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What's Broken Between Us
A year and a half ago, Amanda Tart's brother got behind the wheel drunk and killed his best friend. Today, he's coming home from prison.
Amanda's been the one living with the fallout, made worse by her brother's recent unapologetic TV interview. People think he's a monster. Still, she loves him. It's her dark secret until she starts getting close to Henry again--whose sister is paralyzed from the accident.
A year and a half ago, her brother destroyed his life. Now Amanda has to decide if she'll let his choice destroy hers.
Amanda's been the one living with the fallout, made worse by her brother's recent unapologetic TV interview. People think he's a monster. Still, she loves him. It's her dark secret until she starts getting close to Henry again--whose sister is paralyzed from the accident.
A year and a half ago, her brother destroyed his life. Now Amanda has to decide if she'll let his choice destroy hers.
298 pages, Hardcover
First published December 29, 2015
About the author
Alexis Bass
4 books176 followersAlexis Bass grew up in Washington, went to college in Arizona, and spent her early twenties in Seattle. She currently lives in Northern California with Dylan McKay, her gorgeous and rambunctious golden retriever. She loves good fashion and good TV as much as a good book, and is a huge advocate of the three C’s: coffee, chocolate, and cheese. LOVE AND OTHER THEORIES is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
May 5, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
“He didn’t even go to her funeral,” Henry says. “Even though he used to claim that he loved Grace as much as he loved his baby sister.”
“You know it was impossible for him to be at the funeral when he was –?”
“When he was the reason there was a funeral in the first place?”
I’m a little torn over this book, because some parts I liked, and some parts I didn’t, but the characters kind-of got to me, and made me really feel this book.
I felt a little sorry for Amanda, because continuing to live in the same town after your brother killed one girl and injured another whilst drunk driving, couldn’t have been easy. Amanda was no angel though, and whilst she didn’t kill anyone, she was exactly being faithful to her boyfriend either, and her family was a bit of a mess really.
“I’ve become the kind of girl who lies to her best and only real friend.”
Jonathan was also a mess. He didn’t come across as repentant over killing Grace, he came across as self-destructive. The way he behaved, the things he said made it seem like he was just trying to make things worse for himself rather than better, and I just wanted to knock some sense into him!
“He pours the whiskey until his cup is so full he’s going to have to slurp his first few sips without moving the cup.”
The storyline covered Jonathan coming home, and the choices he made once he was home. The way him being home affected everybody else, and the self-destructive behaviours he displayed! I feel so conflicted over this book though, because I found the story a bit slow and boring in places, but I felt like the characters really got to me at points!
“I killed Grace Marlamount, Sutton will never walk on her own again, and, here you all are, still giving me the benefit of the doubt.”
There was romance in this book, but there was also cheating. I’m not going to say more than that.
“What’s going to happen to you?”
The ending to this was also a little irritating, but it was more to do with the actions of the characters being irritating rather than the end to the story being irritating. Be prepared to feel a bit knocked about by this one!
7 out of 10
“He didn’t even go to her funeral,” Henry says. “Even though he used to claim that he loved Grace as much as he loved his baby sister.”
“You know it was impossible for him to be at the funeral when he was –?”
“When he was the reason there was a funeral in the first place?”
I’m a little torn over this book, because some parts I liked, and some parts I didn’t, but the characters kind-of got to me, and made me really feel this book.
I felt a little sorry for Amanda, because continuing to live in the same town after your brother killed one girl and injured another whilst drunk driving, couldn’t have been easy. Amanda was no angel though, and whilst she didn’t kill anyone, she was exactly being faithful to her boyfriend either, and her family was a bit of a mess really.
“I’ve become the kind of girl who lies to her best and only real friend.”
Jonathan was also a mess. He didn’t come across as repentant over killing Grace, he came across as self-destructive. The way he behaved, the things he said made it seem like he was just trying to make things worse for himself rather than better, and I just wanted to knock some sense into him!
“He pours the whiskey until his cup is so full he’s going to have to slurp his first few sips without moving the cup.”
The storyline covered Jonathan coming home, and the choices he made once he was home. The way him being home affected everybody else, and the self-destructive behaviours he displayed! I feel so conflicted over this book though, because I found the story a bit slow and boring in places, but I felt like the characters really got to me at points!
“I killed Grace Marlamount, Sutton will never walk on her own again, and, here you all are, still giving me the benefit of the doubt.”
There was romance in this book, but there was also cheating. I’m not going to say more than that.
“What’s going to happen to you?”
The ending to this was also a little irritating, but it was more to do with the actions of the characters being irritating rather than the end to the story being irritating. Be prepared to feel a bit knocked about by this one!
7 out of 10
November 7, 2015
“I think that everything won’t always be so hard. Someday we’ll stop measuring things in sadness and anger. Someday we’ll learn how to live carelessly.”
I wasn't expecting anything much from What’s Broken Between Us, other than “please be good more than mediocre.” Now that I think about it, that was extremely too much. Thankfully, this book turned out to be "better than mediocre."
I have so many quotes that I wanted to share, but the one above ended up as my most favorite. Probably because this whole novel itself, struck me in a away only few books could manage to do. I am the type of person who always try to optimistically see the brighter side of things. Usually I would give myself a minute or two to be sad and then I would gather myself together. After that I refuse to make myself any more miserable.
But I could also be the type of person who measure things in sadness. I cannot help it, maybe because I am simply wired this way.
This book terrifies me more than I would dare to admit. Mainly because I see my reflection written on it. It’s depressing, but it’s also the reality. And like the quote said “I think that everything won’t always be so hard. Someday we’ll stop measuring things in sadness and anger. Someday we’ll learn how to live carelessly.”
What's Broken Between Us is so beautiful, moving and thought provoking. Full review to come closer the release date.
August 10, 2016
2.5 stars
I am so conflicted. I had such a hard time rating this book.
What's Broken Between Us is about a boy named Johnathan who decides to drink and drive on graduation night and ends up killing his best friend Grace and injuring his girlfriend, Sutton. His unapologetic and self-destructive attitude leads the public to condemn him, and his D.U.I. and manslaughter charges end up sending him to jail for a year, a sentence many see as too lenient. His younger sister, Amanda, is left to deal with the social fallout.
I think the main reason I had such a hard time with this book was because of the characters. They just kept making these choices that were clearly the wrong ones.
When Jonathan returns home he immediately begins to fall back into bad habits which include drinking and staying out all night even though his probation clearly forbids all of these. I just wanted to knock some sense into him throughout the book.
And then there’s Amanda and Henry, Sutton’s younger brother, trying to deal with their feeling for each other. But Amanda does experience a lot of growth throughout the story though. So does her father, though I thought it was a little too late for that.
Also, wasn’t such a huge fan of the ending. But this book was well written so I flew through it in a few hours.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
“Look to the left, look to the right, we’re all going to die. But someone has to do it first. So who’s it going to be?”
I am so conflicted. I had such a hard time rating this book.
What's Broken Between Us is about a boy named Johnathan who decides to drink and drive on graduation night and ends up killing his best friend Grace and injuring his girlfriend, Sutton. His unapologetic and self-destructive attitude leads the public to condemn him, and his D.U.I. and manslaughter charges end up sending him to jail for a year, a sentence many see as too lenient. His younger sister, Amanda, is left to deal with the social fallout.
I think the main reason I had such a hard time with this book was because of the characters. They just kept making these choices that were clearly the wrong ones.
When Jonathan returns home he immediately begins to fall back into bad habits which include drinking and staying out all night even though his probation clearly forbids all of these. I just wanted to knock some sense into him throughout the book.
And then there’s Amanda and Henry, Sutton’s younger brother, trying to deal with their feeling for each other. But Amanda does experience a lot of growth throughout the story though. So does her father, though I thought it was a little too late for that.
Also, wasn’t such a huge fan of the ending. But this book was well written so I flew through it in a few hours.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
February 7, 2018
What the hell did I just read???!!!
This was just crap pure crap. I was so disappointed in this book.
First, the book's topic is a serious one. Drinking and driving. This also includes someone getting killed in a drunk driving accident and another who is faced with permanent disability. I was hoping throughout the book that Jonathan would feel some kind of remorse or something from what he did. NOPE!!! He didn't have any kind of Jesus moment and it was like it happened and you can't change it and I'm not going to change either. I was really hoping for him to get his mind out of the gutter and become a better person. If anything, to me, he became worse!! I was just disgusted by this character!!! He definitely got what he deserved at the end and I wonder if that ending would have changed him since the rest of the book didn't.
Now on to Amanda and Henry. Amanda is Jonathan's sister. Henry is Sutton's (injured in the accident) brother. Jonathan and Sutton were dating when the drunk driving accident occurred. Anyways, Amanda and Henry were starting to like each other and after what happened, they distanced themselves from each other. Now that Jonathan is out of prison, Henry doesn't want Jonathan to contact Sutton and starts talking to Amanda again.
First, Amanda and Henry were both dating other people. This was never put in the book plot so if I had known they were already dating other people, I would never have even started reading this book. I do not like reading about people cheating on their girlfriends/boyfriends.
I know that Amanda and Henry were only dating these people as "fillers" but their significant others really cared about them and I thought it was shitty the way Amanda and Henry went about things. If you don't want to be with the person you are currently seeing, give them the respect that they deserve and break up with them!!!! I couldn't get over this fact in the book and it just made me not want to read on.
Amanda and Jonathan's parents were pretty bad. They are the stereotypical parents in a young adult book that let their kids do whatever they want because they didn't want to be like their parents. So, Amanda and Jonathan never had a curfew and never had any kind of "rules" throughout their lives. This is bullshit!!! You are parents and should act like parents. Your children are not your friends and you teach them what is right and wrong and discipline them when they need it. The dad was slowly trying toward the end the book but the mother was totally oblivious and just looked away. Too little too late!!!
I'm going to get truthful right now. My father has been an alcoholic all of my life. There was a time when he did actually stop drinking but has started up again. He received two DUIs in the past few years and has a suspended license. I am so grateful that he didn't hurt anyone during these times. My father hasn't learned anything from his mistakes at all!!! I'm quite disappointed in him for this. He doesn't want help because he doesn't think that he has a problem. It saddens me that we have never had and can never have a normal father/daughter relationship because we butt heads too much on this subject and other subjects. I have been drunk a couple of times in my life (after the age of 21 because I am a goody goody) and do not see the appeal. This could be because I grew up around it. I like to be in control of myself and when I was drunk I was not in control of myself and that was a scary feeling for me.
So, in reading this book, I was hoping for a better ending and didn't get it. Nothing happened that I could see and I was pretty disappointed between Jonathan's and Amanda's/Henry's actions all around. I should have DNF'd this book but I was hoping for a better outcome that never came!!!
The only thing I got out of this book was to get a designated driver which I already know to do!! Mostly because I'm the designated driver!!!
This was just crap pure crap. I was so disappointed in this book.
First, the book's topic is a serious one. Drinking and driving. This also includes someone getting killed in a drunk driving accident and another who is faced with permanent disability. I was hoping throughout the book that Jonathan would feel some kind of remorse or something from what he did. NOPE!!! He didn't have any kind of Jesus moment and it was like it happened and you can't change it and I'm not going to change either. I was really hoping for him to get his mind out of the gutter and become a better person. If anything, to me, he became worse!! I was just disgusted by this character!!! He definitely got what he deserved at the end and I wonder if that ending would have changed him since the rest of the book didn't.
