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The Truth About Fragile Things
Bryon died fifty years before his time. Charlotte grew up angry. I grew up scared. And Phillip- well, he never grew up.
And now we are all bound together in one painful heap of humanity. Broken, but bound. And maybe it is only the fact that we are tangled in this terrible knot that will hold us together until we heal. This is unfortunately, and miraculously, my story.
17-year-old Megan Riddick is alive only because a stranger died to save her when she was a toddler. Fifteen years later she finds herself in the same high school as that heroic man's daughter.
Charlotte Exby never knew her father because he chose to save a child he didn't know instead of raise the one he loved.
Plagued with guilt and resentment, Megan and Charlotte make an uneasy truce as they join forces to complete the bucket list of the man who made both of their lives possible.
And now we are all bound together in one painful heap of humanity. Broken, but bound. And maybe it is only the fact that we are tangled in this terrible knot that will hold us together until we heal. This is unfortunately, and miraculously, my story.
17-year-old Megan Riddick is alive only because a stranger died to save her when she was a toddler. Fifteen years later she finds herself in the same high school as that heroic man's daughter.
Charlotte Exby never knew her father because he chose to save a child he didn't know instead of raise the one he loved.
Plagued with guilt and resentment, Megan and Charlotte make an uneasy truce as they join forces to complete the bucket list of the man who made both of their lives possible.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2016
21 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Regina Sirois
7 books102 followersWinner of the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award for my debut novel, On Little Wings, available 5/30/13 from Penguin/Viking.
I am a housewife, mother, writer, interior decorator and avid reader.
I am a housewife, mother, writer, interior decorator and avid reader.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
August 31, 2016
I received this free ebook in exchange for an honest review
I recommend that you go into this book blindly, trust me.
You might want to skip the Goodreads synopsis if you’ve decided to go in blindly!
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Ever wondered how a single moment can change the life of many?
This book made me feel it all. It made me laugh, it made me cringe, it got me excited, it made me cry, it made me think, it made me feel frustrated and at the end of it all, it made me smile.
I can’t remember the last time a book got so many emotions out of me.
This book deals with sacrifices, death, guilt, fear, love, forgiveness. Life.
The plot is definitely one that I’ve never come across before which makes the book even more unique. It’s not like your typical YA in which a few teenagers try to sound much older for their age just for the sake of it, these characters sound mature because of the burdens they carry. Burdens that most people their age don’t carry. They obviously don’t sound mature throughout the entire book (apart from Megan?) but you get to pick up on it through their conversations.
We get to see everything from Megan’s point of view which made me feel connected to her more than any of the other characters. I think if she wasn’t the narrator then this book would’ve fallen short, in my opinion she’s the one who actually brings it all together. Speaking of Megan, I struggled with her in the first few pages. I thought that the author was trying too hard to make her standout and that annoyed me.
Not everybody is supposed to look like a blond model and how does being strange = ugly? (But then again, I respect how Megan feels and thinks)
Megan is already different by just being Megan. She doesn’t need to make it obvious that she likes things that others don’t. I started connecting with her more when the author stopped trying to make her standout and focused more on her thoughts and feelings instead.
Regina’s writing style is absolutely beautiful, it takes you right into the heart of the story and it feels like it’s all playing front of your eyes as though you’re watching a movie. My most favourite part of the book has got to be when they went camping, I felt like I was experiencing it all without leaving the confines of my bed! Her descriptions are very clear which makes everything easy to imagine. You might find them over-done at the beginning but you get used to them. However, it was normal for me to read some lines that put me off, some descriptions that annoyed me.
I may overlook the quote above just because of this second quote:
^ I know that’s her way of calming down but the first quote still sounds very weird to me when I read it.
I don’t know why these lines bother haha.
Moving on to Phillip and Charlotte! Phillip had me laugh so hard on so many occasions. I thought he would be my favourite character, until he turned into an a-hole. Now I know that it was his right to be selfish for once, but the way that he went about doing that was terrible. I actually ached for Megan during it all. It also took me by surprise because I thought that it might be something that he and Charlotte planned together (so that something in Megan can change), turned out it wasn’t. You must be so confused but I really don’t want to give anything away, if you happen to read the book then you can come back to this part later on and it’ll click. :]
While I loved Megan and Phillip, I wasn’t able to reach out to Charlotte. I didn’t grow fond of her or at least appreciate her. I felt like she didn’t put Megan’s feelings into consideration, that she thought she was the only one hurting more than everybody else and that the world owed her something. Yes she had every right to feel angry and upset but let’s be honest, most of the time she was being a brat. Yup, although she’s just 14 and she’s still young and is handling so many bitter emotions, still a brat. (I never chose to be this cold-hearted, haha!)
As the story progresses and we near the end, the characters aren’t those who we were first introduced to and the character development is great and realistic enough. I’m so glad that we didn’t have any love triangles, but we do get love interests, I’m grateful that Regina didn’t follow the YA trend and didn’t base off the entire book on that nonsense. Now that I come to think of it, it’s not even a big part of it. Just something that’s thrown in which still makes a difference to the characters.
It was only when I was a few pages away from finishing the book that I realized it’s one that I would like to reread. I rarely ever feel the need to reread a book unless it blows me away so I was surprised when this one didn’t exactly blow me away but resonated with me so much to that extent.
While this is a book for people between the ages of 11-18, I still think it’s a book for everyone. There’s so much to feel and so much to think and so much to realize. Perhaps I connect with it so much because of having had to deal with two losses. Regina has done a wonderful job of making me feel things that I haven’t felt in a long while, a heaviness that felt familiar but different, it was the sort that I welcomed but also wanted to shake off.
I’m definitely going to be rereading The Truth About Fragile Things. If not for everything then I would just for Charlotte, who deserves a chance.
Thank you for reading!
I recommend that you go into this book blindly, trust me.
You might want to skip the Goodreads synopsis if you’ve decided to go in blindly!
--------------------------------------
Ever wondered how a single moment can change the life of many?
This book made me feel it all. It made me laugh, it made me cringe, it got me excited, it made me cry, it made me think, it made me feel frustrated and at the end of it all, it made me smile.
I can’t remember the last time a book got so many emotions out of me.
This book deals with sacrifices, death, guilt, fear, love, forgiveness. Life.
The plot is definitely one that I’ve never come across before which makes the book even more unique. It’s not like your typical YA in which a few teenagers try to sound much older for their age just for the sake of it, these characters sound mature because of the burdens they carry. Burdens that most people their age don’t carry. They obviously don’t sound mature throughout the entire book (apart from Megan?) but you get to pick up on it through their conversations.
We get to see everything from Megan’s point of view which made me feel connected to her more than any of the other characters. I think if she wasn’t the narrator then this book would’ve fallen short, in my opinion she’s the one who actually brings it all together. Speaking of Megan, I struggled with her in the first few pages. I thought that the author was trying too hard to make her standout and that annoyed me.
“I think it was meant as a compliment, but in my opinion I am too strange to be pretty. Nothing like the blond models smiling from every magazine cover. I’m narrow and straight, not at all voluptuous. And then, in the middle of all my long, spare lines, I have black eyebrows that swoop in high arches and cheekbones that slide down and then swing back up, which has always made people speculate about my “ethnicity”, when in truth I am as plain, pale white as they come."
Not everybody is supposed to look like a blond model and how does being strange = ugly? (But then again, I respect how Megan feels and thinks)
“Everyone I know hates reading Chaucer, but I am strangely pulled to his cryptic words.”
Megan is already different by just being Megan. She doesn’t need to make it obvious that she likes things that others don’t. I started connecting with her more when the author stopped trying to make her standout and focused more on her thoughts and feelings instead.
Regina’s writing style is absolutely beautiful, it takes you right into the heart of the story and it feels like it’s all playing front of your eyes as though you’re watching a movie. My most favourite part of the book has got to be when they went camping, I felt like I was experiencing it all without leaving the confines of my bed! Her descriptions are very clear which makes everything easy to imagine. You might find them over-done at the beginning but you get used to them. However, it was normal for me to read some lines that put me off, some descriptions that annoyed me.
