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House Broken
In this compelling and poignant debut novel, a woman skilled at caring for animals must learn to mend the broken relationships in her family.…
For veterinarian Geneva Novak, animals can be easier to understand than people. They’re also easier to forgive. But when her mother, Helen, is injured in a vodka-fueled accident, it’s up to Geneva to give her the care she needs.
Since her teens, Geneva has kept her self-destructive mother at arm’s length. Now, with two slippery teenagers of her own at home, the last thing she wants is to add Helen to the mix. But Geneva’s husband convinces her that letting Helen live with them could be her golden chance to repair their relationship.
Geneva isn’t expecting her mother to change anytime soon, but she may finally get answers to the questions she’s been asking for so long. As the truth about her family unfolds, however, Geneva may find secrets too painful to bear and too terrible to forgive.
CONVERSATION GUIDE INCLUDED
For veterinarian Geneva Novak, animals can be easier to understand than people. They’re also easier to forgive. But when her mother, Helen, is injured in a vodka-fueled accident, it’s up to Geneva to give her the care she needs.
Since her teens, Geneva has kept her self-destructive mother at arm’s length. Now, with two slippery teenagers of her own at home, the last thing she wants is to add Helen to the mix. But Geneva’s husband convinces her that letting Helen live with them could be her golden chance to repair their relationship.
Geneva isn’t expecting her mother to change anytime soon, but she may finally get answers to the questions she’s been asking for so long. As the truth about her family unfolds, however, Geneva may find secrets too painful to bear and too terrible to forgive.
CONVERSATION GUIDE INCLUDED
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2015
550 people are currently reading
6968 people want to read
About the author
Sonja Yoerg
9 books1,143 followersI grew up in Stowe, Vermont, the daughter of a ski instructor and a history teacher. In my first incarnation, I was a animal behaviorist who studied learning in blue jays, hyenas and kangaroo rats. I wrote a book about that. Now I make stuff up.
I've published several novels, including TRUE PLACES, a Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller. Yeah, typing that makes me smile because reaching readers is the point, right? My upcoming release, THE FAMILY SHIP, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Watch for it on February 23, 2021.
When I'm not writing or pretending to be writing, I run, garden, cook, eat, drink wine, then run some more. My husband and I live in central Virginia with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's quiet and pretty, like Vermont.
Join me all over the place:
twitter.com/SonjaYoerg
www.facebook.com/SonjaYoerg
www.instagram.com/SonjaYoerg
www.sonjayoerg.com
I've published several novels, including TRUE PLACES, a Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller. Yeah, typing that makes me smile because reaching readers is the point, right? My upcoming release, THE FAMILY SHIP, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Watch for it on February 23, 2021.
When I'm not writing or pretending to be writing, I run, garden, cook, eat, drink wine, then run some more. My husband and I live in central Virginia with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's quiet and pretty, like Vermont.
Join me all over the place:
twitter.com/SonjaYoerg
www.facebook.com/SonjaYoerg
www.instagram.com/SonjaYoerg
www.sonjayoerg.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 381 reviews
March 19, 2016
Oh, don't be fooled by the sweetness of this little pup on the book cover. There's a lot of bite and bark within. Yes, and some "wow" in the ol' bow wow here!
The Novak family, seemingly typical, is hardly that at all. Geneva Novak is a veterinarian with her own practice. She and her husband, Tom, live with their two teenage kids in the suburbs. Geneva mends the broken bones of the animals in her care. But there are broken and shattered bones of the past and present residing in the walls of the Novak house.
Sonja Yoerig addresses this so well: "The past wasn't a guest you could ask to leave when you tired of its company. No, the past put up its feet and meant to stay."
This was a relatable book to some degree within the interactions of immediate and extended family. But that's where the concentric circles widened.....and ropin' it all back in seemed like chasing felines in a cat rodeo. You'll never get 'em all and those you do will be officially pissed.
There are deep, dark secrets here with those who sound like Scarlett O'Hara....tomorrow....I'll deal with it tomorrow. But the secrets aren't waiting around for another sunrise.
This was a good read from Sonja Yoerg. I especially liked her book, The Middle of Somewhere. That one really held onto me. Keep 'em coming, Ms. Yoerg. We are awaiting your next offering anxiously.
The Novak family, seemingly typical, is hardly that at all. Geneva Novak is a veterinarian with her own practice. She and her husband, Tom, live with their two teenage kids in the suburbs. Geneva mends the broken bones of the animals in her care. But there are broken and shattered bones of the past and present residing in the walls of the Novak house.
Sonja Yoerig addresses this so well: "The past wasn't a guest you could ask to leave when you tired of its company. No, the past put up its feet and meant to stay."
This was a relatable book to some degree within the interactions of immediate and extended family. But that's where the concentric circles widened.....and ropin' it all back in seemed like chasing felines in a cat rodeo. You'll never get 'em all and those you do will be officially pissed.
There are deep, dark secrets here with those who sound like Scarlett O'Hara....tomorrow....I'll deal with it tomorrow. But the secrets aren't waiting around for another sunrise.
This was a good read from Sonja Yoerg. I especially liked her book, The Middle of Somewhere. That one really held onto me. Keep 'em coming, Ms. Yoerg. We are awaiting your next offering anxiously.
September 23, 2014
HOUSE BROKEN surprised me every step of the way, and how many books are there about which you can say that? As the story begins, Helen, a prickly, alcoholic, borderline-impossible old lady, moves in for recuperation after an accident with her very reluctant daughter Geneva, a veterinarian with two difficult teenage children. Helen makes everything worse, dangerously so, and -- what's EVEN worse -- seems to enjoy doing it. But her presence sets Geneva off to investigate a troubling family mystery -- brilliantly laid out by Yoerg -- and, by the end, she comes to know who her mother is and, by extension, who she is. There's no Happily Ever After in HOUSE BROKEN; the book is too wise for that. And don't be fooled by the cute dog on the cover; there is nothing cute about this book. It's fearless, even dangerous, interested in telling the truth about complexities of behavior (human, and animal) and not interested in being reassuring. Yoerg, like a dog in the book, bites down and doesn’t let go. I very much admired her book.
May 26, 2017
I would like to thank the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. House Broken is a very strong debut novel by new author Sonja Yoerg. Though the cover and the title suggest an animal story, this book is an exceptionally well-written account of a broken family and how the family members go about trying to fix it.
The story is told in third person narrative with multiple points of view. Sometimes this can be confusing, but not in this book; it was easy to tell whose POV was being described as each chapter was titled with a character name. I liked that Ms. Yoerg used this technique as it allowed the reader to get in the head of all the major characters, which I believe added richness and depth to the tale. There were quite a few cast members, but I found it easy to keep them straight and none seemed superfluous. I thought the people in this story were truly believable; they could easily be your neighbors or my neighbors. Their plights were true to life, and I felt the author did a fine job in how her characters handled their situations and how things turned out. The ending was not entirely as expected and I give Ms. Yoerg major props for making it very realistic. More often than not, plots of women’s fiction novels are tied up in a neat bow at the end like a Hollywood movie. Life is not usually like that.
I also want to mention Ms. Yoerg's sense of humor. Her writing is laced with an undercurrent of subtle humor which I liked a lot.
I very much enjoyed this book and eagerly look forward to Ms. Yoerg’s next novel. I recommend House Broken to anyone looking for a good “house broken” story.
