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Broken Things
Broken Things is an inspirational narrative of a young girl’s survival during years of routine sexual abuse. Alma spent her childhood living in a home environment rife with poverty, neglect, and unrelenting physical and sexual abuse perpetrated by a domineering father. Love for her siblings kept her going during that harrowing day-to-day existence until she came of age and made her escape. Based on true events, Alma’s story rips away the veil of family secrets that so often surrounds and protects abusers. It exposes difficult truths by detailing the jarring abuse she endured, as well as the resiliency, love, and resourcefulness it took to leave it behind.
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Published August 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 23, 2020
A Beautifully Written Heartbreaking Story
I finished reading A.L. Garcia’s Broken Things this morning. I purchased it last night when I saw on Twitter that it had launched. It’s a novella, but I put it down only because I had to sleep. When I woke this morning, I picked up my Kindle and finished it before dragging myself out of bed to get tea.
This is the first person account of mental, physical, and sexual abuse of a child, at the hands of a parent. I know some will want to stop reading now, but I am begging you not to. In the author’s own words, she is too.
“I hope to live in a world where my story is not just a tragedy to be cried over and forgotten. I want my story and the story of so many others to spark conversations, not end them.”
There are difficult scenes in this book, by its very nature there would have to be. However, those scenes are not sensationalized, nor are they graphically written for the sake of such things. A.L. Garcia is a natural storyteller, a reader from a young age she found escape and refuge in books. She writes beautifully and takes you on this journey with her.
The heroine is a young seven year old girl running, jumping, and living a normal life to the outside viewer. At home, there is true evil there and reading about it will make you angry and sad. You will wonder how the system failed her, how the world around her ignored obvious signs. The young child filled with the wisdom of experience, that most of us only achieve after a lifetime of living, wonders it also.
“I wonder if I judge her too harshly for not protecting me. Perhaps her life has been more exhausting than I give her credit for. Maybe I am just another weight crushing her soul.”
“All hope is lost in these moments, where emotions prevail over solutions, where dreams are lost to despair. I wonder if I am the only one seeing it that way.”
In brief moments of reprieve, when the child moves in with a married couple from her local church, your heart cracks open when you hear her younger self’s internal monologue.
“She tells me I have had a long day and should get some sleep, then asks if I would like for her to pray with me. I say yes because I don’t want to be alone, and she prays for us. We say our amen’s, and she leaves me to sleep. She does not know that I have never had my own room or that I dream of falling backwards off a cliff into an endless darkness almost every night. She doesn’t know that I fear the devil himself will come up and drag me down to hell for my sins.”
There are tragic and difficult moments in the story, but there are lighthearted and hopeful moments too. To that end this story really is a hero’s journey. That’s exactly what Garcia is, she is a heroine. She is more than survivor, and so much more than a victim. She did not let this define her life and she is a light for others to follow. I hope this book is her beacon and that all buy it so she can light the way forward.
I finished reading A.L. Garcia’s Broken Things this morning. I purchased it last night when I saw on Twitter that it had launched. It’s a novella, but I put it down only because I had to sleep. When I woke this morning, I picked up my Kindle and finished it before dragging myself out of bed to get tea.
This is the first person account of mental, physical, and sexual abuse of a child, at the hands of a parent. I know some will want to stop reading now, but I am begging you not to. In the author’s own words, she is too.
“I hope to live in a world where my story is not just a tragedy to be cried over and forgotten. I want my story and the story of so many others to spark conversations, not end them.”
There are difficult scenes in this book, by its very nature there would have to be. However, those scenes are not sensationalized, nor are they graphically written for the sake of such things. A.L. Garcia is a natural storyteller, a reader from a young age she found escape and refuge in books. She writes beautifully and takes you on this journey with her.
The heroine is a young seven year old girl running, jumping, and living a normal life to the outside viewer. At home, there is true evil there and reading about it will make you angry and sad. You will wonder how the system failed her, how the world around her ignored obvious signs. The young child filled with the wisdom of experience, that most of us only achieve after a lifetime of living, wonders it also.
“I wonder if I judge her too harshly for not protecting me. Perhaps her life has been more exhausting than I give her credit for. Maybe I am just another weight crushing her soul.”
