What do you think?
Rate this book
Scattered Links
CAPTIVATING!
SCATTERED LINKS takes you down the street of nearly any Eastern European town, arm-in-arm with the orphaned. Michelle has captured the beauty and horror millions of children live everyday. The attention to detail is impressive. Having lived in a post-Soviet country for a time, visiting orphaned children, this fictional account rings with truth, from the heart-wrenching pain of abandonment to the realization of self-worth, and the love family and faith brings. Thank you for such an uplifting book, appropriate for the young reader, as well as adult. May your heart be encouraged, as mine was.
Kim de Blecourt, speaker and award-winning author of "Until We All Come Home: A Harrowing Journey, a Mother's Courage, a Race to Freedom"
“Scattered Links is a novel that pulls its characters from the gutters and, in the end, celebrates the tenacity of the human spirit.” A reviewer comment.
Thirteen-year-old Oksana lives on the streets of Russia with her pregnant mama and abusive aunt—both prostitutes. When Mama swells into labor, Oksana makes a decision to save herself from abandonment, a decision that torments her forever. But her plan fails when her aunt dumps her in an orphanage before she has the chance to say goodbye to her mama or tell her the secret that haunts her.
Scattered Links is a story of family and the consequences that come from never learning how to love. It’s a story of a girl’s inability to bond with her adopted family and the frustrations that follow.
How can a child understand the mechanics of forming a healthy relationship when she never had a mother who answered her cries, held her when she was frightened, fed her when she was hungry, or loved her unconditionally?
Only when the child meets a rescued abused horse, and recognizes the pain in his eyes, does she begin to trust again.
SCATTERED LINKS takes you down the street of nearly any Eastern European town, arm-in-arm with the orphaned. Michelle has captured the beauty and horror millions of children live everyday. The attention to detail is impressive. Having lived in a post-Soviet country for a time, visiting orphaned children, this fictional account rings with truth, from the heart-wrenching pain of abandonment to the realization of self-worth, and the love family and faith brings. Thank you for such an uplifting book, appropriate for the young reader, as well as adult. May your heart be encouraged, as mine was.
Kim de Blecourt, speaker and award-winning author of "Until We All Come Home: A Harrowing Journey, a Mother's Courage, a Race to Freedom"
“Scattered Links is a novel that pulls its characters from the gutters and, in the end, celebrates the tenacity of the human spirit.” A reviewer comment.
Thirteen-year-old Oksana lives on the streets of Russia with her pregnant mama and abusive aunt—both prostitutes. When Mama swells into labor, Oksana makes a decision to save herself from abandonment, a decision that torments her forever. But her plan fails when her aunt dumps her in an orphanage before she has the chance to say goodbye to her mama or tell her the secret that haunts her.
Scattered Links is a story of family and the consequences that come from never learning how to love. It’s a story of a girl’s inability to bond with her adopted family and the frustrations that follow.
How can a child understand the mechanics of forming a healthy relationship when she never had a mother who answered her cries, held her when she was frightened, fed her when she was hungry, or loved her unconditionally?
Only when the child meets a rescued abused horse, and recognizes the pain in his eyes, does she begin to trust again.
- GenresFictionRussiaYoung Adult
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2014
35 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
M. Weidenbenner
11 books795 followersMichelle Weidenbenner is the founder of Moms Letting Go Without Giving Up and the All-Mighty Mom Tribe – private support groups for moms of addicted loved ones. There are more than 2000 moms in the groups.
She’s a passionate podcaster who wants to stop the stigma of substance use disorder and help moms of addicted loved ones find hope, courage, and support so they can identify their superpower and help change the addiction landscape.
She has been a guest on the following podcasts: Magnificent Midlife, The Addiction Podcast – Point of No Return, Unapologetically BOLD: I’m not sorry for …, Everyday Leaders and Write the Book Inside You. Recently, she appeared on the blog, Forward From 50, by Greg Gerber.
She’s an Amazon #1 Best-Selling and Award-Winning author and speaker. Her new book, Unhackable Moms of Addicted Loved Ones, Closing the Gap between Havoc and Hope released in June 2022.
It’s a 30-day program for moms who want to heal.
This book is cobranded with Kary Oberbrunner’s NYT’s and Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Unhackable.
As the mother of a recovering addict, Michelle spends most of her time advocating for and coaching moms of addicted loved ones. Find her free guidebook at MomsLettingGo.com
When she’s not helping moms, she’s playing pickleball.
She’s a passionate podcaster who wants to stop the stigma of substance use disorder and help moms of addicted loved ones find hope, courage, and support so they can identify their superpower and help change the addiction landscape.
She has been a guest on the following podcasts: Magnificent Midlife, The Addiction Podcast – Point of No Return, Unapologetically BOLD: I’m not sorry for …, Everyday Leaders and Write the Book Inside You. Recently, she appeared on the blog, Forward From 50, by Greg Gerber.
She’s an Amazon #1 Best-Selling and Award-Winning author and speaker. Her new book, Unhackable Moms of Addicted Loved Ones, Closing the Gap between Havoc and Hope released in June 2022.
It’s a 30-day program for moms who want to heal.
This book is cobranded with Kary Oberbrunner’s NYT’s and Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Unhackable.
As the mother of a recovering addict, Michelle spends most of her time advocating for and coaching moms of addicted loved ones. Find her free guidebook at MomsLettingGo.com
When she’s not helping moms, she’s playing pickleball.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 20, 2014
I appreciate what the author tried to do here. She opened my eyes to poverty in Russia, to what it's like to be transplanted from one country to another, to how very much we in America take for granted. Our dogs get more food than the children in Russian orphanages.
This was a sad story following a girl facing struggle after struggle after struggle, from a mother lost in drink, to an aunt who sells her body and wants to get rid of her nieces too, to the orphanage where kids and caregivers are cruel alike, to a the suddenness of a new home, new country, new family, new language. And nobody understands her, partly because she can't communicate with them. She's had a very different upbringing and never had to report to others. She doesn't understand love or physical touch or communication. She has learned not to trust, ever.
It's a very eye opening read and I didn't realize until after, when I read the above blurb again, that the girl has a very real disorder. RAD. She's attached to a mother who abandoned her and I think it was partly because there was unfinished business btw them.
Again, I appreciate this story and all it opened my eyes to, but I must confess, I couldn't stand the heroine. I felt she was ungrateful, bratty, mean. These people have jumped into parenthood--of a teenager--with no previous experience, provided her a home, food, school, etc, and she just acts out. I completely understood her reasons, yet I had trouble feeling much sympathy as it became one stupid, selfish act after another. I get she's uneducated, but common sense is not taught. The girl acts without thinking over and over. Frankly, I'd have sent her back to Russia after the animal shelter incident. I'm sorry, but I'm being truthful. Not all of us are cut out for children, let alone kids like this one. The American parents in this book deserve medals.
Between the animal shelter, the horse riding, the disappearing acts, I just felt she was too unlikable. I could forgive maybe one incident, but not one thing after another. I just could not come to like her. My dislike of her began to overshadow my sympathy and I very nearly abandoned the book a few times. I so badly wanted to shake her and say, "I'm sorry you went through what you did (I am) but it's time to move on and look around you and be grateful for what you DO have. Your past does not give you license to be horrid now."
