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fatimareadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
**Thanks to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for providing me with an uncorrected proof of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
A few years ago, I read Christa Desir's Fault Line and Bleed Like Me, and let me tell you, I absolutely loved them. Desir knows how to weave a dark, gritty, compelling story that is sure to pull you in from the start - which is what happened with this book. There are so many elements that combined together beautifully that help pull you in. The realistic characters, plot, and - of course - writing.
My favorite element was the truthful way the characters were portrayed. Our MC has a no-nonsense, rude attitude, but that doesn't stop us from feeling sympathetic toward her. There is so much development everywhere, not only by the MC, but by secondary side characters too, which contributed to the realistic atmosphere the story successfully conveyed. Also, the older characters were a refreshing change from other 'recovering addict' stories that were practically just filled with teenagers.
I felt like the dialogue in this book meant something, too. They outlined many of the problems teens face when they try to grow up too fast, which is what happened to Natalie. The discussions were handled very skillfully & truthfully, evoking the reader's emotions along the way.
I love how we slowly learn about Natalie's backstory and past throughout the story; the way they were revealed definitely showed great plot progression. The writing also had a hand in the story's overall flow. It was conversational and slangy, yet very fluent, making it easy to read along.
However, the one issue that made me give this book such a hesitant rating was Joe's age. It kind of made me uncomfortable, so I had to ignore it - which wasn't easy as it was central to the plot. When the blurb said he was "Much older", I didn't expect it to be THAT much older. The guy's almost 30! Frankly, it's kind of gross. As pointed out by Joe, Natalie is newly sober. She doesn't know what she wants yet; I think it's just unhealthy.
Overall, this book's compelling story, realistic characters, and communicative writing makes it worth adding to your TBR. I'm warning you, however, if you typically feel extremely grossed out by books that portray teen-adult relationships, then I'm afraid this isn't for you. Keep that in mind.
A few years ago, I read Christa Desir's Fault Line and Bleed Like Me, and let me tell you, I absolutely loved them. Desir knows how to weave a dark, gritty, compelling story that is sure to pull you in from the start - which is what happened with this book. There are so many elements that combined together beautifully that help pull you in. The realistic characters, plot, and - of course - writing.
My favorite element was the truthful way the characters were portrayed. Our MC has a no-nonsense, rude attitude, but that doesn't stop us from feeling sympathetic toward her. There is so much development everywhere, not only by the MC, but by secondary side characters too, which contributed to the realistic atmosphere the story successfully conveyed. Also, the older characters were a refreshing change from other 'recovering addict' stories that were practically just filled with teenagers.
I felt like the dialogue in this book meant something, too. They outlined many of the problems teens face when they try to grow up too fast, which is what happened to Natalie. The discussions were handled very skillfully & truthfully, evoking the reader's emotions along the way.
I love how we slowly learn about Natalie's backstory and past throughout the story; the way they were revealed definitely showed great plot progression. The writing also had a hand in the story's overall flow. It was conversational and slangy, yet very fluent, making it easy to read along.
However, the one issue that made me give this book such a hesitant rating was Joe's age. It kind of made me uncomfortable, so I had to ignore it - which wasn't easy as it was central to the plot. When the blurb said he was "Much older", I didn't expect it to be THAT much older. The guy's almost 30! Frankly, it's kind of gross. As pointed out by Joe, Natalie is newly sober. She doesn't know what she wants yet; I think it's just unhealthy.
Overall, this book's compelling story, realistic characters, and communicative writing makes it worth adding to your TBR. I'm warning you, however, if you typically feel extremely grossed out by books that portray teen-adult relationships, then I'm afraid this isn't for you. Keep that in mind.
ambeesbookishpages's review against another edition
4.0
The full review could be found at THE BOOK BRATZ closer to its release date!
From the moment I saw the cover for Other Broken Things I knew it was something I was going to read. Other Broken Things is raw and gritty, showing the destruction that alcoholism and recovery caused in one girls life, but also her determination to get better.
Natalie is an alcoholic, she may not think she is. But she is. At 17 and busted for DUI she is now mandated to court ordered rehab, AA meetings and community service. When Natalie is first introduced as a character she isn't in a good place in her life. She is freshly out of rehab and vulnerable. Her plan is to play the system, because to her there is nothing wrong. I really appreciated Natalie's character growth from beginning to end. At first she doesn't see that there is anything wrong and she doesn't have a desire to get better. But over time she realizes that she doesn't like the direction her life is going and accepts to help that is being offered to her.
