Breaking TWIG

Hello, again. How much could I have to say since yesterday? A lot. Believe me.

Shortly after blogging about the immense amount of books I had to read, I finished reading The Help, and began a book called Breaking TWIG by Deborah Epperson. It was yet another free download from the wonderful site PixelOfInk. The book itself only costs $2.99 now, it is no longer free, but I promise it is worth every penny. I will try to summerize it enough to get your interest without giving anything away.

The book follows the life of Becky. The book opens with a prologue where Becky tells about her grandfather telling her a story about the Pickers and the Picks. (This remains important throughout the whole story). The basic idea is that a Picker finds someone weaker than they are, and in a sense bullies them until they lose their identities. A Pick is the victim, the one who is bullied. As the story progresses, you learn that Becky's father had died and Becky now lives with her mother, stepfather, and step brother. Becky's mother is vile and abusive, yet I couldn't help but appreciate her character in a way. Her stepbrother is a demon. And her stepfather was a surprising hero to the story. He feels and intense connection to teenage Becky and does everything in his power to protect her from her own mother.

Becky's main concern in her confusing and tumultuous life is keeping a promise she made to her father as a child: To keep the family store in business and to take care of his garden when he passes away. A series of things happen that get in the way of Becky's promise, but she remains loyal to her father's wishes. This loyalty stands in the way of her safety and protection, which greatly concerns her stepfather, who wants her safe.
Becky devises a scheme to keep her garden and store safe that in turn affects her life in ways she never imagined. Becky finds unlikely strength in a controversial romantic relationship, and strives to 'beat' her dark past despite her mother's attempts at keeping Becky under her thumb.

 Overall, I'd give this book 5/5 stars. I was literally unable to put it down and finished it in about 5 hours. I strongly reccommend it to anyone who owns a Kindle. After finishing Breaking TWIG, I started another book called Elephant Girl: A Human Story by Jane Devin. I'm about halfway through now, and I will write a review as soon as I've finished. Thanks for reading! Have a lovely night.