By Joanne Rossmassler Fritz
First of all, let me just say, I finished Ruptured in one day. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. Secondly, I also love it when a book references other outstanding pieces of literature. In this case:
- The Tale of Despereaux ( DiCamillo)
- The One and Only Ivan (Applegate)
- Tuck Everlasting (Babbitt)
- Long Way Down (Reynolds)
- The Line Tender (Allen)
- Falling over Sideways (Sonnenblick)
It just makes you feel ‘connected’ to those books and authors and recognizing great works of literature.
Ruptured , a novel in verse by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz, is the story of thirteen year old Claire. Claire’s idea of a dream vacation is being able to “sit on the covered deck outside the motel room and read.” However, on this summer trip in Maine with her parents, her mother has a brain aneurysm and may never totally recover. On top of that, her mother shared a painful reality with Claire right before she collapsed. Claire must learn to juggle, not only the harsh reality of her mother’s illness, but also all the complicated pieces of life and relationships: her parents, her friendships and her aunt.
This quote from the story is poignant:
“People are always doing something I don’t expect.
But people aren’t characters in a book.
They’re complicated.”
Woah!…..isn’t this the truth…taking the time to peel back people’s motivations and hurts and circumstances and layers…is important. It is what makes us HUMAN and responsive to newfound and often hard realities. Claire’s world has been turned upside down. Medical issues + life issues keep happening. Along the way, Claire’s aunt shares her love of photography with Claire and actually teaches her how to take pictures with her Canon camera, which becomes one way to help Claire process life.
“Its empowering when someone believes in you. You can do this.”
The cover of the book shows a lighthouse. Lighthouses have a personality of their own and serve an important role to protect, guide and show the way. Likewise, LIGHT in this story surfaces again and again as a beacon of hope to support Claire in navigating new circumstances and moving forward.
“Its not moving water and boats and light, but the light in their eyes shines. I swallow. This is what hope looks like. This is what recovery looks like. This is what love looks like.” ( page 176)
Just like water in the ocean is always moving, always flowing, so is our own story. Life doesn’t stand still. And “ruptures” will happen. But Ruptured by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz is a truly a beacon of hope. Reminding us of the power of support, strength and love.
I loved it! I hope you will too.
(Publication date is set for fall of 2023)
