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Breaking Glass #1
Breaking Glass
On the night seventeen-year-old Jeremy Glass winds up in the hospital with a broken leg and a blood alcohol level well above the legal limit, his secret crush, Susannah, disappears. When he begins receiving messages from her from beyond the grave, he's not sure whether they're real or if he's losing his grip on reality. Clue by clue, he gets closer to unraveling the mystery, and soon realizes he must discover the truth or become the next victim himself.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2013
25 people are currently reading
3021 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Amowitz
11 books241 followersLisa Amowitz is an artist and graphic designer by trade, but writing
has always been a deep and abiding passion.
Her lastest release is the LOST GARDEN series, with the first book, An Island Strange and Wild, and the prequel, A Promise Bright and Fragile, available now. The second book in the series, A Secret Deep and Savage releases November 12, 2024,
visit her online at lisaamowitz.com
Twitter: @lisa_amowitz
Instagram @lisa_amowitz.author
TikTok: @lisaamowitz_author
has always been a deep and abiding passion.
Her lastest release is the LOST GARDEN series, with the first book, An Island Strange and Wild, and the prequel, A Promise Bright and Fragile, available now. The second book in the series, A Secret Deep and Savage releases November 12, 2024,
visit her online at lisaamowitz.com
Twitter: @lisa_amowitz
Instagram @lisa_amowitz.author
TikTok: @lisaamowitz_author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
February 8, 2024
Well, I wrote this book, so obviously, I'm rather fond of it. I think you will enjoy it if you love a good mystery, being a little spooked, a fair helping of romance and a glimpse inside of a basically good, but rather mixed-up seventeen year old boy. It's funny how when you create a character they seem to live in your mind forever. That's Jeremy Glass for you---he's pretty real to me. And I'm sure, even with his flaws, he'd be pretty fun to hang out with.
April 27, 2012
BREAKING GLASS is the story of a teenager whose secret crush disappears one night, a night of which he has only shattered memories. He must figure out what happened to her, especially once she starts contacting him... to solve her murder.
This story will haunt you in more ways than one. BREAKING GLASS is such an intense, edgy, sad, creepy, amazing, and un-put-downable read! We are delighted to have it at Spencer Hill.
This story will haunt you in more ways than one. BREAKING GLASS is such an intense, edgy, sad, creepy, amazing, and un-put-downable read! We are delighted to have it at Spencer Hill.
April 25, 2012
I was lucky enough to get to read this book early :) One of the best books I've had the pleasure of reading. Kept me guessing up to the end, had an amazing cast of characters and a story that I've continued thinking about long after finishing the book. Excellent read!
July 14, 2013
Reasonable Jeremy never yells. Reasonable Jeremy is always in control. Reasonable Jeremy is happy in his role as human doormat and Enabler-in-Chief.
If I were to rate this book solely on whether or not I liked the characters in it, I'd give it around 2 stars. If you're looking for a character-driven story with a hero that makes you wish more than anything that he could have his happy ending, look elsewhere. The fairly vicious and self-important attitude that many of the main characters have is hard to get comfortable with, and I struggled with my feelings on each of them. But I feel that what the reader does get, which is a dynamic, disturbing, and very well-written plot with a multitude of unexpected twists, is what carries this story and makes it engrossing by its own merit, well-deserving of a 4-star rating.
Jeremy, having suffered through the pain of his mother's battle with her sanity only to lose her in a tragic car accident, turned to alcohol and his favorite pass time of running to get by. He was the best friend and faithful sidekick to "Mr. Perfect" Ryan Morgan, secret admirer to Ryan's long-time girlfriend Susannah, and on the outside appeared like any normal young man. Until that day that his world was thrown into a tailspin, when he was struck by a passing car and handicapped as Susannah suddenly disappeared. Thus began the breaking of Jeremy Glass, piece by piece, because he literally began to fall apart. Was it really Susannah who was sending him messages and speaking to him from beyond the grave? He was determined to figure out what happened to the girl he loved, but the more he looked into her disappearance, the more secrets were uncovered that revealed nothing was as it seemed in their town.
I'm entrusting my secrets to you, Jeremy.
And oh, the secrets he found! From Patrick Morgan, Ryan's vile and hateful father, down to even Jeremy himself, everyone seemed to be hiding something. There was definitely a creepy element that became more prominent as the story went on, too, and though I hated Jeremy's selfishness and irresponsibility, I definitely feared for his safety and sanity at some points. Lisa Amowitz created a dizzying maze of twists and turns that Jeremy trudges through, and between the paranormal presence in his life and his injuries, it was nearly constant mountains for him to climb.
My hand freezes on the call button.
A chill crawls up my spine.
She's watching my every move.
Overall, though this might not be something I'd usually gravitate towards, I'm really glad that I read it because it was a story that I will never forget by an author that I definitely plan to read more from!
If I were to rate this book solely on whether or not I liked the characters in it, I'd give it around 2 stars. If you're looking for a character-driven story with a hero that makes you wish more than anything that he could have his happy ending, look elsewhere. The fairly vicious and self-important attitude that many of the main characters have is hard to get comfortable with, and I struggled with my feelings on each of them. But I feel that what the reader does get, which is a dynamic, disturbing, and very well-written plot with a multitude of unexpected twists, is what carries this story and makes it engrossing by its own merit, well-deserving of a 4-star rating.
Jeremy, having suffered through the pain of his mother's battle with her sanity only to lose her in a tragic car accident, turned to alcohol and his favorite pass time of running to get by. He was the best friend and faithful sidekick to "Mr. Perfect" Ryan Morgan, secret admirer to Ryan's long-time girlfriend Susannah, and on the outside appeared like any normal young man. Until that day that his world was thrown into a tailspin, when he was struck by a passing car and handicapped as Susannah suddenly disappeared. Thus began the breaking of Jeremy Glass, piece by piece, because he literally began to fall apart. Was it really Susannah who was sending him messages and speaking to him from beyond the grave? He was determined to figure out what happened to the girl he loved, but the more he looked into her disappearance, the more secrets were uncovered that revealed nothing was as it seemed in their town.
I'm entrusting my secrets to you, Jeremy.
And oh, the secrets he found! From Patrick Morgan, Ryan's vile and hateful father, down to even Jeremy himself, everyone seemed to be hiding something. There was definitely a creepy element that became more prominent as the story went on, too, and though I hated Jeremy's selfishness and irresponsibility, I definitely feared for his safety and sanity at some points. Lisa Amowitz created a dizzying maze of twists and turns that Jeremy trudges through, and between the paranormal presence in his life and his injuries, it was nearly constant mountains for him to climb.
My hand freezes on the call button.
A chill crawls up my spine.
She's watching my every move.
Overall, though this might not be something I'd usually gravitate towards, I'm really glad that I read it because it was a story that I will never forget by an author that I definitely plan to read more from!
January 30, 2014
Lisa is one of the coolest people ever. I can't wait to read this.
September 24, 2014
So, I have to send out a huge amount of thanks to Kate Kaynak of Spencer Hill Press for sending me an actual manuscript (that's right, paper pages, unbound, and clipped together which came in a big envelope to my house)! I was very surprised when it arrived. I knew Lisa had requested for me to get an early copy, but I had no idea it would be like that! I am honored Kate and Lisa trusted me enough to know I would not share it with the world (at least not by copying it, but certainly by reviewing it)! Receiving a copy of this book for free has in no way influenced my opinion or review.
Blurb from Goodreads:
On the night seventeen-year-old Jeremy Glass winds up in the hospital with a broken leg and a blood alcohol level well above the legal limit, his secret crush, Susannah, disappears. When he begins receiving messages from her from beyond the grave, he's not sure whether they're real or if he's losing his grip on reality. Clue by clue, he gets closer to unraveling the mystery, and soon realizes he must discover the truth or become the next victim himself.
So, what's the first thing you notice about this book? Well, it has to be the cover, of course. It is just absolutely amazing. And why shouldn't it be. It was designed by the author herself. Lisa is an AMAZING graphic artist who has done a number of covers for many different authors. I have not found one that doesn't shout out to me how beautiful it is. You really need to check out her work and see how amazing she makes books look: http://lisa-amowitzya.blogspot.com. I think my most favorite thing about this cover is it doesn't shout at you when you look at it. The colors truly reflect the ambiance of the story line. It's simple yet effective in evoking the appropriate emotions from the reader. That is the mark of a true artist for sure!
Let me tell you a little bit about the characters.There is not a character in this book who does not have a secret. I think it is one of the most interesting parts of this story; you slowly learn everyone is hiding a secrets. One of the things I love most about this story is it is told from a male POV. I haven't read that many YA books from the male POV. So it's refreshing and honest and different from the normal whining you sometimes hear from the female characters.
Jeremy Glass is your typical geeky, history buff who fancies his best friend, but thinks she is too far out of his league. He's got secrets he keeps, which he thinks no one knows about. However, he's not as good at hiding this secret as he thinks he is. He's calm and collected, or at least appears to be until you learn what keeps him this way.
