Shattered

by Kathi Baron

Teen violin prodigy Cassie has been tiptoeing around her father, whose moods have become increasingly explosive. After he destroys her beloved and valuable violin in a sudden rage, Cassie, shocked, runs away, eventually seeking refuge in a homeless shelter. She later learns that her father, a former violinist, was physically beaten as a child by her grandfather, a painful secret he's kept hidden from his family, and the cause of his violent outbursts. With all of their lives shattered in some way, Cassie's family must struggle to repair their broken relationships. As Cassie moves forward, she ultimately finds a way to help others, having developed compassion through her own painful experiences. Written in lyrical prose, SHATTERED tells the moving story of how one girl finds inner strength through music.

Genres: Young Adult, Music

262 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is an ideal young adult read.

Cassies journey is a sad and emotional read.

I thought it was a good insight into a relationship between a family. A good read that had a lot of potential.

[K. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Everything is awkward. Terrible everything. Dialogue and action. Everything.

And the girl on the cover looks like she has a mustache. Just saying.

[Angela Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathi and I are critique buds. She and I swapped manuscripts--TAKEN BY STORM and SHATTERED--while we were trying to revise them into publishable shape. Kathi sold SHATTERED first. I signed TAKEN BY STORM within a month. After years of trying, we both published in the same year. I just finished reading through her next YA novel--HARD ROCK. I love it. Rock climbing blended with a very personal survivor story. I can't wait until she publishes that, too. It's about rock climber dudes instead of a teen violinist--but the emotional intensity, lyrical prose, and deep down heart that you find is SHATTERED is the same in HARD ROCK.

[Brittany Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, stunning, beautifully woven Young Adult fiction. This tale manages to address cyclical abuse, young romance, spirituality, family dynamics & passion for the violin in a wispy, light & dark fashion...light & heavy, light & heavy. VERY prosey-style. Truly touched by the Goddess....

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Young Adult Book written by my friend, Kathi Baron.

[Luan d · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good. It had me in many different emotions. I cried, I laughed, I smiled, I got mad, and many more. I really recommend this book!

[Kari Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Goodreads:
Teen violin prodigy Cassie has been tiptoeing around her father, whose moods have become increasingly explosive. After he destroys her beloved and valuable violin in a sudden rage, Cassie, shocked, runs away, eventually seeking refuge in a homeless shelter. She later learns that her father, a former violinist, was physically beaten as a child by her grandfather, a painful secret he’s kept hidden from his family, and the cause of his violent outbursts. With all of their lives shattered in some way, Cassie’s family must struggle to repair their broken relationships. As Cassie moves forward, she ultimately finds a way to help others, having developed compassion through her own painful experiences. Written in lyrical prose, SHATTERED tells the moving story of how one girl finds inner strength through music.

My Thoughts:
I have to admit that when I started reading this book, I didn’t remember what it was about. I didn’t remember requesting it. The summary didn’t ring a bell. But it was on my calendar, I was reading it. I have no knowledge to music, so then I was even confused when I got going. But I have been broadening my horizons and have always been intrigued by the violin, so that must have been my thought subconsciously.

Cassie immediately won a spot in my heart. She is put in such a hard position with a family feud and troubled waters at home. Who blames her for running away when her dad breaks the thing she loves the most? And it always helps when you meet a cute boy who helps you when you’ve hit rock bottom.

Cassie grows a lot in this book. And it proves how devastating family secrets can be. They nearly ruined this family. Would things have been different if they would have been laid out on the table? Is it worth sharing something that is painful to protect the ones you love down the road? I think it raises some very interesting questions that readers can take to heart and keep in mind. Although the books I read are fiction, I often try to put myself in the characters shoes and decide what I would do. It’s nice to step away from reality a little.