Now on to Amanda and Henry. Amanda is Jonathan's sister. Henry is Sutton's (injured in the accident) brother. Jonathan and Sutton were dating when the drunk driving accident occurred. Anyways, Amanda and Henry were starting to like each other and after what happened, they distanced themselves from each other. Now that Jonathan is out of prison, Henry doesn't want Jonathan to contact Sutton and starts talking to Amanda again.
First, Amanda and Henry were both dating other people. This was never put in the book plot so if I had known they were already dating other people, I would never have even started reading this book. I do not like reading about people cheating on their girlfriends/boyfriends.
I know that Amanda and Henry were only dating these people as "fillers" but their significant others really cared about them and I thought it was shitty the way Amanda and Henry went about things. If you don't want to be with the person you are currently seeing, give them the respect that they deserve and break up with them!!!! I couldn't get over this fact in the book and it just made me not want to read on.
Amanda and Jonathan's parents were pretty bad. They are the stereotypical parents in a young adult book that let their kids do whatever they want because they didn't want to be like their parents. So, Amanda and Jonathan never had a curfew and never had any kind of "rules" throughout their lives. This is bullshit!!! You are parents and should act like parents. Your children are not your friends and you teach them what is right and wrong and discipline them when they need it. The dad was slowly trying toward the end the book but the mother was totally oblivious and just looked away. Too little too late!!!
I'm going to get truthful right now. My father has been an alcoholic all of my life. There was a time when he did actually stop drinking but has started up again. He received two DUIs in the past few years and has a suspended license. I am so grateful that he didn't hurt anyone during these times. My father hasn't learned anything from his mistakes at all!!! I'm quite disappointed in him for this. He doesn't want help because he doesn't think that he has a problem. It saddens me that we have never had and can never have a normal father/daughter relationship because we butt heads too much on this subject and other subjects. I have been drunk a couple of times in my life (after the age of 21 because I am a goody goody) and do not see the appeal. This could be because I grew up around it. I like to be in control of myself and when I was drunk I was not in control of myself and that was a scary feeling for me.
So, in reading this book, I was hoping for a better ending and didn't get it. Nothing happened that I could see and I was pretty disappointed between Jonathan's and Amanda's/Henry's actions all around. I should have DNF'd this book but I was hoping for a better outcome that never came!!!
The only thing I got out of this book was to get a designated driver which I already know to do!! Mostly because I'm the designated driver!!!
December 31, 2015
Fafa's Book Corner (Wordpress)
Fafa's Book Corner (Blogger)
Beware spoilers ahead!
DNF
When I first heard about this book I was very excited! I had read the author's previous book Love and other theories and I enjoyed it. I loved the authors writing style and I was positive that she would write a beautiful novel. Then one day I went through some reviews. Just like her previous book there were a lot of unappealing reviews. I was really surprised of some of the things that reviewers said about this book. I was really hoping it would be awesome. After some thought I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt. Maybe I would enjoy it just like I did Love and other theories. Unfortunately I was wrong.
The book begins with Jonathan Tart at a live interview. Two months after he was drunk behind the wheel and got in a car accident. In the beginning of the interview he seemed nice and possibly guilty. As the progresses Jonathan starts throwing attitude and it ends with him laughing hysterically after the interviewer asked him if he was guilty about what happened.
We are then taken to present day with Amanda. In a few hours her brother will be coming home. While she is excited, she's also scared. For all she knows he's changed for the worse. After the accident her family have had a hard time coping. She now wears make-up regularly and refuses to cry in front of people. Under the assumption that said people would assume that her tears were for Jonathan and not Grace (the girl that died in the car accident). She doesn't dare tell people that she is secretly happy that Jonathan's sentence was shortened to a year because Grace's parents didn't press charges. Apparently the road was wet and there was a sign missing.
Amanda's boyfriend has been a good helper. He comforts her and whenever a conversation of her brother comes up he changes the subject and stares Amanda away. Her best friend Dawn has also been a great help.
On her way to some class she sees Henry Crane. Her former love and the sister of Sutton who was Jonathan's ex-girlfriend and in the car when the accident occurred. He passes her a note that says to meet him at the end of the day. They meet and Henry asks whether Amanda would tell him if Sutton and Jonathan are talking. After a bit of a argument she agrees.
She goes with her parents to pick up Jonathan. They bring him home and she doesn't see him as a murderer or a pyscho, he's just her brother. For some time he seems alright. But then he starts hanging out with this girl from Starbucks. Wren (Starbucks girl) loves him. She is practically obsessed with him.
Amanda does ask her brother whether he has been in contact with Sutton to which he replies no. During a party Henry drunk and angry confronts Amanda about their little deal. She explains him that Jonathan said he hadn't been in contact with Sutton to which he angrily yells that her brother is a liar and that Amanda doesn't see him for what he really is. His girlfriend drags him out of the room.
The next day Henry decides to sit next to Amanda in class. Their teacher assigns them a group project and Henry offers to be her partner. She wants nothing to do with him (rightfully so) but then he points out that no one else will partner with her. Apparently this is his weird way of trying to make it up to her. Thus starts their relationship.
Meanwhile Jonathan is refusing to do the required community service and being a real jerk about it. When Amanda points this out her mother stares at her like she said something stupid. When she was actually speaking the truth.
I am going to stop right there and explain all of you why I couldn't finish it. There was too much drama. And I know that's ridiculous, but I'm not kidding you when I tell you that Amanda gets no break from anything. I have read a book about drinking and driving (Saint Anything) and I feel that book did a much better job. I've noticed that the authors books have more drama then necessary.
I seriously did not like Henry. He was insensitive and rude. It was really rude that he made that stupid deal with Amanda. Both Sutton and Jonathan are liars, yet he asked Amanda to ask her brother, and he didn't bother to ask his sister. And I know that he was drunk when he confronted her but sorry doesn't cut it. Nor does offering to work with her on a project. I'm not saying that she shouldn't have forgiven him, I'm saying that he should've a little more to make up for it. Maybe he did and I didn't read it. I'm not even sure what Amanda saw in him.
Jonathan was awful! He seemed really nice in the beginning but he clearly did not care about what happened nor did he care for the requirements of his probation. He was exactly like what the reviewers mentioned him to be.
Note there is also cheating in this book. Henry and Amanda cheat on their partners to be with each other. I'm not sure how this transcends because I didn't stick it out for long, but I can tell you they kiss early on in the book.
I'm not sure whether Amanda was portrayed realistically. She never saw her brother as this awful person who killed one of his best friends and hospitalized his other friends. She simply saw him as her brother and nothing more. I'm not sure if this was realistic.
I actually liked Amanda, Dawn, and the writing style. I really felt bad for Amanda because it really sucked what she was going through. She also seemed to have some common sense in her family. She was the only one. Dawn was a good friend and was there for Amanda! It was nice to read about their texts and phone calls.
Overall I did not enjoy this. I will commend the author for writing this book. Everything I have mentioned is real. So there was some realism to it. I would recommend this to fans of the author and lot's of drama. I would also recommend reading Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen.
Fafa's Book Corner (Blogger)
Beware spoilers ahead!
DNF
When I first heard about this book I was very excited! I had read the author's previous book Love and other theories and I enjoyed it. I loved the authors writing style and I was positive that she would write a beautiful novel. Then one day I went through some reviews. Just like her previous book there were a lot of unappealing reviews. I was really surprised of some of the things that reviewers said about this book. I was really hoping it would be awesome. After some thought I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt. Maybe I would enjoy it just like I did Love and other theories. Unfortunately I was wrong.
The book begins with Jonathan Tart at a live interview. Two months after he was drunk behind the wheel and got in a car accident. In the beginning of the interview he seemed nice and possibly guilty. As the progresses Jonathan starts throwing attitude and it ends with him laughing hysterically after the interviewer asked him if he was guilty about what happened.
We are then taken to present day with Amanda. In a few hours her brother will be coming home. While she is excited, she's also scared. For all she knows he's changed for the worse. After the accident her family have had a hard time coping. She now wears make-up regularly and refuses to cry in front of people. Under the assumption that said people would assume that her tears were for Jonathan and not Grace (the girl that died in the car accident). She doesn't dare tell people that she is secretly happy that Jonathan's sentence was shortened to a year because Grace's parents didn't press charges. Apparently the road was wet and there was a sign missing.
Amanda's boyfriend has been a good helper. He comforts her and whenever a conversation of her brother comes up he changes the subject and stares Amanda away. Her best friend Dawn has also been a great help.
On her way to some class she sees Henry Crane. Her former love and the sister of Sutton who was Jonathan's ex-girlfriend and in the car when the accident occurred. He passes her a note that says to meet him at the end of the day. They meet and Henry asks whether Amanda would tell him if Sutton and Jonathan are talking. After a bit of a argument she agrees.
She goes with her parents to pick up Jonathan. They bring him home and she doesn't see him as a murderer or a pyscho, he's just her brother. For some time he seems alright. But then he starts hanging out with this girl from Starbucks. Wren (Starbucks girl) loves him. She is practically obsessed with him.
Amanda does ask her brother whether he has been in contact with Sutton to which he replies no. During a party Henry drunk and angry confronts Amanda about their little deal. She explains him that Jonathan said he hadn't been in contact with Sutton to which he angrily yells that her brother is a liar and that Amanda doesn't see him for what he really is. His girlfriend drags him out of the room.
The next day Henry decides to sit next to Amanda in class. Their teacher assigns them a group project and Henry offers to be her partner. She wants nothing to do with him (rightfully so) but then he points out that no one else will partner with her. Apparently this is his weird way of trying to make it up to her. Thus starts their relationship.
Meanwhile Jonathan is refusing to do the required community service and being a real jerk about it. When Amanda points this out her mother stares at her like she said something stupid. When she was actually speaking the truth.
I am going to stop right there and explain all of you why I couldn't finish it. There was too much drama. And I know that's ridiculous, but I'm not kidding you when I tell you that Amanda gets no break from anything. I have read a book about drinking and driving (Saint Anything) and I feel that book did a much better job. I've noticed that the authors books have more drama then necessary.
I seriously did not like Henry. He was insensitive and rude. It was really rude that he made that stupid deal with Amanda. Both Sutton and Jonathan are liars, yet he asked Amanda to ask her brother, and he didn't bother to ask his sister. And I know that he was drunk when he confronted her but sorry doesn't cut it. Nor does offering to work with her on a project. I'm not saying that she shouldn't have forgiven him, I'm saying that he should've a little more to make up for it. Maybe he did and I didn't read it. I'm not even sure what Amanda saw in him.
Jonathan was awful! He seemed really nice in the beginning but he clearly did not care about what happened nor did he care for the requirements of his probation. He was exactly like what the reviewers mentioned him to be.
Note there is also cheating in this book. Henry and Amanda cheat on their partners to be with each other. I'm not sure how this transcends because I didn't stick it out for long, but I can tell you they kiss early on in the book.
I'm not sure whether Amanda was portrayed realistically. She never saw her brother as this awful person who killed one of his best friends and hospitalized his other friends. She simply saw him as her brother and nothing more. I'm not sure if this was realistic.
I actually liked Amanda, Dawn, and the writing style. I really felt bad for Amanda because it really sucked what she was going through. She also seemed to have some common sense in her family. She was the only one. Dawn was a good friend and was there for Amanda! It was nice to read about their texts and phone calls.
