The Breakable Vow [Paperback]

Kathryn Ann Clarke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 6, 2004

One night will
change her life . . .

Annie McGowan is eighteen years old, smart, wisecracking, fun-loving . . . a typical teenager. Yet circumstances force Annie out of the security of high school and into a world of problems all her own. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy and a turbulent, violent relationship with her boyfriend, Kevin, Annie's life begins to spiral out of control. And though her worst fears about Kevin are realized, in the heat of the moment, she finds the courage to fight back.

First-time author and domestic violence expert Kathryn Ann Clarke brings clarity and compassion to an often hotly debated issue. In this inspiring debut novel, one remarkable young woman faces the most difficult odds and emerges on the other side -- whole.

The Breakable Vow features a special educational Classroom Guide section in the back of the book that discusses: How to Recognize the Danger Signs of an Abusive Relationship, Safety Planning, Break-Up Planning, Cycle of Violence, Questions to Ask About the New Person in Your Life, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up Annie, 18, is looking forward to the rest of her life. She's been in a relationship with Kevin, and they are certain that they're in love. He has a temper, but that doesn't concern her because she knows that he cares deeply for her. Several weeks after spending a night together, Annie discovers that she is pregnant, and her life begins to spin out of control. Deeply religious, she refuses to accept Kevin's offer of money for an abortion, and, after a tumultuous pregnancy, has a baby girl. Her partner's abuse ebbs and flows, and his threats and her fear that he will take Mary from her keep Annie in the marriage. It takes a final, violent event to prove to Annie that she has to break free--but is it too late? Unfortunately, the novel is marred by awkward sentence structure and didacticism. While the conversations between characters are more realistic, teens will be put off by the pedantic tone of the narration. This is an important topic, but the book is too long and rambling to hold the interest of young adults.--Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Finally, practical advice for teenagers about dating violence in the form of a novel! The Breakable Vow is a long overdue page-turner that is a must read for every young woman. There isn't a womam alive who won't relate to Annie McGowan's plight. Clarke's heroine may very well do more to prevent domestic violence than all of our efforts in the last twenty years." -- The Honorable Colleen McSweeney Moore Circuit Court Judge Cook County, Illinois

"I was surprised and delighted to see the involvement and enthusiasm of a multi-cultural population of young women who could relate to this heroine. Obviously, dating violence is a phenomenon that crosses religious, racial, and socioeconomic lines." -- Susam M. Sanders PhD Assiociate Professor Public Services Graduate Program Depaul University, Chichago, Illinois

"This book provides the reader with the shocking reality of dating abuse. It allows the reader to enter the world and, at the same time, evaluate their own." -- Sr. Mary Therese Mount Assisi Academy Lemont, Illinois --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (January 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060518219
• ISBN-13: 978-0060518219
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #222,070 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Issues > Dysfunctional Relationships
  • #45 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Issues > Abuse

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn't believe what i was reading.., April 5, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Breakable Vow (Paperback)

I was glued to this book for many reasons. As a well educated woman, I never expected the man of my dreams to be an abuser. In this book I found a light that illuminated the nightmare I was living. This book helped me make sense of the muddy, confusing situation of being emotionally and physically abused. The Breakable Vow educates the reader about the consistent dynamics presented in all abusive relationships. I wish I had read a book like this as a teenager. I am grateful Ms Clarke wrote this book. It saved my life and the lives of my five children. Whether you agree with Annie's choices along the way , or not, you cannot deny that Ms Clarke has done a fabulous job of showing and telling what it is like to live with an abuser. Just as important, the back of the book is LOADED with good information on how to get out of the abusive relationship safely and how to help a family member or friend who is stuck.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant and amazing, April 2, 2004

By 

Michele Weldon "Michele Weldon" (Chicago, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Breakable Vow (Paperback)

Kathryn Clarke has successfully conveyed exactly what it is like to be trapped as a young woman in an abusive relationship, while trying to rationalize her choices and keep herself safe. I applaud this incredibly talented writer for boldly addressing a terrifying issue and for writing so honestly and adroitly about dating violence.

In the United States, the greatest increase in partner violence is in the group of young woman 13-18 years old and Ms. Clarke's well-written and compelling story reaches this audience in a book every young woman should read. I recommend this keen and poignant novel for every teen's bookshelf-- male or female. Give it as a gift to every young woman you know as she enters high school or graduates. Give as a gift to every young man you know as a reminder that controlling behavior is hurtful and wrong. As parents, we can take the lessons from this well-told story and learn how to be more understanding and concretely helpful to the young women and men we know who may find themselves in relationships they are simply not prepared to handle. Congratulations to Ms. Clarke for a superb story about a topic we all need to understand.

I know how difficult it is to articulate the confusion and chaos of that turmoil. Ms. Clarke has done this better than any other writer I have read on the subject. What Anna Quindlen's "Black and Blue" did for the understanding of domestic violence in marriage, let this be the bible for young women and men understanding violence in dating relationships.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book, March 31, 2004

By 

Kaitlin (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Breakable Vow (Paperback)

This book is one of the best that I have read lately. It is for the most part realistic. You come to care for Annie greatly and want her to get out of the abusive situation with Kevin. Kevin acts like the typical abuser. He does something then he claims that he is sorry and will never do that again. Obviously he does. This book also has details about abuse in the back which can be very helpful in figuring out if you are in an abusive situation. I would recommend this book to everyone. I believe that even guys need to read this book because it might help them to see what abuse is for women and if they are heading towards being abusive.