Desir introduces Joe into the story early on, when he pretty much calls Natalie out on her plans to play the system. He's been in the system for five years now, but sober for three. She also introduces Kathy (Joe's ex-sister-in-law) who becomes Natalie's sponsor. Both characters are vital to Natalie's treatment and help push her along the way. It wasn't until the last third of the book before things get messy though.
When Joe was first introduced and his age revealed I quickly shut down my hopes of any romance in this book. He is 38, over 20 years older then Natalie is. Despite Natalie's constant flirting and innuendos they remain friends. He is someone who is helping Natalie in her treatment. It isn't until Natalie goes to him for her fifth step of treatment that things get messy. In her fifth step Natalie has to open up to all her resentments in life, something that leaves her open and vulnerable. After everything is said and done Natalie and Joe sleep together. Kathy mentioned to Natalie earlier on in the novel that they get addicted to other things when they are in recovery. I want to say that Desir was trying to put across that Natalie has become addicted to Joe, but I just don't know. I'm at a lost for words.
Overall, I did really enjoy Other Broken Things despite the whole sex issue. Natalie's story is one that will stick out in my mind for a long time. I wish there would be another book for Natalie. I would love to see how she is doing now and if she is happy.
From the moment I saw the cover for Other Broken Things I knew it was something I was going to read. Other Broken Things is raw and gritty, showing the destruction that alcoholism and recovery caused in one girls life, but also her determination to get better.
Natalie is an alcoholic, she may not think she is. But she is. At 17 and busted for DUI she is now mandated to court ordered rehab, AA meetings and community service. When Natalie is first introduced as a character she isn't in a good place in her life. She is freshly out of rehab and vulnerable. Her plan is to play the system, because to her there is nothing wrong. I really appreciated Natalie's character growth from beginning to end. At first she doesn't see that there is anything wrong and she doesn't have a desire to get better. But over time she realizes that she doesn't like the direction her life is going and accepts to help that is being offered to her.
Desir introduces Joe into the story early on, when he pretty much calls Natalie out on her plans to play the system. He's been in the system for five years now, but sober for three. She also introduces Kathy (Joe's ex-sister-in-law) who becomes Natalie's sponsor. Both characters are vital to Natalie's treatment and help push her along the way. It wasn't until the last third of the book before things get messy though.
When Joe was first introduced and his age revealed I quickly shut down my hopes of any romance in this book. He is 38, over 20 years older then Natalie is. Despite Natalie's constant flirting and innuendos they remain friends. He is someone who is helping Natalie in her treatment. It isn't until Natalie goes to him for her fifth step of treatment that things get messy. In her fifth step Natalie has to open up to all her resentments in life, something that leaves her open and vulnerable. After everything is said and done Natalie and Joe sleep together. Kathy mentioned to Natalie earlier on in the novel that they get addicted to other things when they are in recovery. I want to say that Desir was trying to put across that Natalie has become addicted to Joe, but I just don't know. I'm at a lost for words.
Overall, I did really enjoy Other Broken Things despite the whole sex issue. Natalie's story is one that will stick out in my mind for a long time. I wish there would be another book for Natalie. I would love to see how she is doing now and if she is happy.
goosemixtapes's review against another edition
2.0
this isn't a terrible book; it's a book that is trying to do way too much in 250 pages and ends up not delving deeply enough. the main focus is natalie's struggle with addiction, but IMO the tradeoff was that the book did not focus nearly enough on the implications of natalie (17) having a relationship with a 38-year-old man. yes, everyone in her life tells her it's not a good idea, but no one ever really outlines all the reasons why, and the book ends with . i'm not saying every YA novel needs to be some kind of learning module for teenagers; in fact i think the opposite. but it still felt weird as hell not to dissect this a little more in a book that is For Teenagers. this review says it really really well. (it's a similar problem as the one i saw in Seven Ways We Lie; i vaguely remember Girl in Pieces doing it better, but i also haven't read that book in a few years now.)
and even natalie's relationship with addiction felt underdeveloped sometimes--like, there's a part where she says she would "peel off [her] own skin to be having this conversation over shots," but the reader got no indication of her feeling that way besides her saying it. half of her relationship with her mother is fixed in a few paragraphs describing her "opening up" more often. also, everyone talks in perfectly-crafted emotional speeches. it made me start feeling like this tweet
i did definitely enjoy the relationship between natalie and her mom; it's clear that natalie isn't always a reliable narrator and that her mother cares about her, and i liked how that dynamic developed! i also enjoyed that natalie was allowed to be kind of shitty. i love when characters get to be shitty. but overall, this book didn't make a huge impression on me, because it never seems to go more than skin-deep.
