What do you think?
Rate this book
All in Pieces
“Anger-management issues.”
That’s how they classified Savannah Sutton after she stuck a pencil in her ex-boyfriend’s hand because he mocked her little brother, Evan, for being disabled. That’s why they sent her to Brooks Academy—an alternative high school that’s used as a temporary detention center.
The days at Brooks are miserable, but at home, life is far more bleak. Savvy’s struggling to take care of her brother since her mom left years ago, and her alcoholic dad can’t be bothered. Life with Evan is a constant challenge, but he’s also the most important person in the world to Savvy.
Then there’s Cameron, a new student at Brooks with issues of his own, a guy from a perfect family that Savvy thought only existed on TV. Cameron seems determined to break through every one of the walls Savvy’s built around herself—except if she lets herself trust him, it could make everything she’s worked so hard for fall apart in an instant.
And with her aunt seeking custody of her brother and her ex-boyfriend seeking revenge, Savvy’s fighting to hold all the pieces together. But she’s not sure how much tighter she can be pulled before she breaks completely.
That’s how they classified Savannah Sutton after she stuck a pencil in her ex-boyfriend’s hand because he mocked her little brother, Evan, for being disabled. That’s why they sent her to Brooks Academy—an alternative high school that’s used as a temporary detention center.
The days at Brooks are miserable, but at home, life is far more bleak. Savvy’s struggling to take care of her brother since her mom left years ago, and her alcoholic dad can’t be bothered. Life with Evan is a constant challenge, but he’s also the most important person in the world to Savvy.
Then there’s Cameron, a new student at Brooks with issues of his own, a guy from a perfect family that Savvy thought only existed on TV. Cameron seems determined to break through every one of the walls Savvy’s built around herself—except if she lets herself trust him, it could make everything she’s worked so hard for fall apart in an instant.
And with her aunt seeking custody of her brother and her ex-boyfriend seeking revenge, Savvy’s fighting to hold all the pieces together. But she’s not sure how much tighter she can be pulled before she breaks completely.
259 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2016
About the author
Suzanne Young
61 books4,811 followersSuzanne Young is the New York Times bestselling author of The Program, The Treatment, and several other novels. She currently lives in Tempe, Arizona where she teaches high school English and obsesses about books. Learn more about Suzanne at www.suzanne-young.blogspot.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 638 reviews
February 10, 2017
This book. Dear Lord; I keep thinking if I put off reviewing it that I can pretend I’m not finished with it. I seem to be avoiding some sort of finality and have been wrestling with whether or not I should toss my current reads aside, pick All in Pieces back up, and reread it until my heart decides I can move on. It’s been over a year since a book kept me captive to the point of not letting me immerse myself in a new read (Night Film was the last one); if possible, I would give this book something beyond 5 stars-maybe akin to The Gold Star award over on Lorraine’s blog The Book Review Cafe. I’m currently choking back ugly sobs while trying to write this; the crazy part is I can’t quite nail down why. This wasn’t the deepest book I’ve read; the story was fairly short so the characters felt like a brief wisp of relationship as opposed to some deep ending. All I can attribute it to is a hybrid feeling that gave me a sense of heaviness and hope.
It’s no surprise that I was interested in reading this book; I have a fondness for stories containing disabled characters, but particularly those on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Savvy’s little brother Evan reminded me so much of my daughter that I had to flip back and forth between a few scenes and check if the author had snuck into my life. Here is this teenage girl who’s mother ran away, who’s father is a barely functioning drunk, and who’s little brother who is on the cusp of being transferred to her aunt for custody. The delicate life that this young woman is trying to balance is so fragile that it could completely collapse at any time, which results in said anger issues as described in the summary above. This was Young Adult fiction done well; no silly love triangles and no petty problems with no substance. All in Pieces showed the darker side that a good number of today’s youth are privy to and did not sugar coat it one bit.
The budding relationship between Savvy and Cameron is one of my favorite’s in a contemporary YA thus far. I loved how slowly and deliberately these two developed their feelings; there was no jumping into bed with each other after meeting 5 hours earlier or plans of marrying upon graduation. There were so many tiny details that went into making this story realistic; I found it was the depth and feeling to the details that took it a step further. I found myself able to connect on some level with almost every character, minus Savvy’s ex-boyfriend Patrick because I’m not a monster. There was a sense of community within these families in the poor side of town; even though they were at a correctional school with a multitude of issues, Savvy and her best friends were always looking out for each other.
I could go on for days about this book, but you should probably just read it for yourself before I start throwing spoilers out left and right. This was a heavy, touching, hopeful read that kept me completely engrossed throughout. I almost read it entirely in one sitting, but adulting required me not to. This gave me the same feels as a John Green book, but I hate to compare it to his work because it is also so different. Part coming of age, part love story, this 100% compelled my emotions to go to a place they haven’t been in quite some time. Highly recommended to all lovers of YA fiction; there is quite a bit of language as an advisory to those who are more sensitive to that aspect. This was my first read by Suzanne Young and most certainly won’t be my last.
*I won my copy via Goodreads Giveaway and it was my pleasure to provide an honest review. So grateful to have won this one!
It’s no surprise that I was interested in reading this book; I have a fondness for stories containing disabled characters, but particularly those on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Savvy’s little brother Evan reminded me so much of my daughter that I had to flip back and forth between a few scenes and check if the author had snuck into my life. Here is this teenage girl who’s mother ran away, who’s father is a barely functioning drunk, and who’s little brother who is on the cusp of being transferred to her aunt for custody. The delicate life that this young woman is trying to balance is so fragile that it could completely collapse at any time, which results in said anger issues as described in the summary above. This was Young Adult fiction done well; no silly love triangles and no petty problems with no substance. All in Pieces showed the darker side that a good number of today’s youth are privy to and did not sugar coat it one bit.
The budding relationship between Savvy and Cameron is one of my favorite’s in a contemporary YA thus far. I loved how slowly and deliberately these two developed their feelings; there was no jumping into bed with each other after meeting 5 hours earlier or plans of marrying upon graduation. There were so many tiny details that went into making this story realistic; I found it was the depth and feeling to the details that took it a step further. I found myself able to connect on some level with almost every character, minus Savvy’s ex-boyfriend Patrick because I’m not a monster. There was a sense of community within these families in the poor side of town; even though they were at a correctional school with a multitude of issues, Savvy and her best friends were always looking out for each other.
I could go on for days about this book, but you should probably just read it for yourself before I start throwing spoilers out left and right. This was a heavy, touching, hopeful read that kept me completely engrossed throughout. I almost read it entirely in one sitting, but adulting required me not to. This gave me the same feels as a John Green book, but I hate to compare it to his work because it is also so different. Part coming of age, part love story, this 100% compelled my emotions to go to a place they haven’t been in quite some time. Highly recommended to all lovers of YA fiction; there is quite a bit of language as an advisory to those who are more sensitive to that aspect. This was my first read by Suzanne Young and most certainly won’t be my last.
*I won my copy via Goodreads Giveaway and it was my pleasure to provide an honest review. So grateful to have won this one!
September 13, 2021
4 STARS
This is the first book I have read by this author and I’m happy to report it was an overall enjoyable experience. Minor issues that held the book from getting a full five-star rating would be: I felt that the police should have been involved in one situation and felt that it was a fail on all the adults. Then there’s the fade to black sex. However, as a YA read goes, this was a good read for me. If I was asked what book this reminded me in the feelings category I would have to say Wishing for Someday Soon by Tiffany King.
The story is told completely in Savannah Sutton’s pov. She has been kicked out of her high school and is completing her senior year at Brooke’s Academy. Brooke’s is an alternative high school used as a detention center and where our heroine does meet the hero, Cameron Ramsey.
"Then Cameron Ramsey showed up, all sexy and quiet. None of us know why he’s here. He definitely doesn’t fit. I mean, the kid drives a BMW.”
Savannah is struggling to take care of her seven-year-old brother for the past two years since her mother walked out. Her father is drunk and useless and her aunt is pushing for full custody of little Evan. Savannah’s money and time are tight yet Cameron isn’t put off by Savannah’s shortness with him. Their banter was fantastic and believable.
"Haven’t you heard? Money doesn’t buy happiness. Just really nice cars.”
"You’d better be careful, Sutton,” he says watching the road. “Or you’ll end up falling in love with me.”
Savannah’s best friends play a solid role in the story as does Cameron’s parents. The story is well written and enjoyable as Savannah learns to trust Cameron even when things fall apart...sob.
Overall, this one delivered on many areas that readers will appreciate especially solid writing. The ending wrapped up the story well, though I could have definitely read more about these two if the author decides to maybe do a book two in the future…
This is the first book I have read by this author and I’m happy to report it was an overall enjoyable experience. Minor issues that held the book from getting a full five-star rating would be: I felt that the police should have been involved in one situation and felt that it was a fail on all the adults. Then there’s the fade to black sex. However, as a YA read goes, this was a good read for me. If I was asked what book this reminded me in the feelings category I would have to say Wishing for Someday Soon by Tiffany King.
The story is told completely in Savannah Sutton’s pov. She has been kicked out of her high school and is completing her senior year at Brooke’s Academy. Brooke’s is an alternative high school used as a detention center and where our heroine does meet the hero, Cameron Ramsey.
"Then Cameron Ramsey showed up, all sexy and quiet. None of us know why he’s here. He definitely doesn’t fit. I mean, the kid drives a BMW.”
Savannah is struggling to take care of her seven-year-old brother for the past two years since her mother walked out. Her father is drunk and useless and her aunt is pushing for full custody of little Evan. Savannah’s money and time are tight yet Cameron isn’t put off by Savannah’s shortness with him. Their banter was fantastic and believable.
"Haven’t you heard? Money doesn’t buy happiness. Just really nice cars.”
"You’d better be careful, Sutton,” he says watching the road. “Or you’ll end up falling in love with me.”
Savannah’s best friends play a solid role in the story as does Cameron’s parents. The story is well written and enjoyable as Savannah learns to trust Cameron even when things fall apart...sob.
Overall, this one delivered on many areas that readers will appreciate especially solid writing. The ending wrapped up the story well, though I could have definitely read more about these two if the author decides to maybe do a book two in the future…
May 23, 2018
Unexpectedly emotional, sweet and inspiring. At first I didn’t think there was going to be more to the story than an angsty teenage girl with anger management issues but soon I learned it was so much more. It was about a girl who had to take responsibility over her special 7 year old brother without or barely any parental supervision. It’s about a girl whose friends are also troubled, they even had to be sent away for rehab, a girl who almost seemed to have lost interest in living her own life until the mysterious Cameron and his family (who are all so sweet and caring, it’s almost unbelievable) came along.
The story was packed emotion-wise and plot-wise with a lot of punches, most of them directed straight to my heart. At some point the choppy writing annoyed me a little but I soon realized it was the very tool of the author to set the mood of the story.
My only complaint is how several parts to me seemed a bit unrealistic or at times a little too convenient just to set the plot right to its intended course but as a whole, it was a relatable, gripping story that tackles another side of a teenage life that isn’t always discussed in books. It discusses poverty, bullying, neglect and how this young girl managed to survive through her friends’ love and support and her love for her little brother.
“No matter how shitty I think my life is, I have my brother. I’ll always have him. And although he’s the hardest part of my life, he’s also the best.”
August 10, 2021
Instagram || Twitter || Facebook || Amazon || Pinterest
Oh my God, this was so good. So the premise of this book is basically "Bad Girl gets sent to Bad Kid School for stabbing her douchebag ex in the hand with a pencil for calling her younger brother the R-word. Finds love-- and herself." Which sounds cheesy as fuck, but it was really, really, really well done.
Really!
With books I really love, I almost can't be bothered to write a normal review because I just want to scream incomprehensibly in numbers and letters, so I usually do a bullet list so I can squeal over all of my favorite things.
💬 The "bad girl" heroine. I love antiheroines and Savannah was so well done. I loved her tough facade and how it was kind of a mask for her fears of abandonment and getting hurt. She had real problems-- an absentee mother, alcoholic father, special needs younger brother, abusive ex-boyfriend, school stuff. She dealt with it all realistically, in that while she tried her best, it was a lot for her to handle alone, and cruel for anyone to expect her to. A big part of her growth is learning to rely on others and cut toxic people loose. Her character development was just so well done. I absolutely loved this girl.
💬 The "bad guy" love interest. Cameron might seem like the stereotypical rich kid with issues, but like Savannah, the author goes so much deeper into his character development. Teen me would have absolutely loved this Himbo With the Heart of Gold™, and the fact that he was so willing to go to bat for Savannah and her little brother melted my icy heart to slush-mush. He cares about consent, he loves his parents, and even though he fucks up, he knows when he's been an idiot. Cam is the man.
💬 The female friendships. Retha and Savannah are the best. I loved their relationship. The only thing rarer in YA than a positive sexual/romantic relationship is positive friendships. Their relationship is goals. Whether it's running away from a fight in the corn or confiding each other on the telephone late at night, they had each other's backs. I also loved Savannah's friendship with Retha's boyfriend, Travis.
💬 The emotional feels. Yes, this book made me cry. Be warned that it does have triggers: sexual and physical assault, neglect, slurs, addiction, underage drinking, and other stuff. It was a surprisingly dark and intense story. Which is weird, because a lot of the most popular books are actually kind of bland and people say, "Wow, YA just doesn't take any risks anymore!" and then awesome books like these that do basically go untalked about. Which I am doing my damnedest to fix, spamming it on Instagram and yapping about it on here, because it is soooooo good. Like, it would make an awesome movie.
I really enjoyed this book. I would read a LOT more contemporary YA if it were all like this.
5 stars
October 16, 2016
I have loved all of Suzanne's words, so I was ready to read this without even knowing what it was about.
I loved Savannah. She's trying so hard to keep things under control, but life has other plans. She has some great friends who also have problems, but I loved the family dynamic between them. And Cameron? Yeah, I was halfway in love with him from the first couple of scenes and as the book progresses, it was full blown. I loved how strong and supportive he was for Savannah.
The overall plot is heartbreaking. It's no secret that I stay away from the angsty-times, but I relished all of the emotion. It made the sweet times so much sweeter. I was completely immersed and loved every page of it.
Fair warning: there are some scenes with sexual assault. It doesn't feel right to put it on the rape shelf, but it definitely needs to be notated.
**Huge thanks to Simon Pulse and Edelweiss for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Savannah. She's trying so hard to keep things under control, but life has other plans. She has some great friends who also have problems, but I loved the family dynamic between them. And Cameron? Yeah, I was halfway in love with him from the first couple of scenes and as the book progresses, it was full blown. I loved how strong and supportive he was for Savannah.
The overall plot is heartbreaking. It's no secret that I stay away from the angsty-times, but I relished all of the emotion. It made the sweet times so much sweeter. I was completely immersed and loved every page of it.
Fair warning: there are some scenes with sexual assault. It doesn't feel right to put it on the rape shelf, but it definitely needs to be notated.
**Huge thanks to Simon Pulse and Edelweiss for providing the arc free of charge**
December 29, 2016
“There is scarcely any passion without struggle.”
----Albert Camus
Suzanne Young, the New York Times bestselling author, pens a realistic and enticing tale about teenage issues in her new book, All in Pieces that revolves around a young female teenager with anger issues arising from her home front that lands her up in a detention high school, after her violent fight with her ex, and now she holds tightly on to her little mentally challenged brother, even though her aunt is threatening to take him away from her care, therefore she cannot entertain any kind of distraction, even though her heart feels otherwise.
Synopsis:
“Anger-management issues.”
That’s how they classified Savannah Sutton after she stuck a pencil in her ex-boyfriend’s hand because he mocked her little brother, Evan, for being disabled. That’s why they sent her to Brooks Academy—an alternative high school that’s used as a temporary detention center.
The days at Brooks are miserable, but at home, life is far more bleak. Savvy’s struggling to take care of her brother since her mom left years ago, and her alcoholic dad can’t be bothered. Life with Evan is a constant challenge, but he’s also the most important person in the world to Savvy.
Then there’s Cameron, a new student at Brooks with issues of his own, a guy from a perfect family that Savvy thought only existed on TV. Cameron seems determined to break through every one of the walls Savvy’s built around herself—except if she lets herself trust him, it could make everything she’s worked so hard for fall apart in an instant.
And with her aunt seeking custody of her brother and her ex-boyfriend seeking revenge, Savvy’s fighting to hold all the pieces together. But she’s not sure how much tighter she can be pulled before she breaks completely.
Savannah, a barely seventeen year old girl is already a part-time mother to her younger brother, Evan who suffers from an autistic disorder, that has forever been a subject to bullies from his peers. Despite of being a young teenager, Savannah loves to take care of her brother, moreover, she is over protective towards him. So much overprotective, that when her ex-boyfriend bullies her Evan, she violently hits her ex back and that throws her up into an alternative high school for detention. This is where she meets the filthy rich and handsome boy, Cameron, who is the only person apart from Evan, who respects her. But when a distant aunt's threat, to take away Evan's custody from Savannah, is lurking upon her head, she can't risk herself into getting into any kind of distraction, neither for herself nor for Cameron. But can she stop her falling for Cameron or can she save her little brother from being whisked away to her aunt's care?
Well this is the first time that I read anything by this bestselling author, and I must say, the author's talent for concocting stories that are slightly emotional yet highly realistic is really fantastic. The author has touched a sensitive chord while projecting the issues faced by the family when a child of that family has some autistic disorder and that the author has depicted marvelously, that I believe that readers who have experienced with such issues can easily relate to those. The story is addictive from the get-go and never once loses its charm over anything else, and there is no such melodrama to make the readers feel like reading a cliched story.
The writing style of the author is articulate and the prose is sentimental enough to make the readers feel deeply not only for the story but also for the characters' plight. The narrative is interesting as well as layered well with emotions and sensitivity that holds the power to provoke the thoughts and the minds of the readers. The pacing is swift enough to sway the readers slightly in the forward direction with its course. There are not much layers in this story yet the problems and the issues raised by this author are honest and genuine enough to peak the readers' interests and will keep them glued till the very end.
The author has flawlessly developed the characters with enough depth to make the readers feel the respective and necessary emotions towards them. The main character, Savvy, is a mature girl with an anger issue that makes her look real and flawed in the eyes of the readers. Her maturity does not lose her charm, instead it makes her look striking and inspiring, despite of her short comings. Savvy's fight for her brother and against her ex is quite powerful and authentic enough to make the readers connect with the young protagonist. The relationship between Savvy and Cameron is a slow-burner but in a good and realistic way that will not stereotype their relationship or mar the gradual build-up of the passion and the attraction between the two characters.
This coming-of-age young adult novel holds the power to compel and evoke the readers' emotions and sympathy towards a real-life social cause that the author has strikingly depicted through the story. So this is a must read YA contemporary fiction that is intriguing and enlightening enough to move the readers deeply.
Verdict: A promising and thought-provoking coming-of-age YA story.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author's publishers for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
----Albert Camus
Suzanne Young, the New York Times bestselling author, pens a realistic and enticing tale about teenage issues in her new book, All in Pieces that revolves around a young female teenager with anger issues arising from her home front that lands her up in a detention high school, after her violent fight with her ex, and now she holds tightly on to her little mentally challenged brother, even though her aunt is threatening to take him away from her care, therefore she cannot entertain any kind of distraction, even though her heart feels otherwise.
Synopsis:
“Anger-management issues.”
That’s how they classified Savannah Sutton after she stuck a pencil in her ex-boyfriend’s hand because he mocked her little brother, Evan, for being disabled. That’s why they sent her to Brooks Academy—an alternative high school that’s used as a temporary detention center.
The days at Brooks are miserable, but at home, life is far more bleak. Savvy’s struggling to take care of her brother since her mom left years ago, and her alcoholic dad can’t be bothered. Life with Evan is a constant challenge, but he’s also the most important person in the world to Savvy.
Then there’s Cameron, a new student at Brooks with issues of his own, a guy from a perfect family that Savvy thought only existed on TV. Cameron seems determined to break through every one of the walls Savvy’s built around herself—except if she lets herself trust him, it could make everything she’s worked so hard for fall apart in an instant.
And with her aunt seeking custody of her brother and her ex-boyfriend seeking revenge, Savvy’s fighting to hold all the pieces together. But she’s not sure how much tighter she can be pulled before she breaks completely.
Savannah, a barely seventeen year old girl is already a part-time mother to her younger brother, Evan who suffers from an autistic disorder, that has forever been a subject to bullies from his peers. Despite of being a young teenager, Savannah loves to take care of her brother, moreover, she is over protective towards him. So much overprotective, that when her ex-boyfriend bullies her Evan, she violently hits her ex back and that throws her up into an alternative high school for detention. This is where she meets the filthy rich and handsome boy, Cameron, who is the only person apart from Evan, who respects her. But when a distant aunt's threat, to take away Evan's custody from Savannah, is lurking upon her head, she can't risk herself into getting into any kind of distraction, neither for herself nor for Cameron. But can she stop her falling for Cameron or can she save her little brother from being whisked away to her aunt's care?
Well this is the first time that I read anything by this bestselling author, and I must say, the author's talent for concocting stories that are slightly emotional yet highly realistic is really fantastic. The author has touched a sensitive chord while projecting the issues faced by the family when a child of that family has some autistic disorder and that the author has depicted marvelously, that I believe that readers who have experienced with such issues can easily relate to those. The story is addictive from the get-go and never once loses its charm over anything else, and there is no such melodrama to make the readers feel like reading a cliched story.
The writing style of the author is articulate and the prose is sentimental enough to make the readers feel deeply not only for the story but also for the characters' plight. The narrative is interesting as well as layered well with emotions and sensitivity that holds the power to provoke the thoughts and the minds of the readers. The pacing is swift enough to sway the readers slightly in the forward direction with its course. There are not much layers in this story yet the problems and the issues raised by this author are honest and genuine enough to peak the readers' interests and will keep them glued till the very end.