“Half of my nails were wet with pale gold polish because I needed to distract myself and try to slow down my heart after its constant racing all day.”
I may overlook the quote above just because of this second quote:
“.. my breathing regular as I painted stripe by careful stripe..”
^ I know that’s her way of calming down but the first quote still sounds very weird to me when I read it.
“I bent so far over my lines that my hair made a black veil to hide the way my lips refused to relax.”
“I took one breath, felt the stage air pulse through my lungs like power, soaked up the lights like a plant reaching up for the sun and jumped into the scene. I didn’t have a single thought in my head until Alicia finished the last line and awareness ran back up my spine like a current that had been cut and restored.”
I don’t know why these lines bother haha.
Moving on to Phillip and Charlotte! Phillip had me laugh so hard on so many occasions. I thought he would be my favourite character, until he turned into an a-hole. Now I know that it was his right to be selfish for once, but the way that he went about doing that was terrible. I actually ached for Megan during it all. It also took me by surprise because I thought that it might be something that he and Charlotte planned together (so that something in Megan can change), turned out it wasn’t. You must be so confused but I really don’t want to give anything away, if you happen to read the book then you can come back to this part later on and it’ll click. :]
While I loved Megan and Phillip, I wasn’t able to reach out to Charlotte. I didn’t grow fond of her or at least appreciate her. I felt like she didn’t put Megan’s feelings into consideration, that she thought she was the only one hurting more than everybody else and that the world owed her something. Yes she had every right to feel angry and upset but let’s be honest, most of the time she was being a brat. Yup, although she’s just 14 and she’s still young and is handling so many bitter emotions, still a brat. (I never chose to be this cold-hearted, haha!)
As the story progresses and we near the end, the characters aren’t those who we were first introduced to and the character development is great and realistic enough. I’m so glad that we didn’t have any love triangles, but we do get love interests, I’m grateful that Regina didn’t follow the YA trend and didn’t base off the entire book on that nonsense. Now that I come to think of it, it’s not even a big part of it. Just something that’s thrown in which still makes a difference to the characters.
It was only when I was a few pages away from finishing the book that I realized it’s one that I would like to reread. I rarely ever feel the need to reread a book unless it blows me away so I was surprised when this one didn’t exactly blow me away but resonated with me so much to that extent.
While this is a book for people between the ages of 11-18, I still think it’s a book for everyone. There’s so much to feel and so much to think and so much to realize. Perhaps I connect with it so much because of having had to deal with two losses. Regina has done a wonderful job of making me feel things that I haven’t felt in a long while, a heaviness that felt familiar but different, it was the sort that I welcomed but also wanted to shake off.
I’m definitely going to be rereading The Truth About Fragile Things. If not for everything then I would just for Charlotte, who deserves a chance.
“Maybe we had both found our voices.”
Thank you for reading!
July 9, 2016
Me fué cedida una ARC a cambio de una opinión honesta.
Me gustó mas de lo que esperaba. He leído demaciados YA en primera persona y necesitaba un descanso pero me comprometí a leerlo y me interesó la sinopsis, así que aqui estamos.
La portada es preciosa, pequé al juzgar al libro por su portada pero no erré, resultó un drama juvenil suave.
Lloré, no lo voy a negar, me conmovió de manera dulce, es diferente a muchos otros dramas violentos adolescentes.
Al principio me resultó chocante la presentación del pasado "oscuro" de Megan porque es una poco creible casualidad que pensara en ello justo cuando apareció Charlotte de la nada, parece una introducción rapida y facil para los acontecimientos relatados.
También me irritó el sentimiento de culpabilidad de Megan y el caracter resentido de Charlotte, es decir, el trágico evento sucedió años atrás y Megan era practicamente un bebé, fué un accidente fatal pero común y ni siquiera tiene recuerdos de lo sucedido, sólo reconstruyó los hechos por medio de lo que investigó. A veces Megan parece paranoica pero su angustia se siente real.
Está muy bien escrito, no es la simpleza lineal a la que acostumbro ver en este tipo de novelas, el inglés no es mi primer lengua y no la estudié propiamente por lo que se me presentó como un desafío. Mas de una vez me encontré repasando una misma oración y apreciando su poesía.
No crean que es todo drama y angustia, es más sobre superación y perdón, y contiene una cuota de humor juvenil. Charlotte, Phillipe y Megan se unen para completar los sueños (bucket list) del hombre que dió la vida por ella.
El soporte del club de drama fué el aspecto que encontré más atrayente. Todos anhelamos esa clase de unidad con gente que nos comprenda.
Espero que pronto publiquen la traducción al español y pueda comprarlo en físico aquí en Uruguay.
Me gustó mas de lo que esperaba. He leído demaciados YA en primera persona y necesitaba un descanso pero me comprometí a leerlo y me interesó la sinopsis, así que aqui estamos.
La portada es preciosa, pequé al juzgar al libro por su portada pero no erré, resultó un drama juvenil suave.
Lloré, no lo voy a negar, me conmovió de manera dulce, es diferente a muchos otros dramas violentos adolescentes.
Al principio me resultó chocante la presentación del pasado "oscuro" de Megan porque es una poco creible casualidad que pensara en ello justo cuando apareció Charlotte de la nada, parece una introducción rapida y facil para los acontecimientos relatados.
También me irritó el sentimiento de culpabilidad de Megan y el caracter resentido de Charlotte, es decir, el trágico evento sucedió años atrás y Megan era practicamente un bebé, fué un accidente fatal pero común y ni siquiera tiene recuerdos de lo sucedido, sólo reconstruyó los hechos por medio de lo que investigó. A veces Megan parece paranoica pero su angustia se siente real.
Está muy bien escrito, no es la simpleza lineal a la que acostumbro ver en este tipo de novelas, el inglés no es mi primer lengua y no la estudié propiamente por lo que se me presentó como un desafío. Mas de una vez me encontré repasando una misma oración y apreciando su poesía.
No crean que es todo drama y angustia, es más sobre superación y perdón, y contiene una cuota de humor juvenil. Charlotte, Phillipe y Megan se unen para completar los sueños (bucket list) del hombre que dió la vida por ella.
El soporte del club de drama fué el aspecto que encontré más atrayente. Todos anhelamos esa clase de unidad con gente que nos comprenda.
Espero que pronto publiquen la traducción al español y pueda comprarlo en físico aquí en Uruguay.
July 9, 2016
It was not only a joy, but an actual privilege to read this book. Not only is the plot original and the journey heart-warming, but the characters are funny, complementary, and vibrant teens that make you want to hang a hammock right in their backyard just to listen to their kitchen conversations in the late afternoon. But one thing that’s hard to get from reviews is the beauty of the writing, so here are a few of my favorite lines (no spoilers!)
‘You can’t look dignified and run. Gym was the darkest year of my life.’
‘She made disgust its own dialect. If she didn’t have such smooth, plump cheeks and eyes the color of graham crackers I would swear she was a bitter old woman.’
‘I tried to summon God under my breath but I wasn’t sure he did skinny-dipping duty.’
‘It’s not fair to accept credit for bringing a bandage when you cut out somebody’s heart.’
‘You are one of my favorite people on this rolling blue ball.’
I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially if you have ever doubted you are worth the trouble, done something scary, met somebody who hated you, fallen in love, or if you just need to laugh. This book touched so many chords with me that my husband had to take a picture of me grinning and giggling at my pink tablet while reading all evening on the couch.
Also worthy to note: language and other aspects are clean and appropriate for teens, the characters have good relationships with their parents, and while not religious or preachy, it even mentions going to church.
Great job, Regina Sirois, on another great novel!
‘You can’t look dignified and run. Gym was the darkest year of my life.’
‘She made disgust its own dialect. If she didn’t have such smooth, plump cheeks and eyes the color of graham crackers I would swear she was a bitter old woman.’
‘I tried to summon God under my breath but I wasn’t sure he did skinny-dipping duty.’
