"Break This House" is a realistic story about grief, even for those family members you thought you wanted nothing to do with. Minah is a 16 year old who thought she had left behind all her past familial issues by moving from Obsidian, Michigan to Brooklyn, New York with her father a couple years ago. But when she gets a Facebook message informing her of the death of her estranged mother, Minah finds herself drawn back to her old life and reflecting on what went wrong.

What I like about this book by Candice Iloh is that she's a big fan of "show, not tell." Minah never out and out says what she feels or is going on around her without us seeing a clear-cut example first. It allows for us to understand her character and her struggles in a way that is not forced or obnoxious, making this story all the more powerful.

"Break this House" is not your typical YA coming-of-age. It's not a story of happy endings or mended relationships, but of achieving closure when those broken ones finally come to an end. ( )

Minah and her father moved to Brooklyn from Obsidian, Michigan several years ago. Minah has had no contact with her family in Michigan until she gets a text inviting her to a family reunion honoring the life of her estranged mother, Sandra. She is shocked by the news of her mother's death and furious that no one told her. She travels to Obsidian to see her large, extended family and discover the truth about her mother's death. The narrative of Minah's present is juxtaposed with her mother's journal entries and Minah's flashbacks, such that the truth is revealed to the reader at the same time that Minah pieces it together. This is a sad and powerful story about a complicated family situation which explores grief, divorce, mental health, addiction, family fragmentation, and the consequences of keeping secrets. Minah is a strong character as she faces the pain and secrets of her childhood. The writing is nuanced and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of Minah's life in both Brooklyn and Obsidian. Break this House is a skillfully written and gripping, emotional coming-of-age story. ( )

Yaminah Okar is living a pleasant and comfortable life with her father, whom she calls ‘Pop’, in Brooklyn, until she receives a message from her cousin Tiff..
The message reveals something shocking and heartbreaking. Thus, Yaminah is propelled to revisit the city which she has escaped from years ago and has decided not to look back, to find out the truth and to face the reality.
Candice Iloh has beautifully written BREAK THIS HOUSE that tells the relationship and sentiment, the problems and challenges that could happen to a family. She deftly portrays them through Yaminah’s viewpoint and would take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride!
Love this novel and the book cover that kinda depicts Yaminah is trying to put the broken pieces (of her family) together like a puzzle!
I would like to thank BookishFirst and Dutton Books/PRH for this enjoyable yet emotional wild ride! ( )