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Split

by Swati Avasthi (Goodreads Author)

4.1 of 5 stars 4.10 · rating details · 2,768 ratings · 551 reviews

Sixteen-Year-Old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother Christian with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret.

He tries to move on, going for new friends, a new school, and a new job, but all his changes can’t make him forget what he left behind—his mother, who is still trapped with his dad, and his ex-girlfriend...more

Hardcover, 280 pages

Published March 9th 2010 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

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Feb 15, 2012 Lisa O. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, ya-lit

EDIT: On February 15th, 2012 make sure you stop by The Nocturnal Library for an interview with author Swati Avasthi. We're also giving away two copies of this book, one personalized from Swati (US residents only) and one from us (international)!

"Sometimes I wonder why words can't actually make us bleed."

Those (few) of you who regularly read my reviews and generally put up with me on a daily basis already know I'm kind of a logic and control freak. I'm not of the tear-shedding, heart-warming or...more

38 likes · like · see review

Apr 24, 2011 Nomes rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, books-that-linger, faves-of-2011, i-own, tissue-box-books, ya-male-pov, favourites, riding-the-older-ya-vibe, powerful-oomph-impact, you-broke-my-heart, you-make-me-smile, swoon-worthy-crushes

I have always had a thing for books which feature redemption. They emotionally grip and resonate strongly with me. Many of my personal favourite books usually have a sliver of redemption running through them:

Think The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta, Carly in Kirsty Eagar's Raw Blue, Francine River's Redeeming Love, Sherryl Jordan's (amazing) Winter of Fire which all had me weeping and aching and so drawn in with the protagonists story/search/ache for redemption.

And, boy, does Jace from SPLIT j...more

30 likes · like · see review

Mar 30, 2012 Emily May rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-na, 2012, contemporary

4.5

Split was somewhere between 4 and 5 stars for me, so I'll go with 4.5 because I can't make my mind up. I spent most of the novel thinking I would give it 5 stars, but there was something a little unresolved for me. Okay, a lot unresolved, but DO NOT read this if you haven't read the book: (view spoiler) But, apart from the stuff in that very spoilery spoiler, this was an unbelievably powerful novel. It does what so many other books have tried to do but the writing, the characters, the emotions running wild in this book... they all contributed to make it stand out amongst stacks of stories about domestic violence.

The story opens where Jace Witherspoon has finally left home, his mother, and his abusive father behind. He wants to start a new life with his older brother - Christian - who ran away years before and hopes his mother will eventually break away and join them. But Christian's life is very different now and he is reluctant to ever go back to the way things were before, not to mention the fact that Jace isn't being entirely honest, a lot has happened since Christian left and he isn't too eager to share a lot of it. Can Jace and Christian build a new life as brothers and put their violent upbringing behind them? Or will Jace's secrets bring the past crashing down onto the two of them?

What Swati Avasthi has here that gave her the ability to write such a stand-out novel, is years of experience dealing with just these kind of people, relationships and abusive partners/parents. It shows, it really does. A lot of authors try to answer that question: why does an abuse victim still stay with their partner? Most of them fail because it's not a simplistic answer, you need to take a deep look into these relationships, see how the victims become psychologically changed to believe that they somehow deserve it, that they cannot cope with any other way of living, that the good times are worth the bad. I don't pretend to be an expert on domestic violence, but I knew someone who was in this kind of relationship and people always say "I just don't understand why they don't leave", "it's pretty simple, if someone hurts you, they don't love you, so you walk out the door". I've seen it first-hand and what they don't know is that the victims are being damaged far more psychologically than they are physically. You cannot tell someone to snap out of a mental disorder, and it is a very similar kind of thing. The routine of violence becomes so embedded into them that they start to just accept it. It's sad but true and Swati Avasthi is one of very few authors who shows this.

But this isn't just a novel about domestic violence. It's a novel about how people can change their lives for the better, how with work you can choose to move on from your past and re-create yourself, how you do not have to let the bad stuff that has happened define you. It's about fear. Fear of another person, fear for another person, fear of yourself and who you might be turning into, fear of making the people around you just as screwed up as you are.

Moving and unforgettable.
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29 likes · like · see review

Oct 29, 2011 Ariana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, emotional

I finished reading this book a while back but I didn't really know what to say about it.
It feels a bit unfair to sit in my comfortable chair, living my ordinary peaceful life, and give my opinions about such an important subject as family violence.
You read in the book about all those horrible scenes and you know that somewhere, someone is living that particular hell, that somewhere out there a monster treats his family like that, that somewhere there are kids suffering and you can't do anything...more

16 likes · like · see review

Sep 01, 2011 Janina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Janina by: Nomes

Shelves: young-adult-fiction, contemporary, on-my-shelf, athletes, read-in-2011, male-pov

It has been a while since I read this book (okay, about a month and a half, but I tend to be very forgetful), but I really don't want it to go un-reviewed.

