Kiss of Broken Glass audiobook

Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti? It's not new that I love reading books with issues, and honestly that's the only type of contemporary books that I still enjoy. So when I saw Kiss of the Broken Glass for the first time it was hard not to be intrigued by it. I'm happy to inform you that this book was everything I hoped it would be. Kenna, our main character in this story is a teen girl who when looked from the outside had a really normal teen life. What many parents ignore is that school highly influences kids and their behavior as schoolmates put the worst kind of pressure on you - peer pressure. Which is hard to ignore especially as that critical age is when kids wish to belong most of everything. So when her friends started cutting Kenna didn't feel like having a choice. Only what happens when cutting becomes much more than just some game and it turns into competition and serious issue. It was while in psychiatric watch that we get to meet Kenna better and when we get to see her story. It was really easy for me to feel for her, even though she is not really an optimistic character. At some moments she reminded me of Hazel from The Fault in Our Starts with her views and feelings. That's why this book felt real to me, as neither the author nor Kenna didn't feel like sugarcoating the situation. Now we come to the writing. When you read the blurb you can see it's written in verse and that kind of writing usually works for me. I shall say that not only I liked the verses but I also liked how writing changed throughout the story. It stopped when Kenna did and it changed as her thoughts did. Some might not like the chopped verses, but they correspond with Kenna which made me feel really connected with her. Lastly, kudos to whomever created this title, as it really is poetic and it fits the story.

Oh this was such a hauntingly realistic novel.It called out to all people struggling with self-harm and not just that issue. As an aspiring author, I thought that the writing weaved into the story beautifully and it created an illustrious picture of the main character and her hopes to become someone who doesn't have to feel a burden upon her shoulders.Inspiring, informative language was represented as a monumental shadowing within the book, the prose mixing with elements of surprise and exotic character development. Kenna, the main character, explained her struggles and experiences so well, done greatly by the author. Applause to Kuderick for making me feel such emotions!The TV show references, the Dan and Phil reference, the book references; they made it to be such an enjoyable read while still being informative and insightful. Absolutely beautiful.

**4/4.5 stars**Originally posted at: http://iliveforreading.blogspot.com/2...Of course, when I first saw this book, I was drawn to the cover immediately. THAT TYPOGRAPHY. THAT GLASS. THAT EVERYTHING. When I got the chance to review this book, I swooped at it. I mean, come on, THAT COVER. However, I didn’t know that it was a novel in verse. I haven’t read one in ages, and I love novels written in verse because not only are they really fast to read, but also has a lyrical quality that prose sometimes doesn’t. I took literature in high school, but sometimes I don’t get poetry, but thankfully novels in verse is something that I actually understand. Anyway, Kiss of Broken Glass was an emotional roller coaster. It’s based on the author’s life (her daughter’s experience) and so knowing that it brings to light the shocking reality that this does happen, and it the fact that it happens quite often and even to those at a young age. It’s really sad to read about it for sure, especially since I don’t really know anyone who has gone through the experience, but it’s definitely an eye-opener that I needed to read.This book really reminded me of Ellen Hopkins’s style of writing. For those of you who don’t know, she writes about teens with problems who find each other at rehab centers, much like how Kenna finds Donya, Skylar and Jag, all in verse. However, the problem I find with verse is that sometimes you can’t get into the character’s head because the words are fleeting and the pace is a lot faster. Descriptions aren’t also in depth, and there’s more interpretation from the reader’s side. However, I could feel like I got Kenna’s character just because there would be certain sections of the novel when it would focus on her character’s feelings.The characters in this book were great, but other than Kenna, I don’t feel like we as readers get much of a chance to get to know them more. True, the timespan of this book is SUPER short (short book, short timeline), but even then, it would have been nice to learn a teeny bit more about the other characters. Jag especially. Skylar is probably the character other than Kenna that I got to know about, but for a “love interest,” Jag barely had a role. Very little character interaction, I must say. However, maybe that was the point and I just missed it. These experiences are fleeting and short, but the impression they leave on you can last forever. Kenna’s time at the facility was super short but during that 72 hour period, she learned so much more about herself from observing and interacting (a little bit) with those around her.Kiss of Broken Glass was gorgeous, rhapsodic, and moving– a breathtaking eye-opener that I couldn’t stop reading. Kuderick’s words have the ebb and flow of waves, both smooth and powerful, sucking you into the depths of what truly lies beneath the surface. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.▪ ▪ ▪ Thank you so much to Alice at HarperCollins 360 for sending me a copy for review! ▪ ▪ ▪

