Review of Against the Glass

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
Boluwatife Ade Aderogbin
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Re: Review of Against the Glass

Post by Boluwatife Ade Aderogbin »

This is a very interesting book. This story is about a great struggle between living a fulfilled life and living others' picture of a fulfilled life. Parents sometimes are guilty of forcing their dreams on their children instead of allowing them to live their dreams too. I admire Candy's courage to keep moving against all odds even when she's broken. Every human has a purpose in life which should be allowed to be birthed and not stopped by parents, family, or society.
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Post by Dzejn_Crvena »

In this historical fiction set in 1966, a woman had to endure societal pressures involving family tradition and sexual discrimination. Female doctors were uncommon, and she had to rise against the tide to pursue her chosen career. Congratulations on the BOTD.
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Post by Fredrick Felix Mnjala Maneno »

The frustration of trying to have a baby in vain can break even the strongest. Candy's experience of going through a botched abortion makes it even more heart wrenching. This sounds like a great and inspiring read. A very informative review and Kudos to the author on the #BOTD.
Real courage is when you know you are licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what! (To kill a Mockingbird - Atticus Finch) Harper Lee.
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Sameena Ansari
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Post by Sameena Ansari »

Candy's journey in 'Against the Glass' promises a gripping read. Her resilience through heartbreak and challenges, like the traumatic abortion, is inspiring. The glass symbolism adds depth to the story. I'm also intrigued by her friend Brenda's contributions.
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Post by Prince Oyedeji Oyeleke Jayeola »

There is something I enjoy about Historical fiction I enjoy and it's the depth in the experiences of the characters. Candy's story is an inspiration for the present day Girl child that she is stronger than she appear and can overcome anything the society brings to her. Congratulations on the BOTD
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Post by Nicholas Bush »

Sometimes there are many challenges that faces us while trying to achieve our goals in life. I hope Candy would be able to succeed. I will read this book to find out. Congrats on BOTD.
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Melisa Jane
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Post by Melisa Jane »

Women have been fighting for gender equality for years. Looking back to where we've come from, I'm glad women like Candy Krzyzanowski made those huge sacrifices. This historical fiction helps me look back and appreciate the progress we've made as far as gender equality is concerned.
Insofar as the word 'should' even has meaning, then we must say that the past is exactly as it should be, everything that happened should have happened, and everything that should happen will happen
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Post by Tokede Kolawole »

I couldn't begin to imagine the pressure Candy faced to stay within the confines of societal norms when all she wanted was freedom to explore. Candy's journey serves as an inspiration, despite the she still found strength to become.
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Post by blackpink13 »

:D I really liked your review. I have myself read the book and Have the same thinking of the character trait in the novel. I RESPECT those who read the books so carefully that theur characters remains forever in their souls.
Erin Dydek wrote: 08 Aug 2021, 19:53 of "Against the Glass" by Linda M. Habib.][/i]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
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In 1966, young Candy Krzyzanowski was determined to break the mold of the traditional female role. But her plans to go to college and pursue a career conflicted with her mother's plans for her: get married and produce the Janus heir. For thousands of years, the women of her family competed to be the first to birth a daughter in January to receive the coveted family heirloom, the Janus coin necklace.

That dream shatters when she must terminate her pregnancy through an illegal abortion. Her body broken, Candy falls into a devastating depression. Her traumatic experiences under the hands of a heartless black-market surgeon make her wonder if there is a better choice for women when it comes to health care. A compassionate doctor encourages her to find a new path in the medical field. Unfortunately, the process to become a female doctor in a male-dominated field may be just as daunting as the unsterile conditions that left her broken in the first place.

Against the Glass is a historical fiction novel written by Linda M. Habib that follows Candy's emotional journey to find her place in an ever-changing world. The visual elements of this book enthralled me. Habib wove an inspirational tale and filled each scene with various themes and images centered around the fragile nature of glass and the delicate balance of life. I loved how the storyline incorporated so many reflections of glass, whether it was the glassy surface of the ice-skating pond, the glass particles within the kaleidoscope, or even the glass jars that housed Candy's insect specimens in her early days studying entomology. The writing was poetic and realistically painted the struggles a young woman faced trying to step outside the mold and find equality with men.

I also loved Candy's personality. She faced many tragic and heart-wrenching scenarios, yet she worked hard to overcome the challenges and truly grow as a character. It was easy to cheer her on despite the horrible things that were said and done to her, and I loved seeing her push through to face the pain head-on time and time again. The hardest part to read was the abortion that she experienced. It was the grittiest part of the book but highlighted the horrid conditions that were one of the only options for women who became pregnant out of wedlock. Another character I adored was Candy's best friend, Brenda. Although she played a minor role in the overall story, I loved her feisty attitude and contributions to the historical changes throughout the story's progression.