I also enjoyed the aspect of Cassie’s relationship to music. Her violin was her baby. I’ve never been very musical. I sing in my car. I dance any time I am awake. But the only musical instruments that I brought home were the recorder and the trumpet. Needless to say I know very well that a mouthpiece to a trumpet has a small hole, just big enough to stick a sucker stick down. Yes, I pretended to play and ate suckers during band practice….. Oy! But I loved the crazy loud screeching noise that came from my trumpet (I obviously wasn’t very good). I love the relationships that musicians have with their instruments and the music. Like my love for books, and chips, and working out, and knitting…. everything but an instrument lol

I give Shattered 4 out of 5 bookmarks.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided with an eCopy from NetGalley and from the author. Thank you!
I want to start this review by saying that I’m a violin girl. Since I was 7, I’ve spent 3-4 hours a day with my violin. I’m in love with this beautiful instrument and I can’t imagine my life without it. So when I found this book on NetGalley, I was so excited that I requested immediately. When I received the eBook, I started to read it immediately.
What made me love this book from the start was the fact that Cassie, the main character and also the violin girl of this book, was playing the Mendelssohn concerto, which I am playing right now. So this was a good start. Plus, I loved that the numbers of the chapters were surrounded by musical notes. Loved this!
Another thing that made me love the book was, of course, the fact that Cassie is a violinist. I love books about violinists, because I can understand them the best. I know exactly how they feel, what they thing and their reasons when they do something. I also liked Cassie because she isn’t a normal violinist. Usually, violinists don’t play baseball or do any dangerous activity with their hands. But Cassie, like me, takes the risk and does whatever she likes. Plus, she was only 14,I’m 14, she’s called a violin prodigy, I’ve been called a violin prodigy, so we are a lot alike!
Kathi’s writing-style is very easy to follow and very beautiful. The author used a language specific to a 14 y/o violinist teenager. I even recognize some words and expressions that I also use!
The action is very hooking! There’s always something that changes the situation and surprises the reader! Oh, how I loved this thing! I never knew what to expect from Cassie! Also, the book has an alert rhythm that keeps you breathless.
I loved the atmosphere in this book! Violin lessions, concerts, a person that is in love with a violin, a tragic history… this is my kind of book.
The only moment when I felt the urge to throw the book away when Cassie’s father broke her violin. I felt like I wanted friggin’ beat him and broke him like he broke that wonderful violin! But then, after I found out the tragic past of Cassie’s dad, I kind of understood him.
Over all, ‘Shattered’ made me happy. Reading it, I felt happy, sad, excited or even relaxed. ‘Shattered’ it’s th kind of easy book, with smart characters, difficult situations and a slighty note of dramatism. Loved it!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Title: Shattered

Author: Kathi Baron


* * *

Summary (from the back of the book):


Teen violin prodigy Cassie has been tiptoeing around her father, whose moods have become increasingly explosive. After he destroys her beloved and valuable violin, Cassie, shocked, runs away, eventually seeking refuge in a homeless shelter. She later learns that her father, a former violinist, was physically beaten as a child by her grandfather, a painful secret he’s kept hidden from his family, and the cause of his violent outbursts. With all of their lives shattered in some, Cassie’s family must struggle to repair their broken relationships. As Cassie moves forward, she ultimately finds a way to help others, having developed compassion through her own painful experiences.


* * *

Review:


I literally just finished reading “Shattered” minutes ago. It was a very, VERY emotional read, I think especially for teenage girls. It explores the relationships that girls have with their parents, siblings, friends, and boyfriends. Any girl that is remotely a “Daddy’s Little Girl” will probably cringe slightly at times reading this book.


The main character, Cassie, was spunky and generally smart, except when she did COMPLETELY STUPID things like get in a car with a creepy, hobo war veteran who, yes, turned out to be a total creeper and chased her down when she tried to run. This, along with other things that happen kind of make you roll your eyes and say “Okay, who would ever really do that?”


But the emotions were intense. Baron wrote fluidly and very impressively, although at times the story did lag. I could have done without a few scenes, but overall the plot was decent.


