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The Broken One
Sixteen-year-old Farris is picking up the pieces after the untimely death of her best friend. But even one year later, she can’t seem to find “normal” again—not until Lane Evans pops back into her life and pushes her to face reality. When he offers her the chance to find the truth, Farris fears what will surface. Is it too much too soon or just what she needs to move forward?
266 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 23, 2017
Farris and her best friend Kelsey were inseparable, but when Farris goes to visit her friend and instead finds her broken body instead, she can't cope. Now, a year later, she still is not over the tragedy of her friend's murder. Can she learn to let go and live again before she drives everyone away?
I went into this story with a completely open mind, not sure what I was going to read. I guess I would classify this as a teen growing up story, dealing with topics like loss, grief, forgiveness and how to keep going after experiencing such things. To be be completely upfront, this was a pretty depressing story. As the book progressed, it did become much lighter, reflecting the healing that the main character experiences.
I rooted for Farris and wanted to encourage her to just try, because it was so hard to watch her push everyone away and close off any human emotion. She felt like she could not keep anyone, so she refused to even try. She had such a hard shell and refused to interact in a positive manner with anyone. Can I just say her "Nanny" was such a good person, and I felt that Farris's father was kind of an unfeeling tool for the most part. No wonder Farris was emotionally closed off, she learned it from her one remaining family member.
I am not a huge fan of religion in books, but I guess it played a role in helping Farris heal and it was not so in your face, so it is acceptable in this book. There was also a sweet love story interwoven throughout the plot. The book ended on a very high note of hope and love for Farris, which was really nice after the rough depressing start. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a emotional growing up story.
I received this title from the author in return for my honest review.
For more reviews visit my blog at http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
I went into this story with a completely open mind, not sure what I was going to read. I guess I would classify this as a teen growing up story, dealing with topics like loss, grief, forgiveness and how to keep going after experiencing such things. To be be completely upfront, this was a pretty depressing story. As the book progressed, it did become much lighter, reflecting the healing that the main character experiences.
I rooted for Farris and wanted to encourage her to just try, because it was so hard to watch her push everyone away and close off any human emotion. She felt like she could not keep anyone, so she refused to even try. She had such a hard shell and refused to interact in a positive manner with anyone. Can I just say her "Nanny" was such a good person, and I felt that Farris's father was kind of an unfeeling tool for the most part. No wonder Farris was emotionally closed off, she learned it from her one remaining family member.
I am not a huge fan of religion in books, but I guess it played a role in helping Farris heal and it was not so in your face, so it is acceptable in this book. There was also a sweet love story interwoven throughout the plot. The book ended on a very high note of hope and love for Farris, which was really nice after the rough depressing start. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a emotional growing up story.
I received this title from the author in return for my honest review.
For more reviews visit my blog at http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
April 15, 2016
I guess this was an okay read. I just wish it was... more you know?
The story felt dragging in the beginning but towards the end it felt like it was wrapped up way too fast. Farris seemed like she had a personality disorder. I didn't really like her. Or relate to her. Honestly most of the time I was just so frustrated with her it's a miracle I haven't thrown my kindle against the wall. And the romance didn't feel.. right. (At least to me) I don't know I guess I was just not gung-ho about Farris and Lane's relationship.
And there are still sssooo many questions! It doesn't feel like the story's done. I NEED CLOSURE. (Or maybe the author did that on purpose? Like the story doesn't really end because it goes on and it's left to the reader's imagination? Or something?)
I really love the author's writing style though. Hence the three-star rating.
I would probably (maybe? not really?) write a lengthier review but right now I think that about sums up everything I feel about the book. I know I suck.
I received an e-arc via NetGalley for review.
The story felt dragging in the beginning but towards the end it felt like it was wrapped up way too fast. Farris seemed like she had a personality disorder. I didn't really like her. Or relate to her. Honestly most of the time I was just so frustrated with her it's a miracle I haven't thrown my kindle against the wall. And the romance didn't feel.. right. (At least to me) I don't know I guess I was just not gung-ho about Farris and Lane's relationship.
