Watching Glass Shatter is breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreaking. It is a story of life, loss, and secrets. For those looking for a gripping family drama full of laughter, tears, and jaw dropping moments, look no further!
When I read the synopsis for this one, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I knew I would fall in love with the story, but I could not have expected how deeply this one would affect me. James has done a phenomenal job with his beautiful writing. I laughed, and cried, and was full of emotion the entire time!
The plot was so full of life and suspense. There were so many unpredictable moments that fit so well in the story. There were so many family secrets revealed, and new feelings explored. The story was exciting, unique, happy, and sad all at once! I really loved how well written it was, and how the plot was laid out in separate scenes involving each brother, and each brother and their mother, Olivia.
The characters felt real. They each offered secrets, flaws, and a variety of emotions. They also felt natural and made the Glass family come to life through the pages. Each character added depth to the story and really drove it home!
I have to point out my favorite character. Olivia’s sister, Diane, was one that stood out for me. She was strong, loving, and beautiful! I felt like she held the family together and shined above the rest! She was so accepting of everything, and had her own obstacles to overcome throughout the story.
Anything that can make you laugh and cry all in the same sitting deserves a 5 star rating! This was such a strong, character driven story full of lyrical writing and depth. It was unpredictable and emotional, and offered beauty, heartache, and a story of self discovery for each of its characters. It wasn’t just about the one “big” secret Olivia found out about after the death of her husband. It was about learning what secrets each family member harbored in the separate paths each of their lives took as they grew older and grew apart. It was about learning how to become a family again through adversity and change.
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A Superb Novel of Life, Family, and Death
The title alone intrigued me. I already knew that James J. Cudney IV, was a fabulous writer and I already loved his writing style. I knew that it would be a great read, but I had no idea it would be so superb and that I would spend hours reading it while ignoring everything that went on around me, honestly, if my house had burnt down around me I probably would not have noticed.I didn’t answer my iPhone, or make dinner or finish the laundry, I was so taken by it, so entranced by it, that I could do nothing else but read this novel that is as true to life as anything I have ever read. The people in this novel, come to life as real as you and me. James J. Cudney IV’s novel brings a realism to this novel, Watching Glass Shatter, like no other that I have ever read. It is so real in every conceivable way.Normally, when I read a book, I know it is fiction, but not this story, no, anything but fiction. This story is like stepping into a family’s life in a very intimate way, observing, as though you are their invisible friend, and wanting so much to give advice, to hold a hand when tears flowed, to cheer when things go as planned, to grieve when they grieved, to respect their choices, even though poorly chosen, but necessary.When I finished reading the last sentence, I knew I didn’t want it to end even though it was after midnight. I realized I had been reading for many hours without stopping for nether food nor drink. I knew in an instant that I would never forget this family, their lives, their losses, and their triumphs. I also knew I would be buying the print version today. I give this story 5 stars and it doesn’t seem fair…it should 10 stars!
Top reviews from other countries
yop
A novel full of emotions. together waiting for the last will of Oliva Glass’ husband Ben to be read
Reviewed in Spain on June 10, 2021
RoseMarie Williams
Excellent Family Drama that will leave you wanting more
Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2019
RoseMarie Williams
Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2019
Watching Glass Shatter, I just love the title of James Cudney's debut novel, published in October 2017, it's a fitting title for the amazing story that comes with it. I came to know about this novel after reading a great review on this book by a fellow blogger (Food In Books) and bought it right after that. It got me so interesting in knowing all about the Glass family.
In the Prologue, Ben Glass the Patriarch of the Glass family meets with his lawyer to make a few changes to his last Will and Testimony, with this change he adds two letters to it. There's an enormous secret hidden in those letters. Wow! I really thought that Ben Glass was going to have a coronary right there and then, just having to give the letters to his lawyer, knowing that one day his family will have to deal with his deceit.
I mean what the hell kind of secret is so heart wrenching that you want your family to find out after you're dead. As if dying isn't traumatic enough for the family.
When we're introduced to Oliver Glass, she's mourning her beloved husband Ben of 40 plus years. They have five sons: Theodore, Matthew, Zachary, Caleb, and Ethan. We are also about to hear the reading of Ben's Will. Well after the reading of the Will, the juicy drama ensues and we begin to learn all about the Glass family. Be ready, it's also an emotional ride.
Is it right to leave your family a big ass secret that could literally shatter lives? I mean seriously people, just stick a dagger in deeper why don't you. 😅 😅 I know, a bit dramatic right?
But we all know that family is life, and no matter how broken one may think it has become, it can always be put back together again (thankfully).
There are a few POV's in this book, so I love the way James Cudney begins each chapter with a separate character or two, you get to know the character so much more this way. All the characters are so well written and are worth knowing, I assure you and the plot is just superb. They all have a story to tell, and some of those stories will leave you reeling, your mouth might drop to the ground a few times during some revelations, just saying.
You're going to laugh, cry, curse the air as you get deeper into this book. Luckily I read most of it at home, because seriously James, you made me cry a few times there. One element in this book hit home for me big time (like big ole tears man 😥). But there's also so much more to enjoy reading this book, you're definitely going to laugh quite a bit.
I have to say though, Caleb and Ethan are my very favourite characters throughout. I loved those guys from the start.
If you haven't read James Cudney's fantastic debut novel yet, you totally should, this is one you shouldn't miss reading. It's like watching an awesome drama unfold on one of your favourite TV show (This Is Us). This psychological and intriguing book about an engrossing family saga is filled with some serious twists and turns.
James, this was a brilliant and amazing novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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