Susannah Durban, on the other hand, is his quirky, artistic best friend who trusts Jeremy with her secrets, despite the fact she's dating his best friend. And Susannah is another character who is full of secrets. The interesting thing about how we get to know her is it is totally through Jeremey's POV, since she is not physically present in the novel after the first two chapters. I love how Jeremy slowly figures out things about her he never knew before and shows this to the reader.
Ryan Morgan is Jeremy's best friend, and Susannah's boyfriend. He's mister popularity at school and also a lady's man. Tall, handsome and confident, Ryan is truly swoon worthy. But Ryan is not all he seems to be, nor is his family life the picture of perfection Jeremy dreams it is. And when Susannah disappears, he looks more than guilty for the role of having been involved.
Every character in this book is intricate and well thought out. Their development is perfectly paced with the book's mysterious premise. As the story unfolds, Amowitz gives us more and more pieces of the puzzle until we finally see it take shape into something we never expected. I can honestly say I was surprised by much of what we learn from and about these characters. And, while these three are the main characters in the book, the secondary characters are not to be forgotten. For they, too, are developed in a way that helps us truly understand the story line.
Speaking of the story line, this book was not at all what I thought it would be. Yes, I had a feeling it was somewhat of a mystery with thrilling parts (after all, when you read the blurb you can see that you are in for that kind of ride) but I had no idea how it would psychologically astound me. Every few pages I would look up and literally say "Oh my G-d that did not just happen?" All I can say is to expect the unexpected, for nothing is at all what it seems in this story. In any great story, it is fun to try and figure out where reality ends and fantasy begins, this is one of them. I literally could not find the distinction between the two they were so intricately interwoven. You will be searching your own self to try and figure out if Jeremy is dreaming, or if he's actually being visited by something supernatural. Amowitz does it so well, you really do think Jeremy may be going mad, or maybe he just is! This is the second psychological thriller I have read in the past few months. I didn't think I actually liked this genre of book, but boy was I wrong. And I don't think it's only because I am liking the genre, I think it's because of how well written this book is!
And the writing, oh the writing! Well, Lisa has this way of just sucking you right into the story. It's clean and flows off the page. There is nothing that screams "first book" here at all. This writing drips of someone who knows exactly what they are doing; knows how to structure the plot line to slowly unravel itself right before your eyes. There is no overuse of adverbs or adjectives, no long passages that take you out of the story line. There is only what you need to know at that time to keep you interested and wondering what will come next. This book moves at a great pace. You want to turn the page and learn what comes next. You want to get deeper into Jeremy's head to find out what is really going on, and Amowitz's writing allows you to do just that!
And the ending. Well, if you think you have it all figured out, you are DEAD wrong. I never saw it coming. I had the plot all figured out for sure and then BAM in comes a twist that pulls the entire story together and totally makes sense! And I really grew attached to Jeremy during this story. I wanted things to be alright for him. I wanted him to have his happily ever after. And, I can tell you he does in his own way. But you'll have to read to find out anymore because I don't want to give it away. All I have to say is that you really want to read and experience this book. I promise you it will not disappoint!
5/5 shining stars from me!
Blurb from Goodreads:
On the night seventeen-year-old Jeremy Glass winds up in the hospital with a broken leg and a blood alcohol level well above the legal limit, his secret crush, Susannah, disappears. When he begins receiving messages from her from beyond the grave, he's not sure whether they're real or if he's losing his grip on reality. Clue by clue, he gets closer to unraveling the mystery, and soon realizes he must discover the truth or become the next victim himself.
So, what's the first thing you notice about this book? Well, it has to be the cover, of course. It is just absolutely amazing. And why shouldn't it be. It was designed by the author herself. Lisa is an AMAZING graphic artist who has done a number of covers for many different authors. I have not found one that doesn't shout out to me how beautiful it is. You really need to check out her work and see how amazing she makes books look: http://lisa-amowitzya.blogspot.com. I think my most favorite thing about this cover is it doesn't shout at you when you look at it. The colors truly reflect the ambiance of the story line. It's simple yet effective in evoking the appropriate emotions from the reader. That is the mark of a true artist for sure!
Let me tell you a little bit about the characters.There is not a character in this book who does not have a secret. I think it is one of the most interesting parts of this story; you slowly learn everyone is hiding a secrets. One of the things I love most about this story is it is told from a male POV. I haven't read that many YA books from the male POV. So it's refreshing and honest and different from the normal whining you sometimes hear from the female characters.
Jeremy Glass is your typical geeky, history buff who fancies his best friend, but thinks she is too far out of his league. He's got secrets he keeps, which he thinks no one knows about. However, he's not as good at hiding this secret as he thinks he is. He's calm and collected, or at least appears to be until you learn what keeps him this way.
Susannah Durban, on the other hand, is his quirky, artistic best friend who trusts Jeremy with her secrets, despite the fact she's dating his best friend. And Susannah is another character who is full of secrets. The interesting thing about how we get to know her is it is totally through Jeremey's POV, since she is not physically present in the novel after the first two chapters. I love how Jeremy slowly figures out things about her he never knew before and shows this to the reader.
Ryan Morgan is Jeremy's best friend, and Susannah's boyfriend. He's mister popularity at school and also a lady's man. Tall, handsome and confident, Ryan is truly swoon worthy. But Ryan is not all he seems to be, nor is his family life the picture of perfection Jeremy dreams it is. And when Susannah disappears, he looks more than guilty for the role of having been involved.
Every character in this book is intricate and well thought out. Their development is perfectly paced with the book's mysterious premise. As the story unfolds, Amowitz gives us more and more pieces of the puzzle until we finally see it take shape into something we never expected. I can honestly say I was surprised by much of what we learn from and about these characters. And, while these three are the main characters in the book, the secondary characters are not to be forgotten. For they, too, are developed in a way that helps us truly understand the story line.
Speaking of the story line, this book was not at all what I thought it would be. Yes, I had a feeling it was somewhat of a mystery with thrilling parts (after all, when you read the blurb you can see that you are in for that kind of ride) but I had no idea how it would psychologically astound me. Every few pages I would look up and literally say "Oh my G-d that did not just happen?" All I can say is to expect the unexpected, for nothing is at all what it seems in this story. In any great story, it is fun to try and figure out where reality ends and fantasy begins, this is one of them. I literally could not find the distinction between the two they were so intricately interwoven. You will be searching your own self to try and figure out if Jeremy is dreaming, or if he's actually being visited by something supernatural. Amowitz does it so well, you really do think Jeremy may be going mad, or maybe he just is! This is the second psychological thriller I have read in the past few months. I didn't think I actually liked this genre of book, but boy was I wrong. And I don't think it's only because I am liking the genre, I think it's because of how well written this book is!
And the writing, oh the writing! Well, Lisa has this way of just sucking you right into the story. It's clean and flows off the page. There is nothing that screams "first book" here at all. This writing drips of someone who knows exactly what they are doing; knows how to structure the plot line to slowly unravel itself right before your eyes. There is no overuse of adverbs or adjectives, no long passages that take you out of the story line. There is only what you need to know at that time to keep you interested and wondering what will come next. This book moves at a great pace. You want to turn the page and learn what comes next. You want to get deeper into Jeremy's head to find out what is really going on, and Amowitz's writing allows you to do just that!
And the ending. Well, if you think you have it all figured out, you are DEAD wrong. I never saw it coming. I had the plot all figured out for sure and then BAM in comes a twist that pulls the entire story together and totally makes sense! And I really grew attached to Jeremy during this story. I wanted things to be alright for him. I wanted him to have his happily ever after. And, I can tell you he does in his own way. But you'll have to read to find out anymore because I don't want to give it away. All I have to say is that you really want to read and experience this book. I promise you it will not disappoint!
5/5 shining stars from me!
August 7, 2013
(This review will be up on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl in September).
If you've been following my blog/reviews, you will know that I love anything to do with beyond the grave! Ghosts are a sure fire way to make me pick up a book and read it instantly! Luckily, this book was a really interesting read and helped me keep my faith in those type of books.
The title is definitely an interesting one. It made me thing of a type of mystery book, which this is somewhat. Also, after reading the blurb, I thought maybe this would be about the main character having a break down.
I'm on the fence about the cover. On the one hand, I love the different images on the cover. They give me a sort of creepy feel. On the other hand, I wish the cover would've been an image from the book or gave us more insight to the book.
I love how the author draws you into Jeremy's world quite easily. I felt as if everything that was happening to Jeremy was happening to me. I could visualize the world quite easily. The only thing that kind of made me have a "hmm" moment was when The Book of the Dead disappears from Jeremy's room, but it just kind of turns up again in another chapter without any explanation. That's a totally minor thing, and all the other loose ends of the story are all tied up by the ending. The world building is just amazing!
Before I picked up this book, I felt as if it would start out slow at first and then pick up speed. How wrong I was! From the very first sentence, the pacing is spot on. Not once did I become bored with this book. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. I was hanging on every word, even at the ending! (And don't worry, there isn't any sort of cliff hanger ending. I just didn't want it to end).