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
This was a sad story following a girl facing struggle after struggle after struggle, from a mother lost in drink, to an aunt who sells her body and wants to get rid of her nieces too, to the orphanage where kids and caregivers are cruel alike, to a the suddenness of a new home, new country, new family, new language. And nobody understands her, partly because she can't communicate with them. She's had a very different upbringing and never had to report to others. She doesn't understand love or physical touch or communication. She has learned not to trust, ever.
It's a very eye opening read and I didn't realize until after, when I read the above blurb again, that the girl has a very real disorder. RAD. She's attached to a mother who abandoned her and I think it was partly because there was unfinished business btw them.
Again, I appreciate this story and all it opened my eyes to, but I must confess, I couldn't stand the heroine. I felt she was ungrateful, bratty, mean. These people have jumped into parenthood--of a teenager--with no previous experience, provided her a home, food, school, etc, and she just acts out. I completely understood her reasons, yet I had trouble feeling much sympathy as it became one stupid, selfish act after another. I get she's uneducated, but common sense is not taught. The girl acts without thinking over and over. Frankly, I'd have sent her back to Russia after the animal shelter incident. I'm sorry, but I'm being truthful. Not all of us are cut out for children, let alone kids like this one. The American parents in this book deserve medals.
Between the animal shelter, the horse riding, the disappearing acts, I just felt she was too unlikable. I could forgive maybe one incident, but not one thing after another. I just could not come to like her. My dislike of her began to overshadow my sympathy and I very nearly abandoned the book a few times. I so badly wanted to shake her and say, "I'm sorry you went through what you did (I am) but it's time to move on and look around you and be grateful for what you DO have. Your past does not give you license to be horrid now."
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
August 3, 2016
I previously read this author's debut suspense novel, Cache a Predator, and thought it was pretty good. There was no doubt that she wrote with passion for social causes. Scattered Links has that passion too, but shows a whole new level of writing chops besides.
Not only is the plot well-conceived and developed, but the quality of prose sweeps you right into the heroine's head. It's tough to write in present tense, first person, and maintain a single point of view throughout an entire novel without sounding unnatural, especially if you're an American adult writing as a Russian 13-year-old. Weidenbenner totally succeeds. If you don't immediately identify with Oksana and root for her, even shed a few tears (I did when she met Boris), you might want to check your pulse. :) Yet Weidenbenner doesn't go overboard with schlocky sentiment. Oksana is clearly drawn as a girl with emotional baggage that makes her difficult for other characters to deal with.
I appreciated the zillions of little details casually slipped in that brought to life the settings, the characters, the events, and Oksana's observations about all of it.
Scattered Links is a YA novel, not suspense; but there's enough "suspense" in terms of what will happen next to Oksana and how she'll deal with it to intrigue adults as well as younger readers.
A remarkable book. Highly recommend.
Not only is the plot well-conceived and developed, but the quality of prose sweeps you right into the heroine's head. It's tough to write in present tense, first person, and maintain a single point of view throughout an entire novel without sounding unnatural, especially if you're an American adult writing as a Russian 13-year-old. Weidenbenner totally succeeds. If you don't immediately identify with Oksana and root for her, even shed a few tears (I did when she met Boris), you might want to check your pulse. :) Yet Weidenbenner doesn't go overboard with schlocky sentiment. Oksana is clearly drawn as a girl with emotional baggage that makes her difficult for other characters to deal with.
I appreciated the zillions of little details casually slipped in that brought to life the settings, the characters, the events, and Oksana's observations about all of it.
Scattered Links is a YA novel, not suspense; but there's enough "suspense" in terms of what will happen next to Oksana and how she'll deal with it to intrigue adults as well as younger readers.
A remarkable book. Highly recommend.
April 15, 2014
This book is definitely not in my standard genre, but if they're all like Scattered Links I'll be changing my reading habits! The beginning of the book could almost be set anytime in the past several hundred years... a family living in poverty in a broken down area of Russia. A drunk mother who's pregnant with another child that the family can't afford to feed, and an abusive aunt who dumps the kids in an orphanage when things get to hard.
Oksana was raised in the kind of poverty most of us can't even imagine, squatting in abandoned buildings and stealing from vendors to feed her family. After she delivers her baby sister (alone) her aunt dumps her and her sister in orphanages, where Oksana's sister is adopted by a family from the US, who accept Oksana into their home.
Transition to living in the US, attending school and being expected to be part of a traditional family are very difficult for Oksana, and her and her adoptive parents struggle to find a balance in their life.
Scattered Links brought the cultural and financial differences between countries and families to the forefront of my mind. It shows how many problems children can have when their lives are drastically changed, especially if they were raised in an orphanage without love or basic compassion. It reminded me that everyone deserves to be loved and deserves a chance at a decent life. And it showed me how disorienting it can be to be given the life that children deserve if they've never had it before.
It's a wonderful story that reminds me that no matter who we are or where we're from...we're all human.
Oksana was raised in the kind of poverty most of us can't even imagine, squatting in abandoned buildings and stealing from vendors to feed her family. After she delivers her baby sister (alone) her aunt dumps her and her sister in orphanages, where Oksana's sister is adopted by a family from the US, who accept Oksana into their home.
Transition to living in the US, attending school and being expected to be part of a traditional family are very difficult for Oksana, and her and her adoptive parents struggle to find a balance in their life.
Scattered Links brought the cultural and financial differences between countries and families to the forefront of my mind. It shows how many problems children can have when their lives are drastically changed, especially if they were raised in an orphanage without love or basic compassion. It reminded me that everyone deserves to be loved and deserves a chance at a decent life. And it showed me how disorienting it can be to be given the life that children deserve if they've never had it before.
It's a wonderful story that reminds me that no matter who we are or where we're from...we're all human.
April 11, 2014
This story is sad and it comes out at the right time because of all of the focus on Russia these days but reading the book, you get a sense of what Russia is all about from a standpoint of a young girl who is forced to live with her mother who is a drunk and a prostitute and also very pregnant! She also has an Aunt who really doesn't like her and is pretty mean to her.
She does get help from a local church and it's pastor when he asks if she thinks her mother would give the baby up once it's born since she can't afford it. No one is home when Oksana has to deliver the baby. Her mother is passed out drunk and never realizes what happened during the birth. Oksana takes the baby girl and gives it to the pastor who takes it to America to be adopted.
That decision will come back later on to haunt her and she will need the help of the pastor again to save a life. She also learns along the way to let go of some of her anger thru the help of her new American parents who adopted her. She also has a new Aunt and that Aunt has a horse farm, which is a lifesaver for Oksana.
But will it be enough when tragedy strikes and Oksana must confess something in order to save a life? Will she be strong enough to face the consequences and her biological mother?
This is a very real life scenario that is plausible and that is what makes it a good read. It's not some made up fairy tale that sugar coats what is going on in other countries and you will appreciate the realness of the story. I gave it a thumbs up and so did my friend who read it also.
She does get help from a local church and it's pastor when he asks if she thinks her mother would give the baby up once it's born since she can't afford it. No one is home when Oksana has to deliver the baby. Her mother is passed out drunk and never realizes what happened during the birth. Oksana takes the baby girl and gives it to the pastor who takes it to America to be adopted.