And there are still sssooo many questions! It doesn't feel like the story's done. I NEED CLOSURE. (Or maybe the author did that on purpose? Like the story doesn't really end because it goes on and it's left to the reader's imagination? Or something?)
I really love the author's writing style though. Hence the three-star rating.
I would probably (maybe? not really?) write a lengthier review but right now I think that about sums up everything I feel about the book. I know I suck.
I received an e-arc via NetGalley for review.
February 20, 2017
The young people in this story are struggling with their own challenges and Farris in particular is trying to find out how to insert herself back into her life following tragedy.
For the most part, this is a well written story. The pacing is a little bit slow in places, but this is easily offset by the character development. It is easy to make a connection with Farris, despite her unusual circumstances, because the author has detailed her reactions in such a well observed manner.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
For the most part, this is a well written story. The pacing is a little bit slow in places, but this is easily offset by the character development. It is easy to make a connection with Farris, despite her unusual circumstances, because the author has detailed her reactions in such a well observed manner.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
February 26, 2017
Vinspire Publishing and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Broken One. This is my honest opinion of the book.
Farris only remembers her Mom from a video taken when she was 2. Now, years later, Farris spends her afternoons with her Dad's personal assistant Lucy. When her best friend Kelsey starts acting strangely, Farris goes to talk with her, only to discover a horrific scene unfolded in front of her.
One year later, the only person who will brave being anywhere near Farris is Jun, the new transfer student in school. That is, until the day that Lane Evans hands Farris a letter that changes everything. Will Farris find the answers she seeks and finally have the courage to move forward with her life?
The biggest issue that I had with The Broken One was its lack of a definitive conclusion. The book just ended and did not leave me with the feeling that every question was satisfactorily answered. The Broken One deals with heavy subjects, such as death, suicide, and grief, as well as handling how different individuals cope with these problems. The book started out strong, but missed the mark with the weak conclusion.
Farris only remembers her Mom from a video taken when she was 2. Now, years later, Farris spends her afternoons with her Dad's personal assistant Lucy. When her best friend Kelsey starts acting strangely, Farris goes to talk with her, only to discover a horrific scene unfolded in front of her.
One year later, the only person who will brave being anywhere near Farris is Jun, the new transfer student in school. That is, until the day that Lane Evans hands Farris a letter that changes everything. Will Farris find the answers she seeks and finally have the courage to move forward with her life?
The biggest issue that I had with The Broken One was its lack of a definitive conclusion. The book just ended and did not leave me with the feeling that every question was satisfactorily answered. The Broken One deals with heavy subjects, such as death, suicide, and grief, as well as handling how different individuals cope with these problems. The book started out strong, but missed the mark with the weak conclusion.
February 23, 2017
To start, I think it's important to note my expectations based on the blurb. I had pegged this as more of a coming-of-age, murder mystery with hints of romance. This starts with Farris going to her friend's house and finding out that her friend has died, presumably because she fell over a railing. Then, we fast-forward a year later and Farris is still dealing with all of her strong emotions from that tragedy, sort of beginning to come out of a fog (she focused on school and obsessed about her friend's apparent murder).
She gets a note from a mutual friend of the alleged murderer that sort of sets her off wanting answers again. The mutual friend is a guy she had previously almost dated. I assumed they would work together to solve the murder.
I was wrong. They sort of do, but there isn't really a mystery. And there isn't much romance either.
This story is mostly a coming-of-age, dealing-with-grief one. Farris has abandonment issues due to losing her mother as a toddler, her best friend, and having a workaholic dad, and she learns to deal with them, as well as potential depression, over the course of her story. I thought it was an interesting story and enjoyable, though I had to adjust my expectations about halfway through.
She gets a note from a mutual friend of the alleged murderer that sort of sets her off wanting answers again. The mutual friend is a guy she had previously almost dated. I assumed they would work together to solve the murder.
I was wrong. They sort of do, but there isn't really a mystery. And there isn't much romance either.
This story is mostly a coming-of-age, dealing-with-grief one. Farris has abandonment issues due to losing her mother as a toddler, her best friend, and having a workaholic dad, and she learns to deal with them, as well as potential depression, over the course of her story. I thought it was an interesting story and enjoyable, though I had to adjust my expectations about halfway through.
February 23, 2017
The main plot of the book is Farris coming to terms with her friends death a year earlier. As life moves on and her father finds a romantic interest and maybe even Farris she must come to terms with her friends passing. The plot was a little slow for my liking but overall was satisfying. I thought this may have been a murder mystery but it was more of a self discovery and growth type book. The character of Farris was what held the book for me. It was evident in the writing that she was hurting and seeking the truth about her friends death. Overall, it was an enjoyable book that left things open but it was Farris’ character that really drove the book.
October 16, 2016
Here's my video review
After her best friend is murdered, Farris needs to learn how to live without her. And after a year of pushing everyone she knew away, Lane who used to be her friend suddenly decides to talk and to her and gives her a letter from her best friend's murderer.
The Broken One is an unique and real approach to someone dealing with the issues Farris has. People might think to compare it to I Was Here by Gayle Forman, but this is so much more realistic and heartbreaking, especially the main character and her of dealing. One thing that I adored about her is that she does not change her mind easily as many characters do (even though, in real life, no one really changes his/her mind as fast as YA characters).
A book that made me feel like no book had in a long time.
After her best friend is murdered, Farris needs to learn how to live without her. And after a year of pushing everyone she knew away, Lane who used to be her friend suddenly decides to talk and to her and gives her a letter from her best friend's murderer.
The Broken One is an unique and real approach to someone dealing with the issues Farris has. People might think to compare it to I Was Here by Gayle Forman, but this is so much more realistic and heartbreaking, especially the main character and her of dealing. One thing that I adored about her is that she does not change her mind easily as many characters do (even though, in real life, no one really changes his/her mind as fast as YA characters).
A book that made me feel like no book had in a long time.
June 8, 2016
*Advanced review copy received from publisher*
I actually enjoyed reading this book despite two distinct frustrating variables…
Firstly, Farris (yes that’s actually her name… I thought maybe it had some significance but none I could find) was very infuriating. Depression I understand, but honestly she had an irritating way of running away from people close to her. I didn’t like her character and didn’t feel her friendships and relationships were genuine.
The second frustration… A very weak ending left me with the feeling that I was missing the point. Was there something I missed? The whole story was leading to something, but then just like that wham! The End. A few loose ends were tied up but no real closure. I needed more answers, a more profound revelation or …?
Lucy and Henry were the best part of the story, both loveable characters who gave the book a welcome, positive, hopeful edge.
So why did I enjoy reading The Broken One? I think it was Ms. Bailey’s the easy, flowing writing style.
Review published on my blog: http://crushingcinders.com/broken-one...
I actually enjoyed reading this book despite two distinct frustrating variables…
Firstly, Farris (yes that’s actually her name… I thought maybe it had some significance but none I could find) was very infuriating. Depression I understand, but honestly she had an irritating way of running away from people close to her. I didn’t like her character and didn’t feel her friendships and relationships were genuine.
The second frustration… A very weak ending left me with the feeling that I was missing the point. Was there something I missed? The whole story was leading to something, but then just like that wham! The End. A few loose ends were tied up but no real closure. I needed more answers, a more profound revelation or …?
Lucy and Henry were the best part of the story, both loveable characters who gave the book a welcome, positive, hopeful edge.
So why did I enjoy reading The Broken One? I think it was Ms. Bailey’s the easy, flowing writing style.
Review published on my blog: http://crushingcinders.com/broken-one...
April 26, 2016
Someone could have told me that this book was based on true events and I would have believed them. What I liked most about this book is how the author left us with questions. The ending offered no real closure, instead forcing us to either be ok with the world being how it truly is or get mad and demand the author wrap this story up in a nice little package. Usually, endings like this drive me insane, but since it fit the story I have no issue with it. By writing, and ending, the story the way she did, the author forces the reader to remember that sometimes in life there is no real closure. Sometimes you have to make peace with all the crap life throws at you and move on. I could have liked to know how Ferris and Jun processed everything, but I guess it will just have to be another one of those "suck it up" moments.