The author has flawlessly developed the characters with enough depth to make the readers feel the respective and necessary emotions towards them. The main character, Savvy, is a mature girl with an anger issue that makes her look real and flawed in the eyes of the readers. Her maturity does not lose her charm, instead it makes her look striking and inspiring, despite of her short comings. Savvy's fight for her brother and against her ex is quite powerful and authentic enough to make the readers connect with the young protagonist. The relationship between Savvy and Cameron is a slow-burner but in a good and realistic way that will not stereotype their relationship or mar the gradual build-up of the passion and the attraction between the two characters.
This coming-of-age young adult novel holds the power to compel and evoke the readers' emotions and sympathy towards a real-life social cause that the author has strikingly depicted through the story. So this is a must read YA contemporary fiction that is intriguing and enlightening enough to move the readers deeply.
Verdict: A promising and thought-provoking coming-of-age YA story.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author's publishers for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 9, 2017
you can also read it HERE
---
I have so many emotions for this book, because of this book. This was raw and heartbreaking and adorable and amazing and it's everything I've wanted in a contemporary novel. If Suzanne Young wasn't an auto-read & auto-buy author before, she definitely is now.
Savvy's in a temporary detention center. After stabbing her ex-boyfriend's hand, everyone from her old life thinks she's got issues. While things aren't perfect there, she has met two great friends there, along with the new quiet boy that only seems to talk to Savvy. But things aren't easy for her. She's got a younger brother, Evan, with a disability, a drunk father, a jerk of an ex seeking revenge, and an aunt fighting for custody of Evan. Savvy's on her own but she sure as hell does not give up.
I don't know how to write a review for this book. I loved it so much and it was so everything that it's making me a mess. I want to hug it to my chest and read it over and over because it's that kind of book.
I just really want to start with the main character. I loved Savvy so much. While my heart ached for her situation--between having to take care of her brother, make sure there's enough food in the fridge, fight off her aunt, her deadbeat father, and school, the odds are definitely against her. But not once does she waver. Not even when she's on the edge and about to fall apart--she keeps it together for her brother.
That's why it's hard for Savvy to let people in. Despite her crush on Cameron, she still keeps up her walls, and while I loved them together and all their interactions, it didn't make it easier to see Savvy constantly do this. If there's anyone who deserves some kind of happiness, it's Savvanah Sutton.
Young writes impeccable characters. I've noticed this in all the books by her that I've read--they all have their flaws and their secrets and their hardships. They're real, they're believable. I found Savvy to be one of the best main characters written, along with her relationships with her friends, Retha and Travis. Their conversations, their adventures, their struggles--Suzanne Young did a perfect job portraying their friendship through their ups and downs. Although I do wish I'd seen more of them in the latter half of the book, I'm just extremely glad they were there with Savvy.
Savvy's relationship with Evan broke me. She doesn't have the easiest life because of him but she never once wishes he wasn't part it. She loves him to the moon and back and then some--she'd do anything for her younger brother. She's such an amazing sister, yet when she thinks that he deserves better, my heart just cracks a bit (read: a lot). There were times where Evan hurt Savvy, emotionally and physically, but she always, always did whatever she could to make his life easier. Young wrote the struggles Savvy went through in a believable manner, as well the innocence in Evan.
Now. I don't know where to start with Cameron. The amount of love I have for him is so ridiculous but I can't help it. I've had to stop a lot of times when I read of of the Savvy & Cameron interactions because they were SO CUTE. Young didn't write him to be some kind of saviour for Savvy, for which I am soooo glad. He was sweet with her, so supportive and kind and it just made my heart melt. He helped out with Evan, never once judging him or her family. He's just such a wonderful person and I'm so glad that Savvy decided to let him in--they both deserve happiness and each other.
Also! There's no insta-love or love triangles or anything like that here. It's a nice progression and it's super adorable.
The romance isn't the biggest factor in this book. If anything, this book teaches hope--even when everything's terrible, it won't always be like that. And that it's okay to accept help from others, sometimes. You aren't alone. I remember the author saying that this was the book of her heart, and I can see why--it's a book that's close to my heart, too.
So! With all of that being said, this earns an easy 5 stars from me! Highly recommend this book!
---
I have so many emotions for this book, because of this book. This was raw and heartbreaking and adorable and amazing and it's everything I've wanted in a contemporary novel. If Suzanne Young wasn't an auto-read & auto-buy author before, she definitely is now.
Savvy's in a temporary detention center. After stabbing her ex-boyfriend's hand, everyone from her old life thinks she's got issues. While things aren't perfect there, she has met two great friends there, along with the new quiet boy that only seems to talk to Savvy. But things aren't easy for her. She's got a younger brother, Evan, with a disability, a drunk father, a jerk of an ex seeking revenge, and an aunt fighting for custody of Evan. Savvy's on her own but she sure as hell does not give up.
I don't know how to write a review for this book. I loved it so much and it was so everything that it's making me a mess. I want to hug it to my chest and read it over and over because it's that kind of book.
I just really want to start with the main character. I loved Savvy so much. While my heart ached for her situation--between having to take care of her brother, make sure there's enough food in the fridge, fight off her aunt, her deadbeat father, and school, the odds are definitely against her. But not once does she waver. Not even when she's on the edge and about to fall apart--she keeps it together for her brother.
That's why it's hard for Savvy to let people in. Despite her crush on Cameron, she still keeps up her walls, and while I loved them together and all their interactions, it didn't make it easier to see Savvy constantly do this. If there's anyone who deserves some kind of happiness, it's Savvanah Sutton.
Young writes impeccable characters. I've noticed this in all the books by her that I've read--they all have their flaws and their secrets and their hardships. They're real, they're believable. I found Savvy to be one of the best main characters written, along with her relationships with her friends, Retha and Travis. Their conversations, their adventures, their struggles--Suzanne Young did a perfect job portraying their friendship through their ups and downs. Although I do wish I'd seen more of them in the latter half of the book, I'm just extremely glad they were there with Savvy.
Savvy's relationship with Evan broke me. She doesn't have the easiest life because of him but she never once wishes he wasn't part it. She loves him to the moon and back and then some--she'd do anything for her younger brother. She's such an amazing sister, yet when she thinks that he deserves better, my heart just cracks a bit (read: a lot). There were times where Evan hurt Savvy, emotionally and physically, but she always, always did whatever she could to make his life easier. Young wrote the struggles Savvy went through in a believable manner, as well the innocence in Evan.
Now. I don't know where to start with Cameron. The amount of love I have for him is so ridiculous but I can't help it. I've had to stop a lot of times when I read of of the Savvy & Cameron interactions because they were SO CUTE. Young didn't write him to be some kind of saviour for Savvy, for which I am soooo glad. He was sweet with her, so supportive and kind and it just made my heart melt. He helped out with Evan, never once judging him or her family. He's just such a wonderful person and I'm so glad that Savvy decided to let him in--they both deserve happiness and each other.
Also! There's no insta-love or love triangles or anything like that here. It's a nice progression and it's super adorable.
The romance isn't the biggest factor in this book. If anything, this book teaches hope--even when everything's terrible, it won't always be like that. And that it's okay to accept help from others, sometimes. You aren't alone. I remember the author saying that this was the book of her heart, and I can see why--it's a book that's close to my heart, too.
So! With all of that being said, this earns an easy 5 stars from me! Highly recommend this book!
February 7, 2017
**TRIGGER WARNING: RECKLESS USE OF PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL ASSAULT MULTIPLE NAUSEATING TIMES AS A PLOT DEVICE TO SERVE FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN TO GET THE MAIN CHARACTER AND THE LOVE INTEREST TOGETHER. **
Ugh. These are the stories that I hate. The ones where the obscenely hot, rich, and darkly mysterious boy sweeps in to save the poor, miserable girl from her pathetic life, solving all her problems while giving her a dose of self-worth and happiness that she couldn't have possibly found on her own.
