Girl With a Broken String

by Therese Villarante

When her first love, J, leaves with no explanation—young singer-songwriter Sam deals with her heartbreak in the only way she knows how: writing. So she starts a blog to reach out to him. She writes him letters. She writes him songs. She writes to him, hoping he’s out there… reading and listening somehow.

"So this is a desperate attempt for you to hear me somehow. Come back. Speak. Listen. I grant you the courtesy of knowing that I’m still in love with you."

Girl with a Broken String is a multimedia novel. This innovative book is a sensitive exploration of heartbreak, anxiety, and Sam’s coming of age through the interplay of story, song, and artwork.

Genres: Contemporary

139 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2023

Reviews

[Honey Carriaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

With poignant storytelling and evocative songs, Girl With a Broken String takes you on an emotional journey that strikes all the right chords. In her debut novel, Miss Therese Villarante weaves a tale of heartbreak, resilience, and the power of self-discovery.

After finishing the novel, I felt compelled to write a letter to Sam, the girl with a broken string. Let me share this letter as my subtle review of the book.

Sam,

It was in early 2016 when I became acquainted with you. It’s when I stumbled upon the enchanting melodies of “10,000 Hours” and started following your journey. From the day we crossed paths, our journey has been nothing short of transformative. With each turn of the page, I found myself engrossed in your struggles and triumphs. I found inspiration in your resilience and courage. I’ve learned and grown with you.

As I’ve watched you blossom, you’ve become a source of wisdom and growth for me. And I want to reciprocate that kindness by sharing a secret–I haven’t personally experienced romantic heartbreak, Sam. I recognize that it can be profoundly challenging and painful, but I have yet to comprehend the depth of its sting. I sometimes wonder how I would fare if faced with such adversity. But following your journey and seeing you fearlessly confront and navigate through heartbreak is inspiring. I can only hope to handle heartbreak with the same grace and determination you’ve shown if I were presented with it (God forbid).

Delving deeper and deeper into the pages of your story, I learned that heartbreak can manifest in many forms. The way you battled anxiety struck a chord within me. As I grappled with my fears, I constantly wondered if I could break free from the confines of my room and share something meaningful with the world. I distinctly remember the first time I was called to sing in public. The nerves overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t shake the anxiety that gripped my heart. Moments before the event began, my fear reached its peak, and I succumbed to the pressure. So, I withdrew from (bailed on) the competition before the first contestant graced the stage. But again, Sam, you reminded me that I’m not alone in my struggles. Witnessing your unwavering determination to face your fears and create something remarkable instilled a newfound sense of hope within me. Seeing you muster the strength to cope with anxiety and harness it as fuel for self-expression and growth fills me with the belief that I, too, can summon the strength to navigate my path to growth and creative self-discovery. I will try, Sam. For me. I’ll allow myself to be vulnerable, even if it means to be laughed at. I’ll find strength in vulnerability and use it to create something extraordinary.

You’re out there now, Sam. Your story is published for the world to read. I have no doubt you’ll pull many more heartstrings. I hope you know by now how grateful I am to know you. I will forever cherish the first time I listened to “10,000 Hours” in 2016. Little did I know then that it (along with the entire GWABS playlist) would become a soundtrack to my own journey, resonating with my struggles and offering solace in times of uncertainty. It’s a gift I wouldn’t trade for anything. Thank you for your influence and inspiration in my life. Thank you for everything.

Love,

Honey

[Reg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. It isn't my usual genre and the first few pages didn't really resonate with me but I gave it a chance, more than I usually do. Why? Because I want this book and this author to succeed for the sake of our local community, so yeah I have a bit of a bias for this book.

That said, this short lighthearted read is a book I'd recommend to those who enjoys books with an accompanying music tailored specifically for it. By that, I mean songs were written for and because of this story and not a curated playlist. It's really creative and a fun unique experience for me.

Let's back up to that first few pages that I didn't really like. It started off with mentioning social media which was uncomfortable for me. Stuff like that feels like it ages poorly but fortunately it worked as the story progressed. It made sense as it was slowly revealed that this story would revolve around the MC communicating through social media. It's definitely not my kind of thing but it didn't feel off and it just works the way this story unfolded. If that's more your lane, I think you'll enjoy this. If it's a kind of story telling you want to try to get into, it's short enough to give you a taste but also long enough to satisfy.