‘It’s not fair to accept credit for bringing a bandage when you cut out somebody’s heart.’
‘You are one of my favorite people on this rolling blue ball.’
I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially if you have ever doubted you are worth the trouble, done something scary, met somebody who hated you, fallen in love, or if you just need to laugh. This book touched so many chords with me that my husband had to take a picture of me grinning and giggling at my pink tablet while reading all evening on the couch.
Also worthy to note: language and other aspects are clean and appropriate for teens, the characters have good relationships with their parents, and while not religious or preachy, it even mentions going to church.
Great job, Regina Sirois, on another great novel!
August 17, 2016
Thank you so much ebooksforreview for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Wow. This book. This "feel-good" book. I am so happy that I read this book. The feelings I went through while reading, and I basically couldn't put it down. Oh my gosh. I think I can say that this is now one of my favourite books.
So this book is about a girl named Megan Riddick who "killed" a man when she was two. Her life basically changed when the man's daughter transfers to her school and makes herself noticeable.
I loved each and every character. The hurting Megan and Charlotte go through feel like knives piercing your heart with every word they say and think (because this story was told in the perspective of Megan). Megan is the girl who doesn't show much at all of what she thinks, but I love that I know that she's a pretty emotional person underneath because we know what she thinks.
Charlotte I thought came off as a bit annoying just because of her stubbornness. I couldn't hate her though because of the circumstances, and with the help of Megan and Phillip, I grew to love her as a character.
I kind of felt a bit bad for Alicia because I THINK she was supposed to be close with Megan and Phillip (or maybe I read that wrong, for I have a pretty bad memory hence the reason why I always write my reviews after finishing the book). I hate that she found out about Megan and Braden (well there goes the spoiler) through a sophomore. I get that it wasn't exactly her story as it was Megan's and Charlotte's, and that it became Phillip's too.
At first I was rooting for Phillip and Megan, just because cmon. It was pretty cute. But then I realized that I liked him with Charlotte too and I was a little heartbroken because I thought Megan seemed a bit confused about it all too. I saw Braden, and knew immediately that he liked Megan, but then I saw them actually converse with each other and I realized that he's a better fit.
Can I also say that I love that it doesn't end after the play? Regina Sirois beautifully continues the story to a beautiful end. "Pre-date" Braden and Megan's family before their first date actually had me laughing out loud. Charlotte's surprise to Megan? And though I believe it wasn't explicitly stated, Charlotte grew to forgive and love Megan.
I'm so happy I read this book, and I'll be sure to make my little sister read it too.
Wow. This book. This "feel-good" book. I am so happy that I read this book. The feelings I went through while reading, and I basically couldn't put it down. Oh my gosh. I think I can say that this is now one of my favourite books.
So this book is about a girl named Megan Riddick who "killed" a man when she was two. Her life basically changed when the man's daughter transfers to her school and makes herself noticeable.
I loved each and every character. The hurting Megan and Charlotte go through feel like knives piercing your heart with every word they say and think (because this story was told in the perspective of Megan). Megan is the girl who doesn't show much at all of what she thinks, but I love that I know that she's a pretty emotional person underneath because we know what she thinks.
Charlotte I thought came off as a bit annoying just because of her stubbornness. I couldn't hate her though because of the circumstances, and with the help of Megan and Phillip, I grew to love her as a character.
I kind of felt a bit bad for Alicia because I THINK she was supposed to be close with Megan and Phillip (or maybe I read that wrong, for I have a pretty bad memory hence the reason why I always write my reviews after finishing the book). I hate that she found out about Megan and Braden (well there goes the spoiler) through a sophomore. I get that it wasn't exactly her story as it was Megan's and Charlotte's, and that it became Phillip's too.
At first I was rooting for Phillip and Megan, just because cmon. It was pretty cute. But then I realized that I liked him with Charlotte too and I was a little heartbroken because I thought Megan seemed a bit confused about it all too. I saw Braden, and knew immediately that he liked Megan, but then I saw them actually converse with each other and I realized that he's a better fit.
Can I also say that I love that it doesn't end after the play? Regina Sirois beautifully continues the story to a beautiful end. "Pre-date" Braden and Megan's family before their first date actually had me laughing out loud. Charlotte's surprise to Megan? And though I believe it wasn't explicitly stated, Charlotte grew to forgive and love Megan.
I'm so happy I read this book, and I'll be sure to make my little sister read it too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2016
This was a pretty easy and quick read. It also was a really good peek into some complicated feelings and makes you wonder how you would feel if you were in Charlotte or Megan's shoes. It's a pretty good story for middle and high school kids.
July 8, 2017
A little girl ran into the street when she was 2 years old and would have been hit by a car if a man had not pushed her out of the way. Sadly he was hit by the car and killed. The girl grows up feeling guilty and unworthy of her life, she tries to live the best life possible. The man was married and had a baby girl himself. Later she moves into the same town and the two girls meet; one angry and the other guilty. The two girls try to finish the dad's list of goals.
I really liked this story, the adventures and the spirit of friendship, love and forgiveness. I also felt it was a good medium for discussions about guilt and how hard it is to get rid of yet how damaging it can be.
Violence; car crash. Sex: non, limited kissing. Language: no foul language
I really liked this story, the adventures and the spirit of friendship, love and forgiveness. I also felt it was a good medium for discussions about guilt and how hard it is to get rid of yet how damaging it can be.
Violence; car crash. Sex: non, limited kissing. Language: no foul language
August 10, 2019
The story was beautiful, but seemed to drag at the end. I felt there were several opportunities to wrap it up sooner. I also wish the love connections had devoloped sooner and that we got to see them more in the story. I did finish it though, which is pretty big for me. I like Regina's story telling ability and her character development.
May 31, 2017
Really good book about high school students dealing with death. Review for Deseret News found here: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/86...
May 30, 2021
This book will leave you falling in love with Phillip, Megan, and Charlotte all at once. Beware, you’ll end up smiling from ear to ear, with tears falling into your mouth, by the time you’re done with this book
June 19, 2017
Interesting plot with characters whose lives intersect in a bizarre twist. I love how they help each other heal!
March 15, 2018
I only cried like twice.
June 22, 2024
What an extraordinarily lovely little book.
July 14, 2016
THE ESSENTIAL FACTS:
My name is Megan Riddick.
I am a junior in high school.
I killed a man when I was two years old.
It all started with a stuffed monkey and a butterfly.
I don't want to tell this story.
Powerful, right? Intriguing? Definitely. A fabulous read? ABSOLUTELY!
I received my copy of this eBook in exchange for a fair and honest review.
What should have been buried in the past comes back to haunt Megan Riddick during one of the most trying times of anyone's life - high school. At two years old, Megan had been chasing a butterfly and wandered out into the street in front of oncoming traffic. A young man named Bryon Exby saved her life, and in the process, lost his own leaving behind a wife and small child.
I don't remember the sirens or the screams from that terrible morning. I can't recall my mother's panic or the pain of my skinned knees. Not even Bryon Exby's strangely calm face when he looked up at the people who raced to him first. We found out his name that night when the hospital called and told us he hadn't made it. I learned all of that from other people, snatches of old news reports and witness accounts in the newspapers, and turned them into a memory that is mostly artificial. But I do remember the strange orange butterfly - bright as a drop of sun, brief as the gold light of a struck match. One flap of color that rippled and wrinkled all the fabric of fate and led me to the street where I would kill a man before I even knew my last name. And to this day the impossibly beautiful insect looks like nothing but death to me.
Megan believes the worst of herself, thinks that her small two year-old self chose to end Bryon Exby's life by running out into that street. No one she knows at school, not Alicia nor Phillip, her best friends, know about the story of the butterfly and man who saved her life. Megan hasn't been able to tell it, she has kept it quiet because of the guilt that she feels over her part in his death. This is possibly why when Charlotte Exby, the baby left without the guidance of her father, comes to find her, to offer her forgiveness for taking her father from her life even though she doesn't want to just because her father had it on his bucket list... I broke down sobbing. The relationship that is developed between first Megan and Charlotte, something tenuous and fragile forged by a horrible tragedy, turns into to something beautiful and familial involving Charlotte, Phillip and Megan.