To be honest, the only reason I picked this book up and bought it was because it was about violins, and there was a huge violin on the cover. And I love violins… But I’m glad I did buy it. It was well worth the two hours it took to read it.


Cover: 5/5

Writing: 3/5

Plot: 3/5

Characters: 3/5

Creativity bonus: 3/5

Overall: 3.5/5

Who I would recommend to: I would definitely put this book in the hands of any teenage girl. Especially ones that are having parental problems. This book really makes you think about your relationship with your own parents.

[Roxanne Kade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I have to say how much I love this cover. It is a perfect reflection of what can be found between the pages of this book.


The first half of the story seemed to rush by and I never got a real sense of who the characters were. It was only after Cassie's return that I actually settled into the story. I was happy that she was able to find some kind of normalcy in her life after all the chaos and I think Nick played a big part in her healing process. Their time spent at the batting cages was fun and for the first time I got to see a happy, carefree Cassie.


I was also glad that Cassie and her Mom were able to reconnect again. It gave me hope that even in the darkness there is light. The mystery of why Frank was so on edge about her violin playing was constantly on my mind. I was as eager as Cassie was to find out the truth once she reached her grandfather's place, but then he flipped out and the weird mystery deepened. My heart went out the the entire family when the truth was finally revealed. I didn't care too much for Frank but when he poured his heart out to his family, I actually felt a twinge on guilt for disliking him so much.


Cassie has more to worry about than whether her broken family will stay that way or not. As a soloist for the Chicago Youth Symphony, she has to face the possibility of her dream fading away, because without a violin, how can she possibly play? There is hope of a benefactor who can keep her dreams alive but Cassie cannot lie about what happened to he violin and that kind of dashes any hopes of her getting another violin.


This book had so much potential. A story of one girl's journey through fear, heart ache, loss, love and forgiveness, I only wish I had been able to connect on a deeper, emotional level with the characters.

[Mackenzie Wheatley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoilers

I was selected to read and review this book by Netgalley.

This book has a simple prose that is easy to follow, but perhaps leaves a little to be desired. The characters seem pretty one-dimensional, and the writing isn't the most descriptive. I also feel like it is very choppy. The passage of time doesn't quite fit either. All in all, the writing style is poor, maybe fitting for children, with the exception of the cussing and adult situation in the homeless shelter. It is written childishly, but not age appropriate. I feel like it doesn't challenge the reader like it should. The plot is weak and doesn't flow. The author doesn't inform the reader of important details, like why Cassie can't just use her teacher's violin for the orchestra. I don't feel the emotions of Cassie, I am just told what they are. The scene where the violin gets destroyed has a distinct lack of description, and the only thing I was truly convinced of was the cat's imminent danger. When the violin broke, all Cassie said was "You're not my father anymore." I feel like there would have been a lot more emotion if this were a real situation. She runs off, on a whim, and she is frustrating with the decisions she makes. As a reader, I want to shake her until her eyes uncross and she sees straight. I find it difficult to say to whom I would recommend this book. To be honest, I couldn't wait to be done with this book. The frustrating thing, though, is that the last 30 pages really had me sucked in to the plot. I was feeling the details and enjoyed reading this for the first time. It is unfortunate that the rest of the book couldn't have been as well-written.

Rating: 2/5 stars.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shattered Kathi Baron introduces us to the story of Cassie, a fourteen-year-old violin soloist. Her antique violin is her life, as is the Chicago Youth Symphony. When her father shatters her violin, and essentially her heart, Cassie's life takes a course that will shape her life.
 
I thought that Cassie's overall voice was fairly authentic. We watch as she goes through normal issues we all do growing up, like dating. The difference, of course, is that Cassie also has to deal with domestic violence and a broken family at the same time. I felt for her, but I kept looking for more emotion. Cassie and her family are very one-dimensional. I wanted to see more in depth into their lives so I would feel more immersed.
 