Overall I did not enjoy this. I will commend the author for writing this book. Everything I have mentioned is real. So there was some realism to it. I would recommend this to fans of the author and lot's of drama. I would also recommend reading Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen.
March 21, 2017
Actual Rating: 3.5
I am so torn about this one.
Firstly, I have said this before, and I will say it again. I hate characters who cheat. I absolutely despise them, and chances are, if a main character ends up cheating, I'll hate the entire book as well.
Which is why I am so shocked at myself for finishing this book without spiraling into angry insanity.
The characters - Amanda, to be specific - did go through some character development, but afterwards, there were still moments that I really cannot handle.
Hm, for example, this is how Graham's confrontation with Amanda about her cheating goes down.
And even though I don't like Graham, I quite agree.
Amanda's desperate self-victimization annoys me to no end.
Why don't we look at another example, this time between Amanda and her best friend?
After their fight, Amanda decides to apologize to Dawn. And yet, she manages to squeeze in a few words that remind Dawn that it's not completely her fault. Here is what she says:
WE GET IT, AMANDA. YOU DON'T HAVE TO KEEP REMINDING US ABOUT YOUR TRAGIC LIFE.
But I do see where her personality comes from: her mother, who is even weaker and spineless than she is. And it is in her mother's weak moments, where we are finally able to see Amanda's strength begin to surface.
When Amanda returns home with her brother Jonathan, her mother is indifferent, and Amanda is brave enough to confront her mother about her abysmal parenting.
You don't want to know? YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW?
What kind of mother gives such a shitty excuse and needs her teenage daughter to tell them how to take care of your children?
I just...no. No, no, no.
So basically, many of the characters are awful. And yet, Alexis Bass' writing style is absolutely perfect.
So overall, what made What's Broken Between Us crumble were simply the dislikeable characters, but the surreal writing style brought some of it back.
If I were to recommend this book to anyone, it would simply be because of the beautiful quotes. And so, let me end this review on one of those moments:
I am so torn about this one.
Firstly, I have said this before, and I will say it again. I hate characters who cheat. I absolutely despise them, and chances are, if a main character ends up cheating, I'll hate the entire book as well.
Which is why I am so shocked at myself for finishing this book without spiraling into angry insanity.
The characters - Amanda, to be specific - did go through some character development, but afterwards, there were still moments that I really cannot handle.
Hm, for example, this is how Graham's confrontation with Amanda about her cheating goes down.
"I'm so sorry," I say. "Henry knew what I was going through and -"
"That's such bullshit!" he cries.
And even though I don't like Graham, I quite agree.
Amanda's desperate self-victimization annoys me to no end.
Why don't we look at another example, this time between Amanda and her best friend?
After their fight, Amanda decides to apologize to Dawn. And yet, she manages to squeeze in a few words that remind Dawn that it's not completely her fault. Here is what she says:
Oh, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Henry. I treated it like a shameful secret, because I'm so used to shameful secrets.
WE GET IT, AMANDA. YOU DON'T HAVE TO KEEP REMINDING US ABOUT YOUR TRAGIC LIFE.
But I do see where her personality comes from: her mother, who is even weaker and spineless than she is. And it is in her mother's weak moments, where we are finally able to see Amanda's strength begin to surface.
When Amanda returns home with her brother Jonathan, her mother is indifferent, and Amanda is brave enough to confront her mother about her abysmal parenting.
"You're not going to ask what happened?" I yell at her silence. My screaming contains the rage of all the years she didn't ask.
"I don't want to know!" she shouts back - and it's the most helpless sound.
You don't want to know? YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW?
What kind of mother gives such a shitty excuse and needs her teenage daughter to tell them how to take care of your children?
I just...no. No, no, no.
So basically, many of the characters are awful. And yet, Alexis Bass' writing style is absolutely perfect.
So overall, what made What's Broken Between Us crumble were simply the dislikeable characters, but the surreal writing style brought some of it back.
If I were to recommend this book to anyone, it would simply be because of the beautiful quotes. And so, let me end this review on one of those moments:
"Just forget it," she says, hanging up.
By now, I know: people only ever say that about things that are impossible to really forget.
January 2, 2016
My first book of 2016!
Well I've started off January 1st with a book, What's Broken Between Us by Alexis Bass. A very interesting book I must say, seeing as from the beginning I had no clue as to what would happen. But I can't say a lot did happen, unfortunately.
I'm very picky when it's comes to books, I do not read outside my comfort zone. So when I saw this, I read a couple reviews and decided to take the plunge. It seemed to be a dramatic contemporary, my favorite. What I did not expect was to wonder, what I was even reading. There were points in this book where the things the characters said contradicted with their actions. One moment the main character's brother is sweet and worried about his sister and the next he's verbally attacking her. There was just so much wrong. But I should start from the beginning.
Amanda Tate's brother Jonathon got behind the wheel drunk and killed his best friend and seriously injured his girlfriend. He's serving a year in prison for his crimes. Fast forward a year, he's getting out of prison. And Amanda is the most gossiped about subject in school, her life is slowly falling apart as everyone around her rips her brother to shreds while she still secretly feels the opposite, she's loves her bother and can't wait to see him. But the damage was done that fateful night Jonathon drove drunk, leaving Sutton (his ex girlfriend) barely walking, left to use arm crutches. While her brother Henry only wants one thing, for Jonathon to never be in touch with his sister again. But to do so, he'll have to contact Amanda. And the 16 months they've been apart is enough. Suddenly Amanda finds herself falling for Henry all over again while her life at home with Jonathon is shattering.
The characters were rough, Amanda in particular. Who has closed herself off into a depressive mess and refuses to cry around anyone, even herself.
Jonathon, bothered me to no end. I can not describe how much I hated him. He had this real struggle and you thought he'd want to change his life when he was let out of prison. Make the most of what his best friend couldn't, but no he didn't. Instead he started to hang out with a girl who is only attracted to toxic things and helped him start drinking again. While he slowly creates a bubble of pain around the people he should care about most, putting them through hell.
I'll admit Alexis Bass has spunk. She referred to Amanda's dad as "standard dad" the whole story, reciting lines from a made up father manual. Which made the plot line more interesting.
Over all I did not dislike this book, on the contrary to my above statement, I liked it. I just did not feel as if I took much from the story.
3 stars
Well I've started off January 1st with a book, What's Broken Between Us by Alexis Bass. A very interesting book I must say, seeing as from the beginning I had no clue as to what would happen. But I can't say a lot did happen, unfortunately.
I'm very picky when it's comes to books, I do not read outside my comfort zone. So when I saw this, I read a couple reviews and decided to take the plunge. It seemed to be a dramatic contemporary, my favorite. What I did not expect was to wonder, what I was even reading. There were points in this book where the things the characters said contradicted with their actions. One moment the main character's brother is sweet and worried about his sister and the next he's verbally attacking her. There was just so much wrong. But I should start from the beginning.
Amanda Tate's brother Jonathon got behind the wheel drunk and killed his best friend and seriously injured his girlfriend. He's serving a year in prison for his crimes. Fast forward a year, he's getting out of prison. And Amanda is the most gossiped about subject in school, her life is slowly falling apart as everyone around her rips her brother to shreds while she still secretly feels the opposite, she's loves her bother and can't wait to see him. But the damage was done that fateful night Jonathon drove drunk, leaving Sutton (his ex girlfriend) barely walking, left to use arm crutches. While her brother Henry only wants one thing, for Jonathon to never be in touch with his sister again. But to do so, he'll have to contact Amanda. And the 16 months they've been apart is enough. Suddenly Amanda finds herself falling for Henry all over again while her life at home with Jonathon is shattering.
The characters were rough, Amanda in particular. Who has closed herself off into a depressive mess and refuses to cry around anyone, even herself.
Jonathon, bothered me to no end. I can not describe how much I hated him. He had this real struggle and you thought he'd want to change his life when he was let out of prison. Make the most of what his best friend couldn't, but no he didn't. Instead he started to hang out with a girl who is only attracted to toxic things and helped him start drinking again. While he slowly creates a bubble of pain around the people he should care about most, putting them through hell.
I'll admit Alexis Bass has spunk. She referred to Amanda's dad as "standard dad" the whole story, reciting lines from a made up father manual. Which made the plot line more interesting.
Over all I did not dislike this book, on the contrary to my above statement, I liked it. I just did not feel as if I took much from the story.
3 stars
April 25, 2016
I was pleasantly surprised by this deeply moving contemporary novel. Although it focuses on an adorable romance, there are so many other pertinent elements this book explores that aren't overshadowed. Really enjoyed this one! Except the ending kind of left me unsatisfied...
Read the full review @ A Perfection Called Books
I wanted to read Alexis's debut, Love and Other Theories but stayed away after some negative reviews I read. Still the summary of this book was so intriguing and seemed like an emotional-driven plot, so how could I not hitch a ride on this reading adventure?
Amanda's older brother Jonathan, while under the influence of alcohol, caused a serious car accident that nearly paralyzed his girlfriend, Sutton, and did kill his friend, Grace. While he's off serving jail time, Amanda tries to cope with the fallout and the responses of the people around her. She used to being the one who says sorry, the one who comforts others. Constantly hiding her emotions and grief because she feels she doesn't deserve it or that it'll appear fake to others, Amanda is a different sort of protagonist. She's kind of depressing and bitter at times, but she's easy to empathize with, especially with all the responsibilities she's tasked with. Another character I really enjoyed was Henry, Sutton's little brother. Henry and Amanda had feelings for each other, but after the crash they avoided each other. Henry's understanding towards Amanda and protective nature for his sister and family were wonderfully executed.
After a year in jail, Jonathan is released from jail and on probation. Now you'd think he'd come out rejuvenated and remorseful, determined to prevent this horrible tragedy from happening to anyone else. Alexis Bass did such a wonderful job describing the complex emotions Jonathan was experiencing. I was rooting for him all along wondering if he'd redeem himself. I really liked his sibling relationship with his sister and how they seem to look out for each other all the time.
The romance of this book was probably one of my favorite parts. It was complicated and intricate, sweet and adorable, and Amanda and Henry are so feisty with one another! I love their cute arguing and bickering, and I love how well they seem to communicate. Their relationship felt pretty natural and although the feelings evolved well before the book started, it felt genuine, and we still get to see it grow throughout the book.
I was widely impressed by how Alexis Bass tackled so many different issues in this book and left behind such a clear and honest message in all aspects. Her portrayal of the various layers of guilt each character holds was masterfully done. We really see how broken and tormented these characters are by Grace's death and their part in it and the effect it has on them. The messages on drunk driving were well enforced too without seeming preachy. Redemption and forgiveness are also huge parts of this novel and the realistic twist that Alexis puts in this story makes it all the more relevant. It's not easy to get back out there and right all your wrongs. It's not easy to own up to your decisions and forgive yourself, to forgive others. Parenting methods and long-distance friendships were also touched upon. This book has so many great elements and lessons of life we can learn from.
My main problem with this book falls in the ending. I don't know, I was just expecting more! I love how it ended similar to the way it started though; it was a neat writing technique. I'd recommend this book to avid contemporary readers who want to read a book about grief and finding happiness despite it all entwined with romance.