I very much enjoyed the plot. I felt this was more of a whodunnit type plot. Jeremy is convinced someone murdered Susannah, so he's trying to solve the mystery as soon as possible all while feeling like he is being haunted by Susannah's ghost. There is some romantic elements, but it's not the main focus. Oh, and I loved the twists involving Susannah! There's even one about Ryan that I figured out with all the context clues before his secret was revealed.
The characters were written superbly! Jeremy Glass feels like an average angry teenager. Now when I say angry, I don't mean angsty or emo or immature. He's been through a lot including watching his mother die and dealing with his injury. Now he's convinced his best friend is missing. Jeremy's got a lot on his plate, and if I were him, I'd be angry too. I loved his sarcasm and wit even if it was to mask how he was feeling most of the time. We don't really get to see much of Susannah's character except when Jeremy believes he is seeing her ghost and what he finds out about her personality. The girl obviously had problems, but for a character whose presence is more ethereal, the author does a fantastic job of making her come alive (no pun intended). I would've loved to know more about Marisa especially her back story such as where she came from and why she moved to the United States. The book says she's an immigrant, but I would've just liked to know a bit more. I liked the character of Ryan. At first, I thought he was a bit of an idiot and really selfish, but as the story progresses, I came to see that Ryan had his reasons for acting the way he did. I really enjoyed Trudy's back story!
There is a lot of swearing in this book, but I don't believe it's over the top. Teenagers swear, and it's a part of life. The swearing in this book makes it more believable. I understand why a lot of young adult writers don't include swearing, but for this book, the swearing worked. Overall, the dialogue is easy to understand and very believable. There were some times where I felt that Jeremy was older then 17, but after all that he'd been through, I figured it was down to all he'd been through.
Overall, Breaking Glass is one of the most intriguing books that I've read. It's one of those books that makes you ponder whether or not the main character is going crazy or is he actually experiencing everything around him.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 16+ (due to language and themes) who like trying to solve mysteries and are looking for a book to wake up their brain.
I'd give Breaking Glass by Lisa Amowitz a 4.75 out of 5.
If you've been following my blog/reviews, you will know that I love anything to do with beyond the grave! Ghosts are a sure fire way to make me pick up a book and read it instantly! Luckily, this book was a really interesting read and helped me keep my faith in those type of books.
The title is definitely an interesting one. It made me thing of a type of mystery book, which this is somewhat. Also, after reading the blurb, I thought maybe this would be about the main character having a break down.
I'm on the fence about the cover. On the one hand, I love the different images on the cover. They give me a sort of creepy feel. On the other hand, I wish the cover would've been an image from the book or gave us more insight to the book.
I love how the author draws you into Jeremy's world quite easily. I felt as if everything that was happening to Jeremy was happening to me. I could visualize the world quite easily. The only thing that kind of made me have a "hmm" moment was when The Book of the Dead disappears from Jeremy's room, but it just kind of turns up again in another chapter without any explanation. That's a totally minor thing, and all the other loose ends of the story are all tied up by the ending. The world building is just amazing!
Before I picked up this book, I felt as if it would start out slow at first and then pick up speed. How wrong I was! From the very first sentence, the pacing is spot on. Not once did I become bored with this book. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. I was hanging on every word, even at the ending! (And don't worry, there isn't any sort of cliff hanger ending. I just didn't want it to end).
I very much enjoyed the plot. I felt this was more of a whodunnit type plot. Jeremy is convinced someone murdered Susannah, so he's trying to solve the mystery as soon as possible all while feeling like he is being haunted by Susannah's ghost. There is some romantic elements, but it's not the main focus. Oh, and I loved the twists involving Susannah! There's even one about Ryan that I figured out with all the context clues before his secret was revealed.
The characters were written superbly! Jeremy Glass feels like an average angry teenager. Now when I say angry, I don't mean angsty or emo or immature. He's been through a lot including watching his mother die and dealing with his injury. Now he's convinced his best friend is missing. Jeremy's got a lot on his plate, and if I were him, I'd be angry too. I loved his sarcasm and wit even if it was to mask how he was feeling most of the time. We don't really get to see much of Susannah's character except when Jeremy believes he is seeing her ghost and what he finds out about her personality. The girl obviously had problems, but for a character whose presence is more ethereal, the author does a fantastic job of making her come alive (no pun intended). I would've loved to know more about Marisa especially her back story such as where she came from and why she moved to the United States. The book says she's an immigrant, but I would've just liked to know a bit more. I liked the character of Ryan. At first, I thought he was a bit of an idiot and really selfish, but as the story progresses, I came to see that Ryan had his reasons for acting the way he did. I really enjoyed Trudy's back story!
There is a lot of swearing in this book, but I don't believe it's over the top. Teenagers swear, and it's a part of life. The swearing in this book makes it more believable. I understand why a lot of young adult writers don't include swearing, but for this book, the swearing worked. Overall, the dialogue is easy to understand and very believable. There were some times where I felt that Jeremy was older then 17, but after all that he'd been through, I figured it was down to all he'd been through.
Overall, Breaking Glass is one of the most intriguing books that I've read. It's one of those books that makes you ponder whether or not the main character is going crazy or is he actually experiencing everything around him.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 16+ (due to language and themes) who like trying to solve mysteries and are looking for a book to wake up their brain.
I'd give Breaking Glass by Lisa Amowitz a 4.75 out of 5.
July 6, 2013
*Genre* Ghost Noir, Young Adult
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts* (Hopefully without any spoilers!)
Breaking Glass was a surprise addition to my reading list for July. I thank Spencer Hill Press for sharing this book with me in lieu of an honest review. Breaking Glass is definitely a book that will keep you guessing right until the very end. Add into the fact that there was a paranormal aspect to the storyline and it wasn't a matter of if I was going to read the book, but when and how much I would like it.
17 year old Jeremy Glass is a character that, at times, isn't a very likable guy even though he apparently has more than a decent life as a track star, has two best friends, and is looking forward to receiving a scholarship to the school of his choice. Yet, Jeremy is deeply torn and hurt by a tragic event that happened in his youth that he can't seem to move on from it. His whole life has been built around lies and keeping them away from his best friends Ryan Morgan and Susannah Durbin even though they too, have more than a few secrets which makes you wonder if anyone is actually telling the truth, or are they all in on the mystery when Susannah goes missing.
You really have to dive deep into Jeremy's psyche and learn how he ticks, what his past experiences were like, and what makes him do the things he does including hiding his alcoholism, and lashing out towards others when he makes stupid mistakes. I can't imagine being put into his shoes, but, I do understand the effects of PTSD, depression, and anger that lead to drinking more than you should and the consequences they bring to bear.
You could also say the same thing about Ryan and Susannah since both of them didn't have the best upbringing and their parents were caught up in a never ending soap opera that if exposed could absolutely ruin the town they live in.
I love when female writers create a male primary character who is truly and utterly broken and you either love him, or totally loathe him. I came to feel a bond with Jeremy, but I also wanted to kick him in the nuts on many other occasions and yes, I called him a few names along the way as well. I love the fact that even though Jeremy puts himself and others through hell, he finds a way to figure out the mystery behind Susannah's disappearance while being pushed to the extreme limits, and later finds friendship and a new beginnings with someone totally unexpected.
Breaking Glass has a now and then aspect to the story so that you don't feel as though you are missing a very important part of the puzzle. The mystery is right there in front of you, and yet, I absolutely failed to realize how devious Amowitz was until I was so far into the story, that there was no way in hades I was going to stop and take a breath.
In closing, I promised Lisa that I would tell her truthfully whether or not I was correct in my presumptions as to who was responsible for Susannah's disappearance and why. I was correct in believing that Patrick Morgan was a complete and utter tool and has some major secrets of his own which I WILL NOT SPOIL UNDER THE THREAT OF TORTURE OR WORSE! I was correct in guessing that there was more to Ryan than meets the eye. I was in the ball park in my guesstimate as to who really was responsible for leading Jeremy by his nose and the reasoning behind it all and wasn't completely surprised after you take into consideration things that happened in the past. What I really wanted to know was whether or not Patrick was responsible for Jeremy's own personal loss?
*Recvd from Publisher* Expected publication: July 9th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts* (Hopefully without any spoilers!)
Breaking Glass was a surprise addition to my reading list for July. I thank Spencer Hill Press for sharing this book with me in lieu of an honest review. Breaking Glass is definitely a book that will keep you guessing right until the very end. Add into the fact that there was a paranormal aspect to the storyline and it wasn't a matter of if I was going to read the book, but when and how much I would like it.
17 year old Jeremy Glass is a character that, at times, isn't a very likable guy even though he apparently has more than a decent life as a track star, has two best friends, and is looking forward to receiving a scholarship to the school of his choice. Yet, Jeremy is deeply torn and hurt by a tragic event that happened in his youth that he can't seem to move on from it. His whole life has been built around lies and keeping them away from his best friends Ryan Morgan and Susannah Durbin even though they too, have more than a few secrets which makes you wonder if anyone is actually telling the truth, or are they all in on the mystery when Susannah goes missing.
