Book Review: In Honor of Broken Things
A reflective book review
CEFR Level B2-C1
When your world is falling apart, when you lose everything that’s important to you, how do you go on? When your friend is hurting, how can you help when they run away from you? In Honor of Broken Things by Paul Acampora (2022) explores these questions in 195 pages.
Even though the story has serious themes, Paul Acampora is a skilled storyteller and I laughed out loud several times. “I had assumed a priest would be above [cheering at a football game]. As it works out, priests are human too” (49).
When I first read this book, I knew it was full of discussion points for Christians, even though it is not Christian fiction. A few years later, while in a hospital ministry class for seminary, I knew I had to read it again. It’s even more rich with examples of grief and distress that a minister might be tasked with helping than I remembered.
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Riley has never been in church and is full of questions about the smell, sights, and actions her churched friends take for granted. Adults struggle to answer her questions. I read these scenes as a reminder to everyone that if someone hasn’t grown up in your church tradition, few things will make sense, even if they seem obvious to you.
Noah’s mom is depressed, but judging by his scholastic abilities and social confidence, adults might think he has a supportive home life. His story is a reminder to not judge by the surface. His friends give examples of how to support someone in challenging situations.
Oscar is grieving the loss of a loved one and so much more. His friends try to help, even as he shuts them out. His priest may be the best example of positive clergy actions that I have read in modern literature. Father Pete definitely gives some of the best examples of clergy speeches that I have read in a plotline about grief.
For adults who think middle-grade fiction has nothing for them, read the novel to study Father Pete’s character. In a group of ministers, you could have multiple discussions inspired by how this priest tends to his parishioners, but you don’t have to be in ministry to learn from his example.
In Honor of Broken Things is a moving story about grief and the power of friendship. The last chapter has nothing to do with church, yet it is a practical image of what it could look like for Christians to love each other. At the same time, the ending isn’t artificially happy.
Middle-grade fiction always ends on a hopeful note, but that doesn’t mean the pain has magically disappeared. This is one of the best genres for holding the tension of grief and hope while illuminating a path towards a better tomorrow. Come because you’re in pain. Return because you were offered hope. If that’s not a message a Christian can get behind, I’m not sure what is.
This novel is recommended for young teens who feel broken, teens who are friends with someone who has experienced heartache or trauma, and adults who want to help but aren’t sure what to do or say.
I have developed a 60-90-minute Bible study discussion guide, suitable for teens and adults, based on In Honor of Broken Things. Contact me if you would like me to facilitate the discussion for your book club, Bible study, or other group of 4-12 people.
"A Gift to Us Was Given" is the Christmas story in four verses and a refrain. The verses are in D minor, offering peaceful joy as listeners contemplate the meaning of the words. The refrain, in F major, is a joyful response to the significance of what the verses tell. This new Christmas carol in a gentle 6/8 is arranged for be accessible to the average congregational choir, but sopranos have the option of celebrating with A5.
For SATB - Hymn-style arrangement
Key: D Minor, F Major
Soprano/Melody Range: D4-F/A5
Time: 1-2 minutes
Pages in Score: 1
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This is a digital product, so I can't issue a refund. If you experience a problem, please let me know.
This title is also available at JW Pepper and SheetMusicPlus.