Yes, this is a book about domestic abuse, a topic I normally shy away from. I can't even tell you why, as I do "enjoy" reading so called issue-books, but (together with teenage pregnancy) domestic abuse is not something I am drawn towards in books. It is hard for me to not be frustrated by victims accepting their situation, not reporting thei...more It has been a while since I read this book (okay, about a month and a half, but I tend to be very forgetful), but I really don't want it to go un-reviewed.

Yes, this is a book about domestic abuse, a topic I normally shy away from. I can't even tell you why, as I do "enjoy" reading so called issue-books, but (together with teenage pregnancy) domestic abuse is not something I am drawn towards in books. It is hard for me to not be frustrated by victims accepting their situation, not reporting their abuser to the police, partly blaming themselves. I know I am in no position to judge as I have never been in a similar position myself, have never suffered under anything comparable, but it is hard to shut out my brain. And I think here lays the most significant strength of Avasthi's storytelling: It made me understand. There are as many different reactions to abuse as there are personalities. Everyone reacts in the way that helps him cope, by running away, by shutting it out, by accepting one’s fate, sometimes even by violence. While I did wish for the ending to go further, I still think Split is a fantastic portrayal of domestic abuse and how it affects not only a family but also friends and partners.

On a whole, I especially loved the two brothers Jace and Christian, and the dynamic in both their relationships to Mirriam, but did not care so much for the romantic aspect focusing on Dakota and Lauren.
Jace is a difficult character, but one I simply had to love. He is torn between wanting to be free of his father’s dominance, wanting to rescue his mother and fighting hard to contain the rage and violence that he himself possesses. I could really relate to his struggles; how awful it was for him to be so much like his father – especially in physical appearance but sometimes also in behaviour – and that he had to work hard to become his own person, to not be labelled by his past and to eventually move on.

For me, this was a book that really made me re-think my viewpoint, with a message that still lingers weeks after reading it. Definitely recommended!
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15 likes · like · see review

Jul 18, 2011 Nic rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Nic by: Nomes

Shelves: realistic-fiction, from-recs, young-adult, tear-jerker, favourites, read-in-2011, powerful-stuff, favourite-of-2011

Favourite Quote: It's weird when someone gets you understands what you would never say not even to yourself.

WOW! Split was such a hard read but I mean that in a good way. It broke my heart and made me cry (big fat tears) within the first 15 pages but I absolutely loved it!

Avasthi has written a remarkable and powerful story. This book definitely took me on an emotional rollcoaster ride. One minute I am crying, then I am grinning, then I am getting angry. I was completely and utterly invested in t...more Favourite Quote: It's weird when someone gets you understands what you would never say not even to yourself.

WOW! Split was such a hard read but I mean that in a good way. It broke my heart and made me cry (big fat tears) within the first 15 pages but I absolutely loved it!

Avasthi has written a remarkable and powerful story. This book definitely took me on an emotional rollcoaster ride. One minute I am crying, then I am grinning, then I am getting angry. I was completely and utterly invested in this story and the characters within the first chapter. And that because Avasthi is a talented writer.

It would have to be the most realistic book that I have read about abuse and more so what happens after. I could really could with connect with Jace and what happened too him as I had a similar experience when growing up. Avasthi really explore this dark area with sensitivity and honesty. I am still amazed at how true to life this book is especially when it came to the questions Jace asked.

I try to think of something to say. Over the years I've collected questions after question, but I can't seem to find them now. We're not ready for them, anyway, so I go for the easy ones.

The characters just blew me away. Jace is everything I look for in a character multi-layered and believable. He is an intense, flawed yet charming soul that really captured my heart. And then there is his brother Christian my heart went out too him too. His story and struggles were just a strong as Jace's journey.

And despite the hard subject of the story it isn't all sadness and tears. It still has moments that make you grin especially when it come to the new friendship Jace was forming with Mirriam, Christian girlfriend and Dakota, his co-worker.

Overall Split is INCREDIBLE. It really is a standout read. It is story that is going to linger in my thoughts for a long time and will happily find a home on my favourite's shelf.

Thanks to Nomes for the rec and lending me her copy. You never let me down with recommendations and I have decided to read every book you love from now on. LOL!(less)

19 likes · like · see review

May 19, 2011 Milly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone

Recommended to Milly by: Nomes, Arlene

Shelves: contemporary-fiction, realistic-fiction, young-adult, favorite-ya

*Audible Review*

5 stars

This came highly recommended and it more than delivered!