That decision will come back later on to haunt her and she will need the help of the pastor again to save a life. She also learns along the way to let go of some of her anger thru the help of her new American parents who adopted her. She also has a new Aunt and that Aunt has a horse farm, which is a lifesaver for Oksana.
But will it be enough when tragedy strikes and Oksana must confess something in order to save a life? Will she be strong enough to face the consequences and her biological mother?
This is a very real life scenario that is plausible and that is what makes it a good read. It's not some made up fairy tale that sugar coats what is going on in other countries and you will appreciate the realness of the story. I gave it a thumbs up and so did my friend who read it also.
January 6, 2016
This heart-wrenching story of a young girl living a life of poverty in Russia, and her subsequent adoption by an American couple, is wonderfully written. It pulls you right in from the beginning and tugs on your heart throughout. When Oksana is forced in to an orphanage and later adopted along with her baby sister, she has an understandably difficult time leaving behind a mother who can't provide for her and adapting to her new life in America. She has an awful lot to deal with and overcome, and your heart just aches for her, and her adoptive parents in there struggle.
I couldn't put this book down. It's one of the best I've read in a long time. Beautiful story, strong characters. I highly recommend it.
I couldn't put this book down. It's one of the best I've read in a long time. Beautiful story, strong characters. I highly recommend it.
April 18, 2014
This was a book that I will not forget for a long time. I was so curious about Oksana's secret that I had to read the book in one sitting. I enjoyed that the author talked about how hard it is for poor nations to give birth. I loved that the author used horses and the unconditional love of animals. Oksana is such a strong character, and I did not know what I would do if I were in her shoes. Adoption is not easy, and I was glad that the writer included information on it. The ending was so sweet and it made me cry! I am giving this book a 5/5. I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
- See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...
- See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...
February 6, 2014
Okay, first grab a box of tissues, then grab Michelle Weidenbenner's book, Scattered Links. is is an emotional and heart tugging journey. From the poverty of Russia to the struggle within her adoptive home. Oksana both broke my heart with her pain and opened my eyes to RAD, a disorder I had never heard of before.
The relationship the grew between Oksana and Boris was beautiful. As an animal lover I could understand the ability to love something else who quietly understood her own pain.
The author did an amazing job creating such an emotional, but beautiful journey. I would definitely take the journey again with her writing.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
The relationship the grew between Oksana and Boris was beautiful. As an animal lover I could understand the ability to love something else who quietly understood her own pain.
The author did an amazing job creating such an emotional, but beautiful journey. I would definitely take the journey again with her writing.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 29, 2014
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all opinions are 100% my own.
A first-person narrative from a young teen's point of view, I cried more than once during this book. Poverty and abuse are difficult to write about, let alone truly understand. Michelle's strong attention to detail and her insight are remarkable. This is an emotionally powerful read of survival, strength, and the will to overcome that will grip your heart until the very end.
A first-person narrative from a young teen's point of view, I cried more than once during this book. Poverty and abuse are difficult to write about, let alone truly understand. Michelle's strong attention to detail and her insight are remarkable. This is an emotionally powerful read of survival, strength, and the will to overcome that will grip your heart until the very end.
July 22, 2014
This novel grabbed me at page one and kept me guessing until the end. Scattered Links is the most heartbreaking and heartwarming book I've read in a long time. Kudos for M. Weidenbenner, whose novels keep getting more and more captivating!
January 9, 2015
“America is a place where there’s lots of color and people who don’t worry about running water or food.” (Page 145).
Scattered Links takes place in downtrodden Russia where Oksana is a thirteen-year old trying desperately to take care of her pregnant mama. In a place where many are homeless and hungry, it’s difficult for the young teen to take care of the burgeoning family and make a place for herself in the world. Oksana must make adult decisions and take any chance she can get to help herself, her mama, and her new sister but it isn’t enough. Oksana’s aunt leaves both her and her sister at the local orphanage, but the story isn’t over for the resilient Russian girl. An American couple wants to adopt Oksana’s infant sister and end up with both girls in the process. Adopting an older girl comes with its own complications and it’s difficult for Oksana to leave her mama behind and make a new life for herself in the abundant America.
M. Weidenbenner can tell a story that pulls at the heartstrings and brings out emotions in the reader. You are anxious for Oksana to live and prosper and desperately afraid something bad will happen to her. When she teeters on the edge of the precipice of disaster you will shakily turn the pages and wonder how she doesn’t step up and fight for herself or her sister or her mama. But that’s the thing. If you grew up in an environment like Oksana, you wouldn’t always act like a super hero, beating off attempted rapists successfully on your own or finding food where there is none. There is reality to the scenarios in Scattered Links. Everything doesn’t always happen the way we want it and for Oksana a lot can and does go wrong. Where in America would a thirteen-year old be left to deliver her own mama’s child with nothing more than boiled water, cloth, and scissors? Where in America is a woman’s only job opportunity as a prostitute? Oksana lives in a much different world and yet, she is still resilient. She still wants to live. And finally, and most importantly, she has this undeniably beautiful love and hope for her family.
Oksana’s blind eye toward her mama and family situation is endearing because Oksana still has the hope that blood is thicker than anything: poverty, destitution, and more mouths to feed. Oksana loves her baby sister more than anything and will stop at nothing to make sure she is safe and wants for nothing. This love is so compelling. I don’t know if there’s anything I’ve loved as much as Oksana loves her sister. Weidenbenner has created these larger than life characters with stories that will make you want to cry for them and their hardships. The author doesn’t stop there though, she creates conflicted characters as well, the adoption mother is overly hard on Oksana, but she just doesn’t understand the girl. Maybe if she had read Scattered Links she’d have a better understanding of what it’s like to grow up in a less than suitable environment for a child and then be separated from one’s mother and taken to a different country and asked to be the daughter of someone who doesn’t understand you.
Weidenbenner’s ability to show relationships and the interaction of people is phenomenal. Each character has personality and motivation. Each character shows development and growth. Wow. If I could give a book 6/5 stars, I would do it for this book, and for anything Michelle Weidenbenner writes.
Scattered Links takes place in downtrodden Russia where Oksana is a thirteen-year old trying desperately to take care of her pregnant mama. In a place where many are homeless and hungry, it’s difficult for the young teen to take care of the burgeoning family and make a place for herself in the world. Oksana must make adult decisions and take any chance she can get to help herself, her mama, and her new sister but it isn’t enough. Oksana’s aunt leaves both her and her sister at the local orphanage, but the story isn’t over for the resilient Russian girl. An American couple wants to adopt Oksana’s infant sister and end up with both girls in the process. Adopting an older girl comes with its own complications and it’s difficult for Oksana to leave her mama behind and make a new life for herself in the abundant America.
M. Weidenbenner can tell a story that pulls at the heartstrings and brings out emotions in the reader. You are anxious for Oksana to live and prosper and desperately afraid something bad will happen to her. When she teeters on the edge of the precipice of disaster you will shakily turn the pages and wonder how she doesn’t step up and fight for herself or her sister or her mama. But that’s the thing. If you grew up in an environment like Oksana, you wouldn’t always act like a super hero, beating off attempted rapists successfully on your own or finding food where there is none. There is reality to the scenarios in Scattered Links. Everything doesn’t always happen the way we want it and for Oksana a lot can and does go wrong. Where in America would a thirteen-year old be left to deliver her own mama’s child with nothing more than boiled water, cloth, and scissors? Where in America is a woman’s only job opportunity as a prostitute? Oksana lives in a much different world and yet, she is still resilient. She still wants to live. And finally, and most importantly, she has this undeniably beautiful love and hope for her family.