The story is told in third person narrative with multiple points of view. Sometimes this can be confusing, but not in this book; it was easy to tell whose POV was being described as each chapter was titled with a character name. I liked that Ms. Yoerg used this technique as it allowed the reader to get in the head of all the major characters, which I believe added richness and depth to the tale. There were quite a few cast members, but I found it easy to keep them straight and none seemed superfluous. I thought the people in this story were truly believable; they could easily be your neighbors or my neighbors. Their plights were true to life, and I felt the author did a fine job in how her characters handled their situations and how things turned out. The ending was not entirely as expected and I give Ms. Yoerg major props for making it very realistic. More often than not, plots of women’s fiction novels are tied up in a neat bow at the end like a Hollywood movie. Life is not usually like that.
I also want to mention Ms. Yoerg's sense of humor. Her writing is laced with an undercurrent of subtle humor which I liked a lot.
I very much enjoyed this book and eagerly look forward to Ms. Yoerg’s next novel. I recommend House Broken to anyone looking for a good “house broken” story.
September 15, 2014
I first discovered Sonja Yoerg when her nonfiction book about animal intelligence, Clever as a Fox, popped up on Goodreads (“How interesting!” said the animal lover in me). I was fascinated by this author’s professional experiences and grew even more so as I got to know her wit and charm through social media. It goes without saying that I couldn’t wait to dig in to her fiction debut, House Broken, to see how pieces of Yoerg’s professional background fit into her fictional story. She certainly did not disappoint (and I’m quite thrilled to have gotten an advance copy).
It’s clear, in this story of family relationships and hidden secrets, Yoerg understands the complexities of animal AND human behavior. Told through the points of view of three characters – Geneva, her mother Helen, and Geneva’s daughter Ella – we learn so much about the ways people misunderstand one another. Family dynamics and dysfunction play a primary role in this story, aided by the author’s clever insertion of canine analogies and connections to the wild.
Says Geneva of her son Charlie’s behavior: “Habits were hard to break; a child cutting corners and bending the rules was the same as a dog with a habit of digging. Look the other way, and a hole becomes a tunnel, and the dog is somewhere on the far side of the fence.”
Through Geneva’s recollection of childhood, we see a remarkable human connection to animals and the natural world. “One summer morning she had been sitting on a log for half an hour when she detected a change in her surroundings. A moment passed, then a Cooper’s hawk swooped down to snatch a warbler from the air…. At the time, she concluded that the gravity of certain events ran slightly ahead in time. If she paid close attention, she could sense the subliminal shudder preceding something dangerous, or spectacular.”
While wildlife and nature lend a lovely backdrop to this story, it is, ultimately, a tale about family and the poisonous effects of hidden secrets. Despite the story’s serious nature, Helen’s character provides some laugh-out-loud moments with her particular turns of phrase. One of my favorites was the description of her husband going “ass over teakettle” as he fell into a bunker while golfing.
Helen may sum up the essence of this story best when she thinks to herself, “The past wasn’t a guest you could ask to leave when you tired of its company. No, the past put up its feet and meant to stay.” If you enjoy introspective character-driven women's fiction with smart writing that grapples with tough issues, this is the book for you. I’m personally looking forward to the next story by this wonderful author!
It’s clear, in this story of family relationships and hidden secrets, Yoerg understands the complexities of animal AND human behavior. Told through the points of view of three characters – Geneva, her mother Helen, and Geneva’s daughter Ella – we learn so much about the ways people misunderstand one another. Family dynamics and dysfunction play a primary role in this story, aided by the author’s clever insertion of canine analogies and connections to the wild.
Says Geneva of her son Charlie’s behavior: “Habits were hard to break; a child cutting corners and bending the rules was the same as a dog with a habit of digging. Look the other way, and a hole becomes a tunnel, and the dog is somewhere on the far side of the fence.”
Through Geneva’s recollection of childhood, we see a remarkable human connection to animals and the natural world. “One summer morning she had been sitting on a log for half an hour when she detected a change in her surroundings. A moment passed, then a Cooper’s hawk swooped down to snatch a warbler from the air…. At the time, she concluded that the gravity of certain events ran slightly ahead in time. If she paid close attention, she could sense the subliminal shudder preceding something dangerous, or spectacular.”
While wildlife and nature lend a lovely backdrop to this story, it is, ultimately, a tale about family and the poisonous effects of hidden secrets. Despite the story’s serious nature, Helen’s character provides some laugh-out-loud moments with her particular turns of phrase. One of my favorites was the description of her husband going “ass over teakettle” as he fell into a bunker while golfing.
Helen may sum up the essence of this story best when she thinks to herself, “The past wasn’t a guest you could ask to leave when you tired of its company. No, the past put up its feet and meant to stay.” If you enjoy introspective character-driven women's fiction with smart writing that grapples with tough issues, this is the book for you. I’m personally looking forward to the next story by this wonderful author!
July 10, 2017
Great read about family dynamics and how secrets can shape a family and who they all are. Geneva Novak is a veterinary doctor who has always lived an orderly life and bases her decisions on logic. The youngest of four she takes in her alcoholic mother after an accident leaves her unable to care for herself and her lavish live style has left her financially unable to pay for any in home care. She and her mother have never gotten along since her father's death when she was young and taking her in makes her question what she has always believed are her family and how they relate to each. After a series of events she begins to question her ideals as a parent and her role as a daughter. Hoping to repair both she makes a drastic decision asks for her husband Tom's support.
January 9, 2015
A special thank you to the author and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Don’t be fooled by the adorable dog cover (loved the cover-hats off to the designer), as between the pages of Sonja Yoerg’s brilliantly written and remarkable character-driven debut novel, HOUSE BROKEN is an intense and compelling “grown-up adult novel.” Tackling highly-charged topics, multi-generational dark family secrets and complexities, mixed with humor and wisdom, for a bittersweet “Must Read” of love and forgiveness!
Dr. Geneva Novak is a local veterinarian married to Tom for eighteen years, owner of a wood working shop (he comes from a large lovable supportive family), and they have two teenagers, Ella and Charlie. As the books moves on, we learn Ella and Charlie have secrets from their parents, as does their Nana. Trying to protect one does not always work in the big scheme of things.
Geneva, the youngest of a family of four Riley children, comes from a dysfunctional and mysterious family. Father, deceased; mother Helen is a raging alcoholic, and siblings – brother Dublin, (LA) they are close, Florence (NY), a little distant and removed, and Paris (Africa), totally estranged.
Yes, Helen named her four children after European cities to give them the sophistication lacking in their one-horse South Carolina town. However, to Geneva their names had come to represent their distance from their mother and one another, as she had not seen Paris in ten years and Florence rarely leaves Manhattan. Only she and Dublin phone and visit each other regularly as they were very close growing up.
As the book opens, Helen, now age sixty-five currently residing in California (having left the small SC town as too many bad memories); has just found herself in the middle of another fiasco driving drunk and involved in a car accident and needs care (she is trouble, and this is not the first time). Her mother is too old and too stubborn a dog to learn new tricks.
Her brother cannot take care of their mother as they have their hands full with an autistic child, and forget the older two sisters, so the burden falls upon Geneva. Needless to say, they are not close and never have been; however, possibly this may be the turning point to repair their mother-daughter relationship.
However, when she moves in with Geneva, new problems surface as Helen is like having a third problematic teenager. Underneath her nose, her two teens are involved in all sorts of illegal behavior which she seems blind to and her mother is front and center in the middle of all the trouble. (Definitely will keep you laughing in the midst of tragedy).
