds with the way in which the reunion itself is handled. Although there is more than a little drama at the reunion, things feel a bit too rushed, and the whole story ends rather abruptly. As the reunion is what we have been building up to, I expected more from this scene. Having said that, it did leave me wanting more, and wondering what was going to happen next for each of these memorable characters.
I’m always pleased when the meaning behind the title of a novel isn’t revealed until near the very end. And that’s exactly what happens with Bits of Broken Glass.
I’d like to thank the author for sending me a review copy of this book.
December 16, 2013
*******This is a First Reads *** Thank You GoodReads ****
West Alton High School in Rhode Island is gathering together for it's 25th Reunion for the Class of 1988. For some it's a chance to show off, others to prove something, a few have some amends to make - but in this book, we meet five complicated people, whose lives for better or worse have somehow been influenced by one or all.
Joe Travera, who is gay, victimized and assaulted in high school, went on to be a Hollywood director. Yet Joe's life is missing something and when a few personal crisis occur, he knows the strength he holds to stand tall and face what made him leave home all those years ago.
Cherry Weiss (Patel) former cheerleader, popular girl, finds herself looking at her own mortality battling an aggressive cancer. She decides to hold the reunion, does all the work even as she undergoes a double mastectomy. Her search is on a deeper level than any other attending, if she can make it to November.
Scott Hunter is one of those people that never change, just got older. Now on a pension due to an injury he claimed he got while he worked for the Fire Department, he scams and drinks, lives in the same town and remembers what a big shot he once was. He hopes the reunion might be the thing to recapture his "glory days".
Suzanne Fitch (Thomas) is the girl who everyone knew and everyone was friends with or so it seemed. Now she finds herself married with children but in an empty house more often than not. She has been the keeper of secrets both new and old, will she let them out at the reunion especially when a few need to be told?
Kellie Blunt (Campbell) was the wallflower, the forgotten poor girl, whose half brother murdered their mother. Her life has been through bruises, battles, and scarred more ways than one. With a new face, a great job, a new lease on life, what scars from the past are holding her back from going to the reunion, what is she or who is she afraid to face and why?
Well written, each character very developed. The build up was great, ending tasteful and perfect! Loved it! Those of you that have endured High School will find something in this to connect to, especially if you have put some years between then and now.
West Alton High School in Rhode Island is gathering together for it's 25th Reunion for the Class of 1988. For some it's a chance to show off, others to prove something, a few have some amends to make - but in this book, we meet five complicated people, whose lives for better or worse have somehow been influenced by one or all.
Joe Travera, who is gay, victimized and assaulted in high school, went on to be a Hollywood director. Yet Joe's life is missing something and when a few personal crisis occur, he knows the strength he holds to stand tall and face what made him leave home all those years ago.
Cherry Weiss (Patel) former cheerleader, popular girl, finds herself looking at her own mortality battling an aggressive cancer. She decides to hold the reunion, does all the work even as she undergoes a double mastectomy. Her search is on a deeper level than any other attending, if she can make it to November.
Scott Hunter is one of those people that never change, just got older. Now on a pension due to an injury he claimed he got while he worked for the Fire Department, he scams and drinks, lives in the same town and remembers what a big shot he once was. He hopes the reunion might be the thing to recapture his "glory days".
Suzanne Fitch (Thomas) is the girl who everyone knew and everyone was friends with or so it seemed. Now she finds herself married with children but in an empty house more often than not. She has been the keeper of secrets both new and old, will she let them out at the reunion especially when a few need to be told?
Kellie Blunt (Campbell) was the wallflower, the forgotten poor girl, whose half brother murdered their mother. Her life has been through bruises, battles, and scarred more ways than one. With a new face, a great job, a new lease on life, what scars from the past are holding her back from going to the reunion, what is she or who is she afraid to face and why?
Well written, each character very developed. The build up was great, ending tasteful and perfect! Loved it! Those of you that have endured High School will find something in this to connect to, especially if you have put some years between then and now.
March 21, 2014
I'll begin with a disclaimer of sorts: I am a fan of Martha Reynolds' writing, having devoured her 'Chocolate' series in short order, so I expected to love Bits of Broken Glass. That I did was no surprise, but the reasons why were. In this novel, Reynolds' takes her disparate talents - the lovely narrative quality of Chocolate for Breakfast, the wild plot twists and turns of Chocolate Fondue and Bittersweet Chocolate - and fuses them in a way I did not quite anticipate. Any 25-year high school reunion could easily be fodder for a novel, yet it's the way Reynolds understands the complexity of the material that makes Bits of Broken Glass special. She lives under the skin of her characters, giving voice flawlessly to personas running as far afield as an aging cheerleader facing cancer, to a gay man who's found success in Hollywood, to a small-minded loser oblivious to the destruction in his wake. The insecurities and incidents we suffer growing up, and the way they impact us as the years pass - Martha Reynolds simply "gets" it. An added bonus for me, personally, was the familiarity of scenes set in Rhode Island and Connecticut. But frankly - I think Martha Reynolds could set a book on the moon and I'd love it.
November 3, 2013
We all experienced it. Some of us have positive memories. Some of us...don't. For some, it was the best time in their lives. For others, it was the worst. Some wished it would be over. Some didn't want it to end.
High school.
Twenty-five years later, students from West Alton high school receive invitations to their high school reunion. This story commences 159 days before the reunion, providing snapshots into the lives of several classmates. Some of them have changed. Some are still the same.
When the reunion finally arrives, secrets are revealed. Will going back to high school be freeing, or will the former West Alton students wish that they had left the past in the past?
A departure from her Chocolate series, Martha Reynolds demonstrates that she can excel at writing very different types of stories, as well as from the perspectives of both male and female characters, with spot on dialogue. I can't wait to see what comes next from this skillful writer.
High school.
Twenty-five years later, students from West Alton high school receive invitations to their high school reunion. This story commences 159 days before the reunion, providing snapshots into the lives of several classmates. Some of them have changed. Some are still the same.
When the reunion finally arrives, secrets are revealed. Will going back to high school be freeing, or will the former West Alton students wish that they had left the past in the past?
A departure from her Chocolate series, Martha Reynolds demonstrates that she can excel at writing very different types of stories, as well as from the perspectives of both male and female characters, with spot on dialogue. I can't wait to see what comes next from this skillful writer.
June 10, 2014
4.5 Star!
Read
February 12, 2014Pay. Back
a very good read. I had a problem at first keeping everyone straight, but once I did, I enjoyed it. It is basically pay back.
a very good read. I had a problem at first keeping everyone straight, but once I did, I enjoyed it. It is basically pay back.
February 13, 2014
Ending was somewhat abrupt..... but understandable.
Ending was somewhat abrupt..... but understandable.
This was an light and entertaining book focused around characters coming together for a 25th high school reunion. We get to see read about not only their present life but the back story of high school and traumatic events that lead up to their attendance at the reunion. The old saying " what goes around, comes around" is never more true than at the reunion. The end leaves us at the end of the night somewhat abruptly. A good read but nothing extraordinary. would recommend for beach read or long flight.
Ending was somewhat abrupt..... but understandable.
This was an light and entertaining book focused around characters coming together for a 25th high school reunion. We get to see read about not only their present life but the back story of high school and traumatic events that lead up to their attendance at the reunion. The old saying " what goes around, comes around" is never more true than at the reunion. The end leaves us at the end of the night somewhat abruptly. A good read but nothing extraordinary. would recommend for beach read or long flight.
December 13, 2013
It was hard to get in to the book at first but over all I thought Bits of broken Glass was a pretty good book...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews