I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I would definitely give it a 4.5 star rating instead of 4 stars if I could. I have to say that my feelings for this book changed quite dramatically as this book progressed. The first few chapters didn't grab me in quite the way I wanted them too, mostly because this book had been recommended to me as a book a bout FRIENDSHIP and the first thing the narrator, Caddy, wants to talk about is boys. Not only that, but Caddy's jealousy of Suzanne and the immature way that she handled it really got to me to begin with. I got so frustrated with her petty actions but persevered because this book had come with such praise from Book Bloggers whom I trust a lot. I think that the book really took a turn for the better when Caddy and Suzanne began to grow closer. This quickly became one of the best books I've read on friendship in a LONG time. Barnard writes really well and I loved that her story is so deeply rooted in social media as this is now such a big thing (especially for young people) in today's society. Too few books include the technological world in their story-lines but Barnard made it work and as a result, the plot was a whole lot more relateable. Caddy's character developed a lot (as did Suzanne's and Rosie's) and I liked that while she could still be selfish at times, she had only good intentions. I realised that she represented a large portion of our society, wrapped up in their own problems and lacking the understanding to realise how to deal with someone who suffers with a severe mental health issue. Barnard handled that topic beautifully too and this is my favourite contemporary read of the year so far. The ending made me cry a little too, so be prepared to be very emotional as the book reaches it's climax!

4.5 Stars.

For a full review, see here: http://chasedbymyimagination.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/book-review-arc-beautiful-broken-things.html