What makes Split so remarkable and memorable is how raw and real it is. The realism of this book is so unnerving and so mesmerizing! And I can tell from first hand experiences how Jace's story is so close to the real thing. Swati Avasthi is either a great writer and researcher or a magnificent storyteller who shares her own life experiences as if writing her biography in this book. But, either way, she has touched...more

12 likes · like · see review

Sep 05, 2012 Keertana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: teary-eyed-reads, books-that-linger, beautiful-prose

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I've never been one of those last-minute people. I do my homework the day I receive it, I finish projects a week in advance, and I am a responsible American Citizen. Yet, when it came to writing a review for Split, I avoided it like the plague. I would see Split on my list of "Books To Be Reviewed" and I'd write reviews for novels I'd read far after I finished Split. In fact, I kept pushing it further and further behind in my reviewing schedule that I was simply forced to...more

12 likes · like · see review

May 30, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: readers who are ready to feel some serious compassion

Shelves: own, dark, disturbing-moments, little-romance, love-the-protag

I'm going to have to rely on familial affection. There's got to be some of that, right? Christian taught me how to ride my bike when I was four, how to read when I was six, how to throw a punch when I was seven. It can't just vanish. It hasn't for me. I'm still hoping for that reception where he's as happy to see me as I was to see him.

The theme I've seen most reviewers tackling for this book is empathy. They say it let them see into the lives and motivations of people they normally couldn't und...more

5 likes · like · see review

Nov 19, 2010 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 4 of 5 stars

What an emotional read.... I just finished a few moments ago and I'm having the hardest time composing myself and writing this review. I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. What a fantastic debut novel. Did I mention that I was blown away... and heart-broken.

This novel is raw, it's honest, it's unbelievable. I've read stories about domestic violence, not many but a few, but I've never had a novel tackle the aftermath, the part of the story that the character has to deal with onc...more

6 likes · like · see review

Dec 06, 2010 Tatiana rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of Nancy Werlin's "Rules of Survival"

Recommended to Tatiana by: Ariel

Shelves: 2010, ya, ala-ya-2011

16-year old Jace unexpectedly shows up on his brother Christian's doorsteps with bruised up face. He has nothing with him but his car, his camera case and a couple of dollars. So, what's the deal? How did he find Christian who had disappeared years ago? Did he finally manage to escape from his monster father? Did their mother come along with Jace? Is she even alive? And why did Jace break up with his girlfriend and can't date any more?

So starts Split. As you can very well guess, this is that typ...more 16-year old Jace unexpectedly shows up on his brother Christian's doorsteps with bruised up face. He has nothing with him but his car, his camera case and a couple of dollars. So, what's the deal? How did he find Christian who had disappeared years ago? Did he finally manage to escape from his monster father? Did their mother come along with Jace? Is she even alive? And why did Jace break up with his girlfriend and can't date any more?

So starts Split. As you can very well guess, this is that type of YA literature, a book about "issues." And the issue here is domestic abuse. How it affects families, the family members who are victims of abuse and those who just witness abuse from a distance. How people escape it or don't. How people become victims or abusers. And how they overcome the aftermath of living in such dysfunctional environment.

I admit, never have been abused, I often get frustrated with such stories, with women who accept beating days after day and do nothing to protect themselves and their children. But this story does what many other similar stories fail to do. It makes you understand and witness how many women are conditioned to get used to domestic violence and why some are easier targets than others. Swati Avasthi, having worked with thousands of abused women, knows how such things work very well and, luckily, has strong writing skills to relay this knowledge to the readers. There are some poignant passages of "apologies" and "forgiveness" in Split that literally made my skin crawl. And some passages that made me realize I shouldn't be too quick to judge participants on both sides.

I also want to applaud Avasthi for her ability to write from a male POV. It is very convincing and not often properly done in YA fiction.

The only reason I am giving this novel 4 stars instead of 5 is that I feel the ending missed some opportunities. I am surprised Avasthi chose not to have a big confrontation with the abuser. Everything in the book was leading to it and it never happened. I think with such scene the novel could have had a bigger impact than what the author offered. (less)

24 likes · like · see review

Oct 13, 2011 Anna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, i-own, young-adult, romance

What would you feel when your father beats the crap out of your mother and all you ask her is to leave him and start a new life, but it turns out she doesn't want to leave?

Well, that was Split all about. This tells a story about Jace Whitherspoon and how his father has been a bastard, yup, a very mean bastard (pardon for the foul lang). The story opens up with Jace arriving at Christian's apartment, his brother. And apparently they haven't seen or hear about each other for 5 years since he left...more What would you feel when your father beats the crap out of your mother and all you ask her is to leave him and start a new life, but it turns out she doesn't want to leave?

