Phenomenally written.
591975
If you are looking for another sappy love story that will leave you with butterflies in your belly, thinking of rainbows and glitter while you day dream about the half naked hunk riding up on some mythical steed, move along. This book is out of your league.

Broken by Kimberley Hatch, it breaks you. A million times. I think I went through five rolls of toilet paper sobbing my eyes out all while screaming at Lucas/Luke (depending on who is talking). And yes, toilet paper. I cried so much I wasn't going to run to the store snot nose and red eyed having people think I was coming down off a nasty break up.

So this book has two points of view, Chelsea, the sister and Lucas (known as Luke to Chelsea) the brother with an addiction problem. An addiction to heroin. His first overdose was when Chelsea was a very young child, but she never forgot that memory of her and her family frantically running through the hospital and her father demanding answers.

Sadly, like a lot of addicts, Lucas is still battling his addiction. Numerous rehab stays and relapses later, Chelsea is the only one by his side. She is a student going to school to to learn even more on drug addiction than what she knows first hand. She is also a teacher. A teacher to sweet little ballet dancers...

Then there is Jude. Her teacher. Things get murky in this area. Maybe even steamy? You'll have to definitely pick up a copy of the book to find out. I'm not a spoiler....

Erica, she is another character in this whirlwind of a tale... I thought she was a minor character. Just Chelsea's BFF. Popcorn and wine. Help find all the drugs in the BFF's brother's house for when he gets out of this next stint at rehab kind of chick... but she ends up being such a deep character. Her dance number, left me POWER READING through the book! I HAD TO GET THE ANSWERS!  When I did, I was stunned. A twist I didn't see coming.

I thought I had this book predicted, I will be 100% honest. And even with my predictable ending, I thought, it still would have been a strong ending. But this my friends is why I AM NOT AN AUTHOR. Hatch, SHOCKS YOU ONE LAST TIME!!! I was stunned. I literally, had to put the book down. I was floored.

The epilogue, by far, the sweetest thing and most few pages, I think to any book to date! I truly, read it and then re-read it out loud to my husband because, it was just, it gave me goosebumps. Even he, who assumed that all I read is "chick flick books" was floored.

This book will break you. Then it will put you back together, only to break you again. It is real. If you know anyone who suffers from addiction, Kimberley Hatch covered this heavy subject honestly and beautifully. I applaud her.
150767
Could not put this one down. This is an amazingly well-written book that trancends the genre.
2960242
incredible writing.the writer feels what Jack feels and is able to convet to reader. the way she uses the language is so powerful that language is like a character in the book.
Thank you Emma Donoghue
4079952
Overall phenomenal story line, characters, and writing. It can be a bit hard to read just based on the subject matter but if you can handle it, you will be riveted.
3095542
I could not put this down. Phenomenally written, wonderful characters and an honesty that cuts straight into your soul. Excellent plot as well.
87067
there are no words to describe how much I loved this book!  The writing was phenomenal, the story amazing and I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everything about it!
359163
The writing was some of the most beautiful I have ever read. We read this in my book club and analyzed the book. The history behind the story was fascinating. Not everyone enjoyed the book, but we all agreed that the writing was incredible. If you are a lover of fine literature I highly recommend reading this book.
1051531
Here's a must read. A phenomenal and thoughtful piece of writing!
1144896
The writing in this book is too good, too polished for me to believe that it was written by a virtual unknown.  Excellent writing - very violent,  sexual, yet fluid and mesmerizing.  If you can find this book, disregard  the cover and pick it up.  Great character development and a moving  plot.
I picked it up on a whim, and it is one of the most well-wriiten  books that I have ever come accross.
104178
From the first few pages, the style of writing just draws you in.  Both the narration in the First person, and the very current references, make this a must read.
4213803
I. too,would give it more than 6 stars if I could. Gorgeous and amazing writing, fabulous characters, the descriptions of the swamp settings are surreal.  I was blown away by this writer who is massively talented.
206339
Love the writing.  Love the clarity of the way it really is.
3262074
Loved it. Fantastic writing. Superb characterization. Laughed so hard it felt like abdominal exercise. Read it. You won't regret it.
2312282
Excellent writing. I picked it up today and read about first 100 pages. I am blown away by the journey of discovery the writer makes. She exposes her soul, engages you in her world, her life. Simply awesome reading. I want more of this kind of writing
625292
Wow!  Phenomenal story which was extremely written and totally kept my attention thro every page. A lot of depth and emotion. I appreciate the fact that although there was sex, it wasn't graphic and extremely detailed but contributed to the story as a whole.
4856615
I truly loved the writing here. The book makes you feel as though you are a part of the story.
724597
This was a fantastic book.  The writing was incredible in terms of wording and phrasing, the characters had depth and believability, and the story was riveting.  The only thing that some people might find a little distracting was the alternating of characters and dates in each chapter, as well as super short chapters.  I still haven't decided whether that was a detriment or a positive.  It would definitely not keep me from reading the book in any case.