You really have to dive deep into Jeremy's psyche and learn how he ticks, what his past experiences were like, and what makes him do the things he does including hiding his alcoholism, and lashing out towards others when he makes stupid mistakes. I can't imagine being put into his shoes, but, I do understand the effects of PTSD, depression, and anger that lead to drinking more than you should and the consequences they bring to bear.
You could also say the same thing about Ryan and Susannah since both of them didn't have the best upbringing and their parents were caught up in a never ending soap opera that if exposed could absolutely ruin the town they live in.
I love when female writers create a male primary character who is truly and utterly broken and you either love him, or totally loathe him. I came to feel a bond with Jeremy, but I also wanted to kick him in the nuts on many other occasions and yes, I called him a few names along the way as well. I love the fact that even though Jeremy puts himself and others through hell, he finds a way to figure out the mystery behind Susannah's disappearance while being pushed to the extreme limits, and later finds friendship and a new beginnings with someone totally unexpected.
Breaking Glass has a now and then aspect to the story so that you don't feel as though you are missing a very important part of the puzzle. The mystery is right there in front of you, and yet, I absolutely failed to realize how devious Amowitz was until I was so far into the story, that there was no way in hades I was going to stop and take a breath.
In closing, I promised Lisa that I would tell her truthfully whether or not I was correct in my presumptions as to who was responsible for Susannah's disappearance and why. I was correct in believing that Patrick Morgan was a complete and utter tool and has some major secrets of his own which I WILL NOT SPOIL UNDER THE THREAT OF TORTURE OR WORSE! I was correct in guessing that there was more to Ryan than meets the eye. I was in the ball park in my guesstimate as to who really was responsible for leading Jeremy by his nose and the reasoning behind it all and wasn't completely surprised after you take into consideration things that happened in the past. What I really wanted to know was whether or not Patrick was responsible for Jeremy's own personal loss?
*Recvd from Publisher* Expected publication: July 9th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press
July 22, 2013
Have you ever finished reading a book and then dreaded reviewing it because the story was so awesomely complex you fear your words of opinion aren’t going to do it justice?
Well, Breaking Glass is a little like that for me. It’s the kind of book that you should try and put enough time aside to read in one sitting. Because this story is so interwoven with intricacies and details, and clues, and hints, and behaviour the reader will want to interpret—which means there is a LOT going on—that once they start, they won’t want to put it down because the need to get to the bottom of it becomes a driving force.
Jeremy Glass is such a likable and connectable character. His ‘situation’ is handled with expertise, finesse, and what appears to be a natural ease. I liked him from the off. Felt sorry for him from the off. Even within that very first scene of the opening, the author does a great job in helping you to understand just what kind of fellow he is—and you instantly empathise, whilst immediately disliking Ryan, and possibly scorning Susannah. And within no time, the author has her readers exactly where she wants them.
Yet, all is not as it seems within the pages of Breaking Glass. So blindsided by feelings he’s spent too many years trying to suppress—or at least to hide—even Jeremy doesn’t realise how freakin’ wrong he has been.
I don’t want to say too much because even the slightest detail can spoil the reveals within this tale—and there are lots; LOTS of twists and turns, and deception, and misdirection, and battles for friendship and love and self-understanding or discovery, all wrapped up within the adolescent and pubescent package that is the awesome Jeremy Glass. I can’t praise the unveiling and almost taunting path that Susannah insists we all tread along enough. It’s definitely what will have you all turning the pages, reading high into the night, and quite possibly sitting on the edge of your seats.
Oh, yes, and did I mention it’s creepy? Because it is—Breaking Glass is as creepy as heck.
My only gripe is right near the end, there are a couple of ‘scenes’ (the term is used lightly) where the POV suddenly switches to Susannah (at least, I think that’s what happened—it wasn’t clear—almost like backflashes). I didn’t like them. We’d had NO POV scenes from her up until then. She’d played no part in narrating the story other than through her clues she left for Jeremy. And suddenly those scenes popped up out of nowhere to fill in a couple of gaps in the details. It was a little lazy, I thought, and wrongly handled. I’m pretty sure the author could’ve found a better way to expose those details without jarring the amazing flow she’d created.
Otherwise, this is one helluva creepy and mysterious ride, and I’m very glad I climbed on board. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from Ms Amowitz, that’s for sure.
Well, Breaking Glass is a little like that for me. It’s the kind of book that you should try and put enough time aside to read in one sitting. Because this story is so interwoven with intricacies and details, and clues, and hints, and behaviour the reader will want to interpret—which means there is a LOT going on—that once they start, they won’t want to put it down because the need to get to the bottom of it becomes a driving force.
Jeremy Glass is such a likable and connectable character. His ‘situation’ is handled with expertise, finesse, and what appears to be a natural ease. I liked him from the off. Felt sorry for him from the off. Even within that very first scene of the opening, the author does a great job in helping you to understand just what kind of fellow he is—and you instantly empathise, whilst immediately disliking Ryan, and possibly scorning Susannah. And within no time, the author has her readers exactly where she wants them.
Yet, all is not as it seems within the pages of Breaking Glass. So blindsided by feelings he’s spent too many years trying to suppress—or at least to hide—even Jeremy doesn’t realise how freakin’ wrong he has been.
I don’t want to say too much because even the slightest detail can spoil the reveals within this tale—and there are lots; LOTS of twists and turns, and deception, and misdirection, and battles for friendship and love and self-understanding or discovery, all wrapped up within the adolescent and pubescent package that is the awesome Jeremy Glass. I can’t praise the unveiling and almost taunting path that Susannah insists we all tread along enough. It’s definitely what will have you all turning the pages, reading high into the night, and quite possibly sitting on the edge of your seats.
Oh, yes, and did I mention it’s creepy? Because it is—Breaking Glass is as creepy as heck.
My only gripe is right near the end, there are a couple of ‘scenes’ (the term is used lightly) where the POV suddenly switches to Susannah (at least, I think that’s what happened—it wasn’t clear—almost like backflashes). I didn’t like them. We’d had NO POV scenes from her up until then. She’d played no part in narrating the story other than through her clues she left for Jeremy. And suddenly those scenes popped up out of nowhere to fill in a couple of gaps in the details. It was a little lazy, I thought, and wrongly handled. I’m pretty sure the author could’ve found a better way to expose those details without jarring the amazing flow she’d created.
Otherwise, this is one helluva creepy and mysterious ride, and I’m very glad I climbed on board. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from Ms Amowitz, that’s for sure.
July 8, 2013
This review and others are posted at Read, Rinse, Repeat.
Jeremy Glass has a lot on his plate. His mother committed suicide when he was young. He's been in love with Susannah since they were children, but when they became teenagers, his best friend, Ryan, got the girl. Jeremy attempts to numb himself with alcohol, and one night, he makes an ill-fated decision to drive drunk, leading to an accident that causes him to lose his leg. That same night, Ryan and Susannah fight, and Susannah disappears. Whew!
As Jeremy attempts to find out what happened to Susannah, he begins to uncover long-buried secrets of his parents and of his friends' parents that may be tied to Susannah's disappearance. There is a large cast of secondary characters, all of whom may be key to the central plot. Jeremy is also suspicious of Ryan, who can't give a good accounting of exactly how Susannah disappeared. There were so many entanglements among the adults, both in the present and in flashbacks to their teen years, it was difficult to keep track of everyone. However, the presence of the adults' back-stories added some very intriguing elements to the plot.
My feelings about Susannah swung wildly during the course of the book. Initially she seemed pretty harmless; she was Jeremy's unrequited love, although she, perhaps, took a bit too much pleasure in that. As time progressed, her behavior seemed a bit more sinister and destructive. However, by the end of the book, Amowitz revealed so much more depth to Susannah, and she gave very plausible and very heart-breaking reasons for Susannah's behavior. On the other hand, it was always easy to sympathize with Jeremy, even when he made some terrible decisions.
There were some truly frightening moments, and at various times, different characters' lives were at risk. Is Susannah alive? Is she dead? Jeremy experiences some eerie "visitations," but he doesn't know if it's the ghost of Susannah or something else. The spooky tone of Breaking Glass kept me intrigued through the final pages.
Recommended for: Fans of spooky ghost stories like In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters.
Note: The publisher provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jeremy Glass has a lot on his plate. His mother committed suicide when he was young. He's been in love with Susannah since they were children, but when they became teenagers, his best friend, Ryan, got the girl. Jeremy attempts to numb himself with alcohol, and one night, he makes an ill-fated decision to drive drunk, leading to an accident that causes him to lose his leg. That same night, Ryan and Susannah fight, and Susannah disappears. Whew!
As Jeremy attempts to find out what happened to Susannah, he begins to uncover long-buried secrets of his parents and of his friends' parents that may be tied to Susannah's disappearance. There is a large cast of secondary characters, all of whom may be key to the central plot. Jeremy is also suspicious of Ryan, who can't give a good accounting of exactly how Susannah disappeared. There were so many entanglements among the adults, both in the present and in flashbacks to their teen years, it was difficult to keep track of everyone. However, the presence of the adults' back-stories added some very intriguing elements to the plot.