Read the full review @ A Perfection Called Books
I wanted to read Alexis's debut, Love and Other Theories but stayed away after some negative reviews I read. Still the summary of this book was so intriguing and seemed like an emotional-driven plot, so how could I not hitch a ride on this reading adventure?
Amanda's older brother Jonathan, while under the influence of alcohol, caused a serious car accident that nearly paralyzed his girlfriend, Sutton, and did kill his friend, Grace. While he's off serving jail time, Amanda tries to cope with the fallout and the responses of the people around her. She used to being the one who says sorry, the one who comforts others. Constantly hiding her emotions and grief because she feels she doesn't deserve it or that it'll appear fake to others, Amanda is a different sort of protagonist. She's kind of depressing and bitter at times, but she's easy to empathize with, especially with all the responsibilities she's tasked with. Another character I really enjoyed was Henry, Sutton's little brother. Henry and Amanda had feelings for each other, but after the crash they avoided each other. Henry's understanding towards Amanda and protective nature for his sister and family were wonderfully executed.
After a year in jail, Jonathan is released from jail and on probation. Now you'd think he'd come out rejuvenated and remorseful, determined to prevent this horrible tragedy from happening to anyone else. Alexis Bass did such a wonderful job describing the complex emotions Jonathan was experiencing. I was rooting for him all along wondering if he'd redeem himself. I really liked his sibling relationship with his sister and how they seem to look out for each other all the time.
The romance of this book was probably one of my favorite parts. It was complicated and intricate, sweet and adorable, and Amanda and Henry are so feisty with one another! I love their cute arguing and bickering, and I love how well they seem to communicate. Their relationship felt pretty natural and although the feelings evolved well before the book started, it felt genuine, and we still get to see it grow throughout the book.
I was widely impressed by how Alexis Bass tackled so many different issues in this book and left behind such a clear and honest message in all aspects. Her portrayal of the various layers of guilt each character holds was masterfully done. We really see how broken and tormented these characters are by Grace's death and their part in it and the effect it has on them. The messages on drunk driving were well enforced too without seeming preachy. Redemption and forgiveness are also huge parts of this novel and the realistic twist that Alexis puts in this story makes it all the more relevant. It's not easy to get back out there and right all your wrongs. It's not easy to own up to your decisions and forgive yourself, to forgive others. Parenting methods and long-distance friendships were also touched upon. This book has so many great elements and lessons of life we can learn from.
My main problem with this book falls in the ending. I don't know, I was just expecting more! I love how it ended similar to the way it started though; it was a neat writing technique. I'd recommend this book to avid contemporary readers who want to read a book about grief and finding happiness despite it all entwined with romance.
October 28, 2015
People won't like this book because of the questionable relationship choices Amanda makes and the portrayal issues surrounding of drunk driving. I completely get that. There are often times that a characters actions and the way they treat people completely ruin the book for me (see, for ex. my upcoming review on Lair of Dreams.) But I was in a mood where I was willing to look past this.
I've been on a kick of books with unapologetic, yet tortured main characters this year. I eat them up. And Amanda was kind of like this.
Amanda's brother made a stupid decision. He got behind the wheel after drinking, and crashed, killing his girlfriend Grace and injuring his best friend Sutton. He goes to jail for it. He acts like a total asshole before, during, and after his time in jail. A completely unapologetic jerk. He learns nothing from his ordeal. He just wants to escape.
And he has left Amanda behind to deal with the mess he made. Disclaimer right off the bat: the drama in this book is definitely centred around Amanda's "forbidden attraction" to Sutton's brother. Both of them are in other relationships, so if you don't like cheating, walk away. Like I said, for some reason, this worked for me.
Something else to be aware of is the way that drunk driving is dealt with. I (thankfully) have never been personally affected by a drunk driving accident. I have had friends who have been affected, but it's still removed. I can see how Jonathan, Amanda's brother, might not be the 'reformed criminal' everyone wants at the end. But again, this still worked for me. This is the reality of our world. People do bad things. Some of them don't feel remorse. Some of them don't want to think about what they've done and they drown in their sorrows. Jonathan didn't learn anything coming back from jail. And while this is a frustrating end to a story, I think it's a reflection of reality in some cases.
If you can get past these two issues, you might enjoy this book as much as I did.
A free copy was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I've been on a kick of books with unapologetic, yet tortured main characters this year. I eat them up. And Amanda was kind of like this.
Amanda's brother made a stupid decision. He got behind the wheel after drinking, and crashed, killing his girlfriend Grace and injuring his best friend Sutton. He goes to jail for it. He acts like a total asshole before, during, and after his time in jail. A completely unapologetic jerk. He learns nothing from his ordeal. He just wants to escape.
And he has left Amanda behind to deal with the mess he made. Disclaimer right off the bat: the drama in this book is definitely centred around Amanda's "forbidden attraction" to Sutton's brother. Both of them are in other relationships, so if you don't like cheating, walk away. Like I said, for some reason, this worked for me.
Something else to be aware of is the way that drunk driving is dealt with. I (thankfully) have never been personally affected by a drunk driving accident. I have had friends who have been affected, but it's still removed. I can see how Jonathan, Amanda's brother, might not be the 'reformed criminal' everyone wants at the end. But again, this still worked for me. This is the reality of our world. People do bad things. Some of them don't feel remorse. Some of them don't want to think about what they've done and they drown in their sorrows. Jonathan didn't learn anything coming back from jail. And while this is a frustrating end to a story, I think it's a reflection of reality in some cases.
If you can get past these two issues, you might enjoy this book as much as I did.
A free copy was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Read
July 5, 2015I just finished reading What’s Broken Between Us by Alexis Bass (out this winter) and it was such a surprise–a family/sibling story that’s kind of dark and gritty, with a messy romance subplot. The middle bit of the story got a bit unwieldy, but overall, it was really fresh in a YA landscape that’s been feeling devoid of freshness as of late.
August 11, 2015
Loved this one! Usually not my typical read but touched on lots of issues really realistically. Plus I LOVE Henry! What a cutie!
December 5, 2015
I received this book in an exchange for an honest review (thanks to EW and the Publisher)
I am torn between two parts of this book, on one hand I really want to love this book because of the meaningful message, but on the other hand I want to tear this book apart if I had a Hardcover (read it on the laptop). I honestly don't know what to say about this book.
The story begins with Jonathan coming home from jail after he kills probably one of the most important people in his life, whilst the other ends up in hospital (Grace dies and Sutton can never walk again). Honestly, when you read the plot you expect some kind of life changing story that will really move your emotions and take you somewhere you don't want to go. Er...sorry to disappoint but that does not happen at all.
Jonathan shows no remorse of what he did, although you do get glimpses of him missing Grace and perhaps remorse? (I don't know, as all of these were under alcohol and him being drunk). Like seriously? how can he act like this? Tell everyone to get drunk and then kill everyone they love? I am astonished by his audacity! What's even more infuriating is that he acknowledges how destructive he is being to everyone around him yet he still continues? I didn't like Wren's character at all, and I think she is serioulsy messed up for giving Jonathan that confidence back and more alcohol!!!
And What's wrong with both of their parents and Amanda???? I felt like going inside the book and shaking them up. Why is it that they can see all the wrong signs but turn a blind eye? And what is up with the blind faith Amanda has in her brother? I get that he is family, but seriously has she forgetton that he killed someone?
And the parents? Don't even get me started. Their mother is the worst, she refuses to see anything being wrong with him and just locks herself in her room, she follows the mantra if you don't see anything then it is not real. Atleast the dad in the end tries to take some action even though it is too late.
The romance between Henry and Amanda? I would say it is wrong on so many levels even though they are clearly meant for each other! No more comment on this (they start a relationship whilst they are already in relationships!!!)
I am just rambling now, but I wanted to love this book so much in the end I am glad to finally have read it. I would have loved the story from before the accident as that seemed much more interesting and better. I carried on reading just so I could read more about the past, it's not much though but I guess that would have ruin the whole moral of the story.
I am torn between two parts of this book, on one hand I really want to love this book because of the meaningful message, but on the other hand I want to tear this book apart if I had a Hardcover (read it on the laptop). I honestly don't know what to say about this book.
The story begins with Jonathan coming home from jail after he kills probably one of the most important people in his life, whilst the other ends up in hospital (Grace dies and Sutton can never walk again). Honestly, when you read the plot you expect some kind of life changing story that will really move your emotions and take you somewhere you don't want to go. Er...sorry to disappoint but that does not happen at all.
Jonathan shows no remorse of what he did, although you do get glimpses of him missing Grace and perhaps remorse? (I don't know, as all of these were under alcohol and him being drunk). Like seriously? how can he act like this? Tell everyone to get drunk and then kill everyone they love? I am astonished by his audacity! What's even more infuriating is that he acknowledges how destructive he is being to everyone around him yet he still continues? I didn't like Wren's character at all, and I think she is serioulsy messed up for giving Jonathan that confidence back and more alcohol!!!
And What's wrong with both of their parents and Amanda???? I felt like going inside the book and shaking them up. Why is it that they can see all the wrong signs but turn a blind eye? And what is up with the blind faith Amanda has in her brother? I get that he is family, but seriously has she forgetton that he killed someone?
And the parents? Don't even get me started. Their mother is the worst, she refuses to see anything being wrong with him and just locks herself in her room, she follows the mantra if you don't see anything then it is not real. Atleast the dad in the end tries to take some action even though it is too late.
The romance between Henry and Amanda? I would say it is wrong on so many levels even though they are clearly meant for each other! No more comment on this (they start a relationship whilst they are already in relationships!!!)
I am just rambling now, but I wanted to love this book so much in the end I am glad to finally have read it. I would have loved the story from before the accident as that seemed much more interesting and better. I carried on reading just so I could read more about the past, it's not much though but I guess that would have ruin the whole moral of the story.
January 16, 2016
This was one of my last reads of 2015 and I am quite sad to say it was not my favorite, which I am really disappointed about because I was actually quite excited for this one. What's Broken Between Us just not what I expected it to be and in some ways, it kind of let me down. I didn't really agree with the characters, I wasn't really for the plot, and the romance kind of took over the whole book. It just wasn't what I expected it to be, honestly, and sadly, I wasn't able to fully enjoy it.
The thing about these characters was that I couldn't agree or relate to any of them. I didn't have a favorite character because I didn't like any of them. The main character was kind of annoying and her brother was so rude, acted like the kind of people I basically despise, and he made the most horrible decisions ever, even after getting out of jail. The other supporting characters just made Amanda seem more annoying that what she already was, plus they were really annoying as well. I really didn't see any character development within Amanda as well. I definitely did not enjoy these characters.
If the characters didn't work out for me, the plot didn't get any better. I expected this book to really be about Amanda dealing with her brother getting out of jail and stuff but it had quickly turned into the main character dealing with a stupid love triangle. Normally, I am not against love triangles but both guys were so annoying (One less than the other) and I just could not stand it. As if the love triangle was already intolerable, the fact that it took over the plot really just made me want to finish this book and get it over with. There was also the ending, which literally made me facepalm myself, I can't with it.
However, there is one thing that saved this book from being one star, was the writing. I definitely liked the writing style. The writing style was something I did enjoy.
I gave this book 2 stars because I didn't like the characters, the plot was definitely not what I expected, but I did like the writing style.
Full review: http://next-page-please.blogspot.com/...
