this book isn't for the lighthearted

its deep and sad and emotional and beautiful, just as the title describes

3.0 STARS

An enjoyable quick and easy read full of drama and friendship.

One of the most powerful stories about friendship I’ve ever read. What a debut.

Originally posted on my blog Ashleigh Online

I read Beautiful Broken Things late last year for a My Kinda Book book club event (which was amazing fun by the way, so keep an eye out for more in the future because they’re about to open up to everyone). But even though it’s been a few months since I read it, I’m still in love with this book. It’s so powerful and so honest that I’m sure it’ll stay with me for many years.

It’s a gorgeous story of completely and utterly believable friendship between three very different girls with very different backgrounds, families and vulnerabilities. Romance isn’t important here, it’s all about getting to know these complex characters and their relationships with one another.

Sara Barnard approaches the subjects of mental health and abuse with such finesse, delicately enough to bring comfort to those who’ve experienced it through its relatable characters, yet brutally enough to be eye-opening to those who haven’t. You won’t find any sugar-coating here, but you will find a satisfyingly heart-warming feeling that’ll make you want to go out and hug all your friends once you’ve finished it. It’s honest and thought-provoking, and takes you through whole range of emotions as you turn the pages, and I expect you’ll shed a tear or two like I did.

At the MKB book club, Sara was there to chat about her book, and one of the questions asked was who our favourite character out of the three girls was. I think my favourite is Rosie, but it’s incredible how many different favourites the group had. Sara said hers was Suzanne, which is one of the reasons I’m so excited for everyone to read this novel – so many people are going to love it because no matter what your personality, background or situation, there’s always going to be someone to relate to.

Sara Barnard is without doubt an author to watch. This is one of the most incredible debuts I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to find out what she’s working on next.

I really enjoyed the book but more for the story than the characters themselves.

Caddy was a little too blank and too much of a pushover, if she didn't want to go to private school why wasn't she honest with her parents? Rosie was quite brash and harsh and didn't seem like a very good best friend. She was also selfish and started to act up as soon as things weren't about her.

I loved Suzanne's character and her friendship with Caddy was so pure. Suzanne was selfish and reckless and vibrant and brave and sad. She was both everything and nothing and I loved her story arc and the way she changed everything, she was like a storm blowing through town.

I didn't understand how Suzanne and Rosie became friends, they're similar enough that I can imagine them clashing strongly even at the start. I did love how Suzanne's story didn't end with everything being fixed and perfect because real life isn't like that. It's a process that takes time.

For more reviews see: https://owls-rainbow.blogspot.com/

This book was the book I needed without even knowing it. I cried, I laughed.
It features strongs relationship, not a SINGLE ONE love story AND a plot twist I didn't figure out after the first 10 pages!! What can I ask more?? I would have put 5 stars if it wasn't for the too-less-defined PC.

Finally a book that got me out of my reading slump (which I have for about a year now).
I loved the story, and I absolutely loved the writing. I don't want to say goodbye to these characters and I am desperately needing another book written by Sara!

Originally reviewed on thebasicbookbitch

Caddy is a typical sixteen year old who lives in Brighton. She is from a good family and attends private school but she wishes she was a bit more interesting like her best friend Rosie who attends the local comprehensive school.

Despite going to different schools Caddy and Rosie are inseparable, that is until a new girl starts at Rosie's school. Suzanne is beautiful, funny, king and warm, and at first Caddy thinks she is stealing her best friend away from her, but after warming to her Caddy soon realises that there is a lot more to Suzanne than meets the eye and she is hurt. Very hurt.

This book deals with some pretty heavy topics including abuse, mental illness and self harm. These are all very tricky topics to deal with but they are handled very well and as this book is told from Caddy's point of view it almost acts as an education as this is the first time she has ever had to deal with these types of issues.

Sara Barnard writes the teenage voice incredibly well. Not once does it come across as false or try hard and I definitely remember having very similar feelings when I was sixteen. All three of the girls in the book are well fleshed out with very distinct personalities and all of them reminded me of someone I knew when I was younger.

It's incredibly refreshing to see a YA book based entirely on friendships and I loved this aspect of the book. I would happily give this book to my eleven year old cousin and think that it is a good read for her.

Beautiful Broken Things is a great read that will have you grinning from ear to ear but will also have you on the edge of tears. It is an easy read and flows really nicely and I think this is a great book for many different audiences.

Tears in my eyes, my heart a little broken but not smashed, you know... I really like Sara Bernard's writing.

I loved this book, I loved that it was written in such a way that puts strong female friendships at the centre of the plot. Showing how strong and important friendships are and how they can be so much more important than romantic relationships.

I loved Caddy too, i saw so much of myself in him and could definitely identify with her

There wasn’t really a love interest that I know so many books to have. The fact that it highlighted mental health and how it effects not just the individual but the people around them. Couldn’t put this book down, more books about friendships are defiantly needed

I really enjoyed the characters in this book and felt a strong affection for Suzanne, who is a damaged and ferocious female who creates the chaotic, pivotal moments. It reminded me of a Jacqueline Wilson plot; coming-of-age story about young girls coming to terms with tough life issues.

As far as a YA fiction goes, I liked this and would recommend.