LOUD, OVERLY DRAMATIC SIGH.
I'm sick and tired of this type of overdone trope, but what really pisses me off here is how the author recklessly uses sexual assault repeatedly as a plot device when really it isn't needed. In fact, it's glossed over, downplayed even, and it seriously serves no other purpose than to get two characters together. So that Savannah can run to Cameron and come to lean and depend on him, rather than running to the cops (which she never does). Because why call the cops when you can get your hot boyfriend to teach him a lesson with his fists??
It's fucking disgusting, and it's more of a trigger, made more disturbing because of how literary rape with women has become so carelessly thrown around. And no, Savannah may not have been raped in this novel, but the sexual/physical assault and harassment that she endures repeatedly are still intense (one time she ends up in the hospital). It's gut wrenching, and the seriousness of the crime is completely understated. It's an insult to all women who have experienced such a traumatic event.
Funny enough, this isn't a terrible book. The plot is nothing original, but it deals with some tough subjects that I think are important to talk about. The writing is a little uneven at times, and though it also suffers from way too much telling versus showing, Suzanne Young is a talented writer who just needs a little bit more refining in her prose. I really fell in love with Evan's character, Savannah's little brother who is mentally disabled, but as much as I wanted to love Savannah purely for her fierce love of her brother, I felt like her character wasn't nearly developed enough and she fell so flat for me.
On top of that, there were a lot of loose ends, a lot of areas left unexplored, a lot of questions left unanswered. I wanted to know more about Savannah's parents. I wanted to understand what her father was going through after his wife left him, what he was thinking as he drunk away his problem and cried during the night. I wanted him and Savannah to have a moment, because even though he was a shitty father, he didn't seem evil. He seemed like he needed help, like maybe he wanted it even. I wanted to know more about her aunt, Kathy. I wanted Savannah to realize her self-worth, and not just find it in someone else. Honestly, I wanted her to know it's okay to call the police. I guess I wanted the author to explore that broken family dynamic more rather than focusing solely on the romance between Savannah and Cameron.
I think if the negatives weren't so big, I probably would have given this at least three stars, but the negatives were big, huge, and I just can't get that bad taste out of my mouth from reading this.
Ugh. These are the stories that I hate. The ones where the obscenely hot, rich, and darkly mysterious boy sweeps in to save the poor, miserable girl from her pathetic life, solving all her problems while giving her a dose of self-worth and happiness that she couldn't have possibly found on her own.
LOUD, OVERLY DRAMATIC SIGH.
I'm sick and tired of this type of overdone trope, but what really pisses me off here is how the author recklessly uses sexual assault repeatedly as a plot device when really it isn't needed. In fact, it's glossed over, downplayed even, and it seriously serves no other purpose than to get two characters together. So that Savannah can run to Cameron and come to lean and depend on him, rather than running to the cops (which she never does). Because why call the cops when you can get your hot boyfriend to teach him a lesson with his fists??
It's fucking disgusting, and it's more of a trigger, made more disturbing because of how literary rape with women has become so carelessly thrown around. And no, Savannah may not have been raped in this novel, but the sexual/physical assault and harassment that she endures repeatedly are still intense (one time she ends up in the hospital). It's gut wrenching, and the seriousness of the crime is completely understated. It's an insult to all women who have experienced such a traumatic event.
Funny enough, this isn't a terrible book. The plot is nothing original, but it deals with some tough subjects that I think are important to talk about. The writing is a little uneven at times, and though it also suffers from way too much telling versus showing, Suzanne Young is a talented writer who just needs a little bit more refining in her prose. I really fell in love with Evan's character, Savannah's little brother who is mentally disabled, but as much as I wanted to love Savannah purely for her fierce love of her brother, I felt like her character wasn't nearly developed enough and she fell so flat for me.
On top of that, there were a lot of loose ends, a lot of areas left unexplored, a lot of questions left unanswered. I wanted to know more about Savannah's parents. I wanted to understand what her father was going through after his wife left him, what he was thinking as he drunk away his problem and cried during the night. I wanted him and Savannah to have a moment, because even though he was a shitty father, he didn't seem evil. He seemed like he needed help, like maybe he wanted it even. I wanted to know more about her aunt, Kathy. I wanted Savannah to realize her self-worth, and not just find it in someone else. Honestly, I wanted her to know it's okay to call the police. I guess I wanted the author to explore that broken family dynamic more rather than focusing solely on the romance between Savannah and Cameron.
I think if the negatives weren't so big, I probably would have given this at least three stars, but the negatives were big, huge, and I just can't get that bad taste out of my mouth from reading this.
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1647896333i/31792110._UX200_CR0,96,200,200_.jpg)
June 6, 2024
⤅ This is definitely one of the better YA books I've read in years.
While I love YA when it's done right, the genre is very easy to get wrong. The messaging should be positive, but not heavy-handed; diverse representation is ideal, but not when it's didactic; romance is a huge plus, especially because YA can focus more on building a friendship than simple lust, but it shouldn't be overwhelming.
Young manages all of that in spades here.
17-year-old Savannah Sutton got sent to the Brooks Academy for delinquents after she stabbed her ex-boyfriend Patrick with a pencil. Sure, she has anger management issues, but Patrick deserved it: he was making fun of her disabled younger brother Evan. Their mum has already taken off, and their dad has collapsed into alcoholism, so Savvy is Evan's main caregiver.
At Brooks though, there are people who have Savvy's back, notably her Hispanic best friend Retha and Retha's drug-addicted boyfriend Travis. Then there's 18-year-old Cameron. As a rich kid who drives a BMW, he has no business being at Brooks with the rest of them. And... he doesn't talk to anybody except her.
Pretty much everything in this book is just so good.. Savvy is a great heroine, smart and tough but not unrealistically immune to fear. When Patrick pops back up in her life, vowing revenge, she doesn't do anything stupid or half-cocked.
Cameron is pretty much the ideal YA hero. He's very quiet and laid-back, but with a streak of wicked humour I absolutely loved. And when push comes to shove, he's not afraid of getting his hands dirty. Bottom line: Cameron and Savvy are AMAZING together. It's actually sad that epilogues set much later aren't the done thing in YA, because I would have loved to see a snapshot of them when they're older.
Young handles all the interpersonal relationships well, not just Savvy/Cameron. Her friendship with Retha is absolute goals. Evan, the disabled younger brother, is neither glamourised nor villainised.
Basically, the book is about a lot of damaged people coming together and carving out their own little slices of happiness. It absolutely works. Nenia's review (she's the reason I picked up this book!) says this all a lot better than I could, so do go check that one out.
While I love YA when it's done right, the genre is very easy to get wrong. The messaging should be positive, but not heavy-handed; diverse representation is ideal, but not when it's didactic; romance is a huge plus, especially because YA can focus more on building a friendship than simple lust, but it shouldn't be overwhelming.
Young manages all of that in spades here.
17-year-old Savannah Sutton got sent to the Brooks Academy for delinquents after she stabbed her ex-boyfriend Patrick with a pencil. Sure, she has anger management issues, but Patrick deserved it: he was making fun of her disabled younger brother Evan. Their mum has already taken off, and their dad has collapsed into alcoholism, so Savvy is Evan's main caregiver.
At Brooks though, there are people who have Savvy's back, notably her Hispanic best friend Retha and Retha's drug-addicted boyfriend Travis. Then there's 18-year-old Cameron. As a rich kid who drives a BMW, he has no business being at Brooks with the rest of them. And... he doesn't talk to anybody except her.