The thing about these characters was that I couldn't agree or relate to any of them. I didn't have a favorite character because I didn't like any of them. The main character was kind of annoying and her brother was so rude, acted like the kind of people I basically despise, and he made the most horrible decisions ever, even after getting out of jail. The other supporting characters just made Amanda seem more annoying that what she already was, plus they were really annoying as well. I really didn't see any character development within Amanda as well. I definitely did not enjoy these characters.
If the characters didn't work out for me, the plot didn't get any better. I expected this book to really be about Amanda dealing with her brother getting out of jail and stuff but it had quickly turned into the main character dealing with a stupid love triangle. Normally, I am not against love triangles but both guys were so annoying (One less than the other) and I just could not stand it. As if the love triangle was already intolerable, the fact that it took over the plot really just made me want to finish this book and get it over with. There was also the ending, which literally made me facepalm myself, I can't with it.
However, there is one thing that saved this book from being one star, was the writing. I definitely liked the writing style. The writing style was something I did enjoy.
I gave this book 2 stars because I didn't like the characters, the plot was definitely not what I expected, but I did like the writing style.
Full review: http://next-page-please.blogspot.com/...
April 23, 2015
I couldn't connect with the story. I usually eat this type of books but I couldn't get into it. All I was thinking while reading is how many pages I have left so I can start some other book instead. Such a shame.
The book is not bad. I think it's my fault I didn't enjoy it more.
If you are interested, you should check it out. It has a cute British guy and serious family drama.
The book is not bad. I think it's my fault I didn't enjoy it more.
If you are interested, you should check it out. It has a cute British guy and serious family drama.
March 6, 2018
Such a bittersweet story about blame and regrets and the aftermath of destruction. I confess that I didn’t understand Jonathan at all times, but there were times it was so clear the way he was punishing himself still. And the main couple - oh, they were caught in the crossfire and it hurt to think of the chance(s) they missed and how it consumed them. Sometimes they infuriated me to no ends (the guy in particular), but I hurt with them and hoped with them and I so very wished for a happy ending.
** It also reminded me of You Against Me by Jenny Downham
** It also reminded me of You Against Me by Jenny Downham
December 17, 2015
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
** I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
I don't even know where to start when it comes to discussing this book. First off, the synopsis caught me right away and I thought it had great potential. A story about a girl who's older brother went to prison after he was in an accident while drunk that caused a peers death. Sounds intriguing right? Often the people left behind struggle the most from the sins of those closest to them. What a great angle...the sister who has to walk in the footsteps that her convicted felon of a brother left behind. I was all in.
I did and didn't have a problem with some of the characters if that makes any sense. I hated everything about Jonathan. His actions and attitude when he was released from prison were horrendous. He seemed cold and remorseless yet entitled and untouchable. As much as I hated these things about him I was almost relieved at the same time. This allowed me to continue to hate him for the things that he did. It would have been more difficult for me if he miraculously turned into an upstanding citizen after the things he did and the extremely lenient sentence he received. In other words, I hated him but I was glad that the story went in the direction that made me hate him. It made Amanda's story much more complicated and interesting to the reader.
I liked Amanda but I want to make it clear that she wasn't perfect. She did things that weren't morally right and hurtful to others. I liked her for her situation and the struggles she was having. She was torn in so many directions. She was happy that her brother was getting out of prison but she couldn't voice that to anyone. She had to be a completely different person in front of her peers. After all, he killed one of them. She also had her secret crush that she couldn't act on because he was the younger brother of her brother's ex girlfriend who was also in the crash and seriously injured. She was dealing with a lot for a teenage girl.
Briefly I feel the need to mention the parents. As a parent of teenagers myself, I could not understand their parenting at all. What were they thinking? It wasn't Mumsy and Standard Dad but more like absentee Mom and Dad. I could not stop shaking my head. That's all I'm going to say about that. You'll have to read it to understand what I'm talking about.
This book was an easy book to read but it was a roller coaster of emotions. It was dark and lacked much happiness but it depicted a serious and relevant topic. I really think that young people will like it. I also think that it would make a great book club book as I can visualise many topics to discuss around it.
** I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
I don't even know where to start when it comes to discussing this book. First off, the synopsis caught me right away and I thought it had great potential. A story about a girl who's older brother went to prison after he was in an accident while drunk that caused a peers death. Sounds intriguing right? Often the people left behind struggle the most from the sins of those closest to them. What a great angle...the sister who has to walk in the footsteps that her convicted felon of a brother left behind. I was all in.
I did and didn't have a problem with some of the characters if that makes any sense. I hated everything about Jonathan. His actions and attitude when he was released from prison were horrendous. He seemed cold and remorseless yet entitled and untouchable. As much as I hated these things about him I was almost relieved at the same time. This allowed me to continue to hate him for the things that he did. It would have been more difficult for me if he miraculously turned into an upstanding citizen after the things he did and the extremely lenient sentence he received. In other words, I hated him but I was glad that the story went in the direction that made me hate him. It made Amanda's story much more complicated and interesting to the reader.
I liked Amanda but I want to make it clear that she wasn't perfect. She did things that weren't morally right and hurtful to others. I liked her for her situation and the struggles she was having. She was torn in so many directions. She was happy that her brother was getting out of prison but she couldn't voice that to anyone. She had to be a completely different person in front of her peers. After all, he killed one of them. She also had her secret crush that she couldn't act on because he was the younger brother of her brother's ex girlfriend who was also in the crash and seriously injured. She was dealing with a lot for a teenage girl.
Briefly I feel the need to mention the parents. As a parent of teenagers myself, I could not understand their parenting at all. What were they thinking? It wasn't Mumsy and Standard Dad but more like absentee Mom and Dad. I could not stop shaking my head. That's all I'm going to say about that. You'll have to read it to understand what I'm talking about.
This book was an easy book to read but it was a roller coaster of emotions. It was dark and lacked much happiness but it depicted a serious and relevant topic. I really think that young people will like it. I also think that it would make a great book club book as I can visualise many topics to discuss around it.
March 30, 2017
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: A difficult subject overshadowed by too many elements.
Opening Sentence: PJ: Tell us in your own words what happened that night.
Excerpt: No
The Review:
There is something to be said about a sensitive topic in the Young Adult genre. There are many conversations to be had about the formidable years in high school, and the stories set during these years. For the most part, we readers, in this age group or not, relate. Alexis Bass’ What’s Broken Between Us pushes the envelope between safe and not, going on the brink of a reader’s comfort level.
What’s Broken Between Us is about Amanda – a young girl, attempting to blend in with the high school. But unfortunately, that is next to impossible, for Amanda lives in the shadow of her brother’s, Jonathan, actions. A night spun out of control leads to a fatality that is not easily forgiven. A year later, Jonathan has served his sentence and is finally out, and ready to move beyond his past.
Amanda was someone that wasn’t so easy for me to relate to. Amanda had so much inner turmoil to sift through. Her actions didn’t always portray what she felt, and at times I didn’t understand why certain things were done the way it happened.
Henry, for me, was a bit easy to get to know. His vulnerability was an open book, easy to grasp and comprehend. While it seemed he became the instigator or the interrogator, I could follow his thoughts and see what he wanted to know. Grief is a strong thing, and closure isn’t always something easily obtained.
Death is always a touchy subject, especially when it is caused by someone else, in such a manner. I am a lot older than Amanda, Jonathan, and Henry, and putting myself in their shoes – bringing myself back to that age – it made me feel uncomfortable.
In the end, I couldn’t completely relate and get into What’s Broken Between Us. There were too many details and plot points to sort through. One thing would lead to another and it catapulted the scene into another dramatic event.
Unfortunately, What’s Broken Between Us was not for me.
Notable Scene:
It’s all wrong, and I wonder if Graham can sense it too. A boy taking me out – all night, to be exact – wouldn’t have gotten away without a few threats from my older brother.
Jonathan stands there silently, leaning against the banister at the bottom of the stairs, watching as Standard Dad continues to take pictures and Mumsy instructs me on how to stand. I watch him right back. The forlorness seems to start at his toes, hitting his knees, then his hips, then his shoulders, finally presenting itself on his face. I wonder if he’s thinking about Grace. How at least he was able to give her the ultimate Garfield High experience, invites to the best parties, front-row seats at the football games, before he took away all the rest.
“Amanda, smile,” Mumsy says. And I do, because this is supposed to be a happy occasion, and I don’t want to ruin it.
FTC Advisory: HarperCollins provided me with a copy of What’s Broken Between Us. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: A difficult subject overshadowed by too many elements.
Opening Sentence: PJ: Tell us in your own words what happened that night.
Excerpt: No
The Review:
There is something to be said about a sensitive topic in the Young Adult genre. There are many conversations to be had about the formidable years in high school, and the stories set during these years. For the most part, we readers, in this age group or not, relate. Alexis Bass’ What’s Broken Between Us pushes the envelope between safe and not, going on the brink of a reader’s comfort level.
What’s Broken Between Us is about Amanda – a young girl, attempting to blend in with the high school. But unfortunately, that is next to impossible, for Amanda lives in the shadow of her brother’s, Jonathan, actions. A night spun out of control leads to a fatality that is not easily forgiven. A year later, Jonathan has served his sentence and is finally out, and ready to move beyond his past.
Amanda was someone that wasn’t so easy for me to relate to. Amanda had so much inner turmoil to sift through. Her actions didn’t always portray what she felt, and at times I didn’t understand why certain things were done the way it happened.
Henry, for me, was a bit easy to get to know. His vulnerability was an open book, easy to grasp and comprehend. While it seemed he became the instigator or the interrogator, I could follow his thoughts and see what he wanted to know. Grief is a strong thing, and closure isn’t always something easily obtained.
Death is always a touchy subject, especially when it is caused by someone else, in such a manner. I am a lot older than Amanda, Jonathan, and Henry, and putting myself in their shoes – bringing myself back to that age – it made me feel uncomfortable.
In the end, I couldn’t completely relate and get into What’s Broken Between Us. There were too many details and plot points to sort through. One thing would lead to another and it catapulted the scene into another dramatic event.
Unfortunately, What’s Broken Between Us was not for me.
Notable Scene:
It’s all wrong, and I wonder if Graham can sense it too. A boy taking me out – all night, to be exact – wouldn’t have gotten away without a few threats from my older brother.
Jonathan stands there silently, leaning against the banister at the bottom of the stairs, watching as Standard Dad continues to take pictures and Mumsy instructs me on how to stand. I watch him right back. The forlorness seems to start at his toes, hitting his knees, then his hips, then his shoulders, finally presenting itself on his face. I wonder if he’s thinking about Grace. How at least he was able to give her the ultimate Garfield High experience, invites to the best parties, front-row seats at the football games, before he took away all the rest.
“Amanda, smile,” Mumsy says. And I do, because this is supposed to be a happy occasion, and I don’t want to ruin it.
FTC Advisory: HarperCollins provided me with a copy of What’s Broken Between Us. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
January 21, 2019
I loved this story/
January 4, 2016
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
I don't think this book is for everyone because there's cheating and if that makes your skin crawls I don't think you'll enjoy the ride. There's also the fact that this story is so painfully honest about still loving a brother who is coming home from jail after he killed someone that some people are bound to be upset about that. (Try Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen if you just winced.)