Oksana’s blind eye toward her mama and family situation is endearing because Oksana still has the hope that blood is thicker than anything: poverty, destitution, and more mouths to feed. Oksana loves her baby sister more than anything and will stop at nothing to make sure she is safe and wants for nothing. This love is so compelling. I don’t know if there’s anything I’ve loved as much as Oksana loves her sister. Weidenbenner has created these larger than life characters with stories that will make you want to cry for them and their hardships. The author doesn’t stop there though, she creates conflicted characters as well, the adoption mother is overly hard on Oksana, but she just doesn’t understand the girl. Maybe if she had read Scattered Links she’d have a better understanding of what it’s like to grow up in a less than suitable environment for a child and then be separated from one’s mother and taken to a different country and asked to be the daughter of someone who doesn’t understand you.
Weidenbenner’s ability to show relationships and the interaction of people is phenomenal. Each character has personality and motivation. Each character shows development and growth. Wow. If I could give a book 6/5 stars, I would do it for this book, and for anything Michelle Weidenbenner writes.
July 15, 2014
Oksana is a 13-year-old child who lives with her pregnant prostitute mother and abusive aunt in a small town in Russia. When Oksana’s mother gives birth, Oksana makes an attempt to keep from being abandoned by her mother. However, Oksana’s aunt whisks her and the baby away to an orphanage before she has the chance to say goodbye or tell her mother her secret.
Scattered Links was an amazing novel. Written with amazing clarity and vivid word pictures, the reader is swept up into the world in which Oksana lives. The bleakness of that world is clearly seen, and the contrast to the bright and vivid colours of the country she adopts is almost surprising in its intensity. The attention to detail that the author gives this novel is beautiful but not tedious.
I loved the theme of family that is brought out in Scattered Links. Whether biological or adopted, family is important and Scattered Links makes that obvious and shows us why. Readers will come to love Oksana and both of her families despite their flaws.
The character development in this novel is beautifully done. We are shown through the actions of Oksana’s mother her true nature and her deep love for her daughter. It was very heart-wrenching to see the pain that it caused both mother and daughter, but as a mother myself, painful as it would have been, I hope I would have had the strength to do the same for my daughter.
Although Scattered Links is a work of fiction, it was inspired by the author’s Russian adoption journey. This novel will remind you how strong the human spirit is and you will be encouraged by those who are able to open their hearts and homes to children like Oksana and her sister. Many of these institutionalized children like Oksana have what is called Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). There is information at the back of the novel on this condition.
I thought Scattered Links was an excellent novel of survival on the streets, adoption and love and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys books on these topics. This book is suitable for teens through adults. It’s a book I’ll keep on my shelves and read again. I gave it 5 stars out of 5!
Thank you to the author for providing a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
Scattered Links was an amazing novel. Written with amazing clarity and vivid word pictures, the reader is swept up into the world in which Oksana lives. The bleakness of that world is clearly seen, and the contrast to the bright and vivid colours of the country she adopts is almost surprising in its intensity. The attention to detail that the author gives this novel is beautiful but not tedious.
I loved the theme of family that is brought out in Scattered Links. Whether biological or adopted, family is important and Scattered Links makes that obvious and shows us why. Readers will come to love Oksana and both of her families despite their flaws.
The character development in this novel is beautifully done. We are shown through the actions of Oksana’s mother her true nature and her deep love for her daughter. It was very heart-wrenching to see the pain that it caused both mother and daughter, but as a mother myself, painful as it would have been, I hope I would have had the strength to do the same for my daughter.
Although Scattered Links is a work of fiction, it was inspired by the author’s Russian adoption journey. This novel will remind you how strong the human spirit is and you will be encouraged by those who are able to open their hearts and homes to children like Oksana and her sister. Many of these institutionalized children like Oksana have what is called Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). There is information at the back of the novel on this condition.
I thought Scattered Links was an excellent novel of survival on the streets, adoption and love and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys books on these topics. This book is suitable for teens through adults. It’s a book I’ll keep on my shelves and read again. I gave it 5 stars out of 5!
Thank you to the author for providing a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
November 5, 2014
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
I do not give 5 stars lightly, or very often, but thought this was deserved because the content was very good, and I think the author did an excellent job. The writing flowed. (There were numerous typographical errors, but I overlooked them because of the content.)
The main character, Oksana, is quite unlikeable in her new home in America, and there were many times, I just wanted to reach in and tell her what an ungrateful little brat she was being. The story is compelling enough that I just kept reading, hoping that somehow this girl would finally "see the light". Oksana was thrown into an entirely different environment, and expected to learn the language. I do wish, in the book, that the author would have included that the parents were also trying to learn Russian. It would have made me a little more enduring to the adoptive parents.
At the end of the book, the author gave us a description of RAD, Reactive Attachment Disorder. It helped to put the entire book in perspective. It would have been helpful if it was at the beginning of the book, but then when I thought about it, maybe not, because maybe I would not have been as compelled to finish the book. I would have written the book off as an "ungrateful bratty kid, plucked from a horrendous environment".
This is a testament to adoptive parents who adopt children from environments that we only read about, see fleeting images of on news programs, or see a documentary about the conditions that these children must endure.
The author gave us a glimpse into the conditions that these children live. I don't fully understand, but I do understand why Oksana was the way she was. At times there was a naivety about her, but then again, wise beyond her years.
I must admit, that there was some dialog or incidents that were altogether not too believable, but in the whole concept of the book, the subject matter was too important. They were only small bumps in the road.
I would recommend this book to others. I think it is important to keep an open heart to Oksana, and to all the other children, that come from these horrendous conditions. Imagine yourself being plucked from your current living conditions into something entirely different, a different culture, and not being able to understand the conditions, or the language.
I do not give 5 stars lightly, or very often, but thought this was deserved because the content was very good, and I think the author did an excellent job. The writing flowed. (There were numerous typographical errors, but I overlooked them because of the content.)
The main character, Oksana, is quite unlikeable in her new home in America, and there were many times, I just wanted to reach in and tell her what an ungrateful little brat she was being. The story is compelling enough that I just kept reading, hoping that somehow this girl would finally "see the light". Oksana was thrown into an entirely different environment, and expected to learn the language. I do wish, in the book, that the author would have included that the parents were also trying to learn Russian. It would have made me a little more enduring to the adoptive parents.
At the end of the book, the author gave us a description of RAD, Reactive Attachment Disorder. It helped to put the entire book in perspective. It would have been helpful if it was at the beginning of the book, but then when I thought about it, maybe not, because maybe I would not have been as compelled to finish the book. I would have written the book off as an "ungrateful bratty kid, plucked from a horrendous environment".
This is a testament to adoptive parents who adopt children from environments that we only read about, see fleeting images of on news programs, or see a documentary about the conditions that these children must endure.
The author gave us a glimpse into the conditions that these children live. I don't fully understand, but I do understand why Oksana was the way she was. At times there was a naivety about her, but then again, wise beyond her years.
I must admit, that there was some dialog or incidents that were altogether not too believable, but in the whole concept of the book, the subject matter was too important. They were only small bumps in the road.