I enjoyed each of the four sections of the book and found very few minor errors. Against the Glass made me appreciate the sacrifices and struggles of the women who paved the way for me to attend college and have the opportunity to pursue a career. Therefore, I give this excellent novel four out of four stars.

I'd highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction about women's rights and gender equality and those who appreciate thematic literature with a full-circle conclusion. The author includes scenes of abortion and verbal abuse better suited to a mature audience and those not triggered by such events. I found Against the Glass to be a fascinating book that I am glad to have had the opportunity l] | on Amazon
blackpink13
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Post by blackpink13 »

:D I really liked your review. I have myself read the book and Have the same thinking of the character trait in the novel. I RESPECT those who read the books so carefully that theur characters remains forever in their souls.
Erin Dydek wrote: 08 Aug 2021, 19:53 of "Against the Glass" by Linda M. Habib.][/i]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


In 1966, young Candy Krzyzanowski was determined to break the mold of the traditional female role. But her plans to go to college and pursue a career conflicted with her mother's plans for her: get married and produce the Janus heir. For thousands of years, the women of her family competed to be the first to birth a daughter in January to receive the coveted family heirloom, the Janus coin necklace.

That dream shatters when she must terminate her pregnancy through an illegal abortion. Her body broken, Candy falls into a devastating depression. Her traumatic experiences under the hands of a heartless black-market surgeon make her wonder if there is a better choice for women when it comes to health care. A compassionate doctor encourages her to find a new path in the medical field. Unfortunately, the process to become a female doctor in a male-dominated field may be just as daunting as the unsterile conditions that left her broken in the first place.

Against the Glass is a historical fiction novel written by Linda M. Habib that follows Candy's emotional journey to find her place in an ever-changing world. The visual elements of this book enthralled me. Habib wove an inspirational tale and filled each scene with various themes and images centered around the fragile nature of glass and the delicate balance of life. I loved how the storyline incorporated so many reflections of glass, whether it was the glassy surface of the ice-skating pond, the glass particles within the kaleidoscope, or even the glass jars that housed Candy's insect specimens in her early days studying entomology. The writing was poetic and realistically painted the struggles a young woman faced trying to step outside the mold and find equality with men.

I also loved Candy's personality. She faced many tragic and heart-wrenching scenarios, yet she worked hard to overcome the challenges and truly grow as a character. It was easy to cheer her on despite the horrible things that were said and done to her, and I loved seeing her push through to face the pain head-on time and time again. The hardest part to read was the abortion that she experienced. It was the grittiest part of the book but highlighted the horrid conditions that were one of the only options for women who became pregnant out of wedlock. Another character I adored was Candy's best friend, Brenda. Although she played a minor role in the overall story, I loved her feisty attitude and contributions to the historical changes throughout the story's progression.

I enjoyed each of the four sections of the book and found very few minor errors. Against the Glass made me appreciate the sacrifices and struggles of the women who paved the way for me to attend college and have the opportunity to pursue a career. Therefore, I give this excellent novel four out of four stars.

I'd highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction about women's rights and gender equality and those who appreciate thematic literature with a full-circle conclusion. The author includes scenes of abortion and verbal abuse better suited to a mature audience and those not triggered by such events. I found Against the Glass to be a fascinating book that I am glad to have had the opportunity l] | on Amazon
Favour Hillz
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Post by Favour Hillz »

Men are always believed to be superiors over women. It's time women gain equality and have equal rights because we're human beings too. I believe that what a man can, woman can do better. Thanks for the honest review and congratulations to the author on BOTD.
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Adekeye Hassan musab
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Post by Adekeye Hassan musab »

This sounds like a heart wrenching book to read as candy goes through the difficulty of a botched abortion and the agony of and frustration of trying to have a child. The storyline is touching but also inspiring as we navigate through the life of a woman.
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Ochieng Omuodo
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Post by Ochieng Omuodo »

Your review of a timely book brings to light the recent backward legal step the US took with regards to women's reproductive rights. Candy's time represents contemporary times as much as it does what we considered, until recently, the ‘dark ages’ in gender terms.
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Christopher Sublett
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Post by Christopher Sublett »

"Against the Glass" by Linda M. Habib is a novel that shows how determination and will power can assist in reaching your goals. Candy presses forward to become a medical doctor regardless of her many setbacks. I would recommend to readers of the female gender and those interested in women's rights. Congrats on BOTD!
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Sharill Rasowo
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Post by Sharill Rasowo »

Historical fiction dealing with issues such as gender equality and matters like abortion sounds intriguing. I am eager to see if Candy manages to overcome gender norms and thrive in a male dominated field such as medicine especially in 1966. Congratulations on BOTD.
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