Told from the POV of three generations of women, Helen (Nana), Geneva (Mother), Ella (Daughter), switching back and forth from past to present; each with their own unique and gripping voice with insights and perspectives for life lessons and many takeaways well after the book ends.
I have so looked forward to reading HOUSE BROKEN, as enjoy connecting with Sonja Yoerg via Twitter, and Goodreads; however, had no idea the depth of this powerful well-written and thought-provoking debut novel. Trust me when I say, "it exceeded all expectations"; brilliantly written, a page-turner and one hard to put down (you will not be able to go to sleep until you finish). If is a debut, wow, cannot wait to see what comes next!
There is so much to say about this novel, as ideal for book clubs and discussions (included). Helen was my favorite intriguing character, as guess I can relate as a baby boomer, closer to her age; and grew up in the small town south. I loved the way the author developed this character, at first you do not sympathize with her; however, as she peels back a little more throughout the book, unveiling the heartfelt struggles, of Helen and her mysterious background. As an innocent and poor teen of sixteen being caught up in a big world for a better life; when she became a real woman, and in her own way, trying to protect her daughters and the guilt she lives with presently—you realize she and Louise had limited choices in a different time and era; however, interesting to explore the what ifs.
I loved the relation to dogs as not front and center, but always in the background with comparisons and analogies to the human characters, and their role in the plot, with faithful adorable companion Diesel (Geneva/Dublin), Argus/Paris connection, and Aldo/Eustace/Paris’ dark disturbed side.
Without saying too much, brilliant strategy with Yoerg’s twist using a willing participant (denial and brainwashed), versus the helpless victim, which added another dimension. And Louise, she made for a true down home southern connection and ally for Helen (two women; victims of a time in a man’s world, left powerless).
In summary, cannot wait to recommend riveting HOUSE BROKEN and this dynamic and talented writer, Sonja Yoerg one you will want to follow for years to come! Thank you, for a remarkable and beautiful novel of loss, love, and forgiveness.
Fans of Eileen Goudge, Diane Chamberlain, and Jodi Picoult will devour, and appreciate the author’s style—keeping the book real with flawed characters, without wrapping up neatly with a big bow. One you will not want to miss-Well done! Cannot wait for the next one, Middle of Somewhere, coming September 2015.
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
Don’t be fooled by the adorable dog cover (loved the cover-hats off to the designer), as between the pages of Sonja Yoerg’s brilliantly written and remarkable character-driven debut novel, HOUSE BROKEN is an intense and compelling “grown-up adult novel.” Tackling highly-charged topics, multi-generational dark family secrets and complexities, mixed with humor and wisdom, for a bittersweet “Must Read” of love and forgiveness!
Dr. Geneva Novak is a local veterinarian married to Tom for eighteen years, owner of a wood working shop (he comes from a large lovable supportive family), and they have two teenagers, Ella and Charlie. As the books moves on, we learn Ella and Charlie have secrets from their parents, as does their Nana. Trying to protect one does not always work in the big scheme of things.
Geneva, the youngest of a family of four Riley children, comes from a dysfunctional and mysterious family. Father, deceased; mother Helen is a raging alcoholic, and siblings – brother Dublin, (LA) they are close, Florence (NY), a little distant and removed, and Paris (Africa), totally estranged.
Yes, Helen named her four children after European cities to give them the sophistication lacking in their one-horse South Carolina town. However, to Geneva their names had come to represent their distance from their mother and one another, as she had not seen Paris in ten years and Florence rarely leaves Manhattan. Only she and Dublin phone and visit each other regularly as they were very close growing up.
As the book opens, Helen, now age sixty-five currently residing in California (having left the small SC town as too many bad memories); has just found herself in the middle of another fiasco driving drunk and involved in a car accident and needs care (she is trouble, and this is not the first time). Her mother is too old and too stubborn a dog to learn new tricks.
Her brother cannot take care of their mother as they have their hands full with an autistic child, and forget the older two sisters, so the burden falls upon Geneva. Needless to say, they are not close and never have been; however, possibly this may be the turning point to repair their mother-daughter relationship.
However, when she moves in with Geneva, new problems surface as Helen is like having a third problematic teenager. Underneath her nose, her two teens are involved in all sorts of illegal behavior which she seems blind to and her mother is front and center in the middle of all the trouble. (Definitely will keep you laughing in the midst of tragedy).
Told from the POV of three generations of women, Helen (Nana), Geneva (Mother), Ella (Daughter), switching back and forth from past to present; each with their own unique and gripping voice with insights and perspectives for life lessons and many takeaways well after the book ends.
I have so looked forward to reading HOUSE BROKEN, as enjoy connecting with Sonja Yoerg via Twitter, and Goodreads; however, had no idea the depth of this powerful well-written and thought-provoking debut novel. Trust me when I say, "it exceeded all expectations"; brilliantly written, a page-turner and one hard to put down (you will not be able to go to sleep until you finish). If is a debut, wow, cannot wait to see what comes next!
There is so much to say about this novel, as ideal for book clubs and discussions (included). Helen was my favorite intriguing character, as guess I can relate as a baby boomer, closer to her age; and grew up in the small town south. I loved the way the author developed this character, at first you do not sympathize with her; however, as she peels back a little more throughout the book, unveiling the heartfelt struggles, of Helen and her mysterious background. As an innocent and poor teen of sixteen being caught up in a big world for a better life; when she became a real woman, and in her own way, trying to protect her daughters and the guilt she lives with presently—you realize she and Louise had limited choices in a different time and era; however, interesting to explore the what ifs.
I loved the relation to dogs as not front and center, but always in the background with comparisons and analogies to the human characters, and their role in the plot, with faithful adorable companion Diesel (Geneva/Dublin), Argus/Paris connection, and Aldo/Eustace/Paris’ dark disturbed side.
Without saying too much, brilliant strategy with Yoerg’s twist using a willing participant (denial and brainwashed), versus the helpless victim, which added another dimension. And Louise, she made for a true down home southern connection and ally for Helen (two women; victims of a time in a man’s world, left powerless).
In summary, cannot wait to recommend riveting HOUSE BROKEN and this dynamic and talented writer, Sonja Yoerg one you will want to follow for years to come! Thank you, for a remarkable and beautiful novel of loss, love, and forgiveness.
Fans of Eileen Goudge, Diane Chamberlain, and Jodi Picoult will devour, and appreciate the author’s style—keeping the book real with flawed characters, without wrapping up neatly with a big bow. One you will not want to miss-Well done! Cannot wait for the next one, Middle of Somewhere, coming September 2015.
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
January 8, 2015
I got my hands on an advance copy of House Broken and read it in one weekend. Yoerg is a careful writer. A writer who takes the time to get the characters, story and words just right. As I read I marveled at how artful the plot unfolds both in the present day stories and in the histories of the characters. Yoerg was able to write about a topic that, in the hands of a less skilled writer would make the reader cringe. But, the respectful and compelling way the Yoerg writes this book is thrilling. Additionally, she adds humor and turns of phrases effortlessly. I recommend this book for readers who love a good read and values good writers along the way.
June 29, 2017
Sonja Yoerg creates a compelling tale of a family gone awry, and the ultimate cost of maintaining shameful secrets. HOUSE BROKEN is everything I love in women’s fiction…beautiful writing, strong characters, a dash of mystery, and the hope for redemption.