My feelings about Susannah swung wildly during the course of the book. Initially she seemed pretty harmless; she was Jeremy's unrequited love, although she, perhaps, took a bit too much pleasure in that. As time progressed, her behavior seemed a bit more sinister and destructive. However, by the end of the book, Amowitz revealed so much more depth to Susannah, and she gave very plausible and very heart-breaking reasons for Susannah's behavior. On the other hand, it was always easy to sympathize with Jeremy, even when he made some terrible decisions.
There were some truly frightening moments, and at various times, different characters' lives were at risk. Is Susannah alive? Is she dead? Jeremy experiences some eerie "visitations," but he doesn't know if it's the ghost of Susannah or something else. The spooky tone of Breaking Glass kept me intrigued through the final pages.
Recommended for: Fans of spooky ghost stories like In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters.
Note: The publisher provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2015
I received Breaking Glass by Lisa Amowitz from Spencer Hill Press, for review and this is my honest review.
Holy moly, Breaking Glass was a crazy roller coaster ride and I loved every second of it! Jeremey Glass seems like an average guy but throughout the story we find out that he is definitely not. We watch him struggle with the death of his mother, and the lose of his leg as well as the lose of “the love of his life” the struggle was life threatening but well worth reading.
This story was totally my kind of book, I loved following Jeremy as he was trying to put together the clues to solving Susannah’s death. This was one of the reasons I could not put the book down, because there was never a dull moment. Every chapter had some sort of clue as to what happened, or some kind of action it was great.
During the book I found myself going back and forth between what I thought happened to Susannah, and who had caused her to disappear. For a good part of the book I completely blamed Ryan. I had absolutely no liking for him whatsoever and I was convinced that I never would. Thats another thing I liked about the book though Amowitz did such a good job shaping the characters to where you couldn’t see right through them because all the sudden the character would change and you’d be left completely dumbfounded. That may annoy some people but I kind of enjoyed it.
I was not sure what I thought about Jeremy's dad, I liked him but there were many times in the book where I feel like he could have been a lot more understanding. Jeremy needed him so much even though he tried not to show it and his dad just was not there most of the time. Patrick Morgan on the other hand, hated him! I am not going to tell you his fate but let me just tell you it was amazing! One other character I loved was Marisa, when we first met her I figured she was going to be a one time only character but she reappeared often and I enjoyed what her part in the story came to be I was kind of hoping for that to happen too!
I loved how easily Amowitz made the story flow. Normally with a story that has flashbacks and has so many different conflicts it would be very hard to follow. But the story flowed smoothly and that is what in my eyes made this a 5 star book.
Holy moly, Breaking Glass was a crazy roller coaster ride and I loved every second of it! Jeremey Glass seems like an average guy but throughout the story we find out that he is definitely not. We watch him struggle with the death of his mother, and the lose of his leg as well as the lose of “the love of his life” the struggle was life threatening but well worth reading.
This story was totally my kind of book, I loved following Jeremy as he was trying to put together the clues to solving Susannah’s death. This was one of the reasons I could not put the book down, because there was never a dull moment. Every chapter had some sort of clue as to what happened, or some kind of action it was great.
During the book I found myself going back and forth between what I thought happened to Susannah, and who had caused her to disappear. For a good part of the book I completely blamed Ryan. I had absolutely no liking for him whatsoever and I was convinced that I never would. Thats another thing I liked about the book though Amowitz did such a good job shaping the characters to where you couldn’t see right through them because all the sudden the character would change and you’d be left completely dumbfounded. That may annoy some people but I kind of enjoyed it.
I was not sure what I thought about Jeremy's dad, I liked him but there were many times in the book where I feel like he could have been a lot more understanding. Jeremy needed him so much even though he tried not to show it and his dad just was not there most of the time. Patrick Morgan on the other hand, hated him! I am not going to tell you his fate but let me just tell you it was amazing! One other character I loved was Marisa, when we first met her I figured she was going to be a one time only character but she reappeared often and I enjoyed what her part in the story came to be I was kind of hoping for that to happen too!
I loved how easily Amowitz made the story flow. Normally with a story that has flashbacks and has so many different conflicts it would be very hard to follow. But the story flowed smoothly and that is what in my eyes made this a 5 star book.
March 20, 2019
I won my copy of Breaking Glass by Lisa Amowitz through GoodReads FirstReads, and I loved it! It's about a teen named Jeremy Glass, his best friend Ryan, and Jeremy's crush Susannah who happens to be Ryan's girlfriend, but Jeremy is basically Ryan's doormat and would never attempt to do anything that might spoil his friendship with the town "Golden Boy", even if it means covering for Ryan when he cheats on Susannah. Then once Susannah catches Ryan cheating she runs off into the woods followed by Ryan, Jeremy goes after them after downing several shots of Vodka only to be hit by a car as he crosses the street to his friends. When Jeremy wakes up in the hospital his dad tells him that Susannah is missing, but has probably just run away like she's done before, all the while Jeremy keeps getting cryptic texts and YouTube links supposedly from Susannah, thus an intriguing mystery ensues. This book was a rollercoaster ride from the moment Jeremy gets hit by the car, and has to endure painful recovery from a broken leg that quickly worsens. The mystery behind Susannah's disappearance slowly moves into something more sinister than a petulant teen running away, and Jeremy is convinced that Ryan or his father, or a mystery person named Derek Spake had something to do with Susannah disappearing. The story is driven by Jeremy's memories of Susannah, and basically his obsession with her. At first she seems like a lost soul in search of something but then she's slowly revealed to be a selfish and vain brat that knew Jeremy loved her but she just strung him along, loving the adoration and attention she got from him without reciprocating his feelings. I felt terrible for Jeremy all throughout the book, because he endures tragedy after tragedy and has to heal from more than physical wounds. The supernatural element in the story was enthralling and terrifying, because you don't know for the longest time what actually happens. I thought the author did an outstanding job of writing like a teenager would talk. There are many secrets revealed by almost all of the characters, and needless to say that most of them are shocking! Great, great book!
March 25, 2014
"Oh what a tangled web we weaves, when first we practice to deceive."
I think that someone should have told the characters in this book the meaning of this phrase! WOW! By the end of the book, when all the secrets have been laid out on the table, just wow.
This is one of those books that is so good that I know there's no way that my review is going to come close to doing it justice. I definitely found myself saying "Just one more chapter" and before I knew it, the clock read midnight and I figured I had already stayed up this late I might as well get a few more chapters in. Thankfully I got through it pretty quick so there weren't many sleepless nights.
A word of warning: ALL the characters in this book are seriously damaged. Some more than others. Some have chosen very destructive behaviors to deal with their issues and some have chosen to shut their issues behind closed doors, lock it and throw the key away. The parents can't help the kids because the parents have issues themselves. Everybody just chooses to look the other way.
The entire town is built on lies and it takes the disappearance of one girl to bring all those lies to the surface.
Susannah compares the lies and deceit to tree roots... and once you start pulling the roots of a tree up, you can't stop until you reach the end.
Breaking Glass is full of intrigue, suspense, drama, a little romance, and a roller coaster ride of twists and plot turns! Every time you think you have it all figured out, the story takes a turn and leads you down another path. The ending is sweet justice in a way. Ms. Amowitz does an excellent job of creating deep, complex characters. You might not like them by the end of the story; and perhaps it was not her intention for you to love them or root for them, but they are the way they are... the way they have to be... in order for the story to tell itself.
This web is definitely tangled....everyone most certainly meant to deceive... and you are drawn in from the start and won't want to put it down until the end!
I think that someone should have told the characters in this book the meaning of this phrase! WOW! By the end of the book, when all the secrets have been laid out on the table, just wow.
This is one of those books that is so good that I know there's no way that my review is going to come close to doing it justice. I definitely found myself saying "Just one more chapter" and before I knew it, the clock read midnight and I figured I had already stayed up this late I might as well get a few more chapters in. Thankfully I got through it pretty quick so there weren't many sleepless nights.
A word of warning: ALL the characters in this book are seriously damaged. Some more than others. Some have chosen very destructive behaviors to deal with their issues and some have chosen to shut their issues behind closed doors, lock it and throw the key away. The parents can't help the kids because the parents have issues themselves. Everybody just chooses to look the other way.
The entire town is built on lies and it takes the disappearance of one girl to bring all those lies to the surface.
Susannah compares the lies and deceit to tree roots... and once you start pulling the roots of a tree up, you can't stop until you reach the end.
Breaking Glass is full of intrigue, suspense, drama, a little romance, and a roller coaster ride of twists and plot turns! Every time you think you have it all figured out, the story takes a turn and leads you down another path. The ending is sweet justice in a way. Ms. Amowitz does an excellent job of creating deep, complex characters. You might not like them by the end of the story; and perhaps it was not her intention for you to love them or root for them, but they are the way they are... the way they have to be... in order for the story to tell itself.