Charlotte looked out across the empty auditorium and breathed in the power of the stage. I watched it happen as her shoulders relaxed and she leaned into one leg, comfortable, at home. "Maybe I don't hate her. She's the last thing of him that I have left. The last thing he did."
Phillip and Megan help Charlotte tick off the items on the bucket list one by one. This provides a kind of closure for both Megan and for Charlotte who both sorely need to experience something where they feel they can pay homage and respect to Bryon the Hero they never knew. Bryon's list takes them backpacking on Taum Sauk Mountain to watch a meteor shower while sleeping beneath the stars in hammocks slung between trees. It finds Megan relinquishing her lead in the school play to her understudy Charlotte so that the wish of performing on stage can be fulfilled. Bryan's list brings them closer together and brings both girls comfort and closure for what happened the day a little girl ran into the street after a pretty butterfly.
This is a beautifully written tale that took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I cried both tears of joy and tears of sadness, my heart soared for Charlotte when she found love, and it wept for Megan when it looked like she could lose her best friends. I watched these characters grow and fell in love with them as they struggled to find peace within themselves. Five stars well deserved and two overly enthusiastic thumbs up for a book that has captivated my heart and soul!
March 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this! The writing is wonderful and the story is original and interesting. I would definitely recommend this to any teenage girl, but even as a 30+ year old I needed to find out how it ended and felt connected to all the characters.
August 10, 2016
The truth about fragile things è una storia molto delicata che coinvolge tre adolescenti: Megan, Charlotte e Philip.
La prima, di circa diciassette anni, ha sempre vissuto la sua vita portandosi dietro un gran senso di colpa e la voglia di nascondersi. All'età di due anni, infatti, per inseguire una farfalla, rischiò di essere investita da un'auto, ma fu prontamente salvata da un uomo, Bryon, che però perse la sua vita.
Charlotte all'epoca non aveva nemmeno compiuto un anno, e quell'atto eroico le costò il padre. Al tempo della storia raccontata nel romanzo, è una ragazzina arrabbiata e cinica, che tenta di esaudire i desideri che compongono una wish list lasciata incompleta da suo padre.
Philip è il migliore amico di Megan, un ragazzo simpatico e sensibile che permetterà alle due adolescenti di realizzare i desideri della lista, una volta deciso che è un compito che porteranno avanti insieme.
Nella descrizione dei ragazzi e delle loro vicende, l'autrice riesce a tenersi lontana dagli stereotipi e dai facili drammi.
Anche il personaggio di Megan, che rischiava di diventare patetico, rappresentando una "secchiona" taciturna e scostante, riesce a mostrare tutta la sua disperazione e il dolore che si deve provare sentendosi per tutta l'infanzia e l'adolescenza come l'assassina di un uomo buono e altruista.
Dal canto suo, Charlotte in principio mi stava un po' antipatica, ma con il proseguire della storia si comprendono anche le sue ragioni e il suo profondo dolore.
Notevoli i personaggi comprimari, come i genitori delle ragazze, la sorellina di Megan e la professoressa Schatz.
Mi è piaciuto molto il modo in cui Regina Sirois ha raccontato l'evolversi dei rapporti tra i tre ragazzi protagonisti, soprattutto quello tra Philip e Megan, che ad un certo punto della storia si ritrova spiazzata da un'altra ragazza, con l'impressione di perdere il suo amico, cosa che la porta a sentirsi ancora più sola e abbandonata.
La storia è così sia un racconto di crescita che la rappresentazione di una catarsi, con i protagonisti - ma non solo - che alla fine del percorso si ritrovano non soltanto cambiati, ma finalmente liberi da quei pesi che li avevano schiacciati durante tutta la loro breve vita.
Il romanzo è piacevole e spesso commovente; ciò che non ho gradito è stata la sua eccessiva lunghezza, soprattutto l'indugiare nel racconto del campeggio e dello spettacolo teatrale.
http://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.it/20...
La prima, di circa diciassette anni, ha sempre vissuto la sua vita portandosi dietro un gran senso di colpa e la voglia di nascondersi. All'età di due anni, infatti, per inseguire una farfalla, rischiò di essere investita da un'auto, ma fu prontamente salvata da un uomo, Bryon, che però perse la sua vita.
Charlotte all'epoca non aveva nemmeno compiuto un anno, e quell'atto eroico le costò il padre. Al tempo della storia raccontata nel romanzo, è una ragazzina arrabbiata e cinica, che tenta di esaudire i desideri che compongono una wish list lasciata incompleta da suo padre.
Philip è il migliore amico di Megan, un ragazzo simpatico e sensibile che permetterà alle due adolescenti di realizzare i desideri della lista, una volta deciso che è un compito che porteranno avanti insieme.
Nella descrizione dei ragazzi e delle loro vicende, l'autrice riesce a tenersi lontana dagli stereotipi e dai facili drammi.
Anche il personaggio di Megan, che rischiava di diventare patetico, rappresentando una "secchiona" taciturna e scostante, riesce a mostrare tutta la sua disperazione e il dolore che si deve provare sentendosi per tutta l'infanzia e l'adolescenza come l'assassina di un uomo buono e altruista.
Dal canto suo, Charlotte in principio mi stava un po' antipatica, ma con il proseguire della storia si comprendono anche le sue ragioni e il suo profondo dolore.
Notevoli i personaggi comprimari, come i genitori delle ragazze, la sorellina di Megan e la professoressa Schatz.
Mi è piaciuto molto il modo in cui Regina Sirois ha raccontato l'evolversi dei rapporti tra i tre ragazzi protagonisti, soprattutto quello tra Philip e Megan, che ad un certo punto della storia si ritrova spiazzata da un'altra ragazza, con l'impressione di perdere il suo amico, cosa che la porta a sentirsi ancora più sola e abbandonata.
La storia è così sia un racconto di crescita che la rappresentazione di una catarsi, con i protagonisti - ma non solo - che alla fine del percorso si ritrovano non soltanto cambiati, ma finalmente liberi da quei pesi che li avevano schiacciati durante tutta la loro breve vita.
Il romanzo è piacevole e spesso commovente; ciò che non ho gradito è stata la sua eccessiva lunghezza, soprattutto l'indugiare nel racconto del campeggio e dello spettacolo teatrale.
http://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.it/20...
July 25, 2016
The Truth about Fragile Things
Regina Sirois
Create Space Publishing Platform
Amazon Digital Services
Trade Paperback
ISBN: 978-1505407600
2016
$ 14.95
308 pages
"I'm here to forgive you. It wasn't my idea---to forgive you.
It was my dad's."
What has made you fragile? What event in your life left you so scarred emotionally that you could break? That feeling as if you are made of glass is terrifying for each person, always wondering when you will shatter.
For Megan Riddick, she carries the memory of her two-year-old self. As a toddler, she was following a butterfly when she ran out onto the road in front of an oncoming vehicle. Miraculously, a man pushed her out of the way, giving his life for hers. The guilt of his death and hers being spared still hangs on her like an albatross around her neck.
Megan is a junior in high-school and enjoys being the prize of the drama department. She loves becoming someone else. That is much easier than being herself.
Her life changes when a new girl enrolls at her school. This new girl glares at her. Why would this freshman show Megan such contempt?
Charlotte Exby is the daughter of the man who died saving Megan's life. As a lowly freshman, she is scared of nothing. It's obvious that she blames Megan for her father's death.
What can Megan do?
The Truth about Fragile Things excels in characterization. Having a character burdened with guilt as a teenager shows an authentic protagonist who feels as if she were the antagonist. Learning to forgive others and yourself is an issue every human being struggles at some time in their lives. How does anyone move beyond the guilt and learn to take chances, have fun, to feel the joy of living?
Besides guilt, Megan along with the other characters learn about the value of trust and developing friendships that last a lifetime.
Through great examples of maturity with solving problems, each character views life through their individual perspective learning how best to become the person they each dream of becoming.
Due to these overlapping themes, this book is appropriate for all ages, having no inappropriate scenes or language. The intended audience is for eleven to eighteen-year-olds, but every reader can easily find this a novel, a gem.
Regina Sirois has previously written the novel, On Little Wings while currently residing in Kansas with her family.
The Truth about Fragile Things is a phenomenal journey of a teenager but for readers of all ages.
Regina Sirois
Create Space Publishing Platform
Amazon Digital Services
Trade Paperback
ISBN: 978-1505407600
2016
$ 14.95
308 pages
"I'm here to forgive you. It wasn't my idea---to forgive you.
It was my dad's."
What has made you fragile? What event in your life left you so scarred emotionally that you could break? That feeling as if you are made of glass is terrifying for each person, always wondering when you will shatter.
For Megan Riddick, she carries the memory of her two-year-old self. As a toddler, she was following a butterfly when she ran out onto the road in front of an oncoming vehicle. Miraculously, a man pushed her out of the way, giving his life for hers. The guilt of his death and hers being spared still hangs on her like an albatross around her neck.
Megan is a junior in high-school and enjoys being the prize of the drama department. She loves becoming someone else. That is much easier than being herself.
Her life changes when a new girl enrolls at her school. This new girl glares at her. Why would this freshman show Megan such contempt?
Charlotte Exby is the daughter of the man who died saving Megan's life. As a lowly freshman, she is scared of nothing. It's obvious that she blames Megan for her father's death.
What can Megan do?
The Truth about Fragile Things excels in characterization. Having a character burdened with guilt as a teenager shows an authentic protagonist who feels as if she were the antagonist. Learning to forgive others and yourself is an issue every human being struggles at some time in their lives. How does anyone move beyond the guilt and learn to take chances, have fun, to feel the joy of living?
Besides guilt, Megan along with the other characters learn about the value of trust and developing friendships that last a lifetime.
Through great examples of maturity with solving problems, each character views life through their individual perspective learning how best to become the person they each dream of becoming.
Due to these overlapping themes, this book is appropriate for all ages, having no inappropriate scenes or language. The intended audience is for eleven to eighteen-year-olds, but every reader can easily find this a novel, a gem.
Regina Sirois has previously written the novel, On Little Wings while currently residing in Kansas with her family.
The Truth about Fragile Things is a phenomenal journey of a teenager but for readers of all ages.
October 14, 2016
I received this free e-book in exchange for an honest review
If the system would let me I would give this book 4.5 stars.
The story begins with fragile things, a toddler and a butterfly. “Where did the butterfly end up? No one will ever know. I imagine it was near enough that the dying man heard the wings open, felt them beat into the sky. Maybe they flew away together.” The writing is pure poetry in places.
Megan and Charlotte don’t know each other; they know ABOUT each other. Until high school. Until now.
Now bound by a mutual past and living in an uneasy truce, they embark on an unusual, but meaningful, project- to fulfill the bucket list of a man special to them both, with help from their friend Phil. (NO SPOILERS)
Now, in the middle is the journey. It’s a growing up journey, heart-warming and thoughtful. Yes, there’s the normal teenage angst and drama, of course, but it is partly through this that the characters help each other grow into whom they will someday become.
The development of characters was well done. Not just individuals but those individuals within their friendships, relationships, and family involvement. Only Braden, I felt, was not fully developed until the end. I would have liked to see him introduced earlier in the book. They are interesting characters, too. Good kids with full lives and strong family ties and active in school.
I was delighted by the unique plot. I have read a lot of YA books, but I have never been treated to such a genuinely moving story with ordinary kids as the players. It was a joy to read.
In addition to the plot and the characters, the book is so beautifully written. There were times I had to go back and read a section just so I could roll the words around in my mind for total enjoyment. Here are some of my favorites.
“after the dark, heavy wine of death and despair, he tasted like bright spring in the middle of winter. Like clear water.”
“I wondered if I could sleep there, in the hammock of Braden’s arms, under the December stars.”
And at the very end, ending as it had begun, with fragile things, now stronger, Regina Sirois delivers this delicacy:
“For the first time in my life I let my imagination begin the scene where it usually ended. I followed the orange butterfly in my mind until it landed on the sweeping lawn of the art museum…more lovely than any work of art inside. It was bright and shining and fragile and strong. And it looked nothing like death."
If the system would let me I would give this book 4.5 stars.
The story begins with fragile things, a toddler and a butterfly. “Where did the butterfly end up? No one will ever know. I imagine it was near enough that the dying man heard the wings open, felt them beat into the sky. Maybe they flew away together.” The writing is pure poetry in places.
Megan and Charlotte don’t know each other; they know ABOUT each other. Until high school. Until now.
Now bound by a mutual past and living in an uneasy truce, they embark on an unusual, but meaningful, project- to fulfill the bucket list of a man special to them both, with help from their friend Phil. (NO SPOILERS)
Now, in the middle is the journey. It’s a growing up journey, heart-warming and thoughtful. Yes, there’s the normal teenage angst and drama, of course, but it is partly through this that the characters help each other grow into whom they will someday become.
The development of characters was well done. Not just individuals but those individuals within their friendships, relationships, and family involvement. Only Braden, I felt, was not fully developed until the end. I would have liked to see him introduced earlier in the book. They are interesting characters, too. Good kids with full lives and strong family ties and active in school.
I was delighted by the unique plot. I have read a lot of YA books, but I have never been treated to such a genuinely moving story with ordinary kids as the players. It was a joy to read.
In addition to the plot and the characters, the book is so beautifully written. There were times I had to go back and read a section just so I could roll the words around in my mind for total enjoyment. Here are some of my favorites.
“after the dark, heavy wine of death and despair, he tasted like bright spring in the middle of winter. Like clear water.”
“I wondered if I could sleep there, in the hammock of Braden’s arms, under the December stars.”
And at the very end, ending as it had begun, with fragile things, now stronger, Regina Sirois delivers this delicacy:
“For the first time in my life I let my imagination begin the scene where it usually ended. I followed the orange butterfly in my mind until it landed on the sweeping lawn of the art museum…more lovely than any work of art inside. It was bright and shining and fragile and strong. And it looked nothing like death."
July 11, 2016
Two things: 1) I hate this book; 2) But I love it. You see my struggle?
To tell the truth, I'm still having a hard time making this review since I still can't wrap my head around it. The book is not the kind that makes me squeal or mumble to myself as I read through the story because I am always perplexed that I have so little time to even throw my own sarcasm/opinion as if I'm a part of the book. And the reason for this is Phillip and Charlotte, and Megan and Braden. Just why.
I should explain myself. I like everything about this book. It's not like anything I've experienced before from other books with teens as characters. The characters came strong. Impressively smart and mature for their age. I love that their intention to do a bucket list is so pure and innocent. Like, they just really want to do it for someone who brought them all together. Not to brag about it or appear cool in other's eyes. I loved that there is no antagonist to this story but themselves and the past that brought them together. They have to battle no one but their own thoughts and emotions.
Now, I mostly want to complain about Megan not ending up dating Phillip but I thought that's really beside the point. The point is this book will teach you a lot about letting go. Charlotte has to let go of her anger about her father's death and forgive. Phillip learned to let go of his feelings for Megan to give to someone who can give him just as much. And Megan has to let go of the guilt that has been eating her since she was two and learn to forgive herself even if we know that it is not her fault. The parents and the families of the characters also. They've been supportive and understanding to their children. They understood that sometimes their kids need to do some things without them in order to grow and be someone more than they were yesterday.
I relate to Megan the most. We're much alike. Reading her POV is like reading my own. And I realized how annoying it is for others to have me as company. We both sucked at it. And we only trust one or few with our thoughts—our safest place to be.
I receive a copy of this ebook for an honest review. Here it is. Definitely recommending this one.
To tell the truth, I'm still having a hard time making this review since I still can't wrap my head around it. The book is not the kind that makes me squeal or mumble to myself as I read through the story because I am always perplexed that I have so little time to even throw my own sarcasm/opinion as if I'm a part of the book. And the reason for this is Phillip and Charlotte, and Megan and Braden. Just why.
