TL;DR
Matt Pin, a Vietnamese war refugee, navigates the trauma of his past and the challenges of his new life in America in Ann E. Burg's debut novel, 'All the Broken Pieces.'
What is All the Broken Pieces about
Set two years after the Vietnam War, 'All the Broken Pieces' follows Matt Pin, a young boy airlifted out of Vietnam and adopted by a loving family in the United States. Haunted by the memories of war and the family he left behind, Matt struggles to reconcile his traumatic past with his present. The novel, written in free verse, captures his internal battle as he faces prejudice, guilt, and the pain of displacement. Through a series of profound events, Matt learns to confront his fears and secrets, finding a path to forgiveness and healing. Ann E. Burg's debut offers a poignant look at the lasting impact of war and the redemptive power of love.
All the Broken Pieces 6 Key Takeaways
Matt's Adoption
Matt Pin, a young Vietnamese boy, is adopted by an American family after being airlifted out of war-torn Vietnam. He struggles with feelings of guilt and displacement, grappling with the memories of his birth family.
School Challenges
At school, Matt faces prejudice and bullying from classmates who view him as an outsider. These interactions heighten his sense of isolation and force him to confront the complexities of his identity.
Baseball Team
Matt joins the school's baseball team, offering him a sense of belonging and normalcy. The sport becomes a metaphor for his struggles and perseverance in overcoming his past.
Vietnam Veterans Support Group
Matt attends a Vietnam veterans support group with his adoptive father, where he meets people who help him process his trauma and understand his experiences from different perspectives.
Confronting His Past
A series of events force Matt to choose between silence and candor, ultimately leading him to open up about his painful memories and the terrible secret he harbors from his time in Vietnam.
Path to Healing
Through the support of his adoptive family and newfound friends, Matt embarks on a journey of forgiveness and self-acceptance, moving toward a sense of peace and understanding.
Top All the Broken Pieces Quotes
- 'You can't escape your past, it always follows you.'
- 'Sometimes the only way to heal is to let go.'
- 'Forgiveness is not about forgetting, it's about letting go of the pain.'
Who should read All the Broken Pieces?
This book is ideal for middle schoolers and up, especially those interested in historical fiction and stories about personal growth. Readers will find inspiration in Matt's journey of healing, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
All the Broken Pieces Best Reviews
- School Library Journal: 'Burg's use of free verse captures the emotional intensity of Matt's journey, making it accessible and engaging for young readers. A powerful exploration of war's impact and the healing power of love.'
- Booklist: 'A compelling debut that handles heavy themes with sensitivity and grace. Matt's story is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, offering valuable lessons in empathy and resilience.'
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All the Broken Pieces FAQs
What is a summary of 'All the Broken Pieces'?
Two years after being airlifted out of Vietnam in 1975, Matt Pin is haunted by the terrible secret he left behind. In a loving adoptive home in the United States, a series of profound events force him to confront his past and choose between silence and candor, blame and forgiveness, fear and freedom.
What are the main themes in 'All the Broken Pieces'?
The main themes include forgiveness, overcoming fear, and reconciling with feelings of displacement. The novel also explores the lasting impact of war and the healing power of love.
What age group is 'All the Broken Pieces' appropriate for?
The book is suitable for middle schoolers and up, offering valuable lessons in empathy, resilience, and personal growth.