This web is definitely tangled....everyone most certainly meant to deceive... and you are drawn in from the start and won't want to put it down until the end!
June 23, 2013
One of the best things about being at BEA was meeting people, one of the best people I met was Lisa Amowitz, and I was nervous starting out Breaking Glass for fear I wouldn't like it, but I shouldn't have worried, because I loved, adored, was amazed by Breaking Glass.
From the first page I was hooked, Lisa Amowitz has a writing style that made me feel sad I had social engagements because all I wanted to do was sit down and read this book from start to end, the writing style is precise, it isn't bogged down with needless details, but yet it's at the same time full of information, we're told everything we need to know without it ever feeling like we're being force-fed information.
I haven't read many scary/paranormal YA books, only two others, and this one blew them both out of the water, this book is one of those that puts me into a reading slump because I compare all other books to this for weeks and no others are on par with this book - this book is surely going to be one of my top ten books of 2013, I've only found two other books so far this year that I know are going to have a spot in the top ten, so this is obviously something abnormal, but this book was so good.
I really, really hope Lisa Amowitz writes more, as I'm going to buy everything she writes, as I think she could even pull off a book about her going to the store to get things from her grocery list with her superb writing style.
Bump this book to the TOP of your TBR piles, it will be worth the read, even if you don't like paranormal, it's an amazing book with so many twists and turns that surprised me, and a very very unique plot.
From the first page I was hooked, Lisa Amowitz has a writing style that made me feel sad I had social engagements because all I wanted to do was sit down and read this book from start to end, the writing style is precise, it isn't bogged down with needless details, but yet it's at the same time full of information, we're told everything we need to know without it ever feeling like we're being force-fed information.
I haven't read many scary/paranormal YA books, only two others, and this one blew them both out of the water, this book is one of those that puts me into a reading slump because I compare all other books to this for weeks and no others are on par with this book - this book is surely going to be one of my top ten books of 2013, I've only found two other books so far this year that I know are going to have a spot in the top ten, so this is obviously something abnormal, but this book was so good.
I really, really hope Lisa Amowitz writes more, as I'm going to buy everything she writes, as I think she could even pull off a book about her going to the store to get things from her grocery list with her superb writing style.
Bump this book to the TOP of your TBR piles, it will be worth the read, even if you don't like paranormal, it's an amazing book with so many twists and turns that surprised me, and a very very unique plot.
June 29, 2013
I liked this dark and twisty book and connected with Jeremy. He was a complicated character with a lot of problems, and only found more as the book went along. It was very realistic when dealing with the medical aspects though. He lost a leg and had a long battle to healing and recovery, and none of it was skimmed over.
Jeremy is such a joker on the outside, but underneath, he is dealing with a lot. He has issues with water, ptsd, drinking, and then he, the track star, lost his leg.
There are several players in this story, and I never knew what to think, what happened to Suzannah, or what other secrets were floating around. It was quite a journey as Jeremy tried to uncover truths, and struggled with himself whether he was insane, and I, as the reader, often wondered that as well since his mother had the history of mental illness.
For the most part it feels like a contemporary, but there are scenes with ghostly presences, and seeming messages and dreams from beyond the grave, so it mostly read like a mystery and thriller, and a good one at that.
I liked the ending, and though at a couple of parts it felt a bit rushed to tie up all of the ends, it definitely left me flipping through the pages needing to find the answers to the questions unearthed in the book. Everything was answered and although there were a few people that didn't quite get their hea, they still have the best possible for what the story threw at them.
Bottom Line: Dark mystery that left me flipping pages eager to know what happens.
Jeremy is such a joker on the outside, but underneath, he is dealing with a lot. He has issues with water, ptsd, drinking, and then he, the track star, lost his leg.
There are several players in this story, and I never knew what to think, what happened to Suzannah, or what other secrets were floating around. It was quite a journey as Jeremy tried to uncover truths, and struggled with himself whether he was insane, and I, as the reader, often wondered that as well since his mother had the history of mental illness.
For the most part it feels like a contemporary, but there are scenes with ghostly presences, and seeming messages and dreams from beyond the grave, so it mostly read like a mystery and thriller, and a good one at that.
I liked the ending, and though at a couple of parts it felt a bit rushed to tie up all of the ends, it definitely left me flipping through the pages needing to find the answers to the questions unearthed in the book. Everything was answered and although there were a few people that didn't quite get their hea, they still have the best possible for what the story threw at them.
Bottom Line: Dark mystery that left me flipping pages eager to know what happens.
April 26, 2015
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More reviews at Readers in Wonderland
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BREAKING GLASS was so much more than I had expected. It is a story of love, loss, friendship, and determination and all of these come together to create a great story. It was definitely one of the better YA thrillers I have read.
Jeremy Glass, star of the track team and lover of history, ends up in the hospital injured and disoriented, the last thing he remembers was his best friend, Ryan, pushing his girlfriend-and Ryan’s crush-down and taking a massive fall. But Susannah is missing and Ryan is insisting that we was never in that area, although Jeremy saw him.
Surprisingly, this novel has so many elements in play and it still manages to work perfectly. There’s some occult, some murder mystery, some family issues, first love, and so much more. It is especially rewarding when you find out how they tie together in the end.
There were some lulls in the pacing of BREAKING GLASS, but trying to solve the overall mystery really keeps you involved in the story. It was completely unpredictable and I remember reading and being genuinely surprised at all the twists and turns.
I definitely recommended this to anyone who loves a good mystery, all the other stuff is just an amazing bonus that you will also be sure to enjoy.
More reviews at Readers in Wonderland
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BREAKING GLASS was so much more than I had expected. It is a story of love, loss, friendship, and determination and all of these come together to create a great story. It was definitely one of the better YA thrillers I have read.
Jeremy Glass, star of the track team and lover of history, ends up in the hospital injured and disoriented, the last thing he remembers was his best friend, Ryan, pushing his girlfriend-and Ryan’s crush-down and taking a massive fall. But Susannah is missing and Ryan is insisting that we was never in that area, although Jeremy saw him.
Surprisingly, this novel has so many elements in play and it still manages to work perfectly. There’s some occult, some murder mystery, some family issues, first love, and so much more. It is especially rewarding when you find out how they tie together in the end.
There were some lulls in the pacing of BREAKING GLASS, but trying to solve the overall mystery really keeps you involved in the story. It was completely unpredictable and I remember reading and being genuinely surprised at all the twists and turns.
I definitely recommended this to anyone who loves a good mystery, all the other stuff is just an amazing bonus that you will also be sure to enjoy.
June 22, 2013
I couldn't wait to read this book. I mean it's written by the cover artist of my own book. But in the back of my mind? What if I don't like it? Dun dun dun. Luckily, I didn't.
I LOVED IT.
I devoured it. My kids were not happy that I couldn't stop reading. But I couldn't. I had to know what was going to happen. The writing was great, the main character, Jeremy, was so real I could hug him. He was flawed (majorly) but absolutely lovable anyway (how does she do that so well?). And the mystery aspect had me guessing through the majority of the book. It was balanced perfectly with the character development and the touch of paranormal was perfect as well. My kind of book!!! :D I highly recommend it.
I LOVED IT.
I devoured it. My kids were not happy that I couldn't stop reading. But I couldn't. I had to know what was going to happen. The writing was great, the main character, Jeremy, was so real I could hug him. He was flawed (majorly) but absolutely lovable anyway (how does she do that so well?). And the mystery aspect had me guessing through the majority of the book. It was balanced perfectly with the character development and the touch of paranormal was perfect as well. My kind of book!!! :D I highly recommend it.
September 23, 2013
It's been soooo long since I've read anything paranormal and this book was a perfect way for me to get back in to the genre. Lots of mystery and intrigue to keep me guessing, and lots of creepy happenings to keep me chewing my finger nails!
I felt there were a couple of things that could've done with a bit more of an explanation and the epilogue could've been a little longer and more detailed, but other than that I really enjoyed reading Breaking Glass.
I felt there were a couple of things that could've done with a bit more of an explanation and the epilogue could've been a little longer and more detailed, but other than that I really enjoyed reading Breaking Glass.
July 9, 2013
Ha! I just realized I mixed up my book reviews. Sorry.
Breaking Glass was a mature teen thriller that took my breath away. I don't want to spoil anything, but the end...wow. Just wow. If you are a fan of dark YA books like Pretty Little Liars, this book is right up your alley!
Breaking Glass was a mature teen thriller that took my breath away. I don't want to spoil anything, but the end...wow. Just wow. If you are a fan of dark YA books like Pretty Little Liars, this book is right up your alley!
July 24, 2013
What an amazing story. I couldn't put it down, and this isn't my usual genre. Incredibly well done. I look forward to more from Ms. Amowitz.