I should explain myself. I like everything about this book. It's not like anything I've experienced before from other books with teens as characters. The characters came strong. Impressively smart and mature for their age. I love that their intention to do a bucket list is so pure and innocent. Like, they just really want to do it for someone who brought them all together. Not to brag about it or appear cool in other's eyes. I loved that there is no antagonist to this story but themselves and the past that brought them together. They have to battle no one but their own thoughts and emotions.
Now, I mostly want to complain about Megan not ending up dating Phillip but I thought that's really beside the point. The point is this book will teach you a lot about letting go. Charlotte has to let go of her anger about her father's death and forgive. Phillip learned to let go of his feelings for Megan to give to someone who can give him just as much. And Megan has to let go of the guilt that has been eating her since she was two and learn to forgive herself even if we know that it is not her fault. The parents and the families of the characters also. They've been supportive and understanding to their children. They understood that sometimes their kids need to do some things without them in order to grow and be someone more than they were yesterday.
I relate to Megan the most. We're much alike. Reading her POV is like reading my own. And I realized how annoying it is for others to have me as company. We both sucked at it. And we only trust one or few with our thoughts—our safest place to be.
I receive a copy of this ebook for an honest review. Here it is. Definitely recommending this one.
September 1, 2016
This is the most thought provoking book I've read in a really long time. It is deep and poignant. It is poetic and beautiful. The descriptions are so vivid. I can't believe how alive the words are. The author compares things I never would have put together and draws such realistic and artistic descriptions. I have a hard time writing exactly how I feel about the story overall because it caused so many conflicting emotions throughout. I laughed and cried. I felt anger, regret, and abandonment. I felt misunderstood and overlooked. I felt frustration and happiness. The relationships were so complex and had so many facets. At first, I was bugged by the them. The characters spoke and felt more deeply than I've seen in teens. It didn't feel realistic. Megan's relationships with her sister and father were adorable. Those were my favorite relationships/friendships of the story. I was angry that Megan and Phillip couldn't figure things out and get together. They seemed perfect for each other. But when I saw her with her boyfriend at the end, I realized Megan and Phillip weren't right for each other at all. But how do you really know? Phillip saw her, but he didn't really see her. He knew everything about her, but he knew nothing. But was that really his fault? Megan didn't let people in. Megan was such a good, kind, virtuous person. She is such a mother hen and carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. I think we all beat ourselves up about things from our past, unsure of how to forgive ourselves, move on, and live a life without fear and guilt. I am excited to think how much more amazing she will be after she comes to know herself and forgive herself by the end of the story. High school English classes should read this book and analyze relationships, all the meanings of love, and what brings true happiness. What a masterfully written coming of age story. It is clean with only a little innuendo from Phillip. If you like Amy Harmon novels, you'll love this book. It is a work of art. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2016
≫Ich habe dieses Buch als gratis Kindle Version erhalten, in Austausch für eine ehrliche Bewertung.≪
Ich bin so froh, dass ich dieses Buch gelesen habe. Und kann es nur weiter empfehlen. Auch wenn ich es auf Englisch gelesen habe, war es leicht zu verstehen und es gab eigentlich keine "Lese Schwierigkeiten"
Ich mochte Megan sehr, auch wenn man sich manchmal für sie fremdgeschämt hat. Aber das ghört nun mal dazu. Schliesslich will sie ja immer das machen, was den Erwachsenen gefällt und ihnen nichts entgegen setzen. Sie wirkt deshalb viel erwachsener und zur selben Zeit einfach nur verängstigt. Ich muss sagen, dass die Geschichte nicht so leicht voraussehbar war. Sie entwickelt sich immer in eine andere Richtung, die zwar meist angedeutet wurde, der Leser aber gerne ignoriert. Die Situationen im Buch sind allgemein gut beschrieben und man hat das Gefühl immer mitten im Geschehnis zu sein. Es gab beim lesen eigentlich nie irgendwelche Stolpersteine, auch sprachlich ist das Buch kein Problem gewesen.
Was ich etwas Schade fand, war dass man gegen den Schluss Megans Gefühle nicht Mitempfinden konnte. Es war als würde man plötzlich ausgeschlossen werden, weil man keine Antwort auf Fragen bekommen hat. (Welche zumindest bei mir aufgetaucht sind.) Es geschah zum Schluss einfach alles auf einmal und Megan hatte eine grosse Veränderung in ihrem Liebesleben, die man gar nicht richtig mitbekommen hat. Ich finde auch wenn sie der Hauptcharakter war, konnte man manchmal Phillips Gefühle besser verstehen. Was einem zum Teil mehr mit der Geschichte in Verbindung brachte, mich allerdings auch irgendwie störte.
Was mir noch besonders gefallen hat, war wie Charlotte dargestellt wurde. Sie war zwar jünger aber durchaus reifer wie andere es in ihrem Alter gewesen wären.
Alles in einem ist es ein sehr empfehlenswertes Buch.
Ich bin so froh, dass ich dieses Buch gelesen habe. Und kann es nur weiter empfehlen. Auch wenn ich es auf Englisch gelesen habe, war es leicht zu verstehen und es gab eigentlich keine "Lese Schwierigkeiten"
Ich mochte Megan sehr, auch wenn man sich manchmal für sie fremdgeschämt hat. Aber das ghört nun mal dazu. Schliesslich will sie ja immer das machen, was den Erwachsenen gefällt und ihnen nichts entgegen setzen. Sie wirkt deshalb viel erwachsener und zur selben Zeit einfach nur verängstigt. Ich muss sagen, dass die Geschichte nicht so leicht voraussehbar war. Sie entwickelt sich immer in eine andere Richtung, die zwar meist angedeutet wurde, der Leser aber gerne ignoriert. Die Situationen im Buch sind allgemein gut beschrieben und man hat das Gefühl immer mitten im Geschehnis zu sein. Es gab beim lesen eigentlich nie irgendwelche Stolpersteine, auch sprachlich ist das Buch kein Problem gewesen.
Was ich etwas Schade fand, war dass man gegen den Schluss Megans Gefühle nicht Mitempfinden konnte. Es war als würde man plötzlich ausgeschlossen werden, weil man keine Antwort auf Fragen bekommen hat. (Welche zumindest bei mir aufgetaucht sind.) Es geschah zum Schluss einfach alles auf einmal und Megan hatte eine grosse Veränderung in ihrem Liebesleben, die man gar nicht richtig mitbekommen hat. Ich finde auch wenn sie der Hauptcharakter war, konnte man manchmal Phillips Gefühle besser verstehen. Was einem zum Teil mehr mit der Geschichte in Verbindung brachte, mich allerdings auch irgendwie störte.
Was mir noch besonders gefallen hat, war wie Charlotte dargestellt wurde. Sie war zwar jünger aber durchaus reifer wie andere es in ihrem Alter gewesen wären.
Alles in einem ist es ein sehr empfehlenswertes Buch.
August 30, 2016
The Truth About Fragile Things focuses on the aftermath of an amazing act of selflessness, and deals with the complicated relationships between those left behind. Bryon saved Megan, a small child at the time, from being hit by a car after she chased a butterfly into the street. Bryon, unfortunately, was killed, and Megan has dealt with the guilt ever since.
After noticing that a new freshman student has been giving her hostile stares, Megan's best friend, Phillip, finds out a little about the girl, including her name, which Megan instantly recognizes. The new girl, Charlotte, is Bryon's daughter. Charlotte, understandably, dislikes Megan, and Megan, feeling guilty that she is the reason Charlotte doesn't have a father, tries to think of a way to apologize to her. Charlotte, of course, doesn't want an apology. It won't bring her father back, after all, but Megan is determined.
Bryon had a bucket list of things to do before he died, which he was never able to accomplish, and Megan and Charlotte agree to finish everything on the list for him. What follows is a story of heartbreak, guilt, grief, and ultimately, forgiveness.
