Harriet Adu knows that her brother’s death is her fault. I mean, it’s not actually her fault, but it still kinda is, isn’t it?
She would do anything to live in a world where she could take back what she said that morning.
Then
a strange girl shows up at Harriet’s high school – a girl who loves the
same weird books Harriet does, who doesn’t vibe with anyone at school
the same way Harriet does – and that different world suddenly seems
possible. The girl speaks of a place underneath the subways of New York,
where people like them can go and find a home. A place away from the
world of high school, grief, cool people, and depression. A place where
one may be able to bend the lines of reality and get a second chance at
being a better person.
Will Harriet open the door?
With
You’re Breaking My Heart , award-winning author Olugbemisola
Rhuday-Perkovich offers a remarkable speculative novel that will hit
home for anyone who yearns for that one chance to do things over.
I was looking for a couple of audiobooks for the grandkids’
spring break reading circle and found this YA book.
Harriet Adu is struggling with the violent death of her brother. Tondu was
killed in a school shooting. Unfortunately for Harriet, she had an argument
with her brother before school and told him, "I wish you were dead."
She can't help but blame herself for his death regardless of how much she is
told or thinks through the events that they are not her fault.
It is a good story about a young person dealing with grief, the death of a
close family member, and the changes in the adults she loves. Also, her parents
moved her to a new school because they thought it would be easier for her
because there were fewer reminders of her brother. Too many changes are not good for anyone in a
time of grief; for a young person, it only hurts their heart more.
Harriet finds a way to experience life differently. At this point, the story touches on the paranormal/fantasy. This is the only downside for me. It doesn't flow as smoothly as the beginning of the story. Also, the story seems a little out of sync. However, I think teens and tweens will accept it more. My frustration was too many questions, but I don't think it will bother a younger person as much.
I’ll see when we get together next month.
Normally, I'm not a big fan of authors narrating their own work put this is well done. I felt I was in Harriet's head and heart. 4 Stars for Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich.
3 Stars
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