July 3, 2013
Jeremy Glass has had feelings for Susannah Durban since they were just kids but could never do anything about it since she was dating his best friend, Ryan. On the night Jeremy ended up at the hospital with a broken leg and high levels of alcohol streaming through his veins, is the same night Susannah goes missing. Weeks go by and no ones has heard from her, no one expect Jeremy. Is Susannah really contacting him from the other side? Or is Jeremy, like his mother, finally losing his mind. Through a chain of clues, Jeremy finally understands what he must do and uncover long ago secrets of the past if he is to ever find out what really happened to Susannah, but the closer he gets to the truth, the more danger he's in, and risks becoming the next victim.
Breaking Glass is a gripping and haunting story that are filled with so many surprises, twists and turns. The way Lisa Amowitz spins this tale is incredibly clever, strong and very unpredictable. I never saw half of what happened coming. I enjoyed the way she did the Then and Now method. It gave us great insight into Jeremy's memories and gave us a wider look into his past and clues about his present situation. Amowitz really gave her readers this time to understand Jeremy on a deeper level and to feel the magnitude of the tragedy that he has unfolded.
I never thought I'd say this, but I'm really starting to love whodunit mysteries. The rush I get at the end always makes my reading experience more fulfilling and Amowitz's book is quite the mystery. The entire story-line feels like it's teetering on a live wire and the slightest touch will set it off, so I'm not to sure what I could say about the plot without revealing something that your not suppose to know till you've read the book. So, with that said, all I'm gonna say about this is, pay attention, let these characters take you into their story and keep in mind that not everything is at it seems. I had a lot of fun trying to figure out what Susannah was trying to get at with her messages but at the same time it was rather creepy to see what she was going to do next. By the time I finished this book I was really shocked to discover how deep all the secrets ran and how many lives it touched and ruined.
This has a very interesting cast of characters and as much as I liked them I questioned a lot of who I could really trust.
~Jeremy is a very lost, confused and emotionally raw character and your heart will pound for and with him throughout this entire novel. Given his mothers own alcoholic issues, Jeremy is on the same road to self-destruction. It was hard to focus on the blur of his reality, of what was real and what was hallucinations, but it made going through this journey with him more tangible somehow. Like he had to fight his own inner demons to solve what Susannah wanted him to discover the entire time. My heart truly goes out to him.
~Marisa was a nice addition to the story as well. I think it gave Jeremy that ray of hope. She represents a new beginning, a fresh start and sanity after all the insane.
~As for Susannah, we only know her through Jeremy's memories and the clues she leaves, but she is still very much a present force in this novel. She's a very intense and shattered character. I thought the way she stringed along all the pieces to the puzzle was quite cunning but cruel. Ryan is a character I though I figured all out form the beginning, but he proves that in this book, nothing is what it seems.
All in all, I really enjoyed Breaking Glass. The writing is absorbing and fantastic, the characters will have your head spinning and your heart breaking and the story-line has an incredible blend of mystery, thriller with a touch of supernatural to give it that extra edge with a spark of romance that will make you smile. A really great read, I'm looking forward to reading more from this amazing talent.
Breaking Glass is a gripping and haunting story that are filled with so many surprises, twists and turns. The way Lisa Amowitz spins this tale is incredibly clever, strong and very unpredictable. I never saw half of what happened coming. I enjoyed the way she did the Then and Now method. It gave us great insight into Jeremy's memories and gave us a wider look into his past and clues about his present situation. Amowitz really gave her readers this time to understand Jeremy on a deeper level and to feel the magnitude of the tragedy that he has unfolded.
I never thought I'd say this, but I'm really starting to love whodunit mysteries. The rush I get at the end always makes my reading experience more fulfilling and Amowitz's book is quite the mystery. The entire story-line feels like it's teetering on a live wire and the slightest touch will set it off, so I'm not to sure what I could say about the plot without revealing something that your not suppose to know till you've read the book. So, with that said, all I'm gonna say about this is, pay attention, let these characters take you into their story and keep in mind that not everything is at it seems. I had a lot of fun trying to figure out what Susannah was trying to get at with her messages but at the same time it was rather creepy to see what she was going to do next. By the time I finished this book I was really shocked to discover how deep all the secrets ran and how many lives it touched and ruined.
This has a very interesting cast of characters and as much as I liked them I questioned a lot of who I could really trust.
~Jeremy is a very lost, confused and emotionally raw character and your heart will pound for and with him throughout this entire novel. Given his mothers own alcoholic issues, Jeremy is on the same road to self-destruction. It was hard to focus on the blur of his reality, of what was real and what was hallucinations, but it made going through this journey with him more tangible somehow. Like he had to fight his own inner demons to solve what Susannah wanted him to discover the entire time. My heart truly goes out to him.
~Marisa was a nice addition to the story as well. I think it gave Jeremy that ray of hope. She represents a new beginning, a fresh start and sanity after all the insane.
~As for Susannah, we only know her through Jeremy's memories and the clues she leaves, but she is still very much a present force in this novel. She's a very intense and shattered character. I thought the way she stringed along all the pieces to the puzzle was quite cunning but cruel. Ryan is a character I though I figured all out form the beginning, but he proves that in this book, nothing is what it seems.
All in all, I really enjoyed Breaking Glass. The writing is absorbing and fantastic, the characters will have your head spinning and your heart breaking and the story-line has an incredible blend of mystery, thriller with a touch of supernatural to give it that extra edge with a spark of romance that will make you smile. A really great read, I'm looking forward to reading more from this amazing talent.
June 21, 2013
Breaking Glass was one of my most anticipated reads of the summer, so when I received an ARC in the mail, there was quite a bit of might have been a little bit of jumping up and down (which led to my husband thinking I was crazy…oh well, you all understand me). After I calmed down, I immediately dove into the mystery that is Breaking Glass.
Jeremy Glass has always had a crush on Susannah Durban but he’s never been able to tell her how he feels since she is dating his best friend, Ryan. On the night that Jeremy gets drunk and is hit by a car, Susannah disappears. No one has heard from Susannah since the night that she disappeared, no one except for Jeremy. Susannah has been sending Jeremy messages and he’s the only one who can figure out if Susannah is really trying to contact him from the other side or if he’s going crazy.
Lisa Amowitz wrote Jeremy so perfectly, due to his mom’s history and the fact that he is an alcoholic I was constantly going back and forth on whether or not he was actually being haunted by Susannah. Marisa was a really great character, even though I wasn’t sure what to think of her at the beginning, I completely adored her by the end.
Overall, Breaking Glass is a suspenseful and gripping mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat. I have to say that this is one of the best mystery books that I have read, there were so many twists and turns that I never saw coming. I went into this book with high expectations and I am happy to say that it did not disappoint, this book was fantastic and I look forward to reading more books by Lisa Amowitz.
*This book was provided to me free of charge by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, this does not affect my review in any way, all opinions are my own*
Review @ http://christysbookaddiction.blogspot...
Jeremy Glass has always had a crush on Susannah Durban but he’s never been able to tell her how he feels since she is dating his best friend, Ryan. On the night that Jeremy gets drunk and is hit by a car, Susannah disappears. No one has heard from Susannah since the night that she disappeared, no one except for Jeremy. Susannah has been sending Jeremy messages and he’s the only one who can figure out if Susannah is really trying to contact him from the other side or if he’s going crazy.
Lisa Amowitz wrote Jeremy so perfectly, due to his mom’s history and the fact that he is an alcoholic I was constantly going back and forth on whether or not he was actually being haunted by Susannah. Marisa was a really great character, even though I wasn’t sure what to think of her at the beginning, I completely adored her by the end.
Overall, Breaking Glass is a suspenseful and gripping mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat. I have to say that this is one of the best mystery books that I have read, there were so many twists and turns that I never saw coming. I went into this book with high expectations and I am happy to say that it did not disappoint, this book was fantastic and I look forward to reading more books by Lisa Amowitz.
*This book was provided to me free of charge by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, this does not affect my review in any way, all opinions are my own*
Review @ http://christysbookaddiction.blogspot...
June 14, 2013
I loved this book! the character of Jeremy Glass is heartbreaking and made me want to climb into the story and stand up for him time and time again. He is such a broken and sweet boy who has no clue what he is getting into and no one to look up to.
The Mystery: where is Susannah? is she really dead? is Jeremy going crazy just like his mother did? and if Susannah is dead who killed her? Jeremy is afried that time is running out for him to find her, because he just might be the next victim.
Susannah was a very complex character who you want to hate but you just end up feeling bad for because she had a horrible life. Susannah who has gone missing is starting to send Jeremy messages from the other side or maybe he is just going crazy, it is possible. His mother was crazy they say and she did drive herself off that bridge but then you can't always believe what people say in town for they are all under the thumb of one man, Patrick Morgan.
Patrick Morgan was the ultimate bad guy smooth as silk when it came to public appearances but behind the scenes was a right a-hole! there were about a hundred times I wanted to jump right into the book myself and strangle the man for his high handed ways. His son is the town Golden Boy who every girl wants to have, every boy wants to be and is Jeremy's Best friend and Susannah's boyfriend.
This book was amazing! I cried for Jeremy's heartache and pain. I savoured each and every word! Lisa Amowitz is a amazingly talented writer and I enjoyed myself immensely in her world of fiction. The Book does have a back and forth between the past and the present but without it the story couldn't be told properly. Lisa did an wonderful job on this book and I for one am now a huge fan!