I enjoyed The Truth About Fragile Things so much more than I thought I would. It was intriguing and well-written, and I didn't want to put it down. Though dealing with heavy topics, I think the author did a wonderful job of preventing the book from becoming too depressing by including a few light and funny moments throughout the story.
With complex characters and a unique plot, The Truth About Fragile Things is an excellent novel, and I would definitely recommend to those who enjoy original and thought-provoking YA books.
After noticing that a new freshman student has been giving her hostile stares, Megan's best friend, Phillip, finds out a little about the girl, including her name, which Megan instantly recognizes. The new girl, Charlotte, is Bryon's daughter. Charlotte, understandably, dislikes Megan, and Megan, feeling guilty that she is the reason Charlotte doesn't have a father, tries to think of a way to apologize to her. Charlotte, of course, doesn't want an apology. It won't bring her father back, after all, but Megan is determined.
Bryon had a bucket list of things to do before he died, which he was never able to accomplish, and Megan and Charlotte agree to finish everything on the list for him. What follows is a story of heartbreak, guilt, grief, and ultimately, forgiveness.
I enjoyed The Truth About Fragile Things so much more than I thought I would. It was intriguing and well-written, and I didn't want to put it down. Though dealing with heavy topics, I think the author did a wonderful job of preventing the book from becoming too depressing by including a few light and funny moments throughout the story.
With complex characters and a unique plot, The Truth About Fragile Things is an excellent novel, and I would definitely recommend to those who enjoy original and thought-provoking YA books.
August 31, 2016
When Megan was two, a man named Byron Exby saved her life, losing his in the process. She's now 17 and still feels guilty about that. A new girl in her school starts glaring at her and seems to hate her for no reason. She soon learns that she is Charlotte Exby, Byron's daughter. Megan has never told anyone what happened all those years ago but finally decides to confide in her best friend, Phillip. After an uncomfortable beginning, Charlotte, Megan and Phillip decide to work on Byron's bucket list together and learn a lot about themselves and each other in the process.
I was definitely intrigued when I read the blurb for this book. I was hooked right away, wanting to know the entire story about what happened all those years ago and what would happen when Megan and Charlotte met each other. It felt realistic. There were issues to work through and their relationship felt like a roller coaster. Then, you add in their families, and there's more drama and feelings to work through.
Megan and Phillip became friends when they both had lead roles in their eighth grade play. The stage is the only place where life makes sense to Megan so she's a terrific actress. She continually refers to Phillip as just a friend but it seemed like there was more. Their relationship didn't turn out the way I thought it would in the end but I liked what happened.
This is a book that makes you stop and think how you would behave if you were one of the main characters. It's a tough situation to be in, full of complications and layers. The characters were easy for me to love and I enjoyed getting to know them. This is quite simply a fantastic book from beginning to end!
I received a copy via eBooks for Review for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.
I was definitely intrigued when I read the blurb for this book. I was hooked right away, wanting to know the entire story about what happened all those years ago and what would happen when Megan and Charlotte met each other. It felt realistic. There were issues to work through and their relationship felt like a roller coaster. Then, you add in their families, and there's more drama and feelings to work through.
Megan and Phillip became friends when they both had lead roles in their eighth grade play. The stage is the only place where life makes sense to Megan so she's a terrific actress. She continually refers to Phillip as just a friend but it seemed like there was more. Their relationship didn't turn out the way I thought it would in the end but I liked what happened.
This is a book that makes you stop and think how you would behave if you were one of the main characters. It's a tough situation to be in, full of complications and layers. The characters were easy for me to love and I enjoyed getting to know them. This is quite simply a fantastic book from beginning to end!
I received a copy via eBooks for Review for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.
August 19, 2016
You know those books that you read that give you a new meaning of what is it to be alive? And to be lucky enough, and thankful to have everything you do? This is that book for me.
Megan is a 17 year old teenager who’s life was saved at age 2. Charlotte has recently moved town, and is now attending the same school as Megan - the girl her father died to save. Charlotte tries to reach out and connect with Megan to forgive her, because she is completing her late father’s bucket list. Pretty soon both Megan and her best friend Phil are also roped into completing the list.
This is definitely one of those novels that I wish I could time travel back and give to my younger self. Between the once-in-a-lifetime adventures, the character development, and the guilt and heartbreak, this is honestly one of my all-time favourites. This is such an incredibly written story, and I found that i was able to love and relate to the characters and their personalities. This is essentially a modern day coming of age story.
Get “The Truth About Fragile Things” by Regina Sirois: https://www.amazon.com.au/Truth-About...
Where you can find me on the interwebs:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephMarinis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MissTrouble93
Snapchat: mrsmaskeddows
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
Want to review free ebooks?:http://www.ebooksforreview.com/
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Megan is a 17 year old teenager who’s life was saved at age 2. Charlotte has recently moved town, and is now attending the same school as Megan - the girl her father died to save. Charlotte tries to reach out and connect with Megan to forgive her, because she is completing her late father’s bucket list. Pretty soon both Megan and her best friend Phil are also roped into completing the list.
This is definitely one of those novels that I wish I could time travel back and give to my younger self. Between the once-in-a-lifetime adventures, the character development, and the guilt and heartbreak, this is honestly one of my all-time favourites. This is such an incredibly written story, and I found that i was able to love and relate to the characters and their personalities. This is essentially a modern day coming of age story.
Get “The Truth About Fragile Things” by Regina Sirois: https://www.amazon.com.au/Truth-About...
Where you can find me on the interwebs:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephMarinis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MissTrouble93
Snapchat: mrsmaskeddows
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
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Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2016
I haven't come across very many books in my life that have actually caused me to re-evaluate my life, until now. The Truth about Fragile Things was a huge eye-opener for me. From the second we are born, we start to die, never knowing exactly how much time we truly have on earth. Sometimes our lives are cut short, such as the life of Bryon Exby, and we are never able to accomplish everything that we wanted to accomplish. Sometimes, although we continue to draw breath day in and day out, we are still unable to accomplish everything that we want to accomplish, because we are in a sense, already dead.
Megan, although only a teenager, was essentially just as dead as the man who saved her. She hid from life, only choosing the make believe life of the characters she played on stage. She never really enjoyed life, with all of its ups and downs, until she finally came face to face with her own reality, the day she finally met Charlotte. By forsing herself to help Charlotte complete her fathers bucket list, Megan was finally able to truly join the land of the living.
No one knows how their life is going to go, but we all have the ability to choose our own path, no matter what happens in the end. For many years now, I have felt dead inside, unable to live the life that given 37 years ago. I struggle daily with feeling like a derailed train. This book made me realize that I am the only one standing in my way of true happiness. I am the only one who can change the course of my life and once again join the land of the living.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their very existence in life.
Megan, although only a teenager, was essentially just as dead as the man who saved her. She hid from life, only choosing the make believe life of the characters she played on stage. She never really enjoyed life, with all of its ups and downs, until she finally came face to face with her own reality, the day she finally met Charlotte. By forsing herself to help Charlotte complete her fathers bucket list, Megan was finally able to truly join the land of the living.
No one knows how their life is going to go, but we all have the ability to choose our own path, no matter what happens in the end. For many years now, I have felt dead inside, unable to live the life that given 37 years ago. I struggle daily with feeling like a derailed train. This book made me realize that I am the only one standing in my way of true happiness. I am the only one who can change the course of my life and once again join the land of the living.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their very existence in life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2016
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I would add an extra half star above if I could. This is a thoughtful book about life and death told from a teenager's perspective, which I think also makes it an important book.
The few YA books I've read are usually about magical or dystopian worlds that don't really exist. This book is very much set in reality. And although most young people would not have the same experience that Megan did, I think they deal with guilt about so many things, in much the same way. They blame and punish themselves for things that they had absolutely no control over, and the impacts can change their lives forever.
Luckily the lead character of this book has the unique opportunity, and possibly the most understanding parents on the planet, to help her come to grips with her emotions and allow her to begin living the life that she was truly meant to.