“All hope is lost in these moments, where emotions prevail over solutions, where dreams are lost to despair. I wonder if I am the only one seeing it that way.”
In brief moments of reprieve, when the child moves in with a married couple from her local church, your heart cracks open when you hear her younger self’s internal monologue.
“She tells me I have had a long day and should get some sleep, then asks if I would like for her to pray with me. I say yes because I don’t want to be alone, and she prays for us. We say our amen’s, and she leaves me to sleep. She does not know that I have never had my own room or that I dream of falling backwards off a cliff into an endless darkness almost every night. She doesn’t know that I fear the devil himself will come up and drag me down to hell for my sins.”
There are tragic and difficult moments in the story, but there are lighthearted and hopeful moments too. To that end this story really is a hero’s journey. That’s exactly what Garcia is, she is a heroine. She is more than survivor, and so much more than a victim. She did not let this define her life and she is a light for others to follow. I hope this book is her beacon and that all buy it so she can light the way forward.
September 13, 2020
This is one of the bravest and most powerful books I have ever read.
Alma, very candidly and with a simple eloquence, takes us through her abusive childhood and formative years.
The courage and conviction with which Alma recounts her story is nothing short of breathtaking. She doesn't hold back on any details, and the book is all the more powerful for it.
Disturbing, unsettling and heartbreaking at times, 'Broken Things' is nevertheless the true story of a girl who held onto hope and survived a truly horrific childhood.
Such an important story which needed to be told and which is more gripping than any fiction I can think of. Truly unforgettable.
Alma, very candidly and with a simple eloquence, takes us through her abusive childhood and formative years.
The courage and conviction with which Alma recounts her story is nothing short of breathtaking. She doesn't hold back on any details, and the book is all the more powerful for it.
Disturbing, unsettling and heartbreaking at times, 'Broken Things' is nevertheless the true story of a girl who held onto hope and survived a truly horrific childhood.
Such an important story which needed to be told and which is more gripping than any fiction I can think of. Truly unforgettable.
December 5, 2020
This book is a sad story, and at times it's hard to read, but it has a happy ending, sort of.
This is a story of child abuse and I confess I ended up crying and putting the book down for a short while at one point. But I think the author needed to tell her story and the world should listen. It's also a tale of small, invisible heros, little children who saved their even younger siblings from the monsters.
This book is worth a read, and it is very well written, poetic even.
This is a story of child abuse and I confess I ended up crying and putting the book down for a short while at one point. But I think the author needed to tell her story and the world should listen. It's also a tale of small, invisible heros, little children who saved their even younger siblings from the monsters.
This book is worth a read, and it is very well written, poetic even.
December 16, 2020
Broken Things is the hard-hitting story of a brave young woman who was sexually abused by her father, and her struggle to break free. It's the kind of book that breaks your heart, opens your eyes, whips you into a tangle of emotions. The narrative is powerful, frank yet almost lyrical. I could have read the entire book in one sitting had I not had to sleep, as the author has quite a way with words. Despite this, there were times when it was harder to continue than others. Even having somewhat walked a mile in A L Garcia's shoes through Broken Things, I can barely begin to imagine what her and others in her situation have had to endure. And it is for this reason that I am grateful to be slightly less ignorant to what is ultimately happening behind closed doors all around us.
I have a feeling that this book is one that will stay with me for quite some time to come.
I have a feeling that this book is one that will stay with me for quite some time to come.
September 25, 2020
Hard Truths
It is so hard to comprehend a parent treating their child with such callousness and abuse. Horrible that the author lived it as do so many silent victims. BUT the author is amazing in her resiliency and courage. This took amazing courage to not only admit but give a voice to her experiences through imagery and writing.
It is so hard to comprehend a parent treating their child with such callousness and abuse. Horrible that the author lived it as do so many silent victims. BUT the author is amazing in her resiliency and courage. This took amazing courage to not only admit but give a voice to her experiences through imagery and writing.
September 4, 2020
Before I begin my review of this book I just want to comment on what a brave and inspirational woman Alma is. To have suffered the way she has and to be able to speak so eloquently about it is truly inspiring.
