Broken,

Janet Robinson is on the verge of self-destruction. With her husband now living with another woman and with no means of financial support from him, it is not only a mental strain but also a financial one. Being a stay at home mother for so long leaves her inexperience in the working world, which has her on edge because she realizes that she will not qualify for most jobs. With her savings dwindling down to nothing, Janet has to find a way to not only pay the bills but to put food on the table for her children. Being backed into a corner, she has either try to find employment so she can take care of her kids or go down to the welfare office. After a long day she comes home "tired" of it all, taking too many pills just to rest, Janet accidentally overdoes.

When she awakens, Janet now has a new worry. With her accidental overdose, her husband may try to take the children from her, and Janet is determined not to let that happen. Ordered to see a psychiatrist, she soon blossoms into the strong woman she had inside her that she did not realize was there and refuses to let anyone take away her joy again. She even manages to teach a little something to the one that counsels her.

Scattered Pieces by Nanette Buchanan was a beautifully written novel. Anyone can relate to this novel, especially single mothers trying to take care of their kids on their own with no help. Sometimes life can get so overwhelming, we all need to rest at some point. Sometimes you may want to sleep the pain or troubles you may be going through away. Sometimes it may be a fleeting thought, but you may even consider suicide as being better. Ms. Buchanan captures the emotional aspect of a woman and her pain at feeling alone in the world and the fact that indeed things do look better with time. And all you need is just to hold on a little longer and reach down inside yourself and pull the inner strength that you have and you will come out of whatever it is you are going through ok. Depression is not a weakness it is just a state of something you may be going through but remember with the right people in your life and maybe with some counseling you will get through it. Don't give up! Something better is waiting for you around the corner. I highly recommend this novel to anyone that ever if just a fleeting thought, felt like giving up! Although this is only a work of fiction it was an excellent novel that will leave a lasting impression even after you finish.