Break by Hannah Moskowitz - Review

Synopsis via the back of the book:

Jonah is on a mission to break every bone in his body. Everyone knows that broken bones grow back stronger than they were before. Jonah wants to be stronger – needs to be stronger – because everything around him is falling apart. Breaking, and then healing, is the only way he can cope with the stresses of home, girls and the world on his shoulders.

When Jonah's self-destructive spiral accelerates and he hits rock bottom, will he find true strength or surrender to his breaking point?

OK, this book was not exactly what I was thinking – being a supernatural kinda girl, I was thinking this guy has some kind of “power” allowing him to break his bones, that then allowed them to grow back stronger, I never imagined that – Jonah had no super power, or supernatural ability – he's just a boy whose hurting, and he's breaking his own bones to try to “fix” himself...to make himself stronger to try to better help his family.

This story is one of self mutilation, and as a person who used to self mutilate, I can tell you...that though Jonah had different reason's why he did what he did, some of the same underling factors were still there. And the story for me was so raw, I could FEEL Jonah's emotions, and remember my own during that time, in my own life.

I was quite frankly shocked at how well the author “got” it. I mean, MANY people have no idea, just none at all, they think if you self-injure your just trying to kill yourself, when in fact it's so far from that, 99% of the time anyway. Hannah got that...I don't know how, but she got into the mind of Jonah and told his story amazingly well, beautifully even. She was able to explore that darkness, in an almost beautiful way.

So anyway, this novel is really hard for me to review, my feelings for it, almost became interwoven with my own life – I can only leave you with this...

It's a powerful book, about someone who feels he must make himself better to help those around him better; about a boy who takes every hurt, and heartache anyone around him suffers into himself, making it his own heartache; it's about a family whom in the end, realizes what's going on, and provides Jonah with the help he needs.

The book ended so quickly for me, that's my only complaint, I wish I knew more of where Jonah's journey took him. However, at the same time I also enjoyed being sorta left, wondering what would become of this strong beautiful young boy. I can only hope that his life only became stronger and richer for all the struggles he went though.

If you know of someone you think is depressed, or think might be hurting themselves – please seek them help...there are hotlines you can even call to get advice on what to do – it's not easy being around someone who is depressed – I know, they are moody, and oftentimes unlovable – but honestly...we need your love, please don't take it away because it's hard. - This website has a TON of hotlines you can call, even if your not the one whose depressed these places might be able to help you help them!

And if your someone out there who is depressed, I urge you to seek help. I will not lie to you and say that therapy is magic, or that pills will work all the time – they will not...but talking can help, and you deserve to be happy! I think we all do.

Bottomline – Powerful story...read it if you want to understand how someone could “cut” or “burn” or “break” themselves! I will be keeping Hannah Moskowitz on my radar, she's got such raw talent, I can't wait to read more! A 4 star read for me!

Break
Written by: Hannah Moskowitz
256 Pages
Published: August 25, 2009
Publisher: Simon Pulse



Reading this book I was reminded of the song “Cut” by Plumb – have you all heard it? (I chose this version, as not to trigger.)