The Mystery: where is Susannah? is she really dead? is Jeremy going crazy just like his mother did? and if Susannah is dead who killed her? Jeremy is afried that time is running out for him to find her, because he just might be the next victim.
Susannah was a very complex character who you want to hate but you just end up feeling bad for because she had a horrible life. Susannah who has gone missing is starting to send Jeremy messages from the other side or maybe he is just going crazy, it is possible. His mother was crazy they say and she did drive herself off that bridge but then you can't always believe what people say in town for they are all under the thumb of one man, Patrick Morgan.
Patrick Morgan was the ultimate bad guy smooth as silk when it came to public appearances but behind the scenes was a right a-hole! there were about a hundred times I wanted to jump right into the book myself and strangle the man for his high handed ways. His son is the town Golden Boy who every girl wants to have, every boy wants to be and is Jeremy's Best friend and Susannah's boyfriend.
This book was amazing! I cried for Jeremy's heartache and pain. I savoured each and every word! Lisa Amowitz is a amazingly talented writer and I enjoyed myself immensely in her world of fiction. The Book does have a back and forth between the past and the present but without it the story couldn't be told properly. Lisa did an wonderful job on this book and I for one am now a huge fan!
November 8, 2013
On the surface, “Breaking Glass” appears that it is going to be a typical romance; a love story between two individuals PLUS the best friend / third wheel who is really right for the girl. And make that a YA romance since our protagonists are seniors in high school.
Now, take that assumption and toss it out the window, because author Lisa Amowitz turns it on its ear.
Everyone has secrets. The characters in “Breaking Glass” are no exception. BUT … the depth of those secrets, and how they intertwine, provides a richness and depth which I do not often find in ANY novel, let alone And, while you’re at it, DROP the concept of those categories altogether. This book successfully mixes YA, romance, mystery/suspense, horror, and others into a cohesive page-turner.
I found it difficult to put this book down; trying to find out what happened to a missing girl began to peel away secrets upon secrets – EVERY major character (including a few who were deceased long before the timeframe of the book) had a secret, and they all seemed to intertwine.
RATING: Unhesitant – 5 stars. It kept my attention and will remain with me long after I’ve finished reading my NEXT book.
DISCLOSURE: I am part of an approximately 20 person distribution list who are passing along and reading the same copy of this book. It was provided by the author free of charge, with the request that we read it promptly, then provide a review and that we post a photo of us with the book before sending along to the next person on the list.
Now, take that assumption and toss it out the window, because author Lisa Amowitz turns it on its ear.
Everyone has secrets. The characters in “Breaking Glass” are no exception. BUT … the depth of those secrets, and how they intertwine, provides a richness and depth which I do not often find in ANY novel, let alone And, while you’re at it, DROP the concept of those categories altogether. This book successfully mixes YA, romance, mystery/suspense, horror, and others into a cohesive page-turner.
I found it difficult to put this book down; trying to find out what happened to a missing girl began to peel away secrets upon secrets – EVERY major character (including a few who were deceased long before the timeframe of the book) had a secret, and they all seemed to intertwine.
RATING: Unhesitant – 5 stars. It kept my attention and will remain with me long after I’ve finished reading my NEXT book.
DISCLOSURE: I am part of an approximately 20 person distribution list who are passing along and reading the same copy of this book. It was provided by the author free of charge, with the request that we read it promptly, then provide a review and that we post a photo of us with the book before sending along to the next person on the list.
November 23, 2013
Wow is all I can say about this book. It was amazing and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I had a hard time putting it down once I started and the lack of sleep really started to show hehehe.
Jeremy is an exceptional student and star runner on his high school track team. He is in love with his best friend Ryan's girlfriend Susannah. Ryan cheats on Susannah all the time and Jeremy knows but hides it from her which kills him. When Susannah comes home early from an art school she was trying to attend she catches Ryan in the act and runs off. When Ryan leaves to find her Jeremy gets in his car to find them. He catches up with them arguing on the side of the road and knows he needs to intervene. Big mistake.
Jeremy has a lot of secrets himself and Alcohol is one of them. He takes a big drink then gets out of the car to go stop the arguing. He never makes it across the street. That is when his life changed forever. It is also the night that Susannah disappears and although she does that often Jeremy knows this time is different and something is wrong.
Can Jeremy find out what has happened to Susannah while he is healing from the worst night of his life? What secrets will Jeremy find out about not only Susannah but everyone else in his life also? This is a great book that will have your blood pumping and unexpected things happen around every corner. You have to read this book. I was lucky enough to get this book as a traveling book and I am so glad I signed up. Thank you Lisa for writing such an amazing book. I can't wait to read more from you.
Jeremy is an exceptional student and star runner on his high school track team. He is in love with his best friend Ryan's girlfriend Susannah. Ryan cheats on Susannah all the time and Jeremy knows but hides it from her which kills him. When Susannah comes home early from an art school she was trying to attend she catches Ryan in the act and runs off. When Ryan leaves to find her Jeremy gets in his car to find them. He catches up with them arguing on the side of the road and knows he needs to intervene. Big mistake.
Jeremy has a lot of secrets himself and Alcohol is one of them. He takes a big drink then gets out of the car to go stop the arguing. He never makes it across the street. That is when his life changed forever. It is also the night that Susannah disappears and although she does that often Jeremy knows this time is different and something is wrong.
Can Jeremy find out what has happened to Susannah while he is healing from the worst night of his life? What secrets will Jeremy find out about not only Susannah but everyone else in his life also? This is a great book that will have your blood pumping and unexpected things happen around every corner. You have to read this book. I was lucky enough to get this book as a traveling book and I am so glad I signed up. Thank you Lisa for writing such an amazing book. I can't wait to read more from you.
June 3, 2013
Amazing!
BREAKING GLASS is a gripping, emotionally-raw story, which unfolds with the force of Lisa Amowitz's unflinching storytelling. The themes here are darker than what I normally read, to be honest, but I really enjoyed it. At times reality-bending, BREAKING GLASS is also heartbreakingly real.
This gritty YA mystery has some really creepy supernatural elements and explores some disturbing & mature issues. This is not a "comfortable" book or a "sweet" book, but it's amazing. I found the pov character, Jeremy Glass, deeply flawed, but sympathetic. I was routing for him--even yelling at him at times!--but always on his side. I kept flipping through the pages greedily, wanting to know what was going to happen next.
Note: I had the privilege of reading BREAKING GLASS as a beta reader. I met Lisa Amowitz through a group blog we belong to, but, honestly, I soon forgot I was reading Lisa's book and was completely in Jeremy Glass's head.
BREAKING GLASS is a gripping, emotionally-raw story, which unfolds with the force of Lisa Amowitz's unflinching storytelling. The themes here are darker than what I normally read, to be honest, but I really enjoyed it. At times reality-bending, BREAKING GLASS is also heartbreakingly real.
This gritty YA mystery has some really creepy supernatural elements and explores some disturbing & mature issues. This is not a "comfortable" book or a "sweet" book, but it's amazing. I found the pov character, Jeremy Glass, deeply flawed, but sympathetic. I was routing for him--even yelling at him at times!--but always on his side. I kept flipping through the pages greedily, wanting to know what was going to happen next.
Note: I had the privilege of reading BREAKING GLASS as a beta reader. I met Lisa Amowitz through a group blog we belong to, but, honestly, I soon forgot I was reading Lisa's book and was completely in Jeremy Glass's head.
November 18, 2013
Oh my stars. This was one awesome book. It read like a Stephen King novel for young adults. Not only was each page a page-turner, each page had me wondering where the author was taking me next. Her characters were extremely well-developed and not at all predictable. Though I'm usually good at figuring out which way a story will turn, Lisa Amowitz proved me wrong each time. The crap that Jeremy Glass has to endure could have been viewed as unrealistic if written by a lesser author, but Ms. Amowitz makes it real and believable. And her character Ryan proves to be just as strong a character as Jeremy.
I hope this author has more stories up her sleeve, because she is a remarkable story teller. Stephen King, you've met your match.
I hope this author has more stories up her sleeve, because she is a remarkable story teller. Stephen King, you've met your match.
July 6, 2013
OMG what a remarkable, sit on the edge, eyes glued to the pages, heart thumping book. The twists and turns kept me guessing all the way up to the end and still I sit here saying to myself, "Wow". The characters are intense and so much emotion penetrates the pages through them. I want to say so much about this book but I fear I would say too much. With that being said, I will end this review saying.... Well done Lisa Amowitz!
September 26, 2013
Mysterious and intriguing, this YA thriller not only get me turning pages, it kept me guessing. Her main character is a great lesson in character development, as she makes him at once flawed and the person you MUST root for. A great story from start to finish, my advice to you is to RUN and get this book ASAP!!! Definitely something for the MUST READ shelf!
August 14, 2013
Non-spoiler review: go, read it!
Spoiler review:
5 stars. Hell, the first good book in DAYS.
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