Split by Swati Avasthi - Review

Honestly, I had an idea of what Split might be about, when you read the synopsis, I think everyone gets an idea – however, my idea of what this one was about, or the journey that it would hold for me, were nothing like what I found...

Synopsis via goodreads:

Sixteen-Year-Old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother Christian with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret.
He tries to move on, going for new friends, a new school, and a new job, but all his changes can’t make him forget what he left behind—his mother, who is still trapped with his dad, and his ex-girlfriend, who is keeping his secret.
At least so far.
Worst of all, Jace realizes that if he really wants to move forward, he may first have to do what scares him most: He may have to go back. First-time novelist Swati Avasthi has created a riveting and remarkably nuanced portrait of what happens after. After you’ve said enough, after you’ve run, after you’ve made the split — how do you begin to live again? Readers won’t be able to put this intense page-turner down.

Split is filled with poignant, rich words, that reminded me almost of thoughts and feelings instead of words on a page. Each word is riot with such emotion, pain, anguish, and love that it's easy to fall in love with it, as well as with it's main character, Jace. He's had one of the toughest lives a kid can live though, and though he's flawed, I rooted for him, and loved him – wanting to wrap my arms around him for a giant huge. I think I almost loved him more because of his flaws, he's so human!

I can't say to much about the plot with out spoiling it for everyone, but I will say that it's gritty, graphic yet, epic. Swati Avasthi took a very real look at what a life like Jace's could or would be like, faced it and somehow was brave enough to write about it, in a fascinating, loving and brilliant way. She's a first time author, with Split being her debut, but I would have mistaken her for a seasoned author with several books under her belt. The way she dived in, head first, with a no holds bared look at life, after...

Bottom Line – I did not say much about Split, not because there's not a lot I have to say, but more because the more I think about it, the more I want to talk about it, and possibly spoil it, I can't do that...but if you've read it, and would like to chat, email me!

Anyway, Split is gripping, real, raw and explosive – Swati Avasthi paints a very real picture of life, after. She has you rooting for the the proverbial “bad guy.” Wishing, you could reach though the book, pull him out and plant a hug around his shoulders, though he would probably hate it. With a plot that's explosive yet amazing, characters so real I wanted to touch them, and a setting that could be anywhere USA, Swati Avasthi has a hit in my book, I will be watching patiently for her next release, I can't WAIT to see what she does next! I give Split 5 mushrooms!

PS. A note on the cover, I did not even NOTICE the outline of the faces until I had the book, now it's so noticeable, and once you read the book it makes such an impact! Love it!

Split
By: Swati Avasthi
282 Pages
Published: March 9, 2010
Publisher: Random House
Received via Around The World ARC Tours, but will be buying my own copy ASAP!