Well, that was Split all about. This tells a story about Jace Whitherspoon and how his father has been a bastard, yup, a very mean bastard (pardon for the foul lang). The story opens up with Jace arriving at Christian's apartment, his brother. And apparently they haven't seen or hear about each other for 5 years since he left because, yeah you guessed it, his father beat him too. And know Judge Whitherspoon, his father is after Jace as well. Split is be definition is described in this book. Not in a straight forward way but one that just figures it out as it goes along. The story is fast-paced and surely a page turner. It details about what horrible things their father did, especially with their mother. How awful it is, when you think your father does that to your mom in front of you. But yeah, I also haven't realized the very important question to ask, Why is he beating her in the first place?. That got me to thinking that maybe she does thing adulterated but it wasn't expounded in the book though. But basically this story about the two brothers anyway. The brothers that grown a special place in my heart.

Christian and Jace's relationship with each other truly develops out of love. It is such a relief to think that despite the years of being apart, they still get the feeling of longing and familiarity with one another. I adore Christian's calm and composed personality even when the room gets hot. How he was able to understand and adjust to Jace and just be the big brother that he was. The romance though in this story is not very much present in each chapter. But once you read why it was hard for Jace to make a move on Dakota, well it's because of his unforgivable past. And that was well presented in this book. I haven't even thought Jace could do that.

Over all, the book is so good. One because it is from a male's POV, and i love a male's POV so much. Second because it shows the importance of having a family even if it's between two people. I also love those other characters that help build Christian and Jace through out this and how they are part of the brothers lives.(less)

5 likes · like · see review

May 06, 2011 Isamlq rated it 4 of 5 stars

*Note: If you are considering reading this novel, it will make you angry.. It will get you upset… it will have you putting it down every so often just to calm down... at least these are what Split had me feeling and doing...

The title is perfect.It best describes what I am now left feeling. While I was angry and deeply disturbed by what led to what; I was also satisfied by how things turned out. As to his mother? I was definitely divided: on one hand, I understood later Christian’s need to keep i...more

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 29, 2012 Shirley Marr marked it as to-be-continued

Shelves: usa-ya

After sitting on my "currently reading" shelf for almost a month, I've decided to abandon this book partially read. But only temporarily... only cos I paid a lot of money for the hardcover version!

Apologies to Lisa O, whose reputation and wonderful review inspired me to purchase this book instantly, and without question!

This itself won't be a review and it's unfair for me to give it a star rating at this point, but here are my thoughts thus far:

The first-person narrator is supposed to be a 16...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 11, 2010 K rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: library, i-bought-it

This is what comes after. Stories don’t really end with a Happily Ever After when the rescuing happens, either the character doing it for themselves or with someone coming to their aid. Especially in the case of domestic violence, the problem doesn’t cease to exist when it’s left behind.

The very real characters made this book great. They’re each fully developed and consistent in that way that you can expect new acquaintances to be consistent, even in their unpredictability. My heart broke a litt...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 16, 2012 Aly (Fantasy4eva) rated it 5 of 5 stars

4.5

Let me just put this out there. Jace is the real gem in this book. He's mature, a bit of a player, or was anyway. He's tough - a fighter to be exact, and he's very observant. But he's a boy who's suffered abuse from his father ever since his big brother, Christian, left him dry. He's been taking beats for his mother like his older brother once did. Running away has never been an option until he finally looses it. With a single envelope given by his frantic mother he goes in search of the very...more 4.5

Let me just put this out there. Jace is the real gem in this book. He's mature, a bit of a player, or was anyway. He's tough - a fighter to be exact, and he's very observant. But he's a boy who's suffered abuse from his father ever since his big brother, Christian, left him dry. He's been taking beats for his mother like his older brother once did. Running away has never been an option until he finally looses it. With a single envelope given by his frantic mother he goes in search of the very brother who left him and his mother at the mercy of their father. Because he's so mature, you tend to forget that he's just 16. And it's why I would become slightly anonoyed when he would mention hanging out with the popular kids to stay on top. Because I would instantly think, wow, that's so high school-ish, and with all that was going on with his life I thought it would be the last thing on his mind. But then I would have to remind myself, duh, he's in high school! But he knows what he wants, and that includes a better life for himself and the absolute want to never turn out like his father. He's a little on the complicated side. Totally confused about what to do with himself.

What really intrigued me was his day to day struggle. How he handles the knowledge that he might be more like his father than he would ever want. How the brother he has set out to find may not necessarily want him in his life - that was another tough thing to witness. His big brother being so freaking cold towards him. Meanwhile, it's Mariam and Dakota that I really grew to respect throughout the novel. I love how homely, caring and strong Mariam is, whilst Dakota is so determines and tough.