This book is definitely not perfect but it wrecked me, hence the high rating. I like my contemporary reads with a punch in the feel because otherwise why bother with dragon-free books, right? I found that this book tackled a difficult subject and it did so well, despite Henry's character and the whole cheating fiasco.
I thought Henry's character was the less developed of the bunch. I didn't like him at all, so it made it difficult for me to actually root for him and Amanda getting together. Okay, the romance. And the cheating fiasco. I have only got two things to say about that:
1) There were times I thought the romance was unnecessary. Yes, it fitted in the storyline. Yes, it did serve the purpose of showing how Amanda was subject to a label curse where she was "Jonathan's sister" instead of an individual. Yes. Yes. Yes. Blablabla. Except, hear me out. The family dynamics were, in my opinion, the most interesting part of the book. I would have preferred for the book to focus more heavily on them or even on Amanda and Dawn's friendship. The father showed signs of changing and Amanda's views of her parents shifted a lot during the book. I wanted more on the Mom, because unlike the dad she got almost no scene time. Amanda and Jonathan's relationship was also well established but there could have been so much more to say. As I mentioned earlier, their relationship is going to make some people wince or at least, feel conflicted about the book. She loves her brother no matter what and I think the author did a wonderful job at showing that still loving someone who has killed someone is not the same as forgiving that person and even less, excusing her or him. Some may also find the ending unsatisfying, but I liked it like that because there is a time, where we do give up on someone who has continually let us down. They could have had a good honest talk about it at the end, yes, but even then I don't find it in me to be completely convinced it was the way to go.
2) The forbidden love riddle was a mistake when taken with cheating. A little voice in the back of my head kept whispering that maybe the cheating was a way to be shocking. I like Graham's character but that could have easily been Amanda's best friend or just the annoying dud who kept wanting to talk to her because he just needs a damsel in distress. With the accident having permanently wounded Henry's sister, I don't think the author needed to go the extra mile for the whole forbidden romance mumbo jumbo with the cheating. Especially since Imogen was just a name in the book. I know cheating happens, but I felt that it was unnecessary and poorly handled as far as Imogen was concerned.
Anyway, now that I have made my case just go read it.
"How far does blame go? Does it extend all the way to conversations my parents should have had? Hypotheticals: We'll drive you."
I don't think this book is for everyone because there's cheating and if that makes your skin crawls I don't think you'll enjoy the ride. There's also the fact that this story is so painfully honest about still loving a brother who is coming home from jail after he killed someone that some people are bound to be upset about that. (Try Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen if you just winced.)
"No one ever questions why I'm not crying, and they shouldn't. I'm the comfort, I'm not the tears. Their sadness is heavier than mine, and they know it. Everyone lost someone. I'm the only person who got someone back nearly intact."
This book is definitely not perfect but it wrecked me, hence the high rating. I like my contemporary reads with a punch in the feel because otherwise why bother with dragon-free books, right? I found that this book tackled a difficult subject and it did so well, despite Henry's character and the whole cheating fiasco.
I thought Henry's character was the less developed of the bunch. I didn't like him at all, so it made it difficult for me to actually root for him and Amanda getting together. Okay, the romance. And the cheating fiasco. I have only got two things to say about that:
1) There were times I thought the romance was unnecessary. Yes, it fitted in the storyline. Yes, it did serve the purpose of showing how Amanda was subject to a label curse where she was "Jonathan's sister" instead of an individual. Yes. Yes. Yes. Blablabla. Except, hear me out. The family dynamics were, in my opinion, the most interesting part of the book. I would have preferred for the book to focus more heavily on them or even on Amanda and Dawn's friendship. The father showed signs of changing and Amanda's views of her parents shifted a lot during the book. I wanted more on the Mom, because unlike the dad she got almost no scene time. Amanda and Jonathan's relationship was also well established but there could have been so much more to say. As I mentioned earlier, their relationship is going to make some people wince or at least, feel conflicted about the book. She loves her brother no matter what and I think the author did a wonderful job at showing that still loving someone who has killed someone is not the same as forgiving that person and even less, excusing her or him. Some may also find the ending unsatisfying, but I liked it like that because there is a time, where we do give up on someone who has continually let us down. They could have had a good honest talk about it at the end, yes, but even then I don't find it in me to be completely convinced it was the way to go.
2) The forbidden love riddle was a mistake when taken with cheating. A little voice in the back of my head kept whispering that maybe the cheating was a way to be shocking. I like Graham's character but that could have easily been Amanda's best friend or just the annoying dud who kept wanting to talk to her because he just needs a damsel in distress. With the accident having permanently wounded Henry's sister, I don't think the author needed to go the extra mile for the whole forbidden romance mumbo jumbo with the cheating. Especially since Imogen was just a name in the book. I know cheating happens, but I felt that it was unnecessary and poorly handled as far as Imogen was concerned.
Anyway, now that I have made my case just go read it.
January 9, 2016
Quote:
“I think that everything won’t always be so hard. Someday we’ll stop measuring things in sadness and anger. Someday we’ll learn how to live carelessly.”
Review:
Last year, Alex Bass managed to surprise me by making me fall madly in love with her debut, and yet, when I read the synopsis for What's Broken Between Us, I was a bit hesitant. It sounded a bit too typical of a YA Contemporary and I just wasn't sure if she could pull off this story as well as she had with Love and Other Theories...
But yes. Yes she could pull this story of.f.
From the moment I saw them interact, I fell in love with Henry and Amanda's dynamic and their entire relationship, and that has a lot to do with the fact that their story (prior to our actual story and told through nostalgic moments) starts with a good ol' fashion feud in middle school that quickly grew into a mutual crush. There was just something sweet about it before it turned bitter with Grace's death and Sutton's injury, and watching the two of them rekindle each others' emotions. Even while one of them (*coughs* Henry) hated the other's sibling for ruining his sister's life.
I will say that the one thing that irritated me about their (otherwise, pretty adorable) romance was the fact that Henry had Imogen and Amanda had Graham, so there was plenty of cheating going around. While it is hinted that Imogen is less than pleasant and Graham, while well-meaning just "doesn't get her", that didn't really justify Henry and Amanda's cheating. In fact, I honestly felt a bit bad for Graham throughout the entire thing.
On a happier note, Amanda was such a beautifully written character. She was a bit spunky and definitely bull-headed at times, but her love for her brother made me love her all the more, even while her brother was...well, less than helpful. A good word for his behavior after his release is "self-destructive." Jonathon, if anything, became worse than he'd been before his incarceration. He drank more, he partied harder, he broke more rules, and he put even more at risk than he had before with all his shenanigans. But I did, to some extent, adore him, despite all of this. He was a shattered character--in a kind of spiteful way, admittedly, but Bass does such a good job of writing his character it's hard to remember that he's fictional.
As for the story itself, I loved it. The pacing was perfect for the story and the slow development of relationships throughout the novel was just gorgeous, There were a few bits where I was lulled into a bit of a boredom, but that had more to do with my mood than the book.
I've officially added Alexis Bass to my Read-Everything-Always list and I hope she stays on there for a long time! What's Broken Between Us is a heartfelt book that'll definitely appeal to fans of the author's first book, Love and Other Theories (which, if you haven't read, READ IT NOW.)
This review was originally posted on Fiction Freak
January 6, 2016
Amanda is having trouble staying out of the spotlight ever since her brother, Jonathan, who made the terrible mistake of driving drunk one night, had a car accident that killed one friend and injured another. Everyone at school knows who Jonathan is, and Amanda constantly feels like her every move is being judged. She can’t cry when she wants for fear of someone thinking it’s an act. Even smiling is not allowed, due to her assuming that others are thinking she’s not taking the situation with her brother seriously. This poor girl, who just happens to be the sister of the talk of the town, is completely consumed with feelings and has no idea how to let them show.
This group of characters was really great. Amanda, who makes her fair share of mistakes herself, felt like a very real and honest teenager to me. Some people who read this book may be bothered by her and her choices are times… but for me, I wasn’t bothered by her mistakes. Yes, I can honestly say they are not okay and I don’t agree with them… but they happen. In real life, people make mistakes. Everyone. So this isn’t something that would take away from the story for me. It actually added to its realistic attributes and made more of an impact on me.
There’s lying, cheating, underage drinking, and other bad behaviors… but that’s what this story is all about. These are teenagers, and they’re making honest mistakes. A lot of them, actually. This isn’t only about these teenagers and their mistakes though. It’s a realistic look at what a family goes through in hard times… whether it be the family of the boy had made the drunken mistake and killed his friend and injured others, or the families of the ones that were injured as a result of his lapse in judgment, these families are all struggling, and it affects them each in a very different way.
My one complaint about this story, which kept me from giving it a higher rating, was the ending. It felt much too abrupt and open-ended. I know a lot of books tend to end like this, but I felt like it was missing something. It needed more.
Overall, another great read from Alexis! I enjoyed this one even more than her debut, which was also quite interesting. If you’re looking for a stark look at real teenagers making mistakes and growing from them, this is a wonderful coming-of-age story that can definitely benefit its readers.
(Thanks to HarperTeen for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
This group of characters was really great. Amanda, who makes her fair share of mistakes herself, felt like a very real and honest teenager to me. Some people who read this book may be bothered by her and her choices are times… but for me, I wasn’t bothered by her mistakes. Yes, I can honestly say they are not okay and I don’t agree with them… but they happen. In real life, people make mistakes. Everyone. So this isn’t something that would take away from the story for me. It actually added to its realistic attributes and made more of an impact on me.
“I killed Grace Marlamount, Sutton will never walk on her own again, and, here you all are, still giving me the benefit of the doubt.”
There’s lying, cheating, underage drinking, and other bad behaviors… but that’s what this story is all about. These are teenagers, and they’re making honest mistakes. A lot of them, actually. This isn’t only about these teenagers and their mistakes though. It’s a realistic look at what a family goes through in hard times… whether it be the family of the boy had made the drunken mistake and killed his friend and injured others, or the families of the ones that were injured as a result of his lapse in judgment, these families are all struggling, and it affects them each in a very different way.
“I’ve become the kind of girl who lies to her best and only real friend.”
My one complaint about this story, which kept me from giving it a higher rating, was the ending. It felt much too abrupt and open-ended. I know a lot of books tend to end like this, but I felt like it was missing something. It needed more.
Overall, another great read from Alexis! I enjoyed this one even more than her debut, which was also quite interesting. If you’re looking for a stark look at real teenagers making mistakes and growing from them, this is a wonderful coming-of-age story that can definitely benefit its readers.
(Thanks to HarperTeen for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
December 27, 2015
3.5 stars *review to come for blog tour*
*update*
Check out my stop on the blog tour and enter the giveaway
What’s Broken Between Us is a very emotionally charged story. On one hand, you have a sister who loves her big brother and is trying to get back what they once had. On the other hand, you have said sister who doesn’t want to be defined as the girl with the brother who killed his best friend and injured his girlfriend. And all the while, being in a relationship with one boy, while loving another. Of course the love is still there. You only broke up because you felt that it was the right thing to do. Your brother seriously injured his sister in the accident, so tension between families was imminent. ACCIDENT, being the key word. He was drunk, so that made it vehicular manslaughter.
Amanda: She came off as this timid character that was somehow still able to brave the whispers surrounding her. I liked that she was conflicted about the situation with her brother – it made her human. And why shouldn’t she feel bad about a girl that she knew who died in an accident her brother was responsible for. Then there’s her relationship to deal with. It was very clear to me that Amanda wasn’t really feeling Graham. Henry was in the picture more than anybody.