I received this free eARC in exchange for my honest review. When I first got this book, I wasn't sure what I was walking into. Sure it was about a girl cutting herself. But the way the author wrote this as if she actually knew what was going on? How it felt? How addicting it was? That blew my mind. No, I've never done this before, nor do I want to ever in the future. The way Kenna couldn't stop thinking about it, wanting to do it all of the time, the way she would get a horrible urge to find ANYTHING to cut, it definitely showed me that this is an addiction and not just something people do for fun. I was also shocked to see that it was in verse writing. I'm usually really horrible at reading books that are written this way, but the writing was phenomenal and I was able to read it like any book rather than a poem. To say I was surprised by this book is an understatement. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. And I definitely didn't think I would like Kenna, but somehow I did like her in the end. This book makes the reader think a lot, and think hard, about this subject. I know I won't forget it any time soon.

4.5 starsNot an enjoyable sort of book but one I'm glad I read. I loved the voice, and the writing style, and I thought the author did a really respectful job of writing self harm. I also liked that the book spans just 72 hours. Definitely recommend.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It does not affect the outcome of my opinion in any way.If there is one thing you can probably figure out from reading this blog is just how much I enjoy a tough issues book. It is a category I think is both absolutely necessary and fascinating. I also love the fluidity and beauty of a book told in verse. It is something unexpected and perfect to then find Kiss of Broken Glass, which is the culmination of both of these things — the hard edges of life wrapped in the lyrical words of verse.First of all, the story was caustic; it was open, raw, gritty, and one of the most realistic voices I’ve read in this genre. Told in verse or not, the story behind things was simple, and yet, so complex. I loved that there was no overwhelming reason for things to have gotten so out of hand in Kenna’s life. Such small things could lead to such devastating consequences. I think think this is something teens need to read: you don’t have to be abused or go through something horrible in your childhood to be seduced by something like cutting. It can start innocently (as it does in this book) and turn into something like any other addiction.This may have not been an on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of turmoil. It was quieter. And yet, I felt myself forming a ragged breath as I continued on through Kenna’s story. I connected with her and felt her pain. It was such an interesting experience for me reading this book.The story is choppy and isn’t told completely chronologically since we go back in time to see where Kenna’s troubles began. For more the choppiness of the verses worked really well, because it mimicked the mind of our narrator.Overall, this is a book that made me feel, my emotions came to the surface and bled out even after I was done reading. It isn’t one I’ll soon forget and definitely reaffirmed my love of verse novels.The descriptions in the verse were gorgeous — this is not a long book by any means, but I underlined SO many great lines. I particularly loved the title — such a vivid and imaginative way to portray something so dangerous as a seductive and gorgeous thing. This is how we get sucked into things that are bad for us no doubt.This review was originally posted on Such a Novel Idea---------------Initial Thoughts:That was really, really good. One of the most authentic and realistic books I've read this year. I absolutely cannot wait to review this one.

Huge thank you to the publisher for letting me read an advanced copy of this. I'm writing this honest review to say thank youWell damn, I read that in five hot minutes. I actually wasn't planning on reading this until closer to the release, but I was bored and flipped through my kindle on my train ride to work and landed on this and had no idea what it was about so I started to read and kinda got sucked in and suddenly I was half way through (this thing is short and a FAST read). The writing is BEAUTIFUL. It's a stream of conscious style of writing, and I love that so much. I seriously read 40% of this in one sitting and then flew through the rest after work. Kenna, who appears to be a typical teen with a 'perfect' older sister and a broken family, get's caught cutting at school and she's forced into a psych ward for 72 hours. Cutting... was not something that I had to deal with in school. It wasn't really that big of a thing yet (it was mainly pot and drinking), and I knew a few people who did it, but it didn't become a problem until I was in college. So the idea of it scares the hell out of me. And I honestly have a hard time understanding why people do it. I mean, I get it, but I don't GET it. And I could never do it. And it makes me so sad that people do. And Kenna reveals that she doesn't know why she does it either. And that's even scarier. I can't even imagine being a teenager right now, and when I read books like this, it makes me both glad and sad. I don't have kids and even if I did they wouldn't be teens, but my niece will be a teenager in the future and I can only hope that things like cutting and drugs wont be a problem by the time she's that old. I also hope that she'll be strong enough to not try these kinds of things. And that if she does, that she'll be strong enough to get help.This book is simple and honest but incredibly deep. It's not a story about a girl who solves her problems, and I liked that. It's the story of a girl who needs help and might actually admit that she does. It's a wake-up call for her family, her friends and herself. There's a lot of mixed emotions, but the ending left me feeling hopeful. And I hope that this story reaches people who need it.You guys are going to want to check this one out this fall.