The thing is, it's not so easy to judge every character. Jace, Christian and their mother have flaws but there is so much want in them to be good that you want to forgive them, you want them to have that happy ending and have a shot for the very best. And the father? Well, I want to say that I want to understand him, but I don't freaking think so. I think I'll stick with just hating that man, thank you very much.

It's hugely compelling and a fabulously written book. There's no doubt about that. And Jace is just such a 'guy'. He does not take shit, knows what he wants and is so charming. But there's another side to him. A side, that, when wrong, puts his hands up and admits that he's royally fucked up. A part of him which has such capacity to love that it scares him at times, because up until now, all the people he has loved have only ever let him down and walked out of his life. I think most importantly what I liked about him was his genuine want to change. To never lose his way. And that's a start, right? Of course I'd be lying if I didn't say he wasn't hot stuff, because, you know, he totally is. Hot I mean :D

It's so heart-breaking. But apart from being a book that handles its topic so well, it's also worth reading because apart from the abuse Jace and his family faces, it's more about how each member, especially Jace, try move on in life, forgive themselves and others involved and grow. And that transition, folks, is worth seeing.(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Apr 02, 2012 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

FNL Character Rating: The tumultuous but poignant relationship between Tim and Billy Riggins.

So...domestic violence.

We are all peripherally aware of its unfortunate existence..

Especially when we read truly horrifying news reports like this.

Then we smile and celebrate the triumphs of stories like this.

But when it comes to repeated, cyclical abuse, we tend to:

A.) Educate ourselves for two hours via the latest Lifetime Original Movie or

B.) Be cynical and blame the victim with thoughts such as, “...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jul 18, 2011 Audrey (holes In My brain) rated it 5 of 5 stars

full review on my blog, holes In My brain

There’s usually two reactions I get after finishing a book. One is me racing off to write a review, eager to share my thoughts and put my opinions into words. The other is sitting back and thinking “how am I supposed to review this? How am I supposed to be putting what I’m thinking into words?” Split definitely belonged in the latter category.

Starting with one of the most captivating first chapters I’ve read in a long time, Split is narrated by Jace Withe...more full review on my blog, holes In My brain

There’s usually two reactions I get after finishing a book. One is me racing off to write a review, eager to share my thoughts and put my opinions into words. The other is sitting back and thinking “how am I supposed to review this? How am I supposed to be putting what I’m thinking into words?” Split definitely belonged in the latter category.

Starting with one of the most captivating first chapters I’ve read in a long time, Split is narrated by Jace Witherspoon who has just been kicked out of his abusive home. Driving all the way to New Mexico in hopes of finding safety with his brother he hasn’t seen in years, Jace embarks on a journey of self-discovery, growth and redemption.

Man, I fell in love with the characters in Avasthi’s book. It’s incredible how defined and full they were, they had flaws, quirks, and a whole lot of heart. Jace and his brother Christian have solidified themselves on my “best brothers” list and reminds me why I love books about family so much.

Because Split is ultimately a book about family. It’s about the broken homes and broken hearts that splits young souls and traps old souls, it’s about the families that are there for you and the families that are not. It’s about mothers, fathers, and brothers, and it’s about the complex, imperfect, interwoven relationships between people tied together by blood. And this novel really hit it on the head with rich themes and even richer development. Ace.

The writing style was another huge bonus for me because it took me no time to sink comfortably into Jace’s mind. Told from a refreshingly smooth first person POV, the narration was engaging and authentic. Plus he plays soccer and jogs! Wow, characters who have hobbies surprise me every now and then. I loved this aspect of the book because as an athlete, I’m surprised by the lack of sports in books I read. I thought the romance was weak at first, but when I learned the underlying reasons for his actions, it felt much more real.

The plot itself was good, but ultimately it was the characters that carried the story. Jace’s fear of becoming his father and the strain it put on his actions, along with the burning desire to redeem himself after a disgusting act made him an incredibly sympathetic character. I don’t want to delve too much into domestic abuse despite it playing a huge role in the book—you should just read it for yourself. I thought it was very well done.

I thought the minor things (such as the chess queens, turkey dinner, photography, etc) tied together a story that could have gotten carried away as an ‘issue/abuse’ book. While pacing could have been a bit sharper (for example, sometimes I felt that too much was happening at once while at other times, weeks went by in sentences) but overall, Split was a beautiful book with brilliant characters.

