Breaking Butterflies

Breaking Butterflies was written by M. Anjelais when she was only 18 years old.  It's an unusual story and one that kept me interested until the very end. The premise has been done before (cruel abusive boy, innocent and naive girl) but this one adds something very touching and emotionally draining to it. Sphinx and Cadence were born only months apart to best friends who, only somewhat jokingly, planned their whole lives out for them.  As young children they were very close, but there was always something just a little off about Cadence. When Cadence cuts Sphinx with a pocket knife and seems to show more curiosity than remorse, he and his mother move away to England and it is a few years before the two see each other again. By this time they are teenagers and Cadence has been diagnosed with leukemia. He has requested to see Sphinx one more time, so she and her mother plan a visit to England. 
Anjelais brings a human touch to the cruel Cadence as Sphinx tries to understand what is going on in his head. There is a desperation about Cadence that makes him a sympathetic character despite the awful things he does and the horrible way he treats his "best friend" Sphinx.  This is a story that will make you think. 

My reading goal

Starting in November of this year I created a reading goal for myself. I intend to read 75 books from November 1, 2014 through October 31, 2015.  So far the books I have read are:

            The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Matthieu (see previous post)

            They All Fall Down by Roxanne St. Claire  This one required a good amount of disbelief suspension!  Incredibly unlikely scenario wherein every year junior class girls are voted onto a Hot List. This year one by one they are dying.  So suspend your  disbelief and enjoy the romp!

             Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis   Most of the world's water has been rendered undrinkable in this unusual dystopian fiction novel. Lucy and her mother live in the basement of their house but spend much of their time on the roof with rifles defending the unsullied pond on their property.  There's sequel as well, In a Handful of Dust.

            Play Me Backwards by Adam Selzer Leon is in his senior year of high school, and after a brilliant start in 9th grade, he has turned into a self-proclaimed slacker.  Graduation is looming and Leon wants to get back on track. His best friend Stan (who claims to be Satan) is helping him with advice such as listening to Moby Dick on his car CD player and sending him on a search for the elusive white grape slushie.  Nothing too deep in this one, just a fun read.

           Rapture Practice by Aaron Hartzler  This one is a memoir chronicling the years growing up in a strict fundamentalist family.  Aaron relates his experiences with humor and a lot of heart. I recommend this one!!

            Girls Like Us by Gail Giles   Chosen to be on the short list for the National Book Award for youth literature, this is a quick read with lots of vernacular. Biddy and Quincy are "SPEDs", graduating from special education classes at their high school.  Their counselor and advisor places them with an older woman who needs help around the house, and Quincy gets a job at a local cafe. They learn trust and friendship while growing up together.

I am also listening to some books on CD, but I won't be counting them!  This challenge is strictly written word!!