January 5, 2015
4.5 stars. "House Broken" is the story of Geneva, a mom who is trying to deal with her husband's crazy close-knit family, two wild teenagers, and her mother who seems to be hell-bent on destroying herself and the family. This is a story of family secrets and the strength that it takes to keep the family together when the family has gone through a dramatic event or two. I really enjoyed the story. It's a very realistic look at one family and their struggle to understand one another.
The book is told in the third person perspective from Geneva, Geneva's daughter, Ella, and Geneva's mother, Helen. I really liked how the author chose to give us the perspective of these three characters. Each of the characters has a really unique voice and a very unique perspective on what's going on in the story. I really feel like by having these three different perspectives that it pulled me further into the book.
The family drama at the center of those book was sometimes hard to read about. Geneva's family has never been close. Geneva is close to her only brother but the rest of the siblings almost never speak. At the center of this discontent are things that have been kept secret from Geneva and some of her siblings for decades. It's the unearthing of these horrible secrets that really are at the center of this book. Through these horrible secrets, we really get a good sense of what the family has been through and why some of the characters still seem to be so affected by events of so long ago. The intricacy of all of these family secrets really pulled me into the book as well.
I will start this next paragraph with a personal caveat: to me, a mark of a good book is when you are not ready to let go of the characters when the last page ends so take this next section with a grain of salt. This book has a very open-ended ending that has me pining for a sequel (please say there is a sequel!!!). I really wanted to know what happened to Helen and why even after everything that she and Geneva have been through why she still decided to do what she did. I don't want to give anything away so I won't give you any more detail but the way the book ended was very unsatisfying for me. I want more!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I liked how realistic the family seemed. I especially think kudos go to the author for the character of Ella. I think teenagers can be particularly difficult to write; however, this author does it with panache. I would love to read more about Geneva's family sure or maybe another selection by this author!
The book is told in the third person perspective from Geneva, Geneva's daughter, Ella, and Geneva's mother, Helen. I really liked how the author chose to give us the perspective of these three characters. Each of the characters has a really unique voice and a very unique perspective on what's going on in the story. I really feel like by having these three different perspectives that it pulled me further into the book.
The family drama at the center of those book was sometimes hard to read about. Geneva's family has never been close. Geneva is close to her only brother but the rest of the siblings almost never speak. At the center of this discontent are things that have been kept secret from Geneva and some of her siblings for decades. It's the unearthing of these horrible secrets that really are at the center of this book. Through these horrible secrets, we really get a good sense of what the family has been through and why some of the characters still seem to be so affected by events of so long ago. The intricacy of all of these family secrets really pulled me into the book as well.
I will start this next paragraph with a personal caveat: to me, a mark of a good book is when you are not ready to let go of the characters when the last page ends so take this next section with a grain of salt. This book has a very open-ended ending that has me pining for a sequel (please say there is a sequel!!!). I really wanted to know what happened to Helen and why even after everything that she and Geneva have been through why she still decided to do what she did. I don't want to give anything away so I won't give you any more detail but the way the book ended was very unsatisfying for me. I want more!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I liked how realistic the family seemed. I especially think kudos go to the author for the character of Ella. I think teenagers can be particularly difficult to write; however, this author does it with panache. I would love to read more about Geneva's family sure or maybe another selection by this author!
September 2, 2014
I was fortunate enough to get an early copy of this wonderful novel, and what a treat it was. Author Sonja Yoerg writes beautifully, and her tale of veterinarian and busy mom, Geneva, hooked me from the start. Geneva is faced with a dilemma many baby boomers can relate to: caring for an elderly parent, in this case an alcoholic mom who's nothing but trouble and whom Geneva not so secretly resents. As mother and daughter teeter (literally with the drunken mom)toward a fragile truce, Geneva also struggles to better connect with her two children, who have issues of their own. Yoerg's characters come to life and are totally relatable. As is often the case in real life, no one is bad, just imperfect. I look forward to more novels by this author!
January 8, 2015
A lovely debut by a promising new author!
May 19, 2015
Look at this cover. Isn't that face just adorable? Well, that face is what first drew me to House Broken. We had a chocolate lab for 13 years, who looked very much like the dog on this cover. And then I read the synopsis. There is so much about this book that I can relate to; the main character is a veterinarian - my youngest sister is a vet; the main character comes from a dysfunctional family and has issues with her mother - well, 'nuff said about that.
So anyway, I felt like this would be a story that I would enjoy and like I said, could relate to. Let me tell you, this was a great story! It is amazing to think that this is Sonja's debut novel. She writes so wonderfully and she makes the storyline and the characters seem so real.
Geneva's father dies when she was quite young and she has to deal with a mother who basically isn't there anymore. That is a tough way to grow up.
'Geneva, patient and watchful, waited for Helen to come around. But the strength that should have returned to her mother never appeared, or never for very long, and Geneva finally realized that she was waiting for a mother she never had.'
When Helen is injured and can't live on her own while she is recovering, Geneva's husband Tom, convinces her that maybe the best thing would be for Helen to move in with them. Maybe they could mend their strained relationship.
'Maybe she's learned her lesson. Maybe if she's here, and she needs to rely on you, she'll see how to be a better person.'
But Helen has secrets, secrets she has kept for many years. And these secrets are the basis for the problems in the family and the estrangement among the siblings. She married very young and her marriage to Eustace wasn't the wedded bliss that she expected. And her life did not turn out at all like she thought it would.
'She had been relieved to move into Eustace's house in town, where the streetlights shone nice and bright. Of course that was before the trouble started, when her idea of scared became the things you couldn't see.'
Then Sonja throws in two teenagers, with all the drama and problems that teenagers seem to have at this stage of their lives. And Ella and Charlie both have their own secrets. With all the other family drama happening around them, their lives just start spinning out of control.
'No one tells you how stressful it is to be this cool.'
As I was reading this story, I was thinking about how dysfunction seemed to run in this family, first one generation, then the next, and the next. Then I wondered, maybe every family is dysfunctional to some degree. No one is perfect and no family can be the perfect family. We just do the best we can with what we have and we learn to live with it.
In the end, Geneva and her family learn to deal with their problems the best way that they know how and go on from there. And it might not be the way you think, I know this book didn't end as I expected it to. Don't you love it when an author can surprise you like that? I know I do.
House Broken was a fabulous read and I am looking forward to the next book by Sonja. There was a little sneak peek at the back of the book so I got a taste of what's to come. I will be watching for it because Sonja has now been added to my list of must read authors.
So anyway, I felt like this would be a story that I would enjoy and like I said, could relate to. Let me tell you, this was a great story! It is amazing to think that this is Sonja's debut novel. She writes so wonderfully and she makes the storyline and the characters seem so real.
Geneva's father dies when she was quite young and she has to deal with a mother who basically isn't there anymore. That is a tough way to grow up.
'Geneva, patient and watchful, waited for Helen to come around. But the strength that should have returned to her mother never appeared, or never for very long, and Geneva finally realized that she was waiting for a mother she never had.'
When Helen is injured and can't live on her own while she is recovering, Geneva's husband Tom, convinces her that maybe the best thing would be for Helen to move in with them. Maybe they could mend their strained relationship.
'Maybe she's learned her lesson. Maybe if she's here, and she needs to rely on you, she'll see how to be a better person.'
But Helen has secrets, secrets she has kept for many years. And these secrets are the basis for the problems in the family and the estrangement among the siblings. She married very young and her marriage to Eustace wasn't the wedded bliss that she expected. And her life did not turn out at all like she thought it would.