I love that although Meagan is popular, she doesn't even know it. This book will hopefully let other young people see that everyone is struggling with something, no matter how pretty or smart or popular.
Usually I complain about how annoying young characters are in YA books, but I liked everyone in this story. I think much of their dialogue was slightly more mature than how you would hear most teens talk but I think that can be overlooked.
This is definitely a book for all readers, especially young people who are having a hard time seeing that the future may seem bleak now, but there is always hope, and good friends will help you get there.
I would add an extra half star above if I could. This is a thoughtful book about life and death told from a teenager's perspective, which I think also makes it an important book.
The few YA books I've read are usually about magical or dystopian worlds that don't really exist. This book is very much set in reality. And although most young people would not have the same experience that Megan did, I think they deal with guilt about so many things, in much the same way. They blame and punish themselves for things that they had absolutely no control over, and the impacts can change their lives forever.
Luckily the lead character of this book has the unique opportunity, and possibly the most understanding parents on the planet, to help her come to grips with her emotions and allow her to begin living the life that she was truly meant to.
I love that although Meagan is popular, she doesn't even know it. This book will hopefully let other young people see that everyone is struggling with something, no matter how pretty or smart or popular.
Usually I complain about how annoying young characters are in YA books, but I liked everyone in this story. I think much of their dialogue was slightly more mature than how you would hear most teens talk but I think that can be overlooked.
This is definitely a book for all readers, especially young people who are having a hard time seeing that the future may seem bleak now, but there is always hope, and good friends will help you get there.
February 3, 2017
High school junior, Megan Riddick, thrives while acting on the stage, but shuns the attention of the real world. Her dislike for reality started when Bryon Exby lost his life to save a two-year-old Megan. All Megan and her family want to do is bury this secret and move on. But life is blown apart when Charlotte, Bryon’s daughter, moves into town. Charlotte stalks Megan until the two finally meet. Noting that Megan is not a threat, Charlotte admits that Bryon left an unfinished bucket list and she needs help completing it. Megan agrees and she reluctantly enlists her nosy, best friend, Phillip.
The Truth About Fragile Things is an emotional story riding on the wishes of a dead hero. Megan doesn’t know whether she has been worthy enough to be saved by Bryon Exby. So she plays her part being a dedicated student, faithful friend, loving daughter, and close sister. Playing these roles can be exhausting, so she hides away from life’s stage to renew her “happy face” until she can deal with it again. When Charlotte comes around, Megan’s reality mask cracks for all the world to see. Megan hastily attempts to paste over these cracks by subduing Charlotte’s needs. But as the process to live out Bryon’s wishes continues, Megan finds her true, radiant self and the courage to show it. A thought-provoking teen read for ages thirteen and up.
(Review found on Children's Compass Chronicle: childrenscompasschronicle.blogspot.com)
The Truth About Fragile Things is an emotional story riding on the wishes of a dead hero. Megan doesn’t know whether she has been worthy enough to be saved by Bryon Exby. So she plays her part being a dedicated student, faithful friend, loving daughter, and close sister. Playing these roles can be exhausting, so she hides away from life’s stage to renew her “happy face” until she can deal with it again. When Charlotte comes around, Megan’s reality mask cracks for all the world to see. Megan hastily attempts to paste over these cracks by subduing Charlotte’s needs. But as the process to live out Bryon’s wishes continues, Megan finds her true, radiant self and the courage to show it. A thought-provoking teen read for ages thirteen and up.
(Review found on Children's Compass Chronicle: childrenscompasschronicle.blogspot.com)
August 20, 2016
>>I received this as a free ebook in exchange of an honest review<<
"No one really hears you even when you're talking"
One of the best contemporary books I've read!
When Megan was two years old a man saved her life and gave his own in return. Fourteen years later that same man's daughter, Charlotte begins at her school and wants to talk to Megan. When he died her father left an unfinished bucket list that Charlotte now wants to finish with the help of Megan and Megan's best friend Philip. This is the beginning of a journey across America and is about forgiving others, and even harder, forgiving yourself.
Megan was a strong and relatable main character and I absolutely adored Philip with his quirkiness and that big brother role he put on himself. The character of Charlotte was beautifully written and her line about how she didn't think she was made to be happy was heartbreaking.
The theatre part was fun as well since all of the three main characters are in the school play, which is a big part of the story. Another nice thing that I enjoyed was Megan's relationship with her family and how supportive they where.
The only downside was the romantic relationships. There were two of them and they both felt a little rushed and unnecessary.
I think this book would make an amazing movie.
August 31, 2016
"No one really hears you even when you're talking." What an astounding quote from the book. This book is alluring and delightful. It is full of heartbreak, regret, love, tenderness, anguish and affliction. The writing is wonderful and the character building abounds throughout the book.
I absolutely love the cover of this book. I could not tell you that until after I read the book. The simplicity of the butterfly on ones hand and how it relates to the story. A simple butterfly changed Megan's entire life. "I'm here to forgive you. It wasn't my idea--- to forgive you. It was my dad's." Amazing how Megan and Charlotte were brought together. Their characters are intricate and well developed. I would give this book 4 1/2 stars and almost a 5. I love how this book had the ability to question things in my life and what makes us fragile and how things impact our lives. This book is told from a teenager's perspective and set in reality. We all have struggles no matter who we are and that we often blame and punish ourselves for our struggles.
This book is a journey across America about compassion, forgiveness, love and healing. Charlotte has a bucket list of her dads and Megan and their friend Philip set out to complete it. It is an easy read and a great story to be told.
I absolutely love the cover of this book. I could not tell you that until after I read the book. The simplicity of the butterfly on ones hand and how it relates to the story. A simple butterfly changed Megan's entire life. "I'm here to forgive you. It wasn't my idea--- to forgive you. It was my dad's." Amazing how Megan and Charlotte were brought together. Their characters are intricate and well developed. I would give this book 4 1/2 stars and almost a 5. I love how this book had the ability to question things in my life and what makes us fragile and how things impact our lives. This book is told from a teenager's perspective and set in reality. We all have struggles no matter who we are and that we often blame and punish ourselves for our struggles.
This book is a journey across America about compassion, forgiveness, love and healing. Charlotte has a bucket list of her dads and Megan and their friend Philip set out to complete it. It is an easy read and a great story to be told.
July 21, 2016
The Truth About Fragile Things is a young adult, coming-of-age novel.
Megan is seventeen years old and has not forgotten about being saved when she was two. Her rescuer was killed in the accident instead. Now her hero's daughter has begun attending her high school, and she knows exactly who Megan is, she also holds her responsible for her father's death. Against the odds, Charlotte and Megan come together in hopes of living out her dad's bucket list, the only tangible thing she feels she has left of him. Emotions run high as both girls work through grief, regret, anger, and guilt. Phil, the third of what becomes a trio, is the joker and the tension breaker in many of the interactions between Charlotte and Megan.
I thought the character development was nicely done in this story, as Megan who seemed to be distant, comes to terms with who she is and begins to open herself up to people and relationships around her. Charlotte worked through her resentments and anger to start to be able to heal from the void the death of her father left. This was a book about friendship, loyalty, forgiveness, and resilience. I was left feeling hopeful.
*I was given a free copy of this Ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Megan is seventeen years old and has not forgotten about being saved when she was two. Her rescuer was killed in the accident instead. Now her hero's daughter has begun attending her high school, and she knows exactly who Megan is, she also holds her responsible for her father's death. Against the odds, Charlotte and Megan come together in hopes of living out her dad's bucket list, the only tangible thing she feels she has left of him. Emotions run high as both girls work through grief, regret, anger, and guilt. Phil, the third of what becomes a trio, is the joker and the tension breaker in many of the interactions between Charlotte and Megan.
I thought the character development was nicely done in this story, as Megan who seemed to be distant, comes to terms with who she is and begins to open herself up to people and relationships around her. Charlotte worked through her resentments and anger to start to be able to heal from the void the death of her father left. This was a book about friendship, loyalty, forgiveness, and resilience. I was left feeling hopeful.
*I was given a free copy of this Ebook in exchange for an honest review.
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