Teen Read - The Shattering

The Shattering is the second teen book by Kiwi author Karen Healey (the first was the very popular Guardian of the Dead). It tells the story of a perfect west coast town Summerton - where it never rains for New Years Eve and the scenery is so stunning that sometimes the out of towners just have to stop and stare.

The summer holidays bring three teens together. Keri and Janna both live in Summerton, while Sione comes down from the city for the holidays. Three totally different people with one thing in common. They have all lost an older brother to suicide. But almost immediately Sione raises the possibility that it wasn't suicide but something else. What dark secrets does the perfect town hide?

I have to admit, I still haven't read Healey's first book, Guardian of the Dead so I can't compare the two titles. However I know that plenty of teens virtually devoured the first book and I believe that they will also be able to relate strongly to the world of our three teens in The Shattering. The rock chick, the sporty kid, the geek, the bullies, the parents who only want what's best but go about it all the wrong way, the authority figures, the people in the shadows with an element of the supernatural woven through the story.

There are lots of themes and questions at work here. Dealing with grief and suicide, cultural nuances and controlling your own destiny but this book also asks you to consider, what lengths would you go to to protect your town and family?

Either for it's deeper meanings on the issues of suicide or as a great kiwi teen adventure, this book is a winner.