Pretty much everything in this book is just so good.. Savvy is a great heroine, smart and tough but not unrealistically immune to fear. When Patrick pops back up in her life, vowing revenge, she doesn't do anything stupid or half-cocked.
Cameron is pretty much the ideal YA hero. He's very quiet and laid-back, but with a streak of wicked humour I absolutely loved. And when push comes to shove, he's not afraid of getting his hands dirty. Bottom line: Cameron and Savvy are AMAZING together. It's actually sad that epilogues set much later aren't the done thing in YA, because I would have loved to see a snapshot of them when they're older.
Young handles all the interpersonal relationships well, not just Savvy/Cameron. Her friendship with Retha is absolute goals. Evan, the disabled younger brother, is neither glamourised nor villainised.
Basically, the book is about a lot of damaged people coming together and carving out their own little slices of happiness. It absolutely works. Nenia's review (she's the reason I picked up this book!) says this all a lot better than I could, so do go check that one out.
January 7, 2021
“Good night, Savannah,” Cameron calls, sounding sad.
But I say good-bye. Because I have nothing left to give him.
This book was special. I loved how complex and light-years away from perfect the characters were— it made them feel real.
Having a contemporary story without meet cutes and happily ever afters was absolutely refreshing. And even though I can imagine certain readers being triggered by this book, I binge read and adored it.
But I say good-bye. Because I have nothing left to give him.
This book was special. I loved how complex and light-years away from perfect the characters were— it made them feel real.
Having a contemporary story without meet cutes and happily ever afters was absolutely refreshing. And even though I can imagine certain readers being triggered by this book, I binge read and adored it.
December 11, 2021
While I loved this book and hopefully will post a mini review very soon I have to rant about the cover; The girl in the book is a redhead but in the cover she's blonde, like why do they do this? 🤦🏻♀️
September 26, 2021
This review was originally posted on Andi's ABCs
It isn't often that you get the privilege of reading a book that wraps you up in the story so much that you actually forget you are reading. Usually when I read I'm aware there is a book in my hand, aware I'm flipping pages on my Kindle, aware that I'm reading fiction. All in Pieces was one of those rare occasions where I forgot I was reading. I forgot that I wasn't part of the story. I forgot it was fiction. I forgot everything but the beauty of the story Suzanne Young crafted to perfection. I can't say enough how much I loved this book.
All in Pieces! What do I say about All in Pieces?? The book was mesmerizing and beautiful and heartbreaking and gorgeous. That's what I can say about it. The way Suzanne told the story of this poor girl that was dealt a crappy deck of life cards just blew me away. Savvy tried so hard, loved so much, and did everything she could for her brother and she just never felt like it was enough, like she was enough. She would have given everything she could of for her little brother, Evan, and my heart broke because there was then nothing left for her. The way she loved Evan was just beautiful and pure and it made me love Savvy all that much more.
Speaking of Savvy I also loved her family. When I say family I don't mean it in conventional terms. For Savvy her family was made up of her two friends, Travis and Retha, who had her back no matter what. They were the ones that made her believe in herself and if it wasn't for Retha I don't think Savvy ever would have let Cameron in. Cameron, oh Cameron. He was so imperfectly perfect and the best person Savvy would ever invite into her life and heart. He was so patient and loving and kind and just awesome. Instead of walking away (which I think most people would have) he gave her time to trust and open up and I think that right there was everything to Savvy. Basically he and Savannah were perfect together.
All in Pieces is everything I wanted and needed in a book that I didn't know I wanted or needed. It's the kind of book that gives you a plethora of feels and just leaves you wanting more. I was a sobby mess in the end and I'm so thankful for this book and for Suzanne Young for writing it. A must add to your TBR.
It isn't often that you get the privilege of reading a book that wraps you up in the story so much that you actually forget you are reading. Usually when I read I'm aware there is a book in my hand, aware I'm flipping pages on my Kindle, aware that I'm reading fiction. All in Pieces was one of those rare occasions where I forgot I was reading. I forgot that I wasn't part of the story. I forgot it was fiction. I forgot everything but the beauty of the story Suzanne Young crafted to perfection. I can't say enough how much I loved this book.
All in Pieces! What do I say about All in Pieces?? The book was mesmerizing and beautiful and heartbreaking and gorgeous. That's what I can say about it. The way Suzanne told the story of this poor girl that was dealt a crappy deck of life cards just blew me away. Savvy tried so hard, loved so much, and did everything she could for her brother and she just never felt like it was enough, like she was enough. She would have given everything she could of for her little brother, Evan, and my heart broke because there was then nothing left for her. The way she loved Evan was just beautiful and pure and it made me love Savvy all that much more.
Speaking of Savvy I also loved her family. When I say family I don't mean it in conventional terms. For Savvy her family was made up of her two friends, Travis and Retha, who had her back no matter what. They were the ones that made her believe in herself and if it wasn't for Retha I don't think Savvy ever would have let Cameron in. Cameron, oh Cameron. He was so imperfectly perfect and the best person Savvy would ever invite into her life and heart. He was so patient and loving and kind and just awesome. Instead of walking away (which I think most people would have) he gave her time to trust and open up and I think that right there was everything to Savvy. Basically he and Savannah were perfect together.
All in Pieces is everything I wanted and needed in a book that I didn't know I wanted or needed. It's the kind of book that gives you a plethora of feels and just leaves you wanting more. I was a sobby mess in the end and I'm so thankful for this book and for Suzanne Young for writing it. A must add to your TBR.
April 13, 2017
This was a very emotional read at times and while I usually adore Young's writing and her characters, I didn't connect with this like I would have liked to. The MC was a little brash at times, especially language wise with her little brother and maybe it is the mom in me, but I didn't like it and it sort of made me not like her at times even if I did feel bad for her. I also didn't love all the abuse that happens in this and that there were no real consequences for any of it. It just wasn't right.
This was a good read however, just maybe not a favorite.
This was a good read however, just maybe not a favorite.
February 10, 2017
BLOG REVIEW:
https://passthefeels.wordpress.com/20...
**Possible trigger warning for sexual assault**
All in Pieces , although a little slow at the start, was fantastic.
I thought for sure I was going to rate this a 3 star book, but the middle and the end, just wow, it really picked up!
Seriously, I finished it at 2am. Does that need more explanation? *heart eyes*
----------
There were so many different aspects and things that were dealt with in this novel, and I believe they were done really well.
When Savannah felt heartbreak, so did I. When she felt helpless, I did too. When she swooned over Cameron, boy did I swoon with her.
Young did so well in terms of characters. I loved (and loved to hate) them.
You know that an author has built characters really well, when you put yourself in their shoes, which is what I did.
The characters were definitely the biggest highlight of the novel for me, I loved it.
Savannah was just so interesting, and although a little…um… testy at times, I found myself not minding because you gradually discover and come to understand why she is like that. I really enjoyed her character, I admire her for her bravery, and ability to persevere when literally everything (except my baby Cameron) has turned to crap.
Also, sidenote: I think Cameron may be my #1 book boyfriend now, I mean, if you’ve read the book, you wouldn’t ask me why. He is definitely at the top, if not the first on that list now. Iloved love him.
Another character related aspect I really enjoyed was Cameron’s parents, especially his mother, it was just so great to see her helping out when some other particular characters needed it the most.
----------
I found it so interesting to see how people live when faced with such devastating life events, including poverty, and how that contrast with say, people who are more well off.