I also found myself interested in how attached Cassie was to her violin. This story is supposed to show a girl who finds her inner strength through music. However, there isn't much musical content at all. I was a musician for much of my life. I know how easy it is to fall into it as a whole way of life. I don't doubt that Cassie would have felt this way too, since her violin was so dear to her. We never really see this though. It's hidden under the rest of the plot line.
 
Although I did read the entirety of Shattered, I was left feeling slightly disappointed upon finishing. I would have loved to see more characterization and a little more polish to the writing. However I definitely see something with unique potential here. I'm glad I took a chance.

[Shawna · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I was provided a free copy from Netgalley for my honest review*

I wish I could say I really liked this book since it sounded fairly unique. Unfortunately I had a really hard time connecting with any of the characters. I understand the relationship that Cassie has with her violin, and the fact that it was an antique I can understand her being super upset with her father. But running away from home and handling the situation like she did just didn't remind me of a teenager. I honestly kept thinking she was acting so immature for her age, that she was in junior high. That was a big turn off for me.

Her father's anger seemed a little off too. I've studied abusive situations throughout my coursework for my degree and it just didn't seem like a credible situation. I'm sure if more detail had been included and that the situation wasn't so simplified this would have been much better.

The music aspect of this novel was a nice addition, although because it relies so heavily on understanding the relationship of the musician to their instrument greatly narrows down the intended audience. Also, the summary of the book, while great on describing the book, feels like it almost gives away too much of the story. That once you've read the summary you already know all about what happens. And really, then why are you reading it if you already know what happens. There's no mystery or questions left to answer which somewhat discourages readers to pick up this title.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie is a teenage violin prodigy. But even though her life is going well with her solo, things at home are not going that well. Her father has a violent temper. He looses control and ends up breaking things like her mother’s vase, his computer, and Cassie’s violin. Having had enough, Cassie runs away from home. She figures she will go to her grandfather house, since he is the one that gave her the violin. But when she gets there, she doesn’t get the reaction she hoped she would.

She decides to return home and learns that her mother is making her father work out his problems, away from the family. Cassie is now on the hunt for a new violin before she looses her place as a soloist, which is not going to be easy with the history of her last violin. She also has a budding relationship with a guy she meets the first night she ran away. Then the revelation of her father’s past changes everything.

I really liked this book. I fell for Cassie loosing her violin. I love how the relationship with Nick progresses, just enough without over powering the book. I really liked how being a run away opened her eyes to the grittier side of our world. I cheered, I cried, and I felt sick when I learned about her fathers past.

This is a great book that shows how you can grow if you just believe in your dreams. This is one book that I think anyone would like to read.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered is an amazing book! I have never read a book that has so much emotion in it. I have to say that from the minute I started reading it I did not want to put it down and I am so glad I didn't because it was an amazing read about love, abuse, and forgiveness.

Cassie is a brilliant accomplished Violinist. She is what everyone in the music world would call a prodigy. She can play the violin like no one's business and when she is playing she is in another world. She leaves all her troubles in the past. See when Cassie is not playing she is hiding from the world because her father physically abuses her. She does not want anyone to know what he does so she hides from the world. Until one day her father goes to far and hurts her really bad and she runs away.

Cassie runs to a homeless shelter where she thinks she will be safe. She is upset that her father broke her prized possession her violin. As we see Cassie struggle with what is going on around her we get to see why her father is the way he is and what lead him to do that.

I have to say that this is a must read story for all teens because it is inspiring as well as heart wrenching!

[Alexa (Alexa Loves Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed on Alexa Loves Books.

It’s difficult for me to decide how I feel about Shattered, but because I was able to finish it, I’d have to say that I was at least interested in the story.

Cassie – is it possible to want to hug someone and slap them silly at the same time? I admired her drive, dedication and passion for the violin. I thought she was fairly smart, though she did do a few stupid things when her emotions were running high.