EDIT:JUST REALIZEDHOW GOOD THIS REALLY WASLike cutting books I've read they tend to be about the usual assumed reasons for cutting.But this one/ah/ok doneWow.like./wow/This perfectly described.....everything. And it gave /words/ and i am emotional. It was /insanely/ relate-able. um just fyi this is a cutting book so if you struggle with cutting the first half is a pretty big trigger. I read it in one sitting so it was less of a problem.I appreciate how it didn't end all I SPENT 72 HOURS IN PSYCH WARD I AM CURED because that's not how it works. I like how it was very clear that she is not cured and she will mess up but she is going to tryyy.very good and rawwww bookVerse was the perfect format for this

This book was heart wrenching, fast, and oddly inspiring.It digs deep into the psychology of cutting not for suicidal sake but because of the addiction of the adrenaline rush, and even how some kids get started due to the dark "fashion sense" of cutting in outcast cliques in schools.The scenes are deep and intense, emotional, and beautifully written where I didn't feel like i needed a break between parts. Each chapter is short, more like brief journal entries and it made it feel honest with the story.I would recommend this book to fellow potential cutters, current cutters, and those who have had the urge to cut; this isn't a book that lectures on why not to cut, but it does show how it can effect those around you and the true healing process of addiction.

3.5 stars(Goodreads really needs to have half stars.)I didn't know this book was in verse when I first started but I didn't all together mind. Usually I'm not a fan but the topic combined with verse just worked for me. I used to write bad high school poetry (not that this was bad -- just my stuff was bad. Seriously. Maybe I'll show you the journal someday.) and so it just reminded me of expelling emotions through poetry and verse. I like that this story has its roots in reality & actual events (I read the notes at the end and Madeleine's daughter had been the inspiration) because I think you really do have to have some sort of personal experience to write books so personally about such serious issues. Anyway. It was an incredibly quick read, being in verse and all, and I enjoyed it but wasn't quite as wrapped up in it as I thought. I actually really understand things like self-harm being a fad or I guess an epidemic at schools because this definitely happened in my high school as well. I actually think that the ENTIRE book in verse prevented me from connecting as much as I wanted to. I really liked some of the poems that Skylar wrote and those sent a shiver down my spine, but sometimes it's just easier for me to connect with natural prose because that's just a more everyday way of thinking for me. Still. A powerful book and a great message. I wonder what readers will think of it... Review originally posted on The Book Addict's Guide: When I first started KISS OF BROKEN GLASS, I actually had no idea it was in verse. Verse is not usually my thing, but I decided to roll with it and I was glad I did! It was a very interesting story and definitely one with a powerful message.The story starts with fifteen-year-old Kenna being brought to a facility for psych evaluation after being caught cutting herself in the girls bathroom at school. What really intrigued me about the story as I was reading was Kenna’s reason as to why she was cutting. See, it’s become sort of a fad at her school. Girls do it for a thrill, for bragging rights, for proof that they’re daring. Some of them really are hurting inside and we find out throughout the story that Kenna is a little bit of both.For some, the fad of cutting may seem like a really unrealistic concept but I actually read the afterword when I completed the book and it broke my heart to read that Madeleine Kuderick’s daughter actually went through a very similar situation that Kenna did and that’s how she came up with concept for the story. I’ll also tell you that I’ve witnessed this fad first hand at my own high school – not as quite as portrayed in the book but I’ve had friends who used to cut and I’ve seen how that idea can take off as something appealing as a physical release of an emotional struggle and catch on with others.The book sort of reminded me of something like a YA Girl, Interrupted. It definitely had the same kind of feel and it was shocking and intriguing all at the same time. I really appreciated the message and how the story evolved too. Even though it was verse which is something I’m not really as into, the book really moved quickly and it was a very easy read.The only lack of connection I had was actually because of the verse. There were small rhyming poems strewn throughout the book which were actually composed by one of the characters that I seemed to connect with more than the overall composition. I used to write some really bad high school poetry, but it worked really well for dumping all of my feelings into a creative outlet like that so I had hoped the verse would make me feel the same way writing my own poetry had, but I think it actually had the adverse effect on me. KISS OF BROKEN GLASS didn’t at all feel like bad high school poetry, but I felt like I would have personally connected with Kenna better if I had been able to really dig deep into her feeling through more conventional prose. I really wanted to read through long paragraphs, climb into her mind, and sort of let all of those feelings wash over me. I feel like the verse really put up a small wall that I couldn’t break past in order to really connect with the characters.KISS OF BROKEN GLASS didn’t bowl me over but it was still a powerful story nonetheless. I think it’s a great read and a really great selection for those who don’t normally read verse. It was actually really quick and easy, but also enjoyable and carries a really powerful message.