3 out of 4 stars
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Have you ever read a book that sticks with you for days or weeks after you finish it? Have there been books that you have finished that you have to stop and process before you begin another one? Behind Broken Glass Walls by N. M. Aaroones is such a book.
Oceana is a single, working mother trying to raise her teenager daughter Drachea. Her ex-husband gets visitation days only on Sundays. Unfortunately, high school is no walk in the park. Drachea doesn't feel like she fits in, and she has the misfortune to become a target for the jocks in the school. You see, she doesn't dress like they think she should. She doesn't act like they think she should. She's an easy target, and they bully her at least twice a week. Her only friend is a girl named Emmalynne who doesn't quite fit in either. One day the boys go too far; Drachea snaps. She formulates a plan to get back the pieces of her soul that were stolen from her.
Behind Broken Glass Walls is not an easy story to read. There is abuse – verbal, physical and sexual. There are no puppy dogs and rainbows; in fact, the mood is downright melancholy most of the time. Yet, nothing is overdone. In the note to readers at the beginning of the book, the author herself states that there is nothing graphic that is not necessary to the plot – and I agree.
The characters are realistic. I felt their pain and anguish. I cried when they cried and hurt when they hurt. The author uses a third person omniscient voice, so that the reader is able to understand what everyone feels and sees. I had no trouble figuring out who was talking even in this perspective because the author uses this voice masterfully.
There was one flaw in this book. I hesitate to mention it for fear that it will keep someone from reading the book. Let me state first that this book is so powerful, I urge you to overlook this flaw and read it anyway. I don't normally say that; but, in this instance, it is necessary. Throughout the book, the author tends to switch back and forth between calling the main character him and her. This happened more than a few times. I did, also, spot some other grammatical errors that led me to believe this might not have been professionally edited.
Due to those grammatical issues, I am forced to rate the novel 3 out of 4 stars. However, I strongly urge everyone to pick up this book. Despite the nature of the book, the content would be suitable for anyone high school aged and up. This is a great conversation starter for those with teenage children. This isn't only for parents and their children, though; the strong message against violence, bullying and preconceived notions is one that we would all do well to learn from. I hope that it changes your heart as I know it has changed mine.
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Behind Broken Glass Walls
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