Review of Broken Eagle

[Joyful17]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Broken Eagle" by Eddie S. Brown.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Everyone reacts to trauma in different ways. Some traumatized people recover in a short while, whereas others require a longer period for recovery. Some sustain permanent damage and remain broken. Broken Eagle by Eddie S. Brown relates Ray's hard fight with the debilitating effects of trauma.

Ray, Fonzo, Victor, Red, and JB were five friends who were relaxing on the porch without the slightest suspicion of imminent danger. Shortly after the arrival of Lil G, a strange car drove by and spewed bullets on them. Sadly, JB was fatally struck. JB had been Ray's friend since childhood. Therefore, Ray felt the loss acutely and fell into depression. Gradually, he withdrew into his shell. As a result, his relationship with his father, sisters, and girlfriend suffered. His academics began to suffer as well and his smoking episodes became more frequent. He also became irritable. Ray was not the only victim, Victor turned out worse, nearly losing his sanity. Fonzo's paranoia also attained greater heights. All hope seemed to be lost.

This book is an insightful account of the debilitating effects of trauma. I love the detailed account of Ray's feelings and reasons for some unpleasant actions. It was eye-opening to understand why traumatized people may withdraw from others. While it's easy to become judgemental of such people, Ray's story has taught me to employ a better approach, as did Ray's mother.

The narrative flows smoothly in a conversational tone. This is my favorite feature of the book. It perfectly conveys the mood and emotions of the characters. I was captivated as soon as I opened its first chapter. The writing style which is mostly informal blends with the speech pattern of the characters.

There are numerous lessons in this book. Parents can learn about how to deal with difficult teenagers and help them overcome destructive habits. The story also reveals that even at the depths of despair, all hope is not lost. Victims of trauma can successfully break free of the blues. Teenagers can also learn from Ray's failings that rejecting help from one's parents can only lead to more problems.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. It was not professionally edited. This is my only dislike about it. However, the descriptive and concise narrative made the events come alive. Readers who desire to understand how trauma can influence behavior and how traumatized people can receive help will find this book informative.

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Broken Eagle
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[Precious_Nzeakor]

Dealing with pain can be the most challenging thing ever. Especially when we do not acknowledge that we can get help. I would like to see how Ray's mother approaches her son's new attitude to life.

[Amy Luman]

I think that Ray’s reaction to seeing this is the same one most of us would have. While this sort of reaction is hard on the victim, it is also difficult for those trying to help.

[Essy Nma]

Ray went through a lot as a traumatized patient. Great lessons to learn for traumatized people who need help. Thanks for the review

[TheGayOne12]

Novels about trauma are one of the most important things an author could write about, so I applaud this author for doing it. It seems like a very insightful novel. Thank you for the review!

[Aisha Yakub]

I hope readers can learn to be more accommodating to traumatized people. Great review.