'She had been relieved to move into Eustace's house in town, where the streetlights shone nice and bright. Of course that was before the trouble started, when her idea of scared became the things you couldn't see.'
Then Sonja throws in two teenagers, with all the drama and problems that teenagers seem to have at this stage of their lives. And Ella and Charlie both have their own secrets. With all the other family drama happening around them, their lives just start spinning out of control.
'No one tells you how stressful it is to be this cool.'
As I was reading this story, I was thinking about how dysfunction seemed to run in this family, first one generation, then the next, and the next. Then I wondered, maybe every family is dysfunctional to some degree. No one is perfect and no family can be the perfect family. We just do the best we can with what we have and we learn to live with it.
In the end, Geneva and her family learn to deal with their problems the best way that they know how and go on from there. And it might not be the way you think, I know this book didn't end as I expected it to. Don't you love it when an author can surprise you like that? I know I do.
House Broken was a fabulous read and I am looking forward to the next book by Sonja. There was a little sneak peek at the back of the book so I got a taste of what's to come. I will be watching for it because Sonja has now been added to my list of must read authors.
January 15, 2015
House Broken was my first read of 2015 and wow, what a terrific way to start of the year! I am astonished that this is Sonja’s first novel; as I read through the book, it seemed as if she’s been writing for years. Also, I feel the need to comment on the cover. When I first saw it, I was instantly drawn to the book (seriously, how much cuter can you get) but thought, okay this will be one of those light-hearted animal stories (which, don’t get me wrong I still love.) I didn’t realize that House Broken was going to very different than that kind of story. Instead, it was an insightful and mysterious account of a family struggling to piece their life back together that has been broken for years.
The story centers on the main character Geneva, a vet and dog lover who has this constant need to ensure everything in her and her family’s life is in order. Well, you can only imagine what happens when her alcoholic mother gets in a car accident that requires her to stay at Geneva’s house for the immediate future. Not to mention, Geneva is already struggling with her own children, two high school teenagers who seem to lack discipline and are pulling further and further away. House Broken is a wonderfully written story about a broken family and secrets that can haunt you forever. Sonja’s storytelling and character development is powerful and daring; the author is definitely not afraid to shock her readers (I believe there were moments I gasped or my jaw dropped.)
I loved everything about this book from the storyline, the characters, the settings – I could go on and on. The plot is full of unexpected twists and the characters are flawed but lovely in their own way. I also enjoyed how the book was told in third person with views from all three women in the story (Geneva, her mother Helen and her daughter Ella) incorporating events from both the past and present. It allowed me to truly understand how the characters were feeling and why they acted the way they did.
House Broken is one of those books that you pick up and are instantly hooked; I think I finished this book in 2 days and couldn’t flip the pages fast enough. This was a wonderful debut from Sonja and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her.
The story centers on the main character Geneva, a vet and dog lover who has this constant need to ensure everything in her and her family’s life is in order. Well, you can only imagine what happens when her alcoholic mother gets in a car accident that requires her to stay at Geneva’s house for the immediate future. Not to mention, Geneva is already struggling with her own children, two high school teenagers who seem to lack discipline and are pulling further and further away. House Broken is a wonderfully written story about a broken family and secrets that can haunt you forever. Sonja’s storytelling and character development is powerful and daring; the author is definitely not afraid to shock her readers (I believe there were moments I gasped or my jaw dropped.)
I loved everything about this book from the storyline, the characters, the settings – I could go on and on. The plot is full of unexpected twists and the characters are flawed but lovely in their own way. I also enjoyed how the book was told in third person with views from all three women in the story (Geneva, her mother Helen and her daughter Ella) incorporating events from both the past and present. It allowed me to truly understand how the characters were feeling and why they acted the way they did.
House Broken is one of those books that you pick up and are instantly hooked; I think I finished this book in 2 days and couldn’t flip the pages fast enough. This was a wonderful debut from Sonja and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her.
January 16, 2016
House Broken There a family mystery that Geneva does not understand. Thing go from bad to worse once her mother has an accident and need to recuperate. Geneva is relaxant to do so. Her husband convenience her to bring her mother in to stay.
Geneva start to investigate about the relationship between her older sister Paris and their mother. Geneva mother Helen has dealt with since her eldest daughter turned sixteen. There mother had to do something about it to stop what was going on. That thing see had to do is something Paris and her mother could not forgive her for it.
Ella and Charlies get themselves in trouble as well. Things gets worse after their grandmother comes to stay for a little while. Things start to startle Geneva while her mother starts to put some things together. It a fun read but not for children. It deals with teenage things and adult things. My rating is a 5/5 stars.
Geneva start to investigate about the relationship between her older sister Paris and their mother. Geneva mother Helen has dealt with since her eldest daughter turned sixteen. There mother had to do something about it to stop what was going on. That thing see had to do is something Paris and her mother could not forgive her for it.
Ella and Charlies get themselves in trouble as well. Things gets worse after their grandmother comes to stay for a little while. Things start to startle Geneva while her mother starts to put some things together. It a fun read but not for children. It deals with teenage things and adult things. My rating is a 5/5 stars.
December 1, 2014
This is a great book that I enjoyed so much. One that I didn't want to rush through because I really hated to reach the end! Tucked inside these pages is a story about a family and all their imperfections and hidden secrets. We find out many things that are kept under wraps from each other as the mother of the family gets in an accident and needs a place to recuperate. The daughter reluctantly agrees to take her into her home that she shares with a husband, two children and a pet dog. There is a mystery surrounding the oldest daughter and her estrangement from the family. It is revealed as the story unfolds. This is a wonderful story that captures you and draws you into the drama of this families life and keeps you engaged in all the ups and downs. Sonja Yoerg did a wonderful job of writing a book that was believable and she captured the emotions of this troubled but still loving family and I look forward to reading more books by her.
December 30, 2014
This book is so much more involved than you think. It covers the family dynamics of Geneva, her teen children, her husband and his extended family and her brother, sisters and her alcoholic mother. Each chapter is from the perspective of various family members. When Geneva has her mother come recuperate after an car accident, more and more family problems come to light. Her strong marriage, her close relation with her brother and her work all come to her aid helping her deal with the revelations of sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse and past criminal activity. A good read and so well written I feel this family could live next door.
January 18, 2015
4.5 stars
First, I am IN LOVE with this book cover. Are you kidding me with this cuteness?!?! But don't be fooled...what is contained inside this novel is gritty truth and human conditions mingling together to create an interesting and captivating story. There is so much depth to the story and each character feels like they need to be there, like it all just fits so well together!!! What a great read! 4.5 stars
First, I am IN LOVE with this book cover. Are you kidding me with this cuteness?!?! But don't be fooled...what is contained inside this novel is gritty truth and human conditions mingling together to create an interesting and captivating story. There is so much depth to the story and each character feels like they need to be there, like it all just fits so well together!!! What a great read! 4.5 stars
August 15, 2015
Ignore the cute cover, and dig into this intriguing, beautifully written story about a successful professional woman knocked off course by family secrets - her mother's, her sister's, her daughter's and her son's. It's a lot of plot that would fall apart in less careful hands, but Yoerg balances everything perfectly. The characters are complex and real, and Yoerg paints them with a loving but unsentimental eye. A smart, gripping debut.
January 9, 2015
What a stunning debut by Sonja Yoerg!
