Cracked

Victor is a high school student who faces relentless bullying at school and neglect at home. His tormentor, Bull, makes his daily life a nightmare through physical and emotional abuse, while his parents remain cold and distant. After a suicide attempt, Victor finds himself in a mental hospital where he must confront his inner demons. In an unexpected twist, his bully Bull also ends up admitted to the same psychiatric ward, forcing them into close proximity. The story tracks both boys' experiences in the hospital as they undergo therapy, interact with other patients, and struggle to process their pasts. Their parallel journeys reveal the complex factors that led them both to this facility. This young adult novel examines themes of mental health, redemption, and the cyclical nature of abuse. Through its dual perspectives, it challenges assumptions about victims and perpetrators while exploring the possibility of healing and change.

Readers describe Cracked as an honest portrayal of bullying and mental health struggles, though some found the pacing uneven. The story follows two teen perspectives alternating between chapters. Readers appreciated: - Raw, realistic depictions of depression and suicidal thoughts - Character development showing multiple sides of the bullying dynamic - The psychiatric hospital setting details - Messages about redemption and understanding others Common criticisms: - Plot points that felt contrived or unrealistic - Heavy-handed messaging in parts - Some found the ending rushed - Character actions that seemed implausible Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (50+ reviews) "The dual perspectives helped me understand both sides of bullying," noted one reader. Another criticized that "certain plot elements stretched credibility too far." Several reviewers mentioned the book fostered discussions with teens about mental health and empathy.

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🔷 K.M. Walton wrote "Cracked" based on her experiences as a middle school teacher, where she witnessed the devastating effects of bullying firsthand. 🔷 The novel alternates between two narrators—a bully and his victim—who end up sharing a room in a psychiatric hospital, forcing them to see life from each other's perspective. 🔷 The book addresses serious mental health issues including depression, suicide attempts, and addiction, topics that were less commonly discussed in YA literature when it was published in 2012. 🔷 "Cracked" was chosen as a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, helping to reach teens who might otherwise avoid reading. 🔷 The author completed the first draft of "Cracked" during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), writing 50,000 words in just 30 days.