Shattered examines many of the relationships in Cassie’s life, with the focus on her relationship with her father. The conflict and all the succeeding emotions were presented well, though I thought the explanation wasn’t discussed as much as I’d have liked.

Shattered is an interesting novel, especially if you like examining familial relationships and figuring them out. The novel was sad, but I appreciate the fact that it made me think.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kathi Baron gives readers the story of Cassie, a fourteen-year-old violin soloist with the Chicago Youth Symphony. Cassie loves her antique violin, her cat, and does anything she can to avoid conflict with her dad. As her talent grows, though, so does his temper. Baron gives readers an authentic voice, bringing up issues of growing up, boys, domestic violence, and post-traumatic stress. What kept me from liking this story more, though, was it's lack of musical content. I'm no virtuoso, but even I know there's a little more to a musician than just practice. They can't help but breathe, eat, and sleep music, too. I would have liked more of that. Overall, I liked this story and I think it's a good read for the middle school and junior high set.

[Kim Benouski · Rating 1 out of 5]

(spoiler alert)

I wasn't impressed with this book about a violinist with an angry father. First of all, unless readers are musicians, they won't understand the attachment she has to her violin. Secondly, the night on the streets information is rushed. Finally, the whole, my father beat me and he did that because his father sold his violin and now I throw things and scare you because the violin brought up memories thing is too simplified, and reads too much like an excuse. It didn't sit well with me.

[Up All Night Book Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn't really do a whole lot for me. I thought for sure that I would like this one based on the realistic nature of the plot. Between the realistic characters and the domestic violence throwing in a wrench to this story, I was hoping for more.

Although I expected more from this, it was a good book. There just weren't the amount of emotions I had anticipated reading this. Kathi's writing is good, but it didn't spark the emotional responses it should have. In time, I think that she will have honed in on her emotional side.

[David Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sad and heartfelt book which it entails the story of a girl who loves playing the violin and her father breaks it. She runs away and learns that her father was abused by his father. She uses music to help others as a healing. The basic theme is conflict because the main charater deals with verbal abuse and she is put in a situation where she cannot handle the pressure with her father that ruins the family relationship

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the story and the subtle character development. The author had a really unique way of descriping the violin and its sounds. The story was pretty compelling but I felt like something was missing behind her dad and her grandpa. Their relationship felt inconclusive. All in all a decent and unique book.

[McKenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The writing that included music was fantastic, whereas all other writing was a bit sub par. ** Small spoiler** I'm glad it showed that families can be rebuilt, but that it takes time and a lot of effort. I was also glad that the two main characters, Cassie and her mom, were both taking their time rather than just jumping back into a potentially disastrous situation.

[Pam Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poignant, heartbreaking yet hopeful story of a shattered violin and a broken family. This was a beautifully written novel that examines the effects of violence on individuals and families and how truth, honesty and forgiveness are the paths to break the cycle. I'd recommend it highly.

[Yahayra Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shattered was a really interesting book it had many details of what was happening in the book Cassie suffered a lot with his dad as his dad suffered with her grandpa. She had the the chance of being a great violinist and her dad did not give her a chance.

[Alanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was kind of if-y about this book at first. It seemed to be told a little too fast paced. I still don't have a solid opinion about the book but it was pretty good. The characters were great. My favorite being Nick, since I'm a big love-sap. Great book.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shattered gives an interesting point of view from the eyes of a young violinist with an unstable dad. While it gets just a little cheesy in the middle, Shattered has decent writing and an interesting story.

[Ashley]

I couldn't make it through this book. I gave up about pg 105 because the book was bland and stilted, and just too... perfectly timed and spaced. Nothing felt natural or realistic or believable and I had no investment in this story.

[Kris Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic, and very realistic about how a family has to put itself back together when the father becomes increasingly violent and smashed Cassie's violin.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The parts when she ran away were pretty good, but after that it just turned SO BALONEY! =(