The story is wonderfully written and draws you in as you watch as Alma's childhood unfolds before you. This is a heartbreaking, harrowing story with some difficult scenes. I found it distressing to read at times, knowing that everything I read was true. I can only recommend this book to others and commend Alma for speaking out. Alma's story needs to be heard and I hope that others read it and find the courage to speak out about any abuse that they have suffered.
Alma, you are an amazing woman.
The story is wonderfully written and draws you in as you watch as Alma's childhood unfolds before you. This is a heartbreaking, harrowing story with some difficult scenes. I found it distressing to read at times, knowing that everything I read was true. I can only recommend this book to others and commend Alma for speaking out. Alma's story needs to be heard and I hope that others read it and find the courage to speak out about any abuse that they have suffered.
Alma, you are an amazing woman.
December 10, 2020
“I tell him to leave the teddy in his locker, and I’ll get him some other time. I never get him.”
The above quote is one of the most striking in A. L. Garcia’s book about the abuse Alma endures whilst she grows up. In that scene, a boy she likes has just given her a romantic present. She loves it, but romance and gifts and love are things she has no concept of yet. It’s a sad and simple but incredibly powerful moment in a relatively short book that leaves a real impact on the reader.
Sparingly, even dispassionately told, the writing style does more to highlight the horror of Alma’s situation than florid prose would, and makes it far more compelling. This is a beautifully written book with a message of hope for the future. It is about one brave little girl who becomes a tough and resourceful young woman who is able to break free of the vicious cycle of abuse and violence wrought upon her by her father. It is the story of survival and the resilience of the human spirit. A gruelling but ultimately fulfilling read.
The above quote is one of the most striking in A. L. Garcia’s book about the abuse Alma endures whilst she grows up. In that scene, a boy she likes has just given her a romantic present. She loves it, but romance and gifts and love are things she has no concept of yet. It’s a sad and simple but incredibly powerful moment in a relatively short book that leaves a real impact on the reader.
Sparingly, even dispassionately told, the writing style does more to highlight the horror of Alma’s situation than florid prose would, and makes it far more compelling. This is a beautifully written book with a message of hope for the future. It is about one brave little girl who becomes a tough and resourceful young woman who is able to break free of the vicious cycle of abuse and violence wrought upon her by her father. It is the story of survival and the resilience of the human spirit. A gruelling but ultimately fulfilling read.
August 23, 2020
I honestly don’t know where to begin with this review. I know the title of the book says “Broken Things” but I didn’t understand the depth of it. Reading this, I was shocked, angry, sad, and full of indignation.
Broken Things is a sad, true life story about a girl who experienced all forms of abuse at the hands of her father. In the end, I felt so close to tears and so angry seeing in the introduction that he’s still out there. But besides this, I’m glad that she had her siblings with her and that they all stuck together through it all -even though they didn’t truly understand the extent of her abuse. I hope that she heals completely someday and I’m sending a virtual hug to her and the girl who had experienced all of that.
Thank you for the chance to read this story.
Broken Things is a sad, true life story about a girl who experienced all forms of abuse at the hands of her father. In the end, I felt so close to tears and so angry seeing in the introduction that he’s still out there. But besides this, I’m glad that she had her siblings with her and that they all stuck together through it all -even though they didn’t truly understand the extent of her abuse. I hope that she heals completely someday and I’m sending a virtual hug to her and the girl who had experienced all of that.
Thank you for the chance to read this story.
November 4, 2020
AL Garcia's matter of fact style makes this powerful story even more compelling.
I read it in one sitting in disbelief that there were people like this in the world.
A no frills account of how sordid abuse really is.
I read it in one sitting in disbelief that there were people like this in the world.
A no frills account of how sordid abuse really is.
September 11, 2020
A. L. Garcia's novella BROKEN THINGS is a searingly honest and compelling tale of a girl, Alma, growing up in a dysfunctional New York family and suffering sexual abuse at the hands of a violent and disruptive father. What makes the story additionally convincing is the inclusion of detail from everyday life, the things Alma likes such as being at school, playing with friends and siblings, eating nice food, at the same time as coping with the ordeal to which she is being subjected. The style is plain and direct: a strong and confident voice comes across from the outset and it carries the reader through with great force. I'm certainly looking forward to future works from this talented writer.