Jonathon: I think that him slipping back into his old ways made this story more realistic. There aren’t always happily ever afters for people in this situation. Yes, he got behind the wheel of a car while drunk. He paid the ultimate price by killing his best friend Grace, and severely injuring his girlfriend Sutton. His behavior didn’t surprise me one bit.
Henry: His demand for Amanda to keep him in the loop was uncalled for. I understand he wants to protect his sister, Sutton, but he has to learn that people need to make their own choices and mistakes. It was pretty clear that he just didn’t want to let Amanda go from the start. I liked the romance part of this story more than anything. I just felt that Amanda and Henry shouldn’t have broken up in the first place. Granted, they’re both in relationships with other people, so the whole cheating thing isn’t something that I condone, but I got it.
Everything isn’t sunshine and rainbows in this story, but I love most of it. The ending wasn’t what I expected, but I still enjoyed the story as a whole. I think this is a different take on young-adult contemporary; and if you love the genre, then I recommend this book.
*update*
Check out my stop on the blog tour and enter the giveaway
What’s Broken Between Us is a very emotionally charged story. On one hand, you have a sister who loves her big brother and is trying to get back what they once had. On the other hand, you have said sister who doesn’t want to be defined as the girl with the brother who killed his best friend and injured his girlfriend. And all the while, being in a relationship with one boy, while loving another. Of course the love is still there. You only broke up because you felt that it was the right thing to do. Your brother seriously injured his sister in the accident, so tension between families was imminent. ACCIDENT, being the key word. He was drunk, so that made it vehicular manslaughter.
Amanda: She came off as this timid character that was somehow still able to brave the whispers surrounding her. I liked that she was conflicted about the situation with her brother – it made her human. And why shouldn’t she feel bad about a girl that she knew who died in an accident her brother was responsible for. Then there’s her relationship to deal with. It was very clear to me that Amanda wasn’t really feeling Graham. Henry was in the picture more than anybody.
Jonathon: I think that him slipping back into his old ways made this story more realistic. There aren’t always happily ever afters for people in this situation. Yes, he got behind the wheel of a car while drunk. He paid the ultimate price by killing his best friend Grace, and severely injuring his girlfriend Sutton. His behavior didn’t surprise me one bit.
Henry: His demand for Amanda to keep him in the loop was uncalled for. I understand he wants to protect his sister, Sutton, but he has to learn that people need to make their own choices and mistakes. It was pretty clear that he just didn’t want to let Amanda go from the start. I liked the romance part of this story more than anything. I just felt that Amanda and Henry shouldn’t have broken up in the first place. Granted, they’re both in relationships with other people, so the whole cheating thing isn’t something that I condone, but I got it.
Everything isn’t sunshine and rainbows in this story, but I love most of it. The ending wasn’t what I expected, but I still enjoyed the story as a whole. I think this is a different take on young-adult contemporary; and if you love the genre, then I recommend this book.
November 11, 2015
3 stars (liked it)
Source: Harper Teen via Edelweiss
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
I wanted to read what broken between us because I am drawn to the darker and have your contemporaries like this one. I wasn't sure if I sit with the focus was going to be on because the synopsis was a little bit make it mentions her brother who was the drunk driver in an accident that killed someone and left his girlfriend paralyzed.
The main character was okay and I can understand her hardship and trying to deal with the school seeing her brother as the bad guy hearing them say that she deserved more time in prison and that there's a lot of focus on an interview that he did for TV where he sounded totally unrepentant. but at times I feel like she was just not like I didn't really get a big tip to the motion from her you know she would say that stuff made her upset that she had to put on this face for the public.
Her brother Jonathan is definitely intriguing when he is let out of prison we see a young man who is broken who is sorrowful who is driving himself and alcohol still and he's trying to find his way back to some semblance of a real life he is trying to be close with his sister and he's just stuck in this pretty low place.
I feel like in the beginning we get a lot of characters thrown at us and it's hard sometimes to keep them separate whenever I don't have a good feel for the main character. there is her best friend who is off at college, there's the girl grace who died, there Sutton who was Jonathan's girlfriend who was.injured. even more confusing is her boyfriend Graham and her I don't even know what to call him... Henry. They flirted back and forth a lot and I think that they used to have more of a connection but now she's with Graham but Henry continues to be in the story and it was kind of hard to figure out where he fit into everything.
The cheating in this one bothered me, and wish that it would have been absent, because I don't think that it really added that much as far as character growth.
The ending was well enough, but I wish that Jonathan would have made some different choices. Amanda had learned some things about herself and was on the way to make some decent changes as a result.
Bottom Line: Liked it but had some issues.
Source: Harper Teen via Edelweiss
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
I wanted to read what broken between us because I am drawn to the darker and have your contemporaries like this one. I wasn't sure if I sit with the focus was going to be on because the synopsis was a little bit make it mentions her brother who was the drunk driver in an accident that killed someone and left his girlfriend paralyzed.
The main character was okay and I can understand her hardship and trying to deal with the school seeing her brother as the bad guy hearing them say that she deserved more time in prison and that there's a lot of focus on an interview that he did for TV where he sounded totally unrepentant. but at times I feel like she was just not like I didn't really get a big tip to the motion from her you know she would say that stuff made her upset that she had to put on this face for the public.
Her brother Jonathan is definitely intriguing when he is let out of prison we see a young man who is broken who is sorrowful who is driving himself and alcohol still and he's trying to find his way back to some semblance of a real life he is trying to be close with his sister and he's just stuck in this pretty low place.
I feel like in the beginning we get a lot of characters thrown at us and it's hard sometimes to keep them separate whenever I don't have a good feel for the main character. there is her best friend who is off at college, there's the girl grace who died, there Sutton who was Jonathan's girlfriend who was.injured. even more confusing is her boyfriend Graham and her I don't even know what to call him... Henry. They flirted back and forth a lot and I think that they used to have more of a connection but now she's with Graham but Henry continues to be in the story and it was kind of hard to figure out where he fit into everything.
The cheating in this one bothered me, and wish that it would have been absent, because I don't think that it really added that much as far as character growth.
The ending was well enough, but I wish that Jonathan would have made some different choices. Amanda had learned some things about herself and was on the way to make some decent changes as a result.
Bottom Line: Liked it but had some issues.
January 21, 2016
Check out more reviews on Writer For Misfits
I don't really like writing negative reviews because it leaves a bad after taste in my mouth and I feel like I'm gonna be sick but I've always been honest with everyone when it comes to my reviews and this books is the first of probably a few that's going to be coming along the way, that I did not enjoy very much.
What's Broken Between Us is probably one of those books that started off really mysterious and cool and then got slapped in the face by an array of characters that felt a little too over the top.
Let me explain. I loved Alexis Bass writing style. I think it's beautiful, thoughtful and well put-together. But I guess her characters ate that magic away the minute that certain interactions happened. I honestly loved Amanda and Jonathan's family dynamic and how slowly the effects of his imprisonment is eating the normalcy of his family.
As much as I praise the way it's been written, the characters are what made this book quite disappointing. Particularly Amanda and Henry. Now, I don't hate romances happening during troubling times but Amanda's and Henry's just seemed a little too forced. I mean, Henry's like the quintessential British guy, tall and beautiful. Who wouldn't fall for him? I would've if only he didn't seem like such a prickly character that's too obsessed with his sister and is like a really contemporary version of Edward Cullen. And Amanda. I liked how her first words weaved into my head. She's a really cool chick and seems to be level-headed but the moment she talked about something outside of her brother's issues, I just can't deal with her.
My if only's would usually come around this part where I somehow wish that a book was written this way instead. It seems too imploring but I think taking out the romance and focusing on the matters of Jonathan's life after prison and the consequences between him and his family would've worked just fine on it's own. And because Bass is a terrific writer, it's the simplest of plots but with the most immense possibilities.
What's Broken Between Us is a beautifully written book about life after imprisonment and the harshness of society yet disappoints me to a degree that it makes me feel badly about it. I would like to try Bass' other books, her debut and the upcoming ones. Hopefully they won't disappoint me like this one did.
I don't really like writing negative reviews because it leaves a bad after taste in my mouth and I feel like I'm gonna be sick but I've always been honest with everyone when it comes to my reviews and this books is the first of probably a few that's going to be coming along the way, that I did not enjoy very much.
What's Broken Between Us is probably one of those books that started off really mysterious and cool and then got slapped in the face by an array of characters that felt a little too over the top.
Let me explain. I loved Alexis Bass writing style. I think it's beautiful, thoughtful and well put-together. But I guess her characters ate that magic away the minute that certain interactions happened. I honestly loved Amanda and Jonathan's family dynamic and how slowly the effects of his imprisonment is eating the normalcy of his family.
As much as I praise the way it's been written, the characters are what made this book quite disappointing. Particularly Amanda and Henry. Now, I don't hate romances happening during troubling times but Amanda's and Henry's just seemed a little too forced. I mean, Henry's like the quintessential British guy, tall and beautiful. Who wouldn't fall for him? I would've if only he didn't seem like such a prickly character that's too obsessed with his sister and is like a really contemporary version of Edward Cullen. And Amanda. I liked how her first words weaved into my head. She's a really cool chick and seems to be level-headed but the moment she talked about something outside of her brother's issues, I just can't deal with her.
My if only's would usually come around this part where I somehow wish that a book was written this way instead. It seems too imploring but I think taking out the romance and focusing on the matters of Jonathan's life after prison and the consequences between him and his family would've worked just fine on it's own. And because Bass is a terrific writer, it's the simplest of plots but with the most immense possibilities.
What's Broken Between Us is a beautifully written book about life after imprisonment and the harshness of society yet disappoints me to a degree that it makes me feel badly about it. I would like to try Bass' other books, her debut and the upcoming ones. Hopefully they won't disappoint me like this one did.
December 27, 2015
I want to thank Harper Collins for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.
I've recently really enjoyed contemporary YA reads. Throw in what is a forbidden love and I really need to read it! This was one of those books.
My favorite part of this book were the characters. The plot was interesting but I really think it was the characters that got to me and made me want to keep reading. There's something about broken characters who need each other to heal. And this is made even more intense by watching those characters sneak around because what would the world think if they were seen together? Amanda and Henry are these characters. Amanda fights her brother's demons, takes them on as her own and feels guilty for the things he's done. And Henry has much hatred for Amanda's brother and for what he did to his sister. But neither Amanda nor Henry can seem to keep apart from each other. And. though it's an unexpected alliance, it works for them both.
And then there's Amanda's brother, Johnathan. After spending a year in prison for killing one girl and severely injuring another, he is released. Amanda has hope that he will have healed and changed while in prison. But Jonathan just seems to be self-destructive. I almost felt as if Jonathan did the things he did to try and be sent back to jail. He had no filter for doing the wrong things. While he didn't outwardly seem repentant about the things he's done, I do think he harbors a ton of guilt over it. And I think this is why he's so determined to "get caught" doing the wrong thing.
Overall, this is an emotionally charged read. A book that floats you though the ups and downs of a family that has fallen apart and is trying to piece itself together. And of a romance that helps both characters figure out what they need to do to heal and move on from the tragedy that has been introduced into their lives. Fans of Gayle Forman's writing will certainly enjoy this story.