Spoiler
including, eventually, joeSpoiler
natalie still convinced she's in love with him and not totally agreeing he's right to leave herand even natalie's relationship with addiction felt underdeveloped sometimes--like, there's a part where she says she would "peel off [her] own skin to be having this conversation over shots," but the reader got no indication of her feeling that way besides her saying it. half of her relationship with her mother is fixed in a few paragraphs describing her "opening up" more often. also, everyone talks in perfectly-crafted emotional speeches. it made me start feeling like this tweet
i did definitely enjoy the relationship between natalie and her mom; it's clear that natalie isn't always a reliable narrator and that her mother cares about her, and i liked how that dynamic developed! i also enjoyed that natalie was allowed to be kind of shitty. i love when characters get to be shitty. but overall, this book didn't make a huge impression on me, because it never seems to go more than skin-deep.
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
4.0
"Because everyone needs help. Everyone needs someone to care about their stories."
What a tough but wonderful story. This one is gritty and real, a 17 year old with a DUI and a very serious drinking problem. She starts AA meetings only because it's mandated. Will she ever think she as a problem?
I love that Natalie is kind of unlikable. At least for quite a while, she isn't a very nice person. As you slowly get a panoramic of her life, you see that she's pretty crappy to everyone in her life. But I always understood Natalie, even if I didn't like her choices. I could understand them and her wants and fears, her needs and sorrows. Natalie was a real character, one flawed and so imperfect that she was believable.
I am so glad that the end was exactly what it was. It kept it truer to life and made me want to applaud at the last few sentences.
My ONLY one complaint - is that the author should have a disclaimer - a little spot at the end to let teens know where to go if they or someone they know has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Otherwise, it was awesome.
What a tough but wonderful story. This one is gritty and real, a 17 year old with a DUI and a very serious drinking problem. She starts AA meetings only because it's mandated. Will she ever think she as a problem?
I love that Natalie is kind of unlikable. At least for quite a while, she isn't a very nice person. As you slowly get a panoramic of her life, you see that she's pretty crappy to everyone in her life. But I always understood Natalie, even if I didn't like her choices. I could understand them and her wants and fears, her needs and sorrows. Natalie was a real character, one flawed and so imperfect that she was believable.
I am so glad that the end was exactly what it was. It kept it truer to life and made me want to applaud at the last few sentences.
My ONLY one complaint - is that the author should have a disclaimer - a little spot at the end to let teens know where to go if they or someone they know has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Otherwise, it was awesome.
booksandladders's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I feel like a weight has been lifted from me because, it too, was really well done. I mean, it was a pretty tough fucking read. Natalie goes through some SHIT man. But it was also enlightening and I have a lot of feelings about how she figured her shit out because it wasn't pretty, it was actually pretty messy. But isn't that how life is? And I just want to say that it really rocks when authors don't try to make life, hard times, good times, etc. seem better than they are. That's so important! And this book is definitely not going to be for everyone, I get that. Hell, I wasn't sure it was for me. But it is so emotionally packing that I do recommend at least giving it a shot before writing it off completely.
The only thing for me was that I was really put off by Natalie's relationship with Joe. Not because he was older but because I could tell it wasn't a healthy one. She was an addict through and through and just replaced one addiction with another. She wasn't good at balancing, which is discussed in the book, and I don't think she realized that her relationship with Joe was the exact same thing. I think Desir did a good job at setting the stage by having Joe be so conflicted about it, but I just wasn't here for them being together.
I liked seeing how the addiction affected everyone in Natalie's life and not just her, at least her perspective on how it affected them. I think it brought depth to the story to see that other people were affected by it and didn't quite know how to handle it -- or Natalie -- but do their best to try anyway. I think the best example of this was Brent and the A's because Brent wanted to be with Nat "no matter what" but didn't really realize what this meant and the A's were just waiting for Nat to "be herself" again without realizing that Nat was being herself.
This one was really good. I liked Natalie's journey through AA and I liked seeing everything from her perspective. But I did feel a bit of a disconnect at some points. That mostly had to do with her relationship with Joe though. Which I wasn't a fan of. I think it ended up being handled well but I still idk I didn't like it.
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I feel like a weight has been lifted from me because, it too, was really well done. I mean, it was a pretty tough fucking read. Natalie goes through some SHIT man. But it was also enlightening and I have a lot of feelings about how she figured her shit out because it wasn't pretty, it was actually pretty messy. But isn't that how life is? And I just want to say that it really rocks when authors don't try to make life, hard times, good times, etc. seem better than they are. That's so important! And this book is definitely not going to be for everyone, I get that. Hell, I wasn't sure it was for me. But it is so emotionally packing that I do recommend at least giving it a shot before writing it off completely.
The only thing for me was that I was really put off by Natalie's relationship with Joe. Not because he was older but because I could tell it wasn't a healthy one. She was an addict through and through and just replaced one addiction with another. She wasn't good at balancing, which is discussed in the book, and I don't think she realized that her relationship with Joe was the exact same thing. I think Desir did a good job at setting the stage by having Joe be so conflicted about it, but I just wasn't here for them being together.
I liked seeing how the addiction affected everyone in Natalie's life and not just her, at least her perspective on how it affected them. I think it brought depth to the story to see that other people were affected by it and didn't quite know how to handle it -- or Natalie -- but do their best to try anyway. I think the best example of this was Brent and the A's because Brent wanted to be with Nat "no matter what" but didn't really realize what this meant and the A's were just waiting for Nat to "be herself" again without realizing that Nat was being herself.
This one was really good. I liked Natalie's journey through AA and I liked seeing everything from her perspective. But I did feel a bit of a disconnect at some points. That mostly had to do with her relationship with Joe though. Which I wasn't a fan of. I think it ended up being handled well but I still idk I didn't like it.
Books and Ladders | Queen of the Bookshelves | Books Are My Fandom | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin'
kimching232's review against another edition
4.0
Honest, dark and gritty, this book is written in Christa Desir's signature style. I was iffy about reading this one at first because I didn't enjoy Fault Line, but I'm glad that I requested it anyway because this book is amazing! Admittedly, at first I didn't think that it was going to be an amazing book for me, but as I read on, I felt more and more connected to the main character and I had this desire to really know her and her story, and I was not disappointed.
To be honest I don't know what it is exactly about this book that won me over, but after I closed the book, I felt like the book really meant something to me. Exactly what, I'm not sure. I think it was an eye-opening experience, and I guess I just felt like there was so much truth in this book. The author did not downplay anything about life, and I appreciate that. This book is not about being inspirational - although sometimes it's kind of uplifting too. No, this book is about being honest and facing life head on. This book is about accepting that things are not in our control, and it's about letting go. It's about being at peace with life - knowing that it sucks and the only things that we can control are our choices, so we might as well make good ones.
I really enjoyed this book and now I'm thinking about going back to finish reading Fault Line because I only got to before halfway of the book. I really appreciate this book and the author, and I'm looking forward to reading more books by her.
To be honest I don't know what it is exactly about this book that won me over, but after I closed the book, I felt like the book really meant something to me. Exactly what, I'm not sure. I think it was an eye-opening experience, and I guess I just felt like there was so much truth in this book. The author did not downplay anything about life, and I appreciate that. This book is not about being inspirational - although sometimes it's kind of uplifting too. No, this book is about being honest and facing life head on. This book is about accepting that things are not in our control, and it's about letting go. It's about being at peace with life - knowing that it sucks and the only things that we can control are our choices, so we might as well make good ones.
I really enjoyed this book and now I'm thinking about going back to finish reading Fault Line because I only got to before halfway of the book. I really appreciate this book and the author, and I'm looking forward to reading more books by her.
erinarkin20's review against another edition
4.0
Christa Desir definitely does not write books for the faint of heart. If you are ever looking for a book that will have you feeling all the things and trying to make sense of some very difficult situations, definitely pick up one of her books. They are not easy topics and in the case of Other Broken Things, we follow Nat, a recovering alcoholic.
I love how Desir doesn’t go out of her way to make bad situations nice and pretty and fun. Her stories, this one included, take the reader on a realistic and dark journey right alongside the character(s) and I found Nat’s story just as difficult to follow as Desir’s other characters.
I think everyone should pick up one of Desir’s books at some point. I don’t care if you think it “isn’t for you”…it doesn’t matter. Desir’s writing is gritty and real and she can take a reader somewhere they have never been. I know that when I pick up a book from Desir I won’t get fluff and in some cases I might even cry. And I’m ok with that.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the review copy!
I love how Desir doesn’t go out of her way to make bad situations nice and pretty and fun. Her stories, this one included, take the reader on a realistic and dark journey right alongside the character(s) and I found Nat’s story just as difficult to follow as Desir’s other characters.
I think everyone should pick up one of Desir’s books at some point. I don’t care if you think it “isn’t for you”…it doesn’t matter. Desir’s writing is gritty and real and she can take a reader somewhere they have never been. I know that when I pick up a book from Desir I won’t get fluff and in some cases I might even cry. And I’m ok with that.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the review copy!
addyreadsitall's review against another edition
4.0
I’m going to be frank here - this book is all too real. As someone who has fought with addiction for far too many years I felt this hard.
deezbutts's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pikasqueaks's review against another edition
There is so much heart in this book -- and so much development from the author. This book reminded me of Rachel Cohn's Gingerbread in a way, though they don't share any similarities I can think of. It's Natalie's voice and character which remind me.
Natalie was a boxer, and when her parents got her to stop boxing, she filled a hole inside of herself with alchohol. She befriends some other partiers and slips into a hole of drinking to fill up the anger inside of her. Some bad stuff happens, and here we are.
One thing I always enjoy about Christa Desir's books is the use of adult guidance. Her parental units are always interesting and present in a big way--this time, it's with an overbearing father and run-down mom. But better than just that are Kathy and Joe, AA people who both play a role in Natalie's recovery.
Where I'm sure reviews will dig their heels in about a romantic subplot, it rings true--and especially for someone of Natalie's age. It's hard to read and leaves a sour feeling in the stomach, but it is authentic.
Which is really what I can say about this book as a whole. It's authentic. Natalie is a deeply realized character who is powerless over her addiction, angry for all of the reasons a kid in her shoes should be, and trying her best all the same. The growing focus on her relationship with her mom is something even people not in her shoes could understand. And the identification of the toxic elements in her life allows her to figure out what she really needs.
The last fifth of the book is an emotional roller coaster, but it's one with a satisfying and deeply hopeful message. I wish we got to see more of Natalie's downward spiral, a more concrete feeling for the before. You understand from context how far she's come, but there's a rock bottom moment and so much comes before. It's not the focus of the story, and I get that, but we don't know nearly enough about Natalie's before, I think.
Alcoholism is not a topic we see when it comes to YA (the kids being alcoholics, at least), and I was very pleased in how expertly this story was handled.
Natalie was a boxer, and when her parents got her to stop boxing, she filled a hole inside of herself with alchohol. She befriends some other partiers and slips into a hole of drinking to fill up the anger inside of her. Some bad stuff happens, and here we are.
One thing I always enjoy about Christa Desir's books is the use of adult guidance. Her parental units are always interesting and present in a big way--this time, it's with an overbearing father and run-down mom. But better than just that are Kathy and Joe, AA people who both play a role in Natalie's recovery.
Where I'm sure reviews will dig their heels in about a romantic subplot, it rings true--and especially for someone of Natalie's age. It's hard to read and leaves a sour feeling in the stomach, but it is authentic.
Which is really what I can say about this book as a whole. It's authentic. Natalie is a deeply realized character who is powerless over her addiction, angry for all of the reasons a kid in her shoes should be, and trying her best all the same. The growing focus on her relationship with her mom is something even people not in her shoes could understand. And the identification of the toxic elements in her life allows her to figure out what she really needs.
The last fifth of the book is an emotional roller coaster, but it's one with a satisfying and deeply hopeful message. I wish we got to see more of Natalie's downward spiral, a more concrete feeling for the before. You understand from context how far she's come, but there's a rock bottom moment and so much comes before. It's not the focus of the story, and I get that, but we don't know nearly enough about Natalie's before, I think.
Alcoholism is not a topic we see when it comes to YA (the kids being alcoholics, at least), and I was very pleased in how expertly this story was handled.