A riveting portrait of life after abuse from an award-winning novelist. Sixteen-Year-Old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother Christian with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret. He tries to move on, going for new friends, a new school, and a new job, but all his changes can’t make him forget what he left behind—his mother, who is still trapped with his dad, and his ex-girlfriend, who is keeping his secret. At least so far. Worst of all, Jace realizes that if he really wants to move forward, he may first have to do what scares him most: He may have to go back. Award-winning novelist Swati Avasthi has created a riveting and remarkably nuanced portrait of what happens after. After you’ve said enough, after you’ve run, after you’ve made the split—how do you begin to live again? Readers won’t be able to put this intense page-turner down.
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"Though the abuse was difficult to read about, I really liked the relationship between the two brothers and how it evolved. I also thought the parts about the younger boy taking on the tendencies of his father and choosing not to pursue that path would be enlightening to a teen. "
— Cass (4 out of 5 stars)
" This book was painful at times and wonderful at others. I loved the Jace and Christian, I really disliked Mirriam. Overall a terrific book and a definite must read. "
— Brandee, 1/25/2014" Boy, I read this quickly! I very much enjoyed the complexity of these characters, and the writing is excellent. I can't wait to read Avasthi's next book "
— Christie, 1/17/2014" Really good story about abuse and how you really can heal from the pain. "
— Miss, 12/8/2013" this book was amazing! I couldn't lay it down!! "
— Kara, 5/3/2013" I just couldn't get into this book, nothing really happened and even right at the end I could quite easily put it down with no need to finish it. "
— Rachael, 3/5/2013" i loved it and i think i would tell people to this book and i feel that your in the book with your self and and the family "
— Amelia, 1/24/2013" What a great first novel. Bravo! (My daughter loved it too.) "
— Gary, 11/11/2012" A tough read due to subject content. Really hit close to home (too close). Avasthi writes this story very well and does not "hollywoodize" it. it is raw and heartfelt. Interesting to see it from the different characters point of views. "
— D, 10/31/2012" I absolutely loved this book, so sad and tragic. "
— Rayliene, 4/3/2012" Read my full review on Forever Young Adult. "
— Mandy, 6/25/2011" Wow! I am in awe. One of the best books I have read this year. I couldn't put it down and I could see every second of it. I love realistic books written between two brushes and this one didn't disappoint. Graphic at times and for mature readers but realistic! "
— Wendi, 5/21/2011" Hard to read at times but done well. Important perspective of domestic abuse. "
— Emily, 4/20/2011" I liked the strength of the characters in this book. Christian and Jace had a lot to confront and it was uplifting to see how they struggled through their conflicts instead of being buried by them. "
— Mary, 4/3/2011" Depressing, yet poignant and sometimes funny. Despite the fact that I couldn't put it down (because I have to read it for class tomorrow), I couldn't put it down. "
— Kristina, 3/20/2011" Great book. YA. Crossover. How ever you want to categorize it, Split is a super novel. "
— Amy, 3/18/2011" Definitely deserving of its CYBILS award. Excellent young adult novel. "
— Jacqueline, 3/6/2011Swati Avasthi has been writing fiction since she read Little House in the Big Woods at age five. Emily Bronte, Harper Lee, and many others furthered her addiction. She institutionalized her habit at the University of Chicago (BA) and at the University of Minnesota (MFA). Split, her debut novel, received the 2011 International Reading Association Award, the 2011 Cybils award, a 2010 Silver Parent’s Choice Award, and the New Mexico State Book Award. It was also nominated for eleven other state awards and has been translated into four languages. She lives in Minneapolis with her two kids, two dogs, and husband.
Joshua Swanson is an actor and voiceover talent. He’s worked in major motion pictures and television and as a voice talent has worked in all facets of the business. An award-winning audiobook narrator with over sixty titles to his name, Swanson has won five AudioFile Earphones Awards.