4.5/5 – because it was SO GOOD. I can’t gush enough about the strongly realized characters and the heartwrenching familial relationships. Everything was just a pleasure to read: the writing, the plot, the great development of characters. Highly, highly recommended!!(less)

1 like · like · see review

Aug 28, 2011 J. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sometimes I review as a teacher or as a librarian or as a writer - any number of hats I wear while reading. I shall be wearing my fangirl hat for this review. I just can't help myself. I hope that my words clearly convey the reasons why you should run or click to the bookseller of your choice and buy this book NOW... However, if I am gushy and ranting crazily, please excuse me. I stand in the presence of greatness. The emotional intensity in this book left me aching, and the writing left me stun...more Sometimes I review as a teacher or as a librarian or as a writer - any number of hats I wear while reading. I shall be wearing my fangirl hat for this review. I just can't help myself. I hope that my words clearly convey the reasons why you should run or click to the bookseller of your choice and buy this book NOW... However, if I am gushy and ranting crazily, please excuse me. I stand in the presence of greatness. The emotional intensity in this book left me aching, and the writing left me stunned.

While the summary of this book had intrigued me for some time, I made the decision to listen to it on audiobook primarily because I enjoyed Joshua Swanson's narration of another book. I was not prepared for the cocktail of awesomeness that I found in this. With almost every book I read or listen to, I am in a rush to read fast - especially if the book is good. In this case, however, I seriously was almost afraid to listen too often because I didn't want the experience to end. Every single word, scene, and sentence left me almost physically paralyzed by how much tension, complexity, and heartbreak that resonated in each one. You think I'm exaggerating the physically paralyzed part, but I'm not.

I can't find any of the right words to describe how well Jace's perspective is written throughout the entire book. Okay, I'll try. I sympathized with him, felt sorry for him, rooted for him, felt every single one of his emotions. At times I just stared into space with abject horror at some of the experiences that he just so matter-of-factly relates; at other times, I'm thinking he couldn't be any more of a jerk. He's filled with so much anger and sorrow that he can't control, and it's all eating him alive. Not telling the truth about his situation is killing him slowly since without it, he can't truly move on.

The way Jace's secret unravels despite his best efforts to keep it hidden was just ... moving. The more he holds it in, the more his need to tell becomes apparent. The relationships in the book are interconnected and truthfully depicted. Jace's need for acceptance from his brother, Christian. His anger and hatred toward his abusive father even in the midst of loving him. His frustration and despair over his mother's refusal to leave. His longing for a relationship with Dakota, mingled with the fear he carries along with his baggage from his ex, Lauren. Mirriam, who Jace opens up to grudgingly. Every character in this book is developed so deeply to the point that I feel like the book isn't exclusively about Jace; it's about each one of them individually, as well.

Since the only exposure I've had to Joshua Swanson had been through his funny and engaging reading of The Lost Hero, I wasn't sure what to expect for his take on an edgy, broken, and angry boy. I was amazed. Just stunned. After a while, I completely forgot that there even was a narrator. There was only a kid named Jace telling his horrible story. There were scenes that I had to rewind over and over again because I was seriously unable to believe how amazing the writing was. I thought every single sentence in the last chapter was the end of the book because of how definitively it was portrayed. Josh's acting ability makes this already amazing book an actual experience.(less)

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Mar 23, 2011 Arlene rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2011, young-adult, shock-n-awe

Absolutely gripping!! Appalling!! Packs a powerful punch!!

Warning: I’m kind of upset right now, so my language might not be pretty. You’ve been warned.

How do I give a book 5 stars when it did nothing but make me feel anger, angst and a world of hurt? Well for that reason alone, the emotions that this book made me experience were bar-none high alert and extremely intense!

Split by Swati Avasthi is a story about physical, emotional and psychological abuse. It’s the type of book I don’t often frequ...more

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Apr 23, 2013 Claudia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-book-challenge-150, ya-books

Jace split from home, hearing his abusive father screaming after, "Don't come home, or I'll kill her." He stayed as long as he could to protect his mother, but after being severely beaten himself, he leaves in search of his older brother, Christian, who fled the abuse years before.

Jace keeps track of his Fightology Lessons:

#1 -- Start with a loaded question (to distract the abuse to yourself)
#2 -- Don't be the first to yell or you risk being at fault
#3 -- Fights have their own rhythms
#4 -- Hold...more

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Apr 23, 2013 America Sanders rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is straight up amazing. The writing, the plot, the characters, everything. It's real and raw and just so, so mesmerizing.

This book had me in a roller coaster of emotions, but I would say that about seventy percent of this book was hard for me to read. Particularly when the Starbucks and hammer situations were explained.

I was expecting somewhat of a confrontation and it did seem like the book was leading up to one, but I can deal with the fact that there wasn't one.