This is yet another book I went into having no idea at all of what it was about, and I truly think that’s such a great way to read. If I knew what it was about, who knows if I would’ve picked it up, but I consider myself lucky I did.
https://passthefeels.wordpress.com/20...
**Possible trigger warning for sexual assault**
All in Pieces , although a little slow at the start, was fantastic.
I thought for sure I was going to rate this a 3 star book, but the middle and the end, just wow, it really picked up!
Seriously, I finished it at 2am. Does that need more explanation? *heart eyes*
----------
There were so many different aspects and things that were dealt with in this novel, and I believe they were done really well.
When Savannah felt heartbreak, so did I. When she felt helpless, I did too. When she swooned over Cameron, boy did I swoon with her.
Young did so well in terms of characters. I loved (and loved to hate) them.
You know that an author has built characters really well, when you put yourself in their shoes, which is what I did.
The characters were definitely the biggest highlight of the novel for me, I loved it.
Savannah was just so interesting, and although a little…um… testy at times, I found myself not minding because you gradually discover and come to understand why she is like that. I really enjoyed her character, I admire her for her bravery, and ability to persevere when literally everything (except my baby Cameron) has turned to crap.
Also, sidenote: I think Cameron may be my #1 book boyfriend now, I mean, if you’ve read the book, you wouldn’t ask me why. He is definitely at the top, if not the first on that list now. I
Another character related aspect I really enjoyed was Cameron’s parents, especially his mother, it was just so great to see her helping out when some other particular characters needed it the most.
----------
I found it so interesting to see how people live when faced with such devastating life events, including poverty, and how that contrast with say, people who are more well off.
This is yet another book I went into having no idea at all of what it was about, and I truly think that’s such a great way to read. If I knew what it was about, who knows if I would’ve picked it up, but I consider myself lucky I did.
August 25, 2017
This is a sad but hopeful story - about the aftermath of a mistake, a broken home and when life tries to push you down. Savvy has it rough. Her mother walked out and she's taking care of her little brother. And she's been relegated to the "for troubled teens" high school. She's made mistakes, she's angry and defensive. She's violent and quick to anger and swing. She isn't the most likable character but she does have heart. And you can see it in her interactions with her brother and her two best friends - Travis and Retha.
It's a story about hope and perseverance and it's well done.
It's a story about hope and perseverance and it's well done.
March 28, 2018
I've had a mixed relationship with Young's book this year but I think this one is my favourite. She just has a great way with characters, and this one definitely hit me in the feels.
February 5, 2022
AGHHH i don’t know whether to give it a 3 or 4 star. like it emotionally touched me a bit but on the other hand it was not super original, but i had a “good” time. as good as you can with books like this. i guess i’ll go with 4 for now.
Read
April 6, 2016I believe that Suzanne Young is one of the most underrated authors in young adult fiction. Why she is not a mega-superstar lies beyond my comprehension.
November 20, 2017
THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!
Such great poverty rep and I LOVED the main characters. Also a very quick read since I read it in a day. HIGHLY recommended.
Such great poverty rep and I LOVED the main characters. Also a very quick read since I read it in a day. HIGHLY recommended.
December 31, 2017
Savannah Sutton is in a detention center high school for delinquents for assaulting her ex Patrick. While she feels justified for her actions, she sometimes fear that her scorned past will hunt her. Evan her mentally challenged brother means everything to her, thus she does not care that she defended him when Patrick mocked him. Yet apart of her feels that she deserves to be in the academy of delinquents, maybe it will soften her up. Sutton does not have many friends, only two that mean the world to her: Travis and Rheta, both of them have a mean streak. Travis has a tough life at home and uses other vices to cure his life, while Rheta uses her fist as a defense mechanism. The trio are really close, often spending the majority of their time together. Sutton uses them as an escape, hating the home she lives in with her erratic Father.
Enters Cameron who occasionally speaks to her, annoying and intriguing her at the same time. Cameron is the last person she wants to be with, her past life and his charm do not mix together. Drawn together by differences and similarities,the two of them embark on a rocky relationship that will leave them glued together.
Hope, heartache and love are all entwined in this beautiful story about finding redemption in tragedies.
Wow!!!! This has become my favorite book this year, and it's only New Year's Eve! All of the characters had redemptive qualities and the story is so emotionally gripping. So much nostalgia reading this, it reminded me so much of high school crushes, infatuation and moving on til college.
Enters Cameron who occasionally speaks to her, annoying and intriguing her at the same time. Cameron is the last person she wants to be with, her past life and his charm do not mix together. Drawn together by differences and similarities,the two of them embark on a rocky relationship that will leave them glued together.
Hope, heartache and love are all entwined in this beautiful story about finding redemption in tragedies.
Wow!!!! This has become my favorite book this year, and it's only New Year's Eve! All of the characters had redemptive qualities and the story is so emotionally gripping. So much nostalgia reading this, it reminded me so much of high school crushes, infatuation and moving on til college.
May 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this one! I liked that it was a different sort of setting than you normally see — an alternative high school — and I got to meet characters (labeled as “troubled”) that I don’t often get to meet in YA. And it made me cry — my heart felt heavy a lot reading this book. Savvy’s home life is hard and she takes on so much for her age but her love for her brother and her desire to take care of him made my heart swell. That whole storyline…it killed me. I also really enjoyed Savvy’s group of friends from school — they were the sort of kids that High School Me would have ignored and judged (because I was terrible like that) and I sadly would have missed out because they were great and had their own interesting backstories. And let’s not forget the romance….Savvy and Cameron, oh man I loved those two and loved the slower burn of their romance. This book was just so great and I couldn’t put it down. If you are looking for something a little different in the contemporary YA sect, check this one out!
December 2, 2016
Gosh. I hope this one doesn't fly under the radar. It deserves to be read. Suzanne Young has been one of my favourite authors for a few years, and, yes, I practically love everything published in her name, but this one was something else entirely. It might just be my favourite from her thus far.
Let me just say that this book deals with a lot of heavy issues.
→ With an absent mother, and a father who drinks his money away to the point of starving his family, Savannah is struggling with raising her seven year old brother with special needs.
→ Drug abuse is centered around a prominent side character, and I'm not referring to casual marijuana use at an underage party.
→ There's also instances of assault, including sexual assault. It's not terribly graphic, but it's definitely an intense moment in the plot, and I think it should be mentioned.
There were times I didn't like how situations were handled. I wanted so badly for an authoritative figure to take charge and give the proper punishment to certain low life characters. The disgust you feel is enough to make your blood boil. Their ending fate just didn't feel like enough of a consequence, but I won't deny that the outcome was a real possibility. Putting myself in the shoes of Savannah, yeah, this is exactly how some people would deal with these damaging issues, as saddening as it is.
There's so many characters to love, though. The relationship between Savannah and her brother, Evan, was amazing , and I just want to feed him macaroni and cheese with hot dogs for the rest of his life. Despite all the dark themes, there's a wonderful humor within the friendships, too. The friendship-turn-romance with Cameron, was such an addiction for me. They're relationship was a great, steady burn throughout the book, and I could read their sarcastic, witty banter for hours.
There's just so much emotion within this book. It's amazing. It's beautiful. It's something I think you should read.
Let me just say that this book deals with a lot of heavy issues.
→ With an absent mother, and a father who drinks his money away to the point of starving his family, Savannah is struggling with raising her seven year old brother with special needs.
→ Drug abuse is centered around a prominent side character, and I'm not referring to casual marijuana use at an underage party.
→ There's also instances of assault, including sexual assault. It's not terribly graphic, but it's definitely an intense moment in the plot, and I think it should be mentioned.
There were times I didn't like how situations were handled. I wanted so badly for an authoritative figure to take charge and give the proper punishment to certain low life characters. The disgust you feel is enough to make your blood boil. Their ending fate just didn't feel like enough of a consequence, but I won't deny that the outcome was a real possibility. Putting myself in the shoes of Savannah, yeah, this is exactly how some people would deal with these damaging issues, as saddening as it is.
There's so many characters to love, though. The relationship between Savannah and her brother, Evan, was amazing , and I just want to feed him macaroni and cheese with hot dogs for the rest of his life. Despite all the dark themes, there's a wonderful humor within the friendships, too. The friendship-turn-romance with Cameron, was such an addiction for me. They're relationship was a great, steady burn throughout the book, and I could read their sarcastic, witty banter for hours.
There's just so much emotion within this book. It's amazing. It's beautiful. It's something I think you should read.
May 11, 2016
I loved this one! This story and these characters resonated with me long after I finished the book. It's gritty, heart-breaking, and full of hope.
Savvy is the kind of character you want to champion. She's strong, selfless, and fiercely protective of those she loves. Her struggle to hold it all together broke my heart. Cameron's unwavering patience with her pieced it back together again.
All in Pieces will appeal to fans of Huntley Fitzpatrick, Katja Millay, Sarah Dessan, Katie McGarry, and Jennifer L. Armentrout's, The Problem with Forever.
Savvy is the kind of character you want to champion. She's strong, selfless, and fiercely protective of those she loves. Her struggle to hold it all together broke my heart. Cameron's unwavering patience with her pieced it back together again.
All in Pieces will appeal to fans of Huntley Fitzpatrick, Katja Millay, Sarah Dessan, Katie McGarry, and Jennifer L. Armentrout's, The Problem with Forever.
November 18, 2016
I only cried, like, two gallons of tears. No big deal.
December 13, 2016
Review to come!
June 29, 2024
Girly pops don't get me started ok so this book omfg did not disappoint it ate and left no crumbs!!! I thought that the writing style was amazing and yet super simple. The main conflicts are her friends her friends addiction problems her own crush and then her dad and her little brother being taken by that bitch Kathy. Ok so why did she take Evan from her like bitch that solved nothing and also he was traumatized like thanks for making the problem worse. The romance in this book was so great and also her ex is a asshole he should go to prison forever but her bf taking care of her was adorable omfg telling her no you need to stay at the hospital had me shivering...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 4, 2016This book isn't even out yet and I've just read it for the second time! I love it so much.
You can find my review HERE
You can find my review HERE
July 30, 2018
I need a sequel! This book was really good! I loved it!! I need more of Evan!!
November 7, 2016
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
This is a hard one for me to review. I liked it, but I didn't love it, but I also think it's a valuable story. It has a lot going for it, but at the same time it didn't really stick with me. Hence my struggle. So I will do a things that worked/things that didn't list. As you do.
Things that worked for me:
Savvy and her relationship with her brother. Oh, this caused so many feels. So. Many. Savvy's brother Evan requires extra care, and Savvy is there for him every single step of the way. With a mother who ditched them, and a father who might as well have, she is the most stable thing in his life. She works tirelessly to make sure he is cared for. And she is exhausted and overwhelmed and it's so frighteningly realistic. Her love for him gutted me, on more than one occasion.
Her friends are fabulous. She doesn't have a ton of friends, in part because she had to leave her old school, but her friend Retha is just... I adore her. It was such a lovely example of female friendship. And her friends have problems of their own, and those are hard to read at times too, but it's also quite honest.
I liked that the book portrayed characters were dealing with some pretty hard socioeconomic stuff. It's often used in a trope-y way, but it wasn't here. This was just reality. It was Savvy trying to scrape enough money together to buy groceries, to take the bus to school. And I certainly felt for her.
Things that didn't:
I didn't dislike her relationship with Cameron, I just didn't like it as much as I'd hoped. I don't know why, I liked him as a character, I just don't know, it didn't feel as authentic as I'd hoped? Maybe I am jaded and don't think that there are human beings as patient as Cameron out there. Who knows, but I think this is a "me" problem.
I just didn't connect to Savvy as much as I would have liked. Part of it I think is that she and I have very different personalities, but I also have connected to characters like her in the past, so I am not quite sure why I didn't connect with her. It did give me a bit of a "distant" feeling from the story at times.
There were a few parts in the story that did seem a bit unrealistic to me, which I won't get into for spoiler reasons.
Bottom Line: Overall, I think this book is worth reading just for the range of characters and situations it presents. The writing is great, and I definitely was invested in the outcome for Savvy, Evan, Cameron and even all the side characters.
This is a hard one for me to review. I liked it, but I didn't love it, but I also think it's a valuable story. It has a lot going for it, but at the same time it didn't really stick with me. Hence my struggle. So I will do a things that worked/things that didn't list. As you do.
Things that worked for me:
Savvy and her relationship with her brother. Oh, this caused so many feels. So. Many. Savvy's brother Evan requires extra care, and Savvy is there for him every single step of the way. With a mother who ditched them, and a father who might as well have, she is the most stable thing in his life. She works tirelessly to make sure he is cared for. And she is exhausted and overwhelmed and it's so frighteningly realistic. Her love for him gutted me, on more than one occasion.
Her friends are fabulous. She doesn't have a ton of friends, in part because she had to leave her old school, but her friend Retha is just... I adore her. It was such a lovely example of female friendship. And her friends have problems of their own, and those are hard to read at times too, but it's also quite honest.
I liked that the book portrayed characters were dealing with some pretty hard socioeconomic stuff. It's often used in a trope-y way, but it wasn't here. This was just reality. It was Savvy trying to scrape enough money together to buy groceries, to take the bus to school. And I certainly felt for her.
Things that didn't:
I didn't dislike her relationship with Cameron, I just didn't like it as much as I'd hoped. I don't know why, I liked him as a character, I just don't know, it didn't feel as authentic as I'd hoped? Maybe I am jaded and don't think that there are human beings as patient as Cameron out there. Who knows, but I think this is a "me" problem.
I just didn't connect to Savvy as much as I would have liked. Part of it I think is that she and I have very different personalities, but I also have connected to characters like her in the past, so I am not quite sure why I didn't connect with her. It did give me a bit of a "distant" feeling from the story at times.
There were a few parts in the story that did seem a bit unrealistic to me, which I won't get into for spoiler reasons.
Bottom Line: Overall, I think this book is worth reading just for the range of characters and situations it presents. The writing is great, and I definitely was invested in the outcome for Savvy, Evan, Cameron and even all the side characters.
December 25, 2017
Actual rating: 3.5 Stars rated up!
--
I've had this book sitting on my shelf for quite a while now. The last book I read by Suzanne Young was The Program and while I did like it, I wasn't completely blown away by it. Fast forward many years later and I finally decided to give her writing another go! Once again, I wasn't completely blown away, but I didn't hate it either. In fact, I think I liked All In Pieces more than I liked The Program! All In Pieces dealt with some pretty tough topics such as sexual assault, developmental disorders, physical abuse & drug addiction. It definitely deals with some heavy subject matter which is the kind of contemporary young adult novels that I like to read. While it had it's good moments, it also had it's not-so-great moments. I think the problem here for me was mostly in the writing. It just wasn't my favourite writing style that I've ever read. Overall, I think All In Pieces is definitely worth picking up for its subject matter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 638 reviews