[Mikaaa -_- · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was quite a good read. Loved every song mentioned too🤘

[Charvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The songs in this story won me over the most <3

Note: I was offered a review copy of the book in exchange for a review. This has not affected my opinion or review in any form.


Girl With a Broken String is a one-of-a-kind multimedia experience and I can honestly say I've never read a book like this. When I first learned of this book I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a musical experience and I wasn't disappointed.

The main character is a heartbroken songwriter trying to find her stepping after her boyfriend J disappears mysteriously. And as much as the intrigue of why and how J vanished kept me going the star of the show were definitely the songs. I cannot even begin to appreciate the number of talented people it must have taken to produce and put into play these beautiful songs. They truly touched my heart and the lyrics were absolutely beautiful, driving the story and yet simply letting the character's voice flow through.

It was interesting to see the main character's journey of self-acceptance and pulling herself out of her heartbreak. The writing style was rather simplistic and sometimes I found myself wanting more from the narrative. At times, I didn't feel invested, as if I was just reading another teen's diary but the book gets progressively better as we unwrap the story.

All in all, I think this is a lovely book and if anything, you should try picking it up for the enchanting songs and the narrative they offer.

[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review request for this book not even two weeks ago, and when I read: "It's a one-of-a-kind multimedia novel and e-book musical that incorporates story, song (yes, songs!), illustration, and animation for a truly immersive reading experience. (I co-wrote the songs featured in the book as well.)"

I just said, "YES". Didn't even need to know the storyline.

Music and books are the reasons that I breathe, so to have them combined in such an intentional and thoughtful way... gah! I just had to experience Girl With a Broken String. And I wasn't disappointed.

"[Poetry] is a language for things we don't actually have enough words for. I feel that way a lot about music."

The writing is lyrical, poetic, and just altogether beautiful. I highlighted so many lines because of how relatable and emotional they were. The book is epistolary, which I'm quickly finding has a very special place in my heart, as it's a collection of blog posts written by Sam. Her blog begins as an outcry of pain and confusion as she attempts to process the lack of closure from a recent breakup; but as time, and her posts, progress, she learns to love herself. On its own, the writing is spectacular and the book is definitely worth reading. But, it's not its own; it has music and songs that literally raise the story out of the world of fiction and stand it on very vivid feet in reality.

I forgot that I was reading fiction. The format of the book feels like a blog, there are even photos included that look like comments on her posts. At the end of some of her posts, you can click links to the songs that she's written and it takes you to YouTube where you can LISTEN TO HER SONGS.

I spent about 2 hours reading this book and listening to the music in order and I'm just so wonderfully satisfied with this unique project. The illustrations make the book feel cozy, the music is beautiful and fits the story so well, and Sam is such a relatable character. There was one passage where I felt completely called out:

"There is a severe temptation to wear an oversized shirt and cotton pajama pants. To buy a half-gallon of rocky road ice cream, and watch 500 Days of Summer. Maybe go for a drive with my best friends (because I can't drive) and belt out Taylor Swift songs."

-Everything except the driving part (I can and love to drive) is inarguably ME.

It's clean; no cursing, no spicy stuff, no gore, just a really wholesome, warm-fuzzy book that speaks directly to the heart--even if it has all of its strings intact. If I were to describe this book by a Taylor Swift song (which I'm 100% going to use TWO), it's Right Where You Left Me and You're On Your Own, Kid.

I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.