But that aside, this...more

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Mar 25, 2013 Zhiyon rated it 4 of 5 stars

I think Split is a wonderful book full of twist and turns. A story of a boy with nothing to his life but an abused family and a dad that has major anger issues. Once his brother Christian manages to escape his dads grasp and is messaging his mother on the down low Christian leaves with not even a family anymore. The author really potrays the destress in Jace but it all eventually gets better. Jace still has to deal with a new school, new life ,new girlfriend and a secret that his ex girlfriend h...more

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Feb 26, 2013 Dorien rated it 5 of 5 stars

‘Het ga je goed, Jace.’ Met die woorden in mijn hoofd sloeg ik Split dicht. Wat een geweldige roman in het Young Adult-genre! Een feest om te lezen.

De 16-jarige Jace Witherspoon wordt door zijn tirannieke vader het huis uitgezet, of liever gezegd: geslagen. In een aftandse auto, met nog geen vier dollar op zak, rijdt Jace in 19 uur dwars door Amerika naar zijn broer Christian. Christian is zes jaar eerder het huis ontvlucht en heeft alle contact met zijn familie verbroken. Hij heeft een andere a...more ‘Het ga je goed, Jace.’ Met die woorden in mijn hoofd sloeg ik Split dicht. Wat een geweldige roman in het Young Adult-genre! Een feest om te lezen.

De 16-jarige Jace Witherspoon wordt door zijn tirannieke vader het huis uitgezet, of liever gezegd: geslagen. In een aftandse auto, met nog geen vier dollar op zak, rijdt Jace in 19 uur dwars door Amerika naar zijn broer Christian. Christian is zes jaar eerder het huis ontvlucht en heeft alle contact met zijn familie verbroken. Hij heeft een andere achternaam aangenomen, is afgestudeerd en heeft een nieuw leven opgebouwd. Hoewel Christian nog steeds bang is dat zijn vader hem vindt, laat hij Jace toch blijven.

De broers moeten weer helemaal aan elkaar wennen, en Jace moet nu ook een nieuw leven gaan opbouwen. Hij gaat naar school, vindt een baantje in een boekhandel, gaat sporten en maakt vrienden. Ondertussen houdt hij heel voorzichtig contact met zijn moeder en probeert haar zo ver te krijgen dat ze haar man verlaat.
Terwijl Christian en Jace hard werken aan hun relatie, blijkt dat de laatste een vervelende eigenschap van zijn vader heeft geërfd; een behoorlijk agressieve natuur: Waarom doen mensen dat toch steeds? Zich verontschuldigen als ik ontplof.
‘Mijn tafel kan wel tegen een stootje.’ Hij aarzelt. ‘Dat moet je niet meer doen, hoor. Dat was zo bizar. Je zag er precies zo uit als pap.’ Daar zal Jace mee moeten leren omgaan.
Daarnaast kampen de broers met woede, schaamte en schuldgevoelens jegens elkaar, maar vooral jegens hun moeder, die ze niet hebben kunnen beschermen.

Het zwaar beladen onderwerp van Split - huiselijk geweld - wordt door Avasthi levendig en geloofwaardig beschreven. De vader is een regelrechte engerd, die zich niet laat weerhouden de meest gruwelijke dingen te doen met zijn vrouw en kinderen. De moeder is zo ontzettend bang voor hem, dat ze alles doet om hem rustig te houden, en het niet in haar hoofd haalt ook te vluchten. Wat dit allemaal doet met een mens en de complexiteit van deze problematiek, weet Avasthi op zeer overtuigende en indringende wijze over te brengen.
Alle personages in Split, maar vooral Jace en Christian, komen tot leven en kruipen onder je huid. Het proces van wederopbouw van hun relatie, met pieken en dalen, is mateloos goed weergegeven.
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Jan 13, 2013 Justin rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I was reading the acknowledgements at the end of this book, I realized that I had forgotten that the author was female. She had written so well in the male voice throughout the entire novel that I just kind of took it for granted. Definitely had a "whoa" moment as I wrapped this one up at 7AM, almost physically unable to put it down from about 60% through the book onward.

This book tackles the issue of domestic violence, something of which I, thankfully, don't have any first-hand experience....more

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Dec 31, 2012 drey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, ya

Split is a difficult book to read, but is so powerful and riveting that once you’ve picked it up, you have no choice but to see it to its end. Sixteen and homeless, Jace Witherspoon drives nineteen hours from Chicago to Albuquerque, hoping his brother will take him in. With only $3.84 in his pocket, he has no other options.