I would recommend this book to others. I think it is important to keep an open heart to Oksana, and to all the other children, that come from these horrendous conditions. Imagine yourself being plucked from your current living conditions into something entirely different, a different culture, and not being able to understand the conditions, or the language.
January 30, 2014
I really enjoy this author’s writing style, and have read a book by her before called Cache a Predator. She loves to open the world’s eyes into social issues and she has done just that again with Scattered Links. When I started in on reading the book my heart strings were pulled from the beginning. It was hard to relate what poverty was like in Russia and to be n Oksana’s world. I have never been rich myself, but I have never been to the point where I would have claimed myself to have been at the poverty level. Oksana’s character has lots to deal with at such a young age, and she also has a younger sister that she must look after and fend for through all of the troubles. I have a younger sister and so trying to portray in my mind what I would have done was heartbreaking. I would never have wanted this for anyone, and I know that was the author’s point. She wants to shed some light on a situation that is going on and to make people aware.
The storyline was very well put together and you were able to feel exactly what the character was at the time with the descriptive writing. This author made strides on so many levels in my mind to make it so that the reader would be right there with 13-year old Oksana as she thought and figured out what she was going to do next. The situations in the novel, such as Oksana and her mother plus her adoptive family has you rooting that she will find her inner peace and as well as make peace with the new world around her. Oksana as a girl that will make you happy when she succeeds but when sad situations arise for her you will be reaching for a tissue. The author does a great job in portraying all of this emotion without getting too sappy. I loved that I got to know even the smallest most intimate details about Oksana. It made her a more believable character and your were so happy when she triumphed. Thank you Michelle for making this a great read and experience all at once!
Disclosure: I received this novel through Promotional Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
The storyline was very well put together and you were able to feel exactly what the character was at the time with the descriptive writing. This author made strides on so many levels in my mind to make it so that the reader would be right there with 13-year old Oksana as she thought and figured out what she was going to do next. The situations in the novel, such as Oksana and her mother plus her adoptive family has you rooting that she will find her inner peace and as well as make peace with the new world around her. Oksana as a girl that will make you happy when she succeeds but when sad situations arise for her you will be reaching for a tissue. The author does a great job in portraying all of this emotion without getting too sappy. I loved that I got to know even the smallest most intimate details about Oksana. It made her a more believable character and your were so happy when she triumphed. Thank you Michelle for making this a great read and experience all at once!
Disclosure: I received this novel through Promotional Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
April 8, 2014
What a heart rendering book this is. Oksana, a thirteen year old, is living on Russia with her drunken Mom and an Aunt who makes a living somewhat. There is very little food and the aunt gets Oksana to steal from vendors to keep them from totally starving. When she ends up stealing from a priest, instead of having her locked up, he take her under his wing. She helps with the "soup kitchen" at the church. When she is left at an orphanage by her aunt after having delivered her Mom's baby (by herself I might mention). The baby is also dropped at a baby orphanage a couple of feet away. Oksana has a deep dark secret about the birth which follows her to the United States when she was adopted by an American couple, which she had wanted to tell her mother but never got the chance. Well, actually the couple has adopted the baby but felt bad when they realized that Oksana really loved her little sister and adopted her as well.
Oksana, never having had a good relationship with her Mom, or at least the love that a mother normally provides has a lot of trouble coping with her new environment. She does not really know how to give or receive love-she was never shown how. Oksana really can not believe her Mom knew about her going to an orphanage and imagines that her Mom is looking for her and that some day they will be reunited. About the only thing that brings her around is an abused horse being rehabilitated at her now aunts ranch. It seems that Oksana is a natural with horses.
Then the unthinkable happens, Oksana's little sister is diagnosed with leukemia and only a bone marrow transplant will save her life-----what happens next will both make you sad and extremely joyful all at the same time. More goes on and yes, Oksana goes back to Russia with her new Aunt to discover that her memories may not be all that she remembers them to be.
Definite 5 stars for this book. I would love to have everyone read this book, it is truly a winner.Scattered Links
Oksana, never having had a good relationship with her Mom, or at least the love that a mother normally provides has a lot of trouble coping with her new environment. She does not really know how to give or receive love-she was never shown how. Oksana really can not believe her Mom knew about her going to an orphanage and imagines that her Mom is looking for her and that some day they will be reunited. About the only thing that brings her around is an abused horse being rehabilitated at her now aunts ranch. It seems that Oksana is a natural with horses.
Then the unthinkable happens, Oksana's little sister is diagnosed with leukemia and only a bone marrow transplant will save her life-----what happens next will both make you sad and extremely joyful all at the same time. More goes on and yes, Oksana goes back to Russia with her new Aunt to discover that her memories may not be all that she remembers them to be.
Definite 5 stars for this book. I would love to have everyone read this book, it is truly a winner.Scattered Links
December 14, 2015
A deeply moving story of an innocent young girl called Oksana, through no fault of her own, lives in a poverty stricken part of Russia called Kazak. Living with her pregnant alcoholic mother and her aunt they are driven by hunger they steal and beg what they can, her mother and aunt turning to prostitution just to keep a roof over their heads. I say a roof but where they live is a cold concrete derelict squatter. When her mother gives birth, knowing that her aunt cannot afford another mouth to feed Oksana has to make a desperate heartbreaking decision just to survive. Following which without any warning or farewell to her mother, her aunt drags both Oksana and her baby sister to an orphanage with absolutely no intention of returning.
With feelings of abandonment they enter a world of further lost hope with only one intention of being reunited with their mother. Life in the orphanage is harsh but in time her baby sister Natalie is adopted by an American couple but Oksana rushes in tears to the meeting not to be parted with yet another family member, luckily the couple see the heartbreak and make the decision to adopt both. But can Oksana overcome her feelings of betrayal to her mother and allow the love of this family to be part of her? Can she believe in what they say and trust them, after such a harsh upbringing in Russia?
The way the author progresses with the story compelling, you cannot fail to be touched by reading this book. You are drawn to Oksana, feeling her desperation throughout this truly emotional read, the sadness of a child in a horrid and cruel adult world is immense. Yet joys of hope as her life takes a positive turn if she could only accept the genuine kindness from the people around her.
What I didn't realise while reading the book is the whole story is based on the author's own adoption experiences, bringing the strong harsh truth of Russia's orphans to light, which inspired her to write this brilliant work of fiction.
Completely and utterly recommending this high quality read by, you will not want to put the book down.
With feelings of abandonment they enter a world of further lost hope with only one intention of being reunited with their mother. Life in the orphanage is harsh but in time her baby sister Natalie is adopted by an American couple but Oksana rushes in tears to the meeting not to be parted with yet another family member, luckily the couple see the heartbreak and make the decision to adopt both. But can Oksana overcome her feelings of betrayal to her mother and allow the love of this family to be part of her? Can she believe in what they say and trust them, after such a harsh upbringing in Russia?
The way the author progresses with the story compelling, you cannot fail to be touched by reading this book. You are drawn to Oksana, feeling her desperation throughout this truly emotional read, the sadness of a child in a horrid and cruel adult world is immense. Yet joys of hope as her life takes a positive turn if she could only accept the genuine kindness from the people around her.
