linz's review
4.0
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.
vickimarie2002's review
4.0
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.
sdawson's review
3.0
*I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review*
I think this story sets a wonderful example of a contemporary coming-of-age story that explores topics in which a lot of the younger crowd that will read it can really relate to. Topics such as death, grief, guilt, and the confusion of dealing with it all along with the usual responsibilities of teenagers and young adults alike are all touched on multiple times through out the book. The main characters have an interesting dynamic with one another but not one I haven't seen before. I didn't feel especially interested in any of them and I don't think they will stick with me for very long now that I've finished reading.
The ending was very underwhelming for me. I can't shake the feeling of instalove and I was slightly surprised at the way certain relationships progressed throughout the story. It often felt like something I couldn't realistically see happening with the specific characters or in the specific settings or situations. These moments did not feel as relatable as other important parts in the book. It was however a quick and easy read, overall I did enjoy this novel.
I think this story sets a wonderful example of a contemporary coming-of-age story that explores topics in which a lot of the younger crowd that will read it can really relate to. Topics such as death, grief, guilt, and the confusion of dealing with it all along with the usual responsibilities of teenagers and young adults alike are all touched on multiple times through out the book. The main characters have an interesting dynamic with one another but not one I haven't seen before. I didn't feel especially interested in any of them and I don't think they will stick with me for very long now that I've finished reading.
The ending was very underwhelming for me. I can't shake the feeling of instalove and I was slightly surprised at the way certain relationships progressed throughout the story. It often felt like something I couldn't realistically see happening with the specific characters or in the specific settings or situations. These moments did not feel as relatable as other important parts in the book. It was however a quick and easy read, overall I did enjoy this novel.
samahcanread__'s review
5.0
I was given the book from the lovely Kathy in exchange for an honest review, so I'll try to be as honest as possible. The book is the best YA I read so far, I saw a lot of complexities in the characters; grief, sorrow, regret and motherhood love. I love when books shed light on the relationship with mothers and daughters since a lot of teenagers do not get well with their parents, especially highschoolers. The second thing I liked is that I saw myself in the friendship between Philip and Megan, I loved how Regina portrayed th confusion you get when you don't know if you had taken your friendship to the next lever. That's adds up to the main stories. I mean, who doesn't have to-do lists? I have tons and I don't even know if I could do them before I die. That's why Regina gave us this book, to remind us that we skip the point of making to-do list; it's not about doing everything on the list, it's about knowing that we have a short time on Earth and we have to make it the best in other people's lives and ours as well.
carmenna's review
4.0
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/2016/08/the-truth-about-fragile-things.html
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/2016/08/the-truth-about-fragile-things.html
ghumpherys's review
5.0
This YA book surprised me with the complexity of emotions and issues that it dealt with. There is guilt and anger and resentment and death and forgiveness and love and redemption. I could relate in many ways to the personality of the main character, Megan, and her quiet, serious nature. I loved her relationship with her family. The other characters - Charlotte and Phillip - were also well-written and all three of them tied together in a very unique storyline.
Part of me wanted a little more resolution to the end of the story and to see how some things turned out, but at the same time I also appreciated that the story ended where it did and left things a little open ended. This was a beautiful, heartbreaking coming-of-age story!
Note: I received a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Part of me wanted a little more resolution to the end of the story and to see how some things turned out, but at the same time I also appreciated that the story ended where it did and left things a little open ended. This was a beautiful, heartbreaking coming-of-age story!
Note: I received a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
gxnld's review
5.0
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.
majber's review
5.0
>>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.
sprainedbrain's review
3.0
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would describe the Truth About Fragile Things as a YA coming-of-age romance. The book is very well written, and the premise of two girls drawn together in such a way is fascinating. I enjoyed the characters for the most part, but I'm sure they are best appreciated by readers who are themselves teenagers. I didn't really care for the way the romantic pairings turned out, but I can definitely say that the story was not predictable in the least. I would definitely recommend this book for young adults and teens who enjoy sweet, adventurous stories.
I would describe the Truth About Fragile Things as a YA coming-of-age romance. The book is very well written, and the premise of two girls drawn together in such a way is fascinating. I enjoyed the characters for the most part, but I'm sure they are best appreciated by readers who are themselves teenagers. I didn't really care for the way the romantic pairings turned out, but I can definitely say that the story was not predictable in the least. I would definitely recommend this book for young adults and teens who enjoy sweet, adventurous stories.
efachoeppis's review
4.0
≫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.
More...