4.01
Part of "Thoroughbred" series
"Breaking the Fall" by Joanna Campbell is a powerful and moving exploration of family, loss, and the healing power of friendship. The novel tells the story of a fractured family trying to put themselves back together after a devastating tragedy. The main character, Emily, is a young girl struggling to come to terms with the death of her younger brother. Her parents' marriage is on the rocks, and Emily feels isolated and alone. But when she meets a new friend, Hazel, she begins to find solace and understanding in their shared experiences. Campbell's writing is both lyrical and raw, capturing the emotional turmoil of Emily's grief with sensitivity and grace. She deftly explores the complexities of family dynamics, the way that loss can tear people apart, and the way that new connections can help to heal. One of the standout aspects of "Breaking the Fall" is the way that Campbell portrays the relationship between Emily and Hazel. Their friendship is a bright spot in an otherwise bleak landscape, and Campbell captures the joy and comfort that can come from finding someone who truly understands you. This is a novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced loss, or who has struggled to connect with their family. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of friendship, and of the healing power of human connection. "Breaking the Fall" is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page. Joanna Campbell has established herself as a talented and insightful writer, and this novel is a testament to her abilities. Highly recommended.
Chad Harbach
The Art of Fielding
If you enjoyed the sport-centered drama and character development in 'Breaking the Fall', you'll appreciate 'The Art of Fielding'. This novel revolves around a gifted baseball player and his teammates at a small college, exploring themes of ambition, identity, and friendship.
Learn MoreJohn Steinbeck
East of Eden
Fans of Joanna Campbell's rich storytelling and character exploration will find a kindred spirit in John Steinbeck. 'East of Eden', a saga of two families in California's Salinas Valley, delves into themes of good and evil, love and betrayal, and the complexities of the human condition.
Learn MoreBrit Bennett
The Vanishing Half
For those who appreciated the nuanced portrayal of family dynamics in 'Breaking the Fall', 'The Vanishing Half' is a must-read. This novel follows the lives of twin sisters who choose to live in dramatically different worlds, revealing the power of identity, resilience, and the ties that bind.
Learn MoreDonna Tartt
The Secret History
If you were intrigued by the darker elements of 'Breaking the Fall', you'll be captivated by 'The Secret History'. This psychological thriller tells the story of a group of classics students at an elite college who become entangled in a murder plot, exploring themes of obsession, guilt, and the corrupting influence of power.
Learn MoreBarbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bible
Readers who connected with the strong female characters in 'Breaking the Fall' will find much to admire in 'The Poisonwood Bible'. This novel follows the lives of an evangelical Baptist minister's wife and her four daughters as they move to the Belgian Congo in 1959, examining themes of family, faith, and the clash of cultures.
Learn MoreKhaled Hosseini
A Thousand Splendid Suns
For those who were moved by the emotional depth of 'Breaking the Fall', 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' is a powerful read. This novel tells the story of two Afghan women whose lives intertwine in Kabul, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Learn MoreChloe Benjamin
The Immortalists
If you were intrigued by the exploration of fate and free will in 'Breaking the Fall', 'The Immortalists' is a compelling read. This novel follows the lives of four siblings who, after visiting a fortune teller, learn the dates of their deaths, exploring themes of destiny, family, and the choices we make.
Learn MoreVanessa Diffenbaugh
The Language of Flowers
Readers who enjoyed the poignant, redemptive themes of 'Breaking the Fall' will find beauty in 'The Language of Flowers'. This novel tells the story of a young woman who has aged out of the foster care system and finds solace in the Victorian language of flowers, exploring themes of love, healing, and the power of second chances.
Learn MoreKristin Hannah
The Great Alone
For those who appreciated the wild, untamed setting of 'Breaking the Fall', 'The Great Alone' is a must-read. This novel follows a troubled family who moves to Alaska in search of a new beginning, exploring themes of survival, resilience, and the transformative power of love.
Learn MoreKristin Hannah
The Nightingale
Readers who were captivated by the complex relationships and emotional depth of 'Breaking the Fall' will be enthralled by 'The Nightingale'. This novel tells the story of two sisters in France during World War II, exploring themes of courage, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
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