Cracked

I found this book fascinating on so many levels. I could hardly put it down. I love the style of her story telling, The layered and complex insights it allows for, as if you are actually peering into the mind of the characters, gives a remarkable depth to them as the story unfolds. The unassuming path down the road of addiction is never intentional, but has dire consequences for everyone concerned. That there can be light at the end of the tunnel, potential for recovery, and the hope of moving forward living a reclaimed life is an upbeat, positive message society needs to hear now more than ever.

Engaging and intense, Cracked is the gripping novel by Brianna S. Clark. Set in 1997 at a rehabilitation center, Lilly “LuLu” St. Blanc, a divorced attorney and single mother, finds herself swept off of her feet and lured into the destructive world of addiction after meeting Stephen Flaherty. On their first date, Stephen, a rich drug addict, gave Lulu her first hit of crack cocaine which lead to a series of events that would change Lulu’s life in ways she could have never imagined.After after hitting rock bottom. LuLu finds herself in rehab where she is forced to face memories from her past. With the help of her therapist and counselors Lulu finally begins to put the pieces of her life together by recollecting childhood traumas that just may be the foundation of her destructive decisions.What I loved about this book is that the story moved along at a steady pace. The dialogues were realistic which made it easy to get inside the story. I also found the plot very engaging. I empathized with Lulu’s character. And found myself invested in the outcome of her story. I’m hoping there will be a second part to this book because the ending left me with a lot of unanswered questions.Let me say, before reading Cracked, I had been reading a lot of nonfiction. This was the perfect novel to break that streak. It was an entertaining book that kept my interest. Clarke successfully captures the pain of a woman in the pits of addiction.Note: This book was provided by the author in exchange for a honest review.

Once you start reading this book you will not be able to put it down. Lulu is a great female protagonist: vulnerable and broken, yet insightful and profoundly human. The author tackles addiction, a difficult subject, and she does not mince words or sugarcoat the indignities associated with hitting rock bottom. I can't wait for the sequel!

This book is amazing and the stories are powerful, real, and self illustrated-no pictures needed. Page by page this author tells powerful stories that are sensitive to your heart and soul. Brianna's stories shake up and breaks into the core of drug addiction, alcoholism, child abuse, and child molestation, past and so very present in today's society.

What I love about this book is that it has been able to capture my attention immediately. The first page first paragragh reading is whst I describe as beautiful definition and description of " Visual Literacy " a clear image of her written words.

I was not expecting a page turner but this book left me rushing to read each chapter. The book is written in a point of view of the flawed character, Lulu, which at points can be infuriating but in the end you can't help but root for her. Can't wait for the next book and her next journey.

I loved the realness, the authenticity! I could feel the pain, the triumphs all the raw emotions of the characters in this great read!

This is a very interesting look at the reasons for and costs of addiction. It was a good read.