What I didn't realise while reading the book is the whole story is based on the author's own adoption experiences, bringing the strong harsh truth of Russia's orphans to light, which inspired her to write this brilliant work of fiction.
Completely and utterly recommending this high quality read by, you will not want to put the book down.
April 10, 2014
This is a heartfelt and emotional story that truly tugs on your heartstrings! I loved this story and found it unsettling at times and then inspirational at other times. The author has a flawless writing style that really made it impossible to put this book down! She is a writer and was born to be a writer, that is for sure! Any reader/reviewer should be able to see the ease in her writing style, but also the brilliance behind it. Thanks for such a heartwarming, inspirational yet tragic story that is REAL life! I really appreciate my life and the opportunities I have been given just that much more! I ONLY gave it 4 stars because I did find myself slightly frustrated with Oksana's character @ times..... (she was harsh at times,BUT what would you do in her shoes?). I warmed up to her when she befriended Boris the horse for sure! A great read that will pull at your heartstrings and make you appreciate the life you have been given for sure! Enjoy and here is the blurb from Goodreads.. Check this one out!
Scattered Links is a novel that pulls its characters from the gutters and, in the end, celebrates the tenacity of the human spirit.
Thirteen-year-old Oksana lives on the streets of Russia with her pregnant mama and abusive aunt—both prostitutes. When Mama swells into labor, Oksana makes a decision to save herself from abandonment, a decision that torments her forever. But her plan fails when her aunt dumps her in an orphanage before she has the chance to say goodbye to her mama or tell her the secret that haunts her.
Scattered Links is a story of family and the consequences that come from never learning how to love, of a girl’s inability to bond with her adopted family and the frustrations that follow.
How can a child understand the mechanics of forming a healthy relationship when she never had a mother who answered her cries, held her when she was frightened, fed her when she was hungry, or loved her unconditionally?
Only when the child meets a rescued abused horse, and recognizes the pain in his eyes, does she begin to trust again.
Scattered Links is a novel that pulls its characters from the gutters and, in the end, celebrates the tenacity of the human spirit.
Thirteen-year-old Oksana lives on the streets of Russia with her pregnant mama and abusive aunt—both prostitutes. When Mama swells into labor, Oksana makes a decision to save herself from abandonment, a decision that torments her forever. But her plan fails when her aunt dumps her in an orphanage before she has the chance to say goodbye to her mama or tell her the secret that haunts her.
Scattered Links is a story of family and the consequences that come from never learning how to love, of a girl’s inability to bond with her adopted family and the frustrations that follow.
How can a child understand the mechanics of forming a healthy relationship when she never had a mother who answered her cries, held her when she was frightened, fed her when she was hungry, or loved her unconditionally?
Only when the child meets a rescued abused horse, and recognizes the pain in his eyes, does she begin to trust again.
September 12, 2016
This is the first book by M. Weidenbenner that I have had the pleasure to read in thanks to the goodreads giveaway. By the first chapter, this had me hooked till the end and did not let go. Rarely do I read a book in just a day, but “Scattered links” some how had a grab on my mind and heart. The story of Oksana's life in poverty in Russia to her journey to the United States a long with her sister through being adopted and then having to face a new life in a place she does not know is a heartwarming story, yet filled with many emotions. Her relationship with the horse Boris greatly tugged at my heart, though I do not personally own a horse I'm a horse and animal lover myself. Therefor, I absolutely loved the connection and friendship Oksana and Boris shared.
The author does a remarkable job at capturing the story of Oksana's journey as well as her emotions and thoughts through the different, yet swift change in her life. RAD is something I had never heard of before and this book opened my eyes for the first time through the heartbreaking story of Oksana. Many times I felt different emotions from sorrow, curiosity, laughter and at times some tears pushing up to the surface as I read this book.
In conclusion, this was a fast paced, very well written story that leaves you feeling in the end as though you to are with Oksana as she battles through her difficulties, yet finds what she needed all along in the end, love. However, speaking of the ending, the twist in the story in some ways I did not see coming, yet it was one that put a smile on my face. It's a beautiful story and I would recommend it to anyone. In the future, I look forward to reading more from M. Weidenbenner. I give it a 5 out of 5!
* Received the book for free through," Goodreads First Reads."*
The author does a remarkable job at capturing the story of Oksana's journey as well as her emotions and thoughts through the different, yet swift change in her life. RAD is something I had never heard of before and this book opened my eyes for the first time through the heartbreaking story of Oksana. Many times I felt different emotions from sorrow, curiosity, laughter and at times some tears pushing up to the surface as I read this book.
In conclusion, this was a fast paced, very well written story that leaves you feeling in the end as though you to are with Oksana as she battles through her difficulties, yet finds what she needed all along in the end, love. However, speaking of the ending, the twist in the story in some ways I did not see coming, yet it was one that put a smile on my face. It's a beautiful story and I would recommend it to anyone. In the future, I look forward to reading more from M. Weidenbenner. I give it a 5 out of 5!
* Received the book for free through," Goodreads First Reads."*
June 29, 2014
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Scattered Links is a story that tackles some tough issues, and manages to bring a level of warmth and hope into the mix even if things don't turn out perfectly. The story follows Oksana, and her struggles through poverty until she finds her new home in America.
The story is really touching, but it is also very "real". You can tell the author really understands these kids and the trials they go through changing cultures and finding new homes. There are small details that really shows the author has experience with adoptions like this and has done her research, from the culture shocks to the small things like saving food after a meal.
The writing can be a little different, and it takes some patience in some areas. Since Oksana isn't from America, the words and language can feel clipped and the sentence structure is stylized to fit Oksana's voice. There were a few times the idioms and gradual adaptation to an American way of speaking felt distracting to me, but I think it showed her growing process in the end and at least had a good purpose.
I liked the twists in the story, and I felt Oksana developed well as a character. I did feel it was hard to gauge the growth of the other characters though because of the very personal first perspective. Sometimes I wanted to know more of what they were thinking or feeling, but that's just a personal preference.
Altogether this was a very well done book with a touching story line.
Scattered Links is a story that tackles some tough issues, and manages to bring a level of warmth and hope into the mix even if things don't turn out perfectly. The story follows Oksana, and her struggles through poverty until she finds her new home in America.
The story is really touching, but it is also very "real". You can tell the author really understands these kids and the trials they go through changing cultures and finding new homes. There are small details that really shows the author has experience with adoptions like this and has done her research, from the culture shocks to the small things like saving food after a meal.
The writing can be a little different, and it takes some patience in some areas. Since Oksana isn't from America, the words and language can feel clipped and the sentence structure is stylized to fit Oksana's voice. There were a few times the idioms and gradual adaptation to an American way of speaking felt distracting to me, but I think it showed her growing process in the end and at least had a good purpose.
I liked the twists in the story, and I felt Oksana developed well as a character. I did feel it was hard to gauge the growth of the other characters though because of the very personal first perspective. Sometimes I wanted to know more of what they were thinking or feeling, but that's just a personal preference.
Altogether this was a very well done book with a touching story line.
April 24, 2014
How ironic it is that I have read two Christian books concerning adoption within the span of one week, but both affected me completely differently. Although this particular book is inspired by the author's own adoption experience, it is a fictitious tale with unbelievable impact. From start to finish, I was mesmerized by this tale. In fact, I was in the car with my mom and daughter when I got the climactic point in the book, and I literally cried out in total bafflement because I never saw that coming! No spoilers from me, but trust me--the mystery in the book will probably shock you to your core! To complete my story, I had to catch my breath and explain my strange reaction.