As a dog lover, I was quickly drawn to House Broken by the picture on the cover and the book's title. It quickly became apparent that I was not going to read a story about funny puppies after I read the first few pages.
Although dogs played an important role, this was the story of a of a seemingly typical family in Southern California. Geneva and Tom, with Ella and Charlie, were my dream of the perfect neighbors - fun-loving, kind and ordinary. The lid popped off the top when Geneva's alcoholic mother was seriously injured in a car accident and moved in with Geneva's family until she recovered.
Told by Geneva, Ella and Helen, the story was a compendium of Helen's marriage at seventeen to a prominent older man, who came from the right side of the tracks, her four children, each named after a European city; Geneva's confusing childhood, her subsequent marriage to Tom and their relationship with their children; and Ella's view of her family.
This story had everything necessary to comprise a terrific book, and each character was developed magnificently. Just when I wanted to grab Helen and shake some sense into her, she would revert to her roots and toss out a colorful expression favored by those in the South. No "bless her hearts", but who would not laugh at "hotter than a billy goat in a chili patch?" I loved Ella and her teenage angst. She evoked memories of every high school girl with a pesky brother.
Most of all, I connected with Geneva on many levels. I know first-hand what havoc an alcoholic can wreak on a family. I can only imagine the effect this had on a woman who was overlooked as a child. Mother-daughter relationships are tricky, and Geneva had to be a mother not only to HER mother, but also to her children. She found solace as a veterinarian, in part because of the unconditional love all animal lovers experience. And she could control the behavior of her dog and her patients, while unable to control the lives of her family.
Books can be a great escape, but House Broken made me reflect on my life with my family. It was a story told with humor and poignancy. Writing a book that made me think and also taught me much about forgiveness was no small feat, but Sonja Yoerg did all that and more. She is a force to be reckoned with in the literary world. I will impatiently await her next book.
As a dog lover, I was quickly drawn to House Broken by the picture on the cover and the book's title. It quickly became apparent that I was not going to read a story about funny puppies after I read the first few pages.
Although dogs played an important role, this was the story of a of a seemingly typical family in Southern California. Geneva and Tom, with Ella and Charlie, were my dream of the perfect neighbors - fun-loving, kind and ordinary. The lid popped off the top when Geneva's alcoholic mother was seriously injured in a car accident and moved in with Geneva's family until she recovered.
Told by Geneva, Ella and Helen, the story was a compendium of Helen's marriage at seventeen to a prominent older man, who came from the right side of the tracks, her four children, each named after a European city; Geneva's confusing childhood, her subsequent marriage to Tom and their relationship with their children; and Ella's view of her family.
This story had everything necessary to comprise a terrific book, and each character was developed magnificently. Just when I wanted to grab Helen and shake some sense into her, she would revert to her roots and toss out a colorful expression favored by those in the South. No "bless her hearts", but who would not laugh at "hotter than a billy goat in a chili patch?" I loved Ella and her teenage angst. She evoked memories of every high school girl with a pesky brother.
Most of all, I connected with Geneva on many levels. I know first-hand what havoc an alcoholic can wreak on a family. I can only imagine the effect this had on a woman who was overlooked as a child. Mother-daughter relationships are tricky, and Geneva had to be a mother not only to HER mother, but also to her children. She found solace as a veterinarian, in part because of the unconditional love all animal lovers experience. And she could control the behavior of her dog and her patients, while unable to control the lives of her family.
Books can be a great escape, but House Broken made me reflect on my life with my family. It was a story told with humor and poignancy. Writing a book that made me think and also taught me much about forgiveness was no small feat, but Sonja Yoerg did all that and more. She is a force to be reckoned with in the literary world. I will impatiently await her next book.
October 23, 2015
I have been interested in reading this novel for some time now, so I was very excited to get an ARC. I picked it up last night to read the first chapter, thinking I would get started and finish it up over the course of the next week, but at 5:00 AM, I was still wide awake. I couldn't put down this gorgeous story about family relationships, mistakes, hopes, guilt, forgiveness, and looking back in order to move forward. Even after I was finished reading, I couldn't stop thinking about what the story means to me and what it tells me about myself and about my relationships.
This novel is well-written. The characters are well-developed with plenty of interesting flaws and more than enough redeemable qualities to make me love them. I enjoyed the shifts in POV and how the perspectives spanned three generations. This story was emotionally hard to swallow at times, which I think is about the best compliment I could give a book. I like to feel something, and it is impossible to read this story and not feel a wide range of emotions.
Often we are told to look forward and not live in the past, so I really appreciated how this novel explored the fact that the past can have a huge impact on a person’s present. It’s haunting how many years people can live inside delusions, misunderstandings, guilt, and grief. This novel reminds us that sometimes it’s important to look back and try to understand, if you want to ever find your way forward again.
The cover may be adorable, but the story itself digs into the deepest, darkest parts of human (and animal) nature in the most truthful and straightforward kind of way. There are no pretty lies, easy fixes, or fluffy resolutions, because Yoerg clearly understands what it is that make people tick and how unwilling and/or unable some people are to change, to forgive, to move forward, to grow.
This debut novel was beautifully woven together, and I can’t wait to read whatever Sonja Yoerg writes next.
This novel is well-written. The characters are well-developed with plenty of interesting flaws and more than enough redeemable qualities to make me love them. I enjoyed the shifts in POV and how the perspectives spanned three generations. This story was emotionally hard to swallow at times, which I think is about the best compliment I could give a book. I like to feel something, and it is impossible to read this story and not feel a wide range of emotions.
Often we are told to look forward and not live in the past, so I really appreciated how this novel explored the fact that the past can have a huge impact on a person’s present. It’s haunting how many years people can live inside delusions, misunderstandings, guilt, and grief. This novel reminds us that sometimes it’s important to look back and try to understand, if you want to ever find your way forward again.
The cover may be adorable, but the story itself digs into the deepest, darkest parts of human (and animal) nature in the most truthful and straightforward kind of way. There are no pretty lies, easy fixes, or fluffy resolutions, because Yoerg clearly understands what it is that make people tick and how unwilling and/or unable some people are to change, to forgive, to move forward, to grow.
This debut novel was beautifully woven together, and I can’t wait to read whatever Sonja Yoerg writes next.
January 8, 2015
I was initially attracted to Sonja Yoerg’s new release by her wonderful cover. Who can resist such an adorable puppy? While the dog theme is definitely appropriate—as one of the main characters is a veterinarian and three different pets played staring roles—the cover suggests a lighthearted feel-good story instead of the serious read this novel truly is.
Yoerg tells her story from alternating third-person points of view of three generations of Riley women—Helen, her daughter, Geneva, and her granddaughter, Ella. Geneva and her three siblings were raised in a small town in South Carolina during the seventies. When a dark and unforgivable thing happens between Geneva’s father and her older sister, Paris, their family is transformed forever. Now, all these years later, after Helen injures herself in a single-car, drunk-driving accident and comes to live with Geneva and her family, Geneva revisits her childhood, seeing things they way they really happened.
While I understood Geneva’s motivations from the beginning, I didn’t experience her emotions until much later in the book. I totally identified with her efforts to be a good parent and make the right decisions for her teenagers. Although I felt sorry for her once or twice, Helen is not a likeable character, but she is an effective one, giving me pause to consider how circumstances in our lives affect our decisions and how we must live with the ramifications of those choices regardless of the outcome. Ella’s character is spot on, a well-meaning although misguided teenager whose heart is in the right place. Yoerg doesn’t a great job of distinguishing between her points of view. Her voices are distinct.