[_leymaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

People say when a book affects you, it is so well-written. But it is so much more than that, when a book moves you, it'll definitely leave a mark that'll be there forever. Girl With a Broken String is not just a book about being broken as the title implies. It is a book of new beginnings, it is a book of acceptance, of courage, of vulnerability despite strength. It is definitely a book about love. When I first read it, it was like reading and looking at the mirror at the same time because Sam was achingly a reflection of me. I, too, was broken and hurt of all the loves I've had before, of all the losses that slapped me right into my face. I also desperately gasped for air when I wasn't even choking. I struggled with my mental health and my heartbreak and my pain all at the exact same time. Like Sam, I spent too much time in my room moping, almost memorizing all of its corners. And very much like Sam, I endured. I stood up again, I went out of my room eventually feeling claustrophobic in it if I stayed inside one more day. I fought, I battled, and I conquered all because I learned to love myself and all my deckled edges. I felt like I relate so much to Sam because like her, I put to paper all the things that my head and my heart cannot bear. It was only when I started to write that I started to unload all the baggage I carried with me. GWABS taught me so much than just surviving heartbreak. It honestly taught me that self-love is the secret ingredient to genuine happiness because when you know your worth, when you know you heart, all else will follow. I also appreciate how it teaches us the beauty of new beginnings. To begin again with a stronger heart and a bolder faith. Because of this book, I double up my gratitude for the love that the Lord has blessed me with. I realized how important love is and that we shouldn't be afraid of love because as scary as it may seem, it moves us. Love saved me in every way that a person can be saved. The love of Jesus saved me from sin. The love of my mother saved me from the cruel world we live in. The love of my family carried me through the biggest storms of my life. The love of my partner saved me from going back into the pit hole I once dwelled in, his love held my hand in every moment of my life- the good, the bad and everything in between and this is the love that I'd fight for, the love I'll always choose. There are so many different kinds of love, but I also learned that the love I have for myself is the love that will move mountains for me. So, I hope that whenever we revisit Sam in these pages, we'll never forget how much she taught us LOVE.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sam’s boyfriend J leaves unexpectedly and without explanation, Sam’s world implodes on itself. She is lost in a quagmire of longing and desperation, especially as she has no clue as to J’s whereabouts—until, that is, the answer is clearly depicted in his social media. In order to navigate her enormous feelings, Sam decides to start a blog, where she will send her thoughts and memories into the ether, hoping for them to find J. But somewhere along the way, Sam begins to see her grief in a different light, and through cathartic writing and inspired creation, Sam makes her way back to the light and finds herself on the path to a stronger, brighter future. This unique story blends several components into one compelling narrative. Poetic writing, occasional illustrations, and musical interludes all intersect to create a memorable, multimedia experience that guides readers through the natural stages of one girl’s experience with grief. The chapters and segments are each relatively short, and even though there are occasions with unusual word choice, the narrative itself moves smoothly. Introverted young people in particular will connect with Sam’s story because she often writes of the pain and discomfort she feels when associating with others. Her self-deprecation and longing for J is palpable in the beginning of the book, but it is refreshing and inspiring to observe Sam’s transition into finding love for herself even without anyone else beside her. This unique storytelling medium is compelling and memorable, and it makes the book best suited to be read in a digital format. Young adult readers with a passion for art and self-expression will find this book to be both intriguing and cathartic as they navigate their own moments of social turbulence.

[Scribbles and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt like finding a dear friend who finally understood the pain that comes with loving someone who we thought was THE ONE. Reading this book was a whole vibe! The author, with her gentle, melancholic words takes you into the depths of your own heart, lets you find that courage to come face to face with heartbreak and stays there with you as you finally heal and grow.

I've never come across a book such as this. Throughout my reading experience, I was accompanied by originally composed music, stunning artwork, and a satisfying ending.

Above all, I definitely think that the best part about this book tells the reader a subtle message that is often forgotten but ultimately powerful: our growth lies in the choices we make. So let's choose to move forward.

"Let me learn. Let me live my age. There must be a better adjective for me. Give me words that make me feel daring, and strong, and capable, and passionate. Give me words that make me feel all that I am, and all I can be." (p.60)

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Girl with a Broken String” is a multimedia tale that includes illustrations, animation, and songs built-in to the book. It introduces Sam, a young woman dealing with the heartbreak of a broken relationship.

Overall, I thought this was a creative and different approach to a well-written and angsty tale of heartbreak. This is the first book I’ve ever read in the adult realm that incorporated any kind of music or animation. The application was a little different as it required reading where I couldn’t disturb others or with headphones in (neither of which I typically do). Process aside, I enjoyed the experience. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[deekristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girl With a Broken String was such a fantastic read. True - a significant portion of the book deals with heartbreak and all other things that didn't fully resonate with me. But it's also filled with so much love - the kind without the romance. It celebrates family, friendship, and everything that's beautiful and good in the world. The plot is simple, which makes it all the more relatable. Wala ko mag-expect nga kalas kaayo siya og luha - but in the best way possible. So, thank you for this.

And M, what a wonderful ray of sunshine you are. You, artist, you! I believe in you. And I support!

[Bibliophilic Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the songs and how the book helps promote self-love

[Regine Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved how this book made me feel. I relate to the main character so much too. 💜