August 25, 2020
A powerful story that will bring tears of anger and sadness for once a little girl that became a woman filled with hope and candor.
My beautiful friend this story, your story is powerful, there is no shame but power in embracing your past and despicting with written words such a monster. You are an excellent woman that have fought demons and have given hell of a battle to overcome them. You are now triumphant!
I hope your story serves as a platform to many latinas that go through this and are ashamed to come forward due to our horrible “machista” culture. To all women, believe your children, we are responsible for breaking the abusive cycle.
Your friend,
Mary
My beautiful friend this story, your story is powerful, there is no shame but power in embracing your past and despicting with written words such a monster. You are an excellent woman that have fought demons and have given hell of a battle to overcome them. You are now triumphant!
I hope your story serves as a platform to many latinas that go through this and are ashamed to come forward due to our horrible “machista” culture. To all women, believe your children, we are responsible for breaking the abusive cycle.
Your friend,
Mary
February 10, 2021
I personally find stories like this very hard to read, but I would say that reading and sharing is a must as the author has bravely taken her time to write it for us. I read the entire book in one sitting despite my initial hesitance as I found I couldn't let her voice lie or her story be untold in my mind. The book documents the life of a young girl who lives through years of systematic physical and sexual abuse and how she finally escapes and gains the courage to open up about her life.
I did feel it ended suddenly, I would have loved to learn more about her early days in her new life and how she began to heal, but she ended it where she felt necessary and I respect her for that. The most important part is her willingness to speak and share and I strongly hope that more people who are suffering or have suffered from this type of abuse can also hear her story and find the courage to speak and not feel they need to hide in shame or fear.
I honestly applaud A.L Garcia for sharing her story with us and shedding an unseen light of a victim. An abused child is not always sitting in the corner afraid to speak, sometimes they might be living what seems a perfectly normal routine except for those who look close enough or listen hard enough.
Even in one part of the story she undergoes a horrific act and still attends her birthday party and plays with her cousins afterwards. I can only imagine the pain that lay behind her eyes, and sometimes only those who truly care will ever notice.
This is a hard read but a must-read and a story that must be shared!
I did feel it ended suddenly, I would have loved to learn more about her early days in her new life and how she began to heal, but she ended it where she felt necessary and I respect her for that. The most important part is her willingness to speak and share and I strongly hope that more people who are suffering or have suffered from this type of abuse can also hear her story and find the courage to speak and not feel they need to hide in shame or fear.
I honestly applaud A.L Garcia for sharing her story with us and shedding an unseen light of a victim. An abused child is not always sitting in the corner afraid to speak, sometimes they might be living what seems a perfectly normal routine except for those who look close enough or listen hard enough.
Even in one part of the story she undergoes a horrific act and still attends her birthday party and plays with her cousins afterwards. I can only imagine the pain that lay behind her eyes, and sometimes only those who truly care will ever notice.
This is a hard read but a must-read and a story that must be shared!
January 10, 2021
Powerful and uncensored
This isn’t fiction. It’s truth. A cold, hard, soul-bearing truth. I have to force myself to hold in all of the hateful things I want to say to the man who stole so much power from a child because he should not be the focus here. He does not deserve a moment of thought. Alma does. She is incredibly strong to have written this in hopes to help other survivors of both physical and sexual abuse during childhood. Her story is heart breaking and empowering at the same time. The world is a cruel and unjust place, but Alma has found a release from it by sharing this story and choosing to live rather than to simply exist. I am in awe of her strength and courage. I will be recommending this book to as many people as I can in hopes to support her.
This isn’t fiction. It’s truth. A cold, hard, soul-bearing truth. I have to force myself to hold in all of the hateful things I want to say to the man who stole so much power from a child because he should not be the focus here. He does not deserve a moment of thought. Alma does. She is incredibly strong to have written this in hopes to help other survivors of both physical and sexual abuse during childhood. Her story is heart breaking and empowering at the same time. The world is a cruel and unjust place, but Alma has found a release from it by sharing this story and choosing to live rather than to simply exist. I am in awe of her strength and courage. I will be recommending this book to as many people as I can in hopes to support her.