Every character stayed true to themselves, but there were a few ends that were left unnecessarily untied....
1. Why did Dad and Lucy need to have the engagement party so soon?
2. How did Jun feel about the whole Paul situation?
I guess we may never know.
Every character stayed true to themselves, but there were a few ends that were left unnecessarily untied....
1. Why did Dad and Lucy need to have the engagement party so soon?
2. How did Jun feel about the whole Paul situation?
I guess we may never know.
April 12, 2016
(I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review)
The Broken One is about a girl named Farris whose best friend Kelsey passes away and the emotions and events which take place afterwards which Farris must deal with. After a year has gone by Farris still cannot get over what has happened with so many unanswered questions preventing her from moving on with her life.
I really liked the character of Farris as I found her to be relatable and very realistic and I really sympathised with her for all that she has gone through, finding myself rooting for her to get some closure and find happiness again. The other characters in the book were also very interesting and complex.
This 180 page book focuses on grief, friendship, love and family which kept me turning the pages and reading the whole thing in a single sitting. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone who wants a short, easy and touching read.
The Broken One is about a girl named Farris whose best friend Kelsey passes away and the emotions and events which take place afterwards which Farris must deal with. After a year has gone by Farris still cannot get over what has happened with so many unanswered questions preventing her from moving on with her life.
I really liked the character of Farris as I found her to be relatable and very realistic and I really sympathised with her for all that she has gone through, finding myself rooting for her to get some closure and find happiness again. The other characters in the book were also very interesting and complex.
This 180 page book focuses on grief, friendship, love and family which kept me turning the pages and reading the whole thing in a single sitting. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone who wants a short, easy and touching read.
February 13, 2017
review to come Feb 20
April 24, 2016
I received a copy of this story from Net Galley. Yay books!
Spoilers possible ahead...
I guess I was expecting this story to be one where two people go off to dig for the truth and eventually find it...
Not so much.
While, yes, Farris does search a little for the truth. Actually, the last year she has been doing nothing but obsessing over he death of her friend. What really happened that night. Why her boyfriend did it.
But is there really a search for what really happened? Not so much. Yeah, she visits the boyfriend in prison...but she doesn't get any answers.
I feel like I need more.
Yeah, I get that the story isn't really about that...I do. But about Farris finding who she really is, but she still doesn't figure that out either... Not really.
Spoilers possible ahead...
I guess I was expecting this story to be one where two people go off to dig for the truth and eventually find it...
Not so much.
While, yes, Farris does search a little for the truth. Actually, the last year she has been doing nothing but obsessing over he death of her friend. What really happened that night. Why her boyfriend did it.
But is there really a search for what really happened? Not so much. Yeah, she visits the boyfriend in prison...but she doesn't get any answers.
I feel like I need more.
Yeah, I get that the story isn't really about that...I do. But about Farris finding who she really is, but she still doesn't figure that out either... Not really.
April 23, 2016
The Broken One by Christine H. Bailey I read this book in less than 12 hours! It's started out kind slow and by the end it felt a little rushed, like there could have been more to the story. I was right there with Farris I felt everything she was going through. The only thing I have to say is, I'm not sure if I wanted to know why Garrett did it or for it to turn out that star did it. I think I need some closure on Farris and Lane's realitionship and on who or why the killed her! I hope this is going to be a series! I really enjoyed the authors writing style!!!
I received this from netgalley for a honest review!
I received this from netgalley for a honest review!
January 20, 2017
I received this book from netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was okay but not enough happened. The summary made it seem like a murder mystery and it stayed like that for most of it and then it just didn't all of a sudden. It was just a bit disappointing. Not that it's a bad thing to come to terms with yourself and grow. I did like that part of the book but i felt like there was no payoff for the mystery and that made me feel a little letdown.
This book was okay but not enough happened. The summary made it seem like a murder mystery and it stayed like that for most of it and then it just didn't all of a sudden. It was just a bit disappointing. Not that it's a bad thing to come to terms with yourself and grow. I did like that part of the book but i felt like there was no payoff for the mystery and that made me feel a little letdown.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews