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paddlefoot55 's review for:
Broken
by Nicola Haken
ARC received for an honest review
Broken.
That is exactly how I feel after finishing this book.
Broken was a difficult read for me. Not because it was a bad book. On the contrary, it was brilliant. But the subject matter hit a bit close to home.
I could completely relate to James. His thoughts, his feelings, his justifications for his actions. I have been in his shoes. Felt those feeling, had those thoughts.
In Theodore and James' family, I could see my family. Their helplessness, their pain as they tried to help me.
Broken went from zero to 100 in the first couple of chapter! All I could think was
For the first 45% of the book there was an amazing push/pull between Theo and James. I just wanted them to get their act together.
Then at about 50% my heart shattered along with Theodore's. I couldn't read through the tears. I am sure the neighbours were wondering what animal was dying with the ungodly noises that came from me. Ugly, snotty crying ensued.
“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.”
Ms Haken hit every emotion. I was heartbroken. I laughed. I cried. I felt... hope. It made me want to call my mum at midnight to tell her sorry for what I put them through.
Even now, writing this review I am feeling emotional. I have a lump in my throat. I could easily burst into tears.
Reading the synopsis, I wondered whether James' demons might have been of the mental illness variety. I certainly was not expecting how deep Broken delved, or the visceral reaction I would have to it.
So thank you Ms Haken for taken the darkness that is mental illness and bringing it out into the light. It is sad that even in 2016 there is still the stigma surrounding mental illness, and it is about time it goes.
We all need to speak up about it. If you feel that something is not right with a family member, friend, loved one - go with your gut instinct. Ask them about it. They will be reticent, but please please please, don't let it go.
This is a wonderful m/m romance. Yes, it touches on deeper issues, but beneath it all it is about love.
Broken.
That is exactly how I feel after finishing this book.
Broken was a difficult read for me. Not because it was a bad book. On the contrary, it was brilliant. But the subject matter hit a bit close to home.
I could completely relate to James. His thoughts, his feelings, his justifications for his actions. I have been in his shoes. Felt those feeling, had those thoughts.
In Theodore and James' family, I could see my family. Their helplessness, their pain as they tried to help me.
Broken went from zero to 100 in the first couple of chapter! All I could think was
For the first 45% of the book there was an amazing push/pull between Theo and James. I just wanted them to get their act together.
Then at about 50% my heart shattered along with Theodore's. I couldn't read through the tears. I am sure the neighbours were wondering what animal was dying with the ungodly noises that came from me. Ugly, snotty crying ensued.
“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.”
Ms Haken hit every emotion. I was heartbroken. I laughed. I cried. I felt... hope. It made me want to call my mum at midnight to tell her sorry for what I put them through.
Even now, writing this review I am feeling emotional. I have a lump in my throat. I could easily burst into tears.
Reading the synopsis, I wondered whether James' demons might have been of the mental illness variety. I certainly was not expecting how deep Broken delved, or the visceral reaction I would have to it.
So thank you Ms Haken for taken the darkness that is mental illness and bringing it out into the light. It is sad that even in 2016 there is still the stigma surrounding mental illness, and it is about time it goes.
We all need to speak up about it. If you feel that something is not right with a family member, friend, loved one - go with your gut instinct. Ask them about it. They will be reticent, but please please please, don't let it go.
This is a wonderful m/m romance. Yes, it touches on deeper issues, but beneath it all it is about love.