The emotional connection I sensed throughout this story was absolutely exhilarating. My feelings ranged from sorrow to anger to absolute stupefaction. If there is any book out there that can cause the church to action in the ministry of orphans, this is it. There is nothing inappropriate in the book, and the Christian message is strong and powerful, but never preachy. This is a must-read for anyone who is heartbroken over the fatherless and motherless of this world. And even if you're not, this book can change your life!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
The emotional connection I sensed throughout this story was absolutely exhilarating. My feelings ranged from sorrow to anger to absolute stupefaction. If there is any book out there that can cause the church to action in the ministry of orphans, this is it. There is nothing inappropriate in the book, and the Christian message is strong and powerful, but never preachy. This is a must-read for anyone who is heartbroken over the fatherless and motherless of this world. And even if you're not, this book can change your life!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
May 23, 2014
I received Shattered Links through Goodreads First Reads (ages ago, but who's keeping track?). When I received it and started reading, I thought it was quite a stroke of luck that this book landed in my lap. Why? Because it reminded me of the story of someone I know.
I have a friend who is from Kazakhstan who lived in Russia, and her story was strikingly similar to Oksana's: her mother was a prostitute who abandoned her and her sister in an orphanage; her parents went to Russia planning to adopt only one child and ended up with two; and she also had abandonment issues. I had chills the whole time I was reading because of how similar my friend's story was with this one. That is, when I wasn't crying.
Originally, I gave the book only three stars because the writing isn't particularly artful or eloquent. Don't get me wrong, it gets the job done and just that. But the story had me sobbing so often that I upped the stars just for emotional appeal.
Altogether, this was a good read that stabbed me in the heart.
I have a friend who is from Kazakhstan who lived in Russia, and her story was strikingly similar to Oksana's: her mother was a prostitute who abandoned her and her sister in an orphanage; her parents went to Russia planning to adopt only one child and ended up with two; and she also had abandonment issues. I had chills the whole time I was reading because of how similar my friend's story was with this one. That is, when I wasn't crying.
Originally, I gave the book only three stars because the writing isn't particularly artful or eloquent. Don't get me wrong, it gets the job done and just that. But the story had me sobbing so often that I upped the stars just for emotional appeal.
Altogether, this was a good read that stabbed me in the heart.
February 17, 2014
An international adoption story which gives a vivid look into the adoption procedures through the eyes of a 13 year old girl. Oksana has grown up in the poverty stricken areas of Russia. She desperately wants to keep her family together but her aunt drops her and her newborn sister off at separate orphanages not long after her sister is born. When a family from America decides to adopt her sister, Oksana is also taken along for the ride to the new world of Michigan. But events in Oksana's past haunt her and she cannot truly love her new family until she faces the ghosts of her past. That just might include a trip back to Russia, to find her mother.
I found this book easy to read as I was drawn into the story from the very beginning. I can't imagine being plunged into a world where I couldn't understand the language or the behaviors of people. Yes somehow Oksana overcomes the barriers and learns to love through the help of an abused horse owned by her new aunt which she names Boris. Together the two learn about trust and love. An excellent read.
I found this book easy to read as I was drawn into the story from the very beginning. I can't imagine being plunged into a world where I couldn't understand the language or the behaviors of people. Yes somehow Oksana overcomes the barriers and learns to love through the help of an abused horse owned by her new aunt which she names Boris. Together the two learn about trust and love. An excellent read.
April 22, 2014
Scattered Links is a story of survival. It's a story of overcoming hardships, and learning to trust others. It's also a story of adoption.
Oksana has a hard life in Russia, but at least she's with her mother. Only her mother is expecting a baby. A baby they can't afford to feed.
After Oksana delivers her mother's baby by herself, she makes a choice no one could have foreseen the outcome of.
Before she can tell her mother her secret, her aunt Ludmila drops both Oksana and her baby sister, Natalia, off at the local orphanage.
Oksana manages to get away and find her way back "home" to where they had been staying, only to find her mother and aunt gone, so she returns to the orphanage, where at least she can visit her baby sister occasionally.
Oksana and her sister get adopted, and this book is the story of her trying to figure out her new life. I liked that it took me out of my adoptive mom perspective and really showed insight into how the older child feels in adoption.
Oksana has a hard life in Russia, but at least she's with her mother. Only her mother is expecting a baby. A baby they can't afford to feed.
After Oksana delivers her mother's baby by herself, she makes a choice no one could have foreseen the outcome of.
Before she can tell her mother her secret, her aunt Ludmila drops both Oksana and her baby sister, Natalia, off at the local orphanage.
Oksana manages to get away and find her way back "home" to where they had been staying, only to find her mother and aunt gone, so she returns to the orphanage, where at least she can visit her baby sister occasionally.
Oksana and her sister get adopted, and this book is the story of her trying to figure out her new life. I liked that it took me out of my adoptive mom perspective and really showed insight into how the older child feels in adoption.
January 3, 2015
Russian child adoption and secrets of survival.
Story of cruel hard life in Russia, 1999. Story starts with Oksana age13 living with a alcoholic pregnant mother and a abusive prostitute aunt. Living in a deserted building she is forced to help alone with the delivery. In a few days she learns the Aunt insist they give the baby up for adoption and her also. Her controlling aunt takes her and baby away to desperate areas. In shock she does not believe her mother agrees to this. She adjust best she can but the orphanage is also barely able provide a decent life. She is allowed to visit her baby sister. She learns she is to be adopted to America. This upsets her deeply. She meets the family and is decided she can go also. Oksana struggles with new life and fears of America life. She learns new ways and language with help of tutorials. A relative has horses and helps her adjust with horses. She carry's a deep secret that she hasn't nerve tell truth. She also has a fear of bad stories of America. When her sister becomes terminally ill the deep secret has to be told.
Story of cruel hard life in Russia, 1999. Story starts with Oksana age13 living with a alcoholic pregnant mother and a abusive prostitute aunt. Living in a deserted building she is forced to help alone with the delivery. In a few days she learns the Aunt insist they give the baby up for adoption and her also. Her controlling aunt takes her and baby away to desperate areas. In shock she does not believe her mother agrees to this. She adjust best she can but the orphanage is also barely able provide a decent life. She is allowed to visit her baby sister. She learns she is to be adopted to America. This upsets her deeply. She meets the family and is decided she can go also. Oksana struggles with new life and fears of America life. She learns new ways and language with help of tutorials. A relative has horses and helps her adjust with horses. She carry's a deep secret that she hasn't nerve tell truth. She also has a fear of bad stories of America. When her sister becomes terminally ill the deep secret has to be told.
January 25, 2014
First of all, this is the second book I have read by Michelle, and once again she didn't disappoint. In a former part-time job, I worked at a youth center and helped a middle student with homework. Little did I know until the second year I worked with her that she was adopted from Russia. As I read Scattered Links, I put this young girl in Oksana's (the main character) place and imagined her doing the same things Oksana did. The story revolves around Oksana, a young teenage girl who is adopted by an American couple and learns to cope in her new environment by getting acquainted with a horse. I don't want to give away too much, but I felt like Michelle really did her research for the background of the story. She knew exactly how the adoption worked, and I felt like the story was so real. I enjoy reading novels that make me feel like they could have really happened. I highly recommend this book!
