All In Pieces by Suzanne Young | Book Review

From New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young comes a heartrending new novel about a girl struggling to deal with anger issues while taking care of her younger brother with special needs.
“Anger-management issues.”
That’s how they classified Savannah Sutton after she stuck a pencil in her ex-boyfriend’s hand because he mocked her little brother, Evan, for being disabled. That’s why they sent her to Brooks Academy—an alternative high school that’s used as a temporary detention center.
The days at Brooks are miserable, but at home, life is far more bleak. Savvy’s struggling to take care of her brother since her mom left years ago, and her alcoholic dad can’t be bothered. Life with Evan is a constant challenge, but he’s also the most important person in the world to Savvy.
Then there’s Cameron, a new student at Brooks with issues of his own; a guy from a perfect family that Savvy thought only existed on TV. Cameron seems determined to break through every one of the walls Savvy’s built around herself, except if she lets herself trust him, it could make everything she’s worked so hard for fall apart in an instant.
And with her aunt seeking custody of her brother and her ex-boyfriend seeking revenge, Savvy’s fighting to hold all the pieces together. But she’s not sure how much tighter she can be pulled before she breaks completely.

All In Pieces by Suzanne Young is another book that I read because Andi’s ABCs told me to. For real though, we had this excellent conversation about poverty and YA and she recommended this book. I, of course, am unable to turn down recommended books by bloggers I genuinely trust. So, upon receiving her recommendation, I put in a hold at my library and obtained this book almost the very next day. Bless Andi, because All In Pieces was exactly what I needed and wanted to read.

All In Pieces is a contemporary book by Suzanne Young (who has this amazing writing ability to cross genres and be fantastic in every genre). It’s about a girl named Savannah who is attending an alternative school due to what are perceived as anger issues. You see, she stabbed her ex with a pencil after he called her developmentally delayed brother the offensive word for people who are developmentally delayed. He totally deserved it, just my hot take.

Anyways, so at the school Savannah is working toward graduation and has two best friends. There’s also a new guy in her class, Cameron. He doesn’t belong because he’s rich – he drives a BMW, alas. Savannah (and me) want to find out what exactly his deal is. Meanwhile, Savannah’s mom is nowhere to be found, her dad is a drunken douche, and her aunt wants to obtain full custody of Evan, her brother. So, Savannah has got a whole lot on her plate.

So, I basically LOVED Savvy. She’s the sort of main character I feel like I do not get to read enough about in YA. She is from a family that is legitimately poor, not you know, a family that only makes six figures a year and how ever will they fully fund their child’s private college education. I mean, she’s worrying about groceries and feeding her brother. She doesn’t have money or a car.

She can’t get a job because of her brother — she provides childcare for him and has to help with his getting off the bus routine. Yes, I loved her. I mean, her life isn’t a mirror of mine or anything, but I loved seeing a character who doesn’t have everything just handed to them while we have to read about how hard their life is because their parents can’t afford to buy them a Porsche or whatever. Also, she has other traits besides being broke. She’s resilient. Savvy is tough. She’s an incredibly loyal friend.

So, if you’re wondering, All In Pieces does indeed have a romance. I will say that I do not think it was the strongest point of this book. I mean, do not get me wrong. Cameron and Savvy are good together. However, I still don’t get why of all people Cameron chooses Savvy besides defaulting to sitting next to her. I thought that he treated her very well and was what she needed. However, there just wasn’t a huge spark or chemistry for me as the reader. That’s just my take though, I know your mileage may vary.

All In Pieces is a super quick read, I mean I probably could have read it in one sitting if not for my overwhelming feelings and also, need to get other things done. The characters are well written and realistic. The storyline is well paced. I think it’s very easy to read this book and feel invested in the characters. I absolutely do recommend it if you’re looking for an emotional and quick read.

Other reviews of All In Pieces by Suzanne Young:

• Andi’s ABCs  – “everything I wanted and needed in a book“
• Here’s To Happy Endings – “full of heart and feelings“
• 5 Girls Book Reviews – “one of my new favorite stories“

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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