I've recently really enjoyed contemporary YA reads. Throw in what is a forbidden love and I really need to read it! This was one of those books.
My favorite part of this book were the characters. The plot was interesting but I really think it was the characters that got to me and made me want to keep reading. There's something about broken characters who need each other to heal. And this is made even more intense by watching those characters sneak around because what would the world think if they were seen together? Amanda and Henry are these characters. Amanda fights her brother's demons, takes them on as her own and feels guilty for the things he's done. And Henry has much hatred for Amanda's brother and for what he did to his sister. But neither Amanda nor Henry can seem to keep apart from each other. And. though it's an unexpected alliance, it works for them both.
And then there's Amanda's brother, Johnathan. After spending a year in prison for killing one girl and severely injuring another, he is released. Amanda has hope that he will have healed and changed while in prison. But Jonathan just seems to be self-destructive. I almost felt as if Jonathan did the things he did to try and be sent back to jail. He had no filter for doing the wrong things. While he didn't outwardly seem repentant about the things he's done, I do think he harbors a ton of guilt over it. And I think this is why he's so determined to "get caught" doing the wrong thing.
Overall, this is an emotionally charged read. A book that floats you though the ups and downs of a family that has fallen apart and is trying to piece itself together. And of a romance that helps both characters figure out what they need to do to heal and move on from the tragedy that has been introduced into their lives. Fans of Gayle Forman's writing will certainly enjoy this story.
April 6, 2016
Some wounds don't heal; they aren't supposed to.I was looking forward to What's Broken Between Us for its fresh take on dark and realistic sibling dynamics, but, unfortunately, the sibling dynamics ended up being overpowered by romance.
A year and a half ago, Amanda Tart's brother Jonathan drove home from a party drunk and killed his best friend. Now, he's finally being released from prison. Conflicted about his release, Amanda must decide whether or not to forgive him.
Amanda is a bit void of personality and isn't especially memorable, but she is a decent enough protagonist. She has been through a lot the past year and her struggles and her emotions are realistically depicted.
Considering the entire plot was about Jonathan returning home from prison, I was expecting a lot of discussion and interaction between Amanda and Jonathon. How did Jonathon feel about what he did? How does he feel about everything he's put Amanda through because of his bad decisions? Unfortunately, what could have been a thought-provoking discussion about sibling dynamics ended up turning into an unnecessary romance.
The romance is between Amanda and Henry, the brother of the girl that Jonathan killed. The romance didn't feel necessary to me - it didn't add anything to the story, and it overpowered the plot. I felt the story would have been much better if the romance considerably shortened or cut altogether.
If you're going into this expecting it to be an interesting story about sibling dynamics, unfortunately you're mistaken. This is just another YA romance masquerading as a contemporary novel, which is unfortunate because there are so many dark and interesting themes that could have been discussed here.
January 23, 2016
Alexis Bass is an author that constantly taps into the voice of our generation. Her first book Love & Other Things spoke to me, and I was super excited when I was asked by her agent to review What's Broken Between Us. This book is so fascinating in a complete car crash sort of way.
What's Broken Between is about the sister of this infamous charismatic it-boy. The it-boy who was convicted of a DUI that killed a popular girl. The concept alone, sucked me in. I had to have it. There's just much happening in the concept alone and I love Alexis' story telling. It's just very tell it like it is and I appreciate it. Very much. I'm all about the no bullshit.
What I love about What's Broken Between Us is that you go into it, wanting answers. There are so many questions that Bass entices you to ask. Most importantly, why? Why did this happen? You're practically invited ask those type of questions – questions that should bring "closure". But here's the thing, even if you get those answers, is there really closure?
Amanda lives in the shadows of the aftermath of this tragedy. Her brother's in jail and he's completely infamous, so there's no escaping the spotlight, even if that's all she wants to do. But when her brother's released from jail, the glare of the spotlight is all that more blinding. Not including when you factor in Henry, the brother, of Amanda's ex-girlfriend who was also involved in the crash.
What's Broken Between Us is a journey from start to finish and I love the feeling of that. It's like Bass purposefully picks at the strings until you start to unravel at the same time the story is unraveling.
I definitely added this to my personal library and will continue to add anything and everything Alexis Bass writes.
What's Broken Between is about the sister of this infamous charismatic it-boy. The it-boy who was convicted of a DUI that killed a popular girl. The concept alone, sucked me in. I had to have it. There's just much happening in the concept alone and I love Alexis' story telling. It's just very tell it like it is and I appreciate it. Very much. I'm all about the no bullshit.
What I love about What's Broken Between Us is that you go into it, wanting answers. There are so many questions that Bass entices you to ask. Most importantly, why? Why did this happen? You're practically invited ask those type of questions – questions that should bring "closure". But here's the thing, even if you get those answers, is there really closure?
Amanda lives in the shadows of the aftermath of this tragedy. Her brother's in jail and he's completely infamous, so there's no escaping the spotlight, even if that's all she wants to do. But when her brother's released from jail, the glare of the spotlight is all that more blinding. Not including when you factor in Henry, the brother, of Amanda's ex-girlfriend who was also involved in the crash.
What's Broken Between Us is a journey from start to finish and I love the feeling of that. It's like Bass purposefully picks at the strings until you start to unravel at the same time the story is unraveling.
I definitely added this to my personal library and will continue to add anything and everything Alexis Bass writes.
September 19, 2016
I don’t usually read heavy contemporaries. Usually, you’ll find me devouring fantasies and dystopians, but buffering them with light, easy contemporaries with Happily Ever Afters. But I gave What’s Broken Between Us a go, as Alexis was joining Jamie and me for our first BAMFs Aloud author interview. I’ll admit I might not have picked it up otherwise because UGH HEAVY. But I am so glad I did.
This book was basically PAIN. It’s real, with honestly flawed, realistic characters. The parents aren’t perfect. The secondary characters aren’t perfect. The main characters – Amanda, Henry, Jonathan – are definitely not perfect. They make mistakes, and they keep making the same mistakes because, let’s be frank here, humans don’t magically learn their lesson after one screw up. We keep falling into the same patterns because that’s just who we are.
Two things dropped my score. First, I only give 5 stars to books that I would read again, and I wouldn’t read this again because it was so painful, and it was triggering for me with the cheating. The other reason is that Henry was supposed to be British, but I didn’t feel like any actual British mannerisms came out. There were certain misused stereotypes thrown in here and there just so he could be labelled as British, but they were…not quite right.
This book is not a Happily Ever After book. I finished it in tears, but it was worth it, and I think that more people should give What’s Broken Between Us a chance. You may not come out happy with the characters, but if you stop expecting them to be superhuman, you might find yourself enjoying having your heart broken.
This book was basically PAIN. It’s real, with honestly flawed, realistic characters. The parents aren’t perfect. The secondary characters aren’t perfect. The main characters – Amanda, Henry, Jonathan – are definitely not perfect. They make mistakes, and they keep making the same mistakes because, let’s be frank here, humans don’t magically learn their lesson after one screw up. We keep falling into the same patterns because that’s just who we are.
Two things dropped my score. First, I only give 5 stars to books that I would read again, and I wouldn’t read this again because it was so painful, and it was triggering for me with the cheating. The other reason is that Henry was supposed to be British, but I didn’t feel like any actual British mannerisms came out. There were certain misused stereotypes thrown in here and there just so he could be labelled as British, but they were…not quite right.
This book is not a Happily Ever After book. I finished it in tears, but it was worth it, and I think that more people should give What’s Broken Between Us a chance. You may not come out happy with the characters, but if you stop expecting them to be superhuman, you might find yourself enjoying having your heart broken.
July 30, 2015
My Thoughts: I wasn’t sure if this was going to be my type of book or not. I read Bass debut novel and I just felt like it was ok.
I enjoyed Whats Broken Between Us quite a bit more than her debut.
We are introduced to Amanda. Amanda is in high school and just trying to get through it and get it over with. A while ago, her brother Jonathan was in a car accident killing another of his friends and injuring the other girl in the same car. Jonathan has been in prison for a while but he’s coming home. This really puts Amanda in a bind. She wants her brother home of course, but she has to wonder if he’s changed or if he’s changed for the better or worst.
Amanda also has a boyfriend but she has a crush on one of the girls brothers who was in the car accident. She actually liked him before the accident happened. His name was Henry. I really liked Henry. I think he was the highlight of most of the story for me. Yes, I enjoyed the plot but I really really liked the parts with Henry.
I really did enjoy this one, but it's intense and things aren’t always happy. Its raw and emotional. Amanda is a character you definitely want to root for.
Overall: I liked this one a lot. Probably another 3.5 cupcake rating for me. I finished it really fast too!
Cover: Like it. Its dark, almost haunting.
What I’d Give It: 4/5 Cupcakes
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Taken From Princess Bookie
www.princessbookie.com
I enjoyed Whats Broken Between Us quite a bit more than her debut.
We are introduced to Amanda. Amanda is in high school and just trying to get through it and get it over with. A while ago, her brother Jonathan was in a car accident killing another of his friends and injuring the other girl in the same car. Jonathan has been in prison for a while but he’s coming home. This really puts Amanda in a bind. She wants her brother home of course, but she has to wonder if he’s changed or if he’s changed for the better or worst.
Amanda also has a boyfriend but she has a crush on one of the girls brothers who was in the car accident. She actually liked him before the accident happened. His name was Henry. I really liked Henry. I think he was the highlight of most of the story for me. Yes, I enjoyed the plot but I really really liked the parts with Henry.
I really did enjoy this one, but it's intense and things aren’t always happy. Its raw and emotional. Amanda is a character you definitely want to root for.
Overall: I liked this one a lot. Probably another 3.5 cupcake rating for me. I finished it really fast too!
Cover: Like it. Its dark, almost haunting.
What I’d Give It: 4/5 Cupcakes
____________
Taken From Princess Bookie
www.princessbookie.com
August 11, 2015
This story was amazing, just simply amazing. It has loss, hatred, forgiveness, and love in it. This is a story that has happened in real life and when I read it it made me think about a case I just read on CNN News.
In this story we meet Amanda Tart who is in between a rock and a hard place. On graduation night a year and a half ago there was a car accident that killed one of her class mates and involved her brother. Her brother was drunk and driving and crashed the car and killed his girlfriend.
Jonathan was sent to prison and has been there for some time but now he is on his way home and back to the town that has not forgiven him. What is Amanda and the town supposed to do? As the the town moves on and Amanda tries to move on in school she gets the biggest surprise of her life. She has a project and she will get a partner and this partner is the brother of the girl her brother killed. Henry and Amanda will have to learn to work together in order to get over the tragedy that has effected both families.
Will they fight through the loss and pain or will they turn their backs on one another and the project?
In this story we meet Amanda Tart who is in between a rock and a hard place. On graduation night a year and a half ago there was a car accident that killed one of her class mates and involved her brother. Her brother was drunk and driving and crashed the car and killed his girlfriend.
Jonathan was sent to prison and has been there for some time but now he is on his way home and back to the town that has not forgiven him. What is Amanda and the town supposed to do? As the the town moves on and Amanda tries to move on in school she gets the biggest surprise of her life. She has a project and she will get a partner and this partner is the brother of the girl her brother killed. Henry and Amanda will have to learn to work together in order to get over the tragedy that has effected both families.
Will they fight through the loss and pain or will they turn their backs on one another and the project?
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