House Broken is a well-written, fast-paced debut novel, one I recommend you add to your 2015 TBR list. Insightful and inspiring, House Broken sheds new light on family dysfunction and reconciliations.
For more of my reviews, visit my website at www.chroniclesofavidreader.com
Yoerg tells her story from alternating third-person points of view of three generations of Riley women—Helen, her daughter, Geneva, and her granddaughter, Ella. Geneva and her three siblings were raised in a small town in South Carolina during the seventies. When a dark and unforgivable thing happens between Geneva’s father and her older sister, Paris, their family is transformed forever. Now, all these years later, after Helen injures herself in a single-car, drunk-driving accident and comes to live with Geneva and her family, Geneva revisits her childhood, seeing things they way they really happened.
While I understood Geneva’s motivations from the beginning, I didn’t experience her emotions until much later in the book. I totally identified with her efforts to be a good parent and make the right decisions for her teenagers. Although I felt sorry for her once or twice, Helen is not a likeable character, but she is an effective one, giving me pause to consider how circumstances in our lives affect our decisions and how we must live with the ramifications of those choices regardless of the outcome. Ella’s character is spot on, a well-meaning although misguided teenager whose heart is in the right place. Yoerg doesn’t a great job of distinguishing between her points of view. Her voices are distinct.
House Broken is a well-written, fast-paced debut novel, one I recommend you add to your 2015 TBR list. Insightful and inspiring, House Broken sheds new light on family dysfunction and reconciliations.
For more of my reviews, visit my website at www.chroniclesofavidreader.com
October 30, 2014
This book was given to me with the hopes that I would read it and review it.
I am so very happy this book was given to me. I probably would not have bought it and would have missed out on a great book. It is the first fiction book by this author and I for one am looking forward to reading many more by her. I can not say it was a total 5 star book but it is definitely more than a 4 1/2. That being said...
None of us are perfect nor have we come from a perfect family or society. The characters the author has portrayed are the products of their locale, society and upbringing. When you look back on how they were raised you can see how their future (and their children's) was influenced by their past. The author very carefully laid it out. I do not want top leave any spoilers because I want the readers to experience this book as I did.
The lead character is a successful veterinarian. She has a loving husband and two teenage children. She has a brother whom she is close to and two sisters. She does not have a close relation ship to one and practically no relationship with the other. Her mother is an alcoholic who lives alone and no one is really close to. There are several painful relationships and situations shown in this book but they are written with great thought and sensitivity.
The family relationships was artfully handled by the author. There is no Happily Ever After to this story as there is no HEA in life.
I applaud this author for staying true to the story and portraying it so well. I also look forward to seeing may more fiction books by Sonja and I applaud her for a job well done.
I am so very happy this book was given to me. I probably would not have bought it and would have missed out on a great book. It is the first fiction book by this author and I for one am looking forward to reading many more by her. I can not say it was a total 5 star book but it is definitely more than a 4 1/2. That being said...
None of us are perfect nor have we come from a perfect family or society. The characters the author has portrayed are the products of their locale, society and upbringing. When you look back on how they were raised you can see how their future (and their children's) was influenced by their past. The author very carefully laid it out. I do not want top leave any spoilers because I want the readers to experience this book as I did.
The lead character is a successful veterinarian. She has a loving husband and two teenage children. She has a brother whom she is close to and two sisters. She does not have a close relation ship to one and practically no relationship with the other. Her mother is an alcoholic who lives alone and no one is really close to. There are several painful relationships and situations shown in this book but they are written with great thought and sensitivity.
The family relationships was artfully handled by the author. There is no Happily Ever After to this story as there is no HEA in life.
I applaud this author for staying true to the story and portraying it so well. I also look forward to seeing may more fiction books by Sonja and I applaud her for a job well done.
January 7, 2015
This is an exceptionally powerful story. It’s definitely on the heavy side so be prepared….but it is wonderfully written and moving. It’s told from three different perspectives: Geneva, Helen, and Geneva’s daughter Ella.
This style narrative is wonderful for displaying how people can misinterpret others and their actions. It worked well in this novel. Yoerg does a wonderful job demonstrating how complicated family relations are and I think this was further enhanced by the alternating narratives. Clearly Yoerg knows human relationships and family dynamics.
I am so thankful I had the opportunity to read this novel. It’s one I would normally not have picked up….I am not big on family dramas….especially those involving mothers and daughters. But who could resist that adorable dog on the cover? The story sounded compelling enough so I agreed to review it….I had no idea that the story was going to be as poignant as it was. Don’t let that cute dog fool you, this is a gripping and moving novel.
Yoerg is daring in her novel….I love that there wasn’t a clean cut happy ending, because in real life there rarely is. This is a complex character driven novel about women each with deep issues. This is a great choice for book clubs and fans of contemporary women’s literature. Yoerg is one to watch for in the future….she has the potential to be a real powerhouse in women’s fiction.
See my full review here
This style narrative is wonderful for displaying how people can misinterpret others and their actions. It worked well in this novel. Yoerg does a wonderful job demonstrating how complicated family relations are and I think this was further enhanced by the alternating narratives. Clearly Yoerg knows human relationships and family dynamics.
I am so thankful I had the opportunity to read this novel. It’s one I would normally not have picked up….I am not big on family dramas….especially those involving mothers and daughters. But who could resist that adorable dog on the cover? The story sounded compelling enough so I agreed to review it….I had no idea that the story was going to be as poignant as it was. Don’t let that cute dog fool you, this is a gripping and moving novel.
Yoerg is daring in her novel….I love that there wasn’t a clean cut happy ending, because in real life there rarely is. This is a complex character driven novel about women each with deep issues. This is a great choice for book clubs and fans of contemporary women’s literature. Yoerg is one to watch for in the future….she has the potential to be a real powerhouse in women’s fiction.
See my full review here
March 22, 2015
I received an advanced copy through goodreads first.
If this author writes like this in her next book, she will be big. This book falls in the contemporary women category in my opinion. It's based in three different points of view of 3 generations of women and there all very different. House broken also hits some hard topics and may not be for everyone.
Helen has her secrets and reasons for the way she is. Her daughter Geneva never understood the way her mother raised her. And Ella has her own struggles and feels no one understands her. These women bring it all together and teach not everything is what it seems. This book with put it's claws in you and not let you go. This author has some talent and is going to become a best selling author one day. It's an enjoyable read.
If this author writes like this in her next book, she will be big. This book falls in the contemporary women category in my opinion. It's based in three different points of view of 3 generations of women and there all very different. House broken also hits some hard topics and may not be for everyone.
Helen has her secrets and reasons for the way she is. Her daughter Geneva never understood the way her mother raised her. And Ella has her own struggles and feels no one understands her. These women bring it all together and teach not everything is what it seems. This book with put it's claws in you and not let you go. This author has some talent and is going to become a best selling author one day. It's an enjoyable read.
January 2, 2018
Warning: The fact that the main character, Geneva, is a veterinarian has little to do with the story and pets have nothing to do with it either. The broken relationships in the family are due to secrets kept and lies told. I got impatient when Geneva kept making excuses or didn't pursue ways to solve the problems with her mother, her sister, and her children. Her husband is clueless about the drug use and deceit of their children; her brother is so laid back that he doesn't seem to care about his mother's alcoholism and his sister's estrangement and Geneva just goes with it. The climax is long in coming and the ending is disappointing as the teenage children suddenly realize they need to get rid of the drugs and be better people. Really.
February 7, 2015
When they say 'don't judge a book by its cover,' they're right. I thought this was going to be about vets and dogs. I don't really like dogs so I was a bit wary of it.
Dogs are in the book but it is way way more than that. It is the story of a family in the present and the past and how that past influences the present. It has a truly shocking 'twist' in the plot which makes the book edgy and rather brilliant.
House Broken's brilliance lies in its great depiction of ordinary lives and how these lives are in reality anything but ordinary.
A great read.
Dogs are in the book but it is way way more than that. It is the story of a family in the present and the past and how that past influences the present. It has a truly shocking 'twist' in the plot which makes the book edgy and rather brilliant.
House Broken's brilliance lies in its great depiction of ordinary lives and how these lives are in reality anything but ordinary.
A great read.
April 19, 2015
This is at once an imaginative and realistic look at inter-generational dysfunction that is the result of family secrets. This novel started off slow for me as backstories of so many characters powered up--the families involved are large-- with no burning question in my mind as to why the reader needed this information. If you feel the same way don't lose patience. You will grow to care about Geneva Novak and admire her brand of strength as the stories merge in the novel's final chapters. Well worth the read!
January 27, 2015
An excellent debut novel - plotting and pacing are perfect, the writing is crisp and clean, and the story draws you in and won't let you go until the last word. A tale of family and secrets that anyone can relate to with a twist you won't see coming until it's too late and it's got you caught in it's grasp. Anxiously awaiting the release of Sonja Yoerg's next book, "Middle of Somewhere"!
March 4, 2015
I loved this wonderfully written book. It's a family drama full of secrets and strained relationships. I think everyone can relate to some part of this book. I was so drawn to Geneva's relationship with Ella her teenage daughter. With my daughter a week away from her first SAT test, I could so feel Geneva's pain. I look forward to reading many more by Sonja Yoerg.
May 28, 2015
You are looking into the adorable face of Buddy up there, on the cover of this book. He is the family dog! Geneva is a Veterinarian and an Animal Behaviorist. Sometimes Geneva can understand animals better than people, but that's a given after her profession and especially after being raised by her mother, Helen, who happens to love bottles with long necks on them and start with a "V" more than her children at times. Geneva remembers this for as far back as she can during her childhood. That bottle always came first. At first, this is what comes between the two of them, then, other things come into play as well, things they just don't see eye to eye on, especially after Helen's husband, Geneva's father, had passed away when she was a young girl.
In addition to Geneva's animal practice and being a daughter, she is also a wife to Tom, and mother to two pretty darned good teenagers, but like all teens, they do try her patience through a few seriously harrowing issues fueled by her own mother! Yes, Geneva's mother, Helen, can be extremely cunning and sneaky! Helen, does come to live with them for a while after she breaks her leg and can't make it on her own in that condition while living alone. It is at times like this that Geneva feels she is the only responsible sibling between the three of them, a brother named Dublin and a sister named Paris. Sometimes this grinds her nerves at times, especially with Paris who never seems to come around, but someone has to step up and do it, and Geneva's husband is a joy to her, helping her to get her head back on straight after Helen pulls her little, but huge stunts on everyone in the family. There is a lot behind what drives this in Helen, and we learn this about her in the book. There is a lot that drives this behavior that makes you feel sorry for her.
This book was so very enjoyable to read. Helen, Geneva's mother, was a riot at times, with her southern views and the way they came out verbally at times! I was laughing SO hard a few times that this is what makes me LOVE southern based fiction! The way they come up with things at times, and the things they say! I can assure you you won't be the same after reading this book!
This book does get into some pretty heavy issues. Helen, the grandmother, has really suffered for years over an issue she wasn't so sure about, but even though not 100% sure, she was pretty close to being sure. Sounds a little confusing, but if you read this book, you'll understand, She goes through a lot as she moves from her home to Helen's home five hundred miles away. (Distance makes the heart grow fonder, right? LOL! Not exactly in this case!)
This is truly a story that will pull at your heartstrings, shock you, but you'll also agree with the way things turn out, too. It is very surprising as you never know what to expect with Helen. Geneva never knows what to expect from her own mother, and this is good and bad. The grandkids never know what to expect at times, either!
This is a beautifully written book, and one you won't soon forget. I was able to remember every little detail of this book even after having finished it several weeks ago. I couldn't write the review right away because I lost my own dog right around the same time I was finishing this book. Now that I'm feeling better about the loss of my dog, and knowing we did the right thing by ending her suffering, I am able to write this now. You will enjoy reading about Geneva's work with some of the animals at times, and others will shock you.
For this debut author, this is one book that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Thank you to this author, Sonja Yoerg, for giving me this book, the opportunity to read and review her first published work of fiction! May I say congratulations to an incredible story she has writen! I look forward to MANY MORE to come! Congratulations, Sonja! I can't wait for MORE books to come!
In addition to Geneva's animal practice and being a daughter, she is also a wife to Tom, and mother to two pretty darned good teenagers, but like all teens, they do try her patience through a few seriously harrowing issues fueled by her own mother! Yes, Geneva's mother, Helen, can be extremely cunning and sneaky! Helen, does come to live with them for a while after she breaks her leg and can't make it on her own in that condition while living alone. It is at times like this that Geneva feels she is the only responsible sibling between the three of them, a brother named Dublin and a sister named Paris. Sometimes this grinds her nerves at times, especially with Paris who never seems to come around, but someone has to step up and do it, and Geneva's husband is a joy to her, helping her to get her head back on straight after Helen pulls her little, but huge stunts on everyone in the family. There is a lot behind what drives this in Helen, and we learn this about her in the book. There is a lot that drives this behavior that makes you feel sorry for her.
This book was so very enjoyable to read. Helen, Geneva's mother, was a riot at times, with her southern views and the way they came out verbally at times! I was laughing SO hard a few times that this is what makes me LOVE southern based fiction! The way they come up with things at times, and the things they say! I can assure you you won't be the same after reading this book!
This book does get into some pretty heavy issues. Helen, the grandmother, has really suffered for years over an issue she wasn't so sure about, but even though not 100% sure, she was pretty close to being sure. Sounds a little confusing, but if you read this book, you'll understand, She goes through a lot as she moves from her home to Helen's home five hundred miles away. (Distance makes the heart grow fonder, right? LOL! Not exactly in this case!)
This is truly a story that will pull at your heartstrings, shock you, but you'll also agree with the way things turn out, too. It is very surprising as you never know what to expect with Helen. Geneva never knows what to expect from her own mother, and this is good and bad. The grandkids never know what to expect at times, either!
This is a beautifully written book, and one you won't soon forget. I was able to remember every little detail of this book even after having finished it several weeks ago. I couldn't write the review right away because I lost my own dog right around the same time I was finishing this book. Now that I'm feeling better about the loss of my dog, and knowing we did the right thing by ending her suffering, I am able to write this now. You will enjoy reading about Geneva's work with some of the animals at times, and others will shock you.
For this debut author, this is one book that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Thank you to this author, Sonja Yoerg, for giving me this book, the opportunity to read and review her first published work of fiction! May I say congratulations to an incredible story she has writen! I look forward to MANY MORE to come! Congratulations, Sonja! I can't wait for MORE books to come!
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