October 23, 2020
Heartbreakingly Powerful
I've never before had such a hard time reading something that I simultaneously couldn't put down. Alma's story is heart-wrenching and raw and you wish with all your heart that you could step into the pages and change it. But you can't, and her story is real and needs to be told. Needs to be heard. Even if you're not sure you want to listen. Even if you want to pretend this could never happen to someone you love. It does, and we need support those like Alma who are brave enough to share their stories with world.
She's deserves to be heard. Read it.
I've never before had such a hard time reading something that I simultaneously couldn't put down. Alma's story is heart-wrenching and raw and you wish with all your heart that you could step into the pages and change it. But you can't, and her story is real and needs to be told. Needs to be heard. Even if you're not sure you want to listen. Even if you want to pretend this could never happen to someone you love. It does, and we need support those like Alma who are brave enough to share their stories with world.
She's deserves to be heard. Read it.
October 15, 2020
A true to life story and narration of a incredidbly brave and strong young women who endured more than any child should ever have to. Brave ,strong and courageous to live though that and grow into adulthood to become a powerful voice for many who are share similer story.
thank you for writing and sharing . Great job !!!!!!!
thank you for writing and sharing . Great job !!!!!!!
September 26, 2020
I wanted to avoid using the terms "heart-breaking" and "gut-wrenching" because I had come across them so many times in other reviews of A.L.'s beautiful book. But both descriptions are almost unavoidable when you're talking about Broken Things. As is the word "raw." Raw story telling. Raw emotion. Raw hatred. A.L. seems to say "here is my story. Take it or leave it." While reading, I wanted to tell myself that it was just a book, that these horrendous, unspeakable things could not possibly be true. But of course I knew better. The story is an eye-opener for those of us who are fortunate enough to only know sexual child abuse from newspapers and other outlets. And, for us, the reality of the issue and the devastating repercussions hit you in the mouth like a freight train. I bought the book and read it the same day, all in an hour-long sitting. I only wish there was more. I was left with so many questions. It is amazing to me that one on the large publishing houses has not reached out to A.L. to expand the story into a a longer book. I assume they will eventually come to their senses and do so. And when that happens I'll be first in line.
March 3, 2021
Heart breaking, heart wrenching, tear squeezing, but inspiring true story of a savagely mistreated family who band together and overcome a demon on earth. Eye opening and awe inspiring. This was the shortest but most emotionally impactful work of art I have ever read. Alma and her siblings are silent heroes living among us, disguised as average people. They are not survivors but strong, battle hardened angels on earth, with the ability to help others. This story is testament that you never know what people might be going through. If what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, then this woman is truly a Goddess now. I hope this story can inspire others to talk about their struggles and traumas. Amazing.
August 24, 2023
Broken Things is harrowing journey of the horrors of abuse and rape, but one that ends with a glimmer of hope. I clenched my fists several times while reading about the monster featured, as this type of monster is very real and more prevalent than what most people want to believe.
Alma Garcia is an amazing talent and she gives a raw, unfiltered look at her childhood and what she endured and gives sharp social commentary regarding sexual and physical abuse.
This was a difficult read but this book deserves to be checked out.
Alma Garcia is an amazing talent and she gives a raw, unfiltered look at her childhood and what she endured and gives sharp social commentary regarding sexual and physical abuse.
This was a difficult read but this book deserves to be checked out.
June 16, 2021
Powerful
This book is so powerful. Her perseverance and determination to overcome these circumstances is inspirational to me, and I praise her strength. She is a strong individual, as this book proves.
I am also in awe with the writing quality. It was engaging, yet raw at the same time. It truly worked well. I definitely recommend this book to everyone - it is one that needs to be read.
This book is so powerful. Her perseverance and determination to overcome these circumstances is inspirational to me, and I praise her strength. She is a strong individual, as this book proves.
I am also in awe with the writing quality. It was engaging, yet raw at the same time. It truly worked well. I definitely recommend this book to everyone - it is one that needs to be read.
July 2, 2021
I got this book for free over a year ago. Started it yesterday night & finished it this morning. It’s simultaneously intense & easy to read. Bad things are described, but it never left me feeling bad. It’s beautifully & gently triumphant. Done properly, this could be an excellent film.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews