The Breakable Vow

As a young child, I was abused by my father and often saw my mom go through almost the same things Annie goes through in this story. Most people don't understand why women and sometimes men just don't pack up and leave, just like that, but it is incredible the mask that the abuser can tie tighter than a noose around the victim. The list about Batterers really helped me to understand the vicious cycle that the abusers use. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though at times I didn't like the writing style. This book is EXTREMEMLY realistc, even though it seems stupid that Annie and Mary didn't just leave. It's so true to life I had to go sleep in my sister's room at the end, because I was having flashbacks of what happened to me. It is so amazing how true this book is. I recommend that every teen read this book -- they'll be glad in the future that they did.

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.

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.

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.

Kathryn Clarke's book the Breakable Vow is an absolute necesity for every teenager and college student. As a college student myself, the information I learned from this book has been immensely useful in my life. I urged parents to buy this book for their children, it is a necesity in our society today. It not only describes the horrors of abuse, but more importantly clearly states the warning signs so that people like myself can stop any violence before it happens. The fictional story is beautifully written with incredibly interesting characters. You will not be able to put this book down!