The characters fit together in a strange family that worked. Seeing these peope work through their deamons was fullfilling for me. When the priceless china started to break, I was struck dumbfounded by the waste of money and rare peices but by end of the book I saw there was no other way. Only misgiving, the relationsip wiht Bruce and Susan was left a bit unexplained, would have like to know how they came to the decision they did in the book.

I love this book because it could easily be happening to anyone. The authors work "spoke" to me when I read her. I could see myself as the main character. I think everyone would identify with lose and trying to find your own identity.

The book began to become predictable and some of the story lines just did not fit into place or seem realistic.

Our book club was quite divided on this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it and looked forward to reading it every night. There were just a few pieces of the story that I thought were not really necessary (i.e. - Wanda the Detective). But I pretty much enjoyed all of the characters and highly recommend this book!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and thought it was uplifting although others in our club disagreed. The characters were interesting and very likable, and I liked the way the story developed although some found it to be too predictable.

This novel got mixed reviews in our group but almost everyone had a different reaction to it - whether good or bad. Those differences made for a good discussion. I thought it was a meaty book with lots to contemplate and discuss.

I was instantly drawn into this book. The conventions she used to entice the reader certainly worked for me. Loved the moodiness and depth of the characters, as well as their idiosyncracies. As jarring as some elements of the story were, I thought the author made her case very well. Her resolution of the conflict at the heart of this story made for a more satisfactory conclusion than if the characters had acted more conventionally. She bashed her way through the metaphysical question of intrinsic value of objects, objects relative to human beings, and the value of life itself: yours, mine, and ours.

Everyone in our book club liked this book. I personally enjoyed all of the quirky characters. They felt real and likable despite their many imperfections.

I found this book to be very engaging at the beginning but towards the end it lost me. Not really realistic but a good story about people and relationships and who your family really is.

Our follow up discussion and comments were very interesting; in fact, it was one of the best talks we've had. The book certainly gave us that! I personally found the story to be too unrealistic

I thought the book was well written, kept my attention and informative. I loved it!

The "broken characters" were a wonderful springboard for our bookmembers to share some of their personal childhood issues they were forced to deal with.

We had a lively discussion with Broken For You. Analyzing the biblical implications of the title to the intricate relationships between characters. Some of the group liked the book, some LOVED the book and some struggled to finish. That always makes for good discussion. There was something for everyone in this book.

"Broken For You" by Stephanie Kallos

Explore this book and you’ll experience a plethora of emotions. “Breakage” is a metaphor throughout this beautifully written, multi-layered novel. With each new chapter, a life lesson is learned.

You will instantly latch onto this incongruous cast of characters. Each has been “broken” in one way or another. As paths cross and meet, we are able to observe and celebrate the risks and rewards of human connection. Each character has built a ‘wall of protection’. We are able to watch as these walls crumble and lives mesh as they begin to ‘let each other in’.

In a nutshell, the theme of this novel goes something like this:

What is broken can be fixed, repaired, and mended;
What is broken can be reconstructed, transformed,
and made into something stronger and more beautiful.

I was immediately drawn to Margaret when she was told she had terminal cancer. She politely excused herself and walked down the street to the nearby ‘Sweet Shop’. She walked inside, sat down and ordered a cup of tea and a table full of desserts! An ideal way of handling stress, don’t you think? I very much enjoyed what I refer to as the ‘china therapy’ episode! But you’ll have to ‘Get it’ and ‘Read it’ to see what I’m talking about!
from my book bagg briefs @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm

By happenstance, this became the first book we read as a book club and we all just adored it! There are so many quirky characters that become an unlikely family. There is so much to discuss in this book!

I loved this book and I have recommended it time and again. The characters are quirky and resilient despite their dysfunctional family backgrounds. As I neared the ending of this book I knew I would miss these characters.

A nice, well-developed story with interesting, quirky characters. Everyone in our book club liked it, which is not often the case.