Reviewed by Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

The Shattering by Karen Healey is a revealing novel for young adult readers. Three younger sibling teens wrestle with the fact that their older brothers have committed suicide. The turmoil that haunts the living is vividly portrayed and totally believable. It gives food for thought to those who do not believe that death is capable of controlling the living.

The main characters are well developed, and the reader easily gets into the thoughts and feelings of the teens. The main character of Keri is highly believable, as well as being a fascinating study of the complexity of the human psyche. Keri both trusts and distrusts those to whom she has confided her deepest feelings. She allows each to work out his or her feelings about her in order to determine what role they may continue to play in her life. Although some of the novel, particularly the middle section, is somewhat predictable for the reader, in no way does the predictability detract from the development toward the conclusion of the story.

This is an intense novel for teens facing life's frustrations and disappointments. It deals with the heart of stressors in modern society, and it deals with these issues with honesty and compassion. Karen Healey has offered a wonderful human study for teens willing to explore their own fears, hopes and prejudices. Each reader will take away a different message from this novel, and the messages will be retained for some time to come.