Once he gets to Christian’s, Jace has other demons to battle. Instead of dealing with an abusive father, Jace now has to figure out his relationship with an older brother who...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Julie Granger rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have never been involved in a domestic violence situation, nor have I known someone who has. But the book Split by Swati Avasthi took me right into the midst of a typical American household that was coping with a problem that was not so typical. The Witherspoons were a family of four, made up of the dad (Judge Witherspoon), the mom, the eldest brother, Christian, and the youngest brother, Jase. Judge Witherspoon had a struggle with domestic violence. As Jase was growing up, he watched his fath...more I have never been involved in a domestic violence situation, nor have I known someone who has. But the book Split by Swati Avasthi took me right into the midst of a typical American household that was coping with a problem that was not so typical. The Witherspoons were a family of four, made up of the dad (Judge Witherspoon), the mom, the eldest brother, Christian, and the youngest brother, Jase. Judge Witherspoon had a struggle with domestic violence. As Jase was growing up, he watched his father beat both Christian and his mother. Eventually Christian ran away, and Jase became the new punching bag. Years after Christian left, Judge Witherspoon kicked Jase out of the house. Jase drove from Chicago to Albuquerque to find Christian, and hopefully start a new life. But will Christian accept him?
The book Split is told from Jase’s point of view. It gives the reader an inside view into how a victim of domestic violence feels. It also provides insight into how domestic violence can shake up a family, and the abuser can break the bonds of love between the rest of the family members. The book Split was touching, but did not grasp my attention. It did not have enough drama to be fully captivating, and I felt as though I was forcing myself to read it. Once I finally finished the book, I was disappointed with the ending. It did not end in a decisive way or even leave the reader wondering what will happen next. Instead, it simply trailed off in a way as boring as the rest of the plot. However, I feel that this book did not exaggerate what could happen in the real world, which to me is a good thing. I believe that realistic fiction books are necessary so that readers don’t leave with a false impression.
It is also important for everyone to try to understand some of the issues that others may face, and the book Split is a great way to accomplish this. Throughout the book, the reader is fully exposed to Jase’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. As the plot progresses, the reader begins to question more about Jase, his past, and his future. Will Jase’s childhood experiences affect the way he will act in certain situations? But most importantly, will Jase learn from his father’s behavior, or will he repeat it? Throughout the book these questions are answered, and the reader gains a valuable perspective into a scary situation. Therefore, I would recommend this book to someone looking for an insightful, realistic, but somewhat boring tale, not to someone looking for a captivating dramatic storyline.

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Oct 28, 2012 Michael Dempsey rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was never abused by my parents so I can't say that I know where Jace (the main character) is comming from. This boy lost his brother when he was 11 years old. His brother didn't die, but ran away because their father (judge Witherspoon) abused Christian (Jace's brother) and his mother. Jace was never abused because he looked like his father and listened to his father's every command. However, when Christian left, Jace had to start mouthing off to his father to take the beatings meant for his...more

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Oct 19, 2012 Michala Tyann rated it 5 of 5 stars

Split by Swati Avasthi
Jace finally stands up to his father but only after other things have built up all around him and he can no longer hold in his rage. In doing so, he gets kicked out. His mother barely able to give him any loving words to carry away with him, hands him an envelope which leads him to Christian.
Jace Witherspoon pulls up to his brother’s apartment building in the middle of the night with a split lip and less than $5 in his pocket. He hasn’t seen his brother Christian in over fi...more

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Sep 14, 2012 Wafiyah rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Recommended to Wafiyah by: My helpful conscience

Shelves: anticlimactic, favourites, contemporary-romance, action-suspense, tear-inducing, family, guilty-pleasure, interesting, great-protagonist, loved-after-everyone-loved-it, asap, romance, tragic

I'm not used to reading books about abuse, especially child abuse. I remember I read Heart on a Chain, and I suppose it was good enough, but this book had the characteristics to it that made it extremely worthwhile and something I couldn't stop reading. I loved all the characters (except, of course, the obvious ones) and it didn't take two pages before I was hooked. Jace is an excellent protagonist, and it didn't seem as though the author was making him "too male" or "too prissy and female" as s...more

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About Swati Avasthi

Swati Avasthi has a BA from the University of Chicago and an MFA from the University of Minnesota. She has received numerous awards and grant, most recently from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Her first novel, Split, has received a silver parents' choice award and a CYBILS award and was named a best books for young adults, 2011 from YALSA. Split was also nominated for a GoodReads Choice Award and...more

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Quotes from Split

“I always thought saying sorry was more about alleviating
guilt, that apologies were designed for the mouth, not for
the ears.” — 23 people liked it

“We all screw up. We all wish we were stronger than we are, and not one of us will get through this life without regret.” — 19 people liked it

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avg rating	preview: Split Goodreads rating: 4.10 (2768 ratings)
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