January 21, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The beginning of this book was just heartbreaking and terrifying all at the same time. To try to put myself in Oksana's shoes, to experience what she was....it was a tear-jerker. The situations and decisions that she was put into at such a young age was horrifying.
At the same time, she doesn't do much better in the orphanage even though she tries, and continues to be a caretaker for her baby sister. At such a young age, she has to make a life-altering decision, and its overwhelming.
The author does such a good job of writing the book that you truly feel like you're beside Oksana as she battles through her difficulties. I cheered with her as she struggled for closure with her mother, and cried with her when reality set in. And through it all, the struggles of the adoptive family as they open their heart to the baby who just wants love, and the rebellious girl who doesn't understand her life.
The beginning of this book was just heartbreaking and terrifying all at the same time. To try to put myself in Oksana's shoes, to experience what she was....it was a tear-jerker. The situations and decisions that she was put into at such a young age was horrifying.
At the same time, she doesn't do much better in the orphanage even though she tries, and continues to be a caretaker for her baby sister. At such a young age, she has to make a life-altering decision, and its overwhelming.
The author does such a good job of writing the book that you truly feel like you're beside Oksana as she battles through her difficulties. I cheered with her as she struggled for closure with her mother, and cried with her when reality set in. And through it all, the struggles of the adoptive family as they open their heart to the baby who just wants love, and the rebellious girl who doesn't understand her life.
April 8, 2014
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Oksana had a difficult life. Growing up in the poverty ridden area of Kazak, Russia, she was forced to scrounge around for food and even steal. Now at 13, she must not only steal to feed herself, but also her pregnant mother. She chances upon a soup kitchen run by an American pastor and his wife. Meeting them begins a chain of events that will change her life forever.
"Scattered Links" is a touching story of a young girl's journey transitioning in America. This was quite an emotional novel. The things that this child went through before she was adopted is absolutely horrible. The emotional detachment that she went through, and her inability to trust anyone was heartbreaking. I did fall in love with Oksana though. She was a very determined young lady, even when she did something reckless, she always had good intentions. This is a sweet story of unconditional love and trusting God to show you your path.
Oksana had a difficult life. Growing up in the poverty ridden area of Kazak, Russia, she was forced to scrounge around for food and even steal. Now at 13, she must not only steal to feed herself, but also her pregnant mother. She chances upon a soup kitchen run by an American pastor and his wife. Meeting them begins a chain of events that will change her life forever.
"Scattered Links" is a touching story of a young girl's journey transitioning in America. This was quite an emotional novel. The things that this child went through before she was adopted is absolutely horrible. The emotional detachment that she went through, and her inability to trust anyone was heartbreaking. I did fall in love with Oksana though. She was a very determined young lady, even when she did something reckless, she always had good intentions. This is a sweet story of unconditional love and trusting God to show you your path.
April 9, 2014
Though the story is very choppy and included some typos, the pacing of the events was appropriate. Oksana was a typical teenager and tried to rebel against her American adoptive parents. Her behavior was maddening, as I felt that she was being quite ungrateful and rather obnoxious most of the time. However, I could understand why she felt the desperation to return to the only life she'd ever known.
Although there are mature situations in this book that include prostitution, near rape, and extreme poverty, it's not graphic at all. Most teens would be able to handle it. In fact, it's a great way to address the disparity between the US and other countries. Overall, Scattered Links proved to be a moving tale of a young girl's physical and emotional healing. Although the people who cared most for her were her chosen family, not biological, Oksana was given the gift of love.
I received this book to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.
Although there are mature situations in this book that include prostitution, near rape, and extreme poverty, it's not graphic at all. Most teens would be able to handle it. In fact, it's a great way to address the disparity between the US and other countries. Overall, Scattered Links proved to be a moving tale of a young girl's physical and emotional healing. Although the people who cared most for her were her chosen family, not biological, Oksana was given the gift of love.
I received this book to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.
April 12, 2014
This is by far the best “general fiction” book I have read since Swallowtail!
I devoured this book.
Seriously.
I started it one night, read it half way, laid down the next night and finished it. I could not put it down.
I have never felt so wrapped up in a story before!
Scattered Links made me feel every emotion from anxious, scared, alone, dirty to happy, loved, and in love.
The writing is so descriptive that I could see, smell, hear Russia. The homeless, the smell, the orphans, the orphanges, the hospital, the barn, the bed in the orphanage. I was everywhere Oksana was.
I had a lot of emotions through the entire book – mostly anxiety. What Oksana has gone through, goes through, and will go through leave me speechless. She is one strong girl! And I loved that the ending ended the exact way I hoped it would!
I highly recommend this to anyone and everywhere. I really did loved this book!
I devoured this book.
Seriously.
I started it one night, read it half way, laid down the next night and finished it. I could not put it down.
I have never felt so wrapped up in a story before!
Scattered Links made me feel every emotion from anxious, scared, alone, dirty to happy, loved, and in love.
The writing is so descriptive that I could see, smell, hear Russia. The homeless, the smell, the orphans, the orphanges, the hospital, the barn, the bed in the orphanage. I was everywhere Oksana was.
I had a lot of emotions through the entire book – mostly anxiety. What Oksana has gone through, goes through, and will go through leave me speechless. She is one strong girl! And I loved that the ending ended the exact way I hoped it would!
I highly recommend this to anyone and everywhere. I really did loved this book!
Read
April 22, 2014I made the mistake of reading Scattered Links on a recent trip. I say mistake because emotional me was boo-hooing through much of the story. As an adopted child, I am drawn to stories that depict the relationships and inner thoughts of families impacted by adoption. I have no experience whatsoever (thankfully!) of what the main character had to go through, but her story is one that is believable and similar instances have occurred with children adopted from traumatic circumstances. Ms. Weidenbenner's attention to detail and providing insight into a true disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), that many children in these situations suffer from came through in her writing loud and clear, for me. While reading, I found myself hoping for the best for Oksana and her new family and friends. My biggest takeaway from this novel was how critical it is to release the pains from our pasts in order to fully embrace and enjoy our present and make room for future blessings.
April 24, 2014
This book was very powerful. The author is so descriptive and deep that I felt like I was in that Russian orphanage. I felt a range of emotions as I read about all of the trials and tribulations that this young girl has to endure. Some things were even hard for me to imagine, simply because I could not imagine being in that much pain.
From a life of poverty and no love in Russia, to a life of both in America. I can understand why the main character would act out. She has no idea what love is, what rules, are, what it is like to have a 'normal' home life.
I absolutely loved this book, it was well written and very powerful. I was so involved with all of the characters and what was going on. I had to know what would happen and I was riveted to every page. Every sentence. I urge you to check this book out. It just may give people some perspective on what they take for granted in their every day lives.
From a life of poverty and no love in Russia, to a life of both in America. I can understand why the main character would act out. She has no idea what love is, what rules, are, what it is like to have a 'normal' home life.
I absolutely loved this book, it was well written and very powerful. I was so involved with all of the characters and what was going on. I had to know what would happen and I was riveted to every page. Every sentence. I urge you to check this book out. It just may give people some perspective on what they take for granted in their every day lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews