After 40 years of marriage, Olivia’s husband unexpectedly passes away. But when Ben’s will reveals a life-altering secret, she suffers a blow no widow should ever experience.Olivia learns that she gave birth to a baby who later died in the nursery. Instead of telling his wife what happened, Ben switched the child with another. And as if that’s not enough, Ben’s will doesn’t reveal which of their … of their five sons is truly not hers.
Olivia visits each of her sons to share a final connection before facing the truth that will change their family, and discovers that each of them has been harboring a painful secret, just like their father. But will the secrets destroy their family, or bring them closer together?
Praise:
★★★★★ – “Cudney’s debut novel is both atmospheric and contemplative, and delivers a gut punch of family angst, devotion, and heartbreaking love.”
★★★★★ – “The plot is well-thought out and intricately and methodically crafted. The execution is great, especially the last several chapters are stunningly beautiful. An astounding read.”
★★★★★ – “A wonderful novel that I highly recommend to anyone.”
more
Watching Glass Shatter is one of the best literary books I’ve read. I often get impatient with lit fic–I typically find it long on character and short on plot. This book fits into that mold, but in this case the characters were compelling enough to hold my interest, and that’s not often the case. If I never read Catcher in the Rye again, it will be too soon.
Specifically, this novel follows the Glass family after the death of its patriarch and the revelation that one of his five sons was secretly adopted into the family. Exposing one secret brings a host of other to life, and each member of the Glass family has to struggle to decide what their future role will be. James Cudney weaves each character’s concerns together skillfully, leaving the reader in a state of high anticipation for the final denouement.
If you are a lover of literary fiction, you will likely find this a satisfying read.
Favorite Quotes:
None of those ugly cows would even fit in this couture. It would be as if we asked Miss Piggy to model a new petite line of muumuus.
He knew at the root of the disdain lurked their similarities— neither one would ever acknowledge it. But he also valued his balls, planning never to tell either of them what he really thought.
Are any two men sitting close to one another a couple? Do I need to learn gaydar? How do you tell if they’re just friends? Or more? Is it different than when a man and a woman are dating? What kind of wedding did they have? How do you raise a child in that kind of household? Who makes the bed in the morning if you don’t have a housekeeper?
The Glass family has become a caricature of who we once were.
My Review:
This was my first foray in perusing Mr. James J. Cudney’s scribblings and I was immediately taken with his enviable word skills and style, as well as being quite astonished to recall that I was reading his debut novel. His writing style had a unique elegance to the prose and was profoundly perceptive and emotive, yet easy to follow.
I tumbled right into this tale as if being pulled into the matchless Glass family vortex of oddly compelling characters with each one as slyly crafted as the next and imbued with compounded issues and a unique complexity. I knew them all so well I felt I had been living in their pockets and had completed an extended stay in each of their homes. My interest and curiosity were fully engaged from beginning to end. I feel compelled to extol his mad skills to the masses – if only I knew masses to tell.
End result – Mr. Cudney has a new and fully rabid fangirl to contend with, I hope he doesn’t startle easily…
Read this yesterday because there is a sequel coming out that I thought sounds excellent. Five brothers with completely different yet similar personalities. Great stuff. Sad tho.
Bumped up to 4.5 stars because the ending had me reaching for the tissues.
Written with kindness and love, I thought this was a wonderful family drama. A secret kept for years competes with many new family revelations as a family grieves for a loss, and I was really impressed with this debut novel. I’ve already got another book from the author because I enjoyed this one so much. Good job!
I just finished this book this morning and all I can say is: Wow! I am completely blown away that this is (I believe) this author’s first published book. I had purchased this book a few months ago and I put off reading it, no excuses but so many books, so little time, and I heard the siren call of others stronger. Now, having finished the book, I can see how wrong I was not to have started this book sooner.
There is a secret revealed in the book – there are many secrets revealed in this book – and I was kept guessing about the main secret until the very end, something that doesn’t happen very often. I revelled in the drama and heartbreaks and joys and sorrows of the Glass family coming together in the wake of unspeakable tragedy. Not that I took joy from their sorrow but I delighted in the very real and cathartic experience reading about all of their experiences, both positive and negative, afforded me.
And so, fellow readers, don’t make the same mistake I did and read this book sooner rather than later. You won’t regret it.
Watching Glass Shatter was exactly as I’d hoped it would be. I kept seeing buzz about it on Twitter and I had to check it out.
This novel is a contemporary family drama with oodles of truth bombs going off throughout the story. I thought my family was complicated, whew!
In the beginning, the family matriarch Olivia felt a bit one dimensional – a little too tough skinned. I couldn’t have been more wrong about her. As the story progressed, her private struggle, who she was and who she longed to be for her five adult sons became an unveiling, as their confessions coaxed her true personality to come out. Growth of a character is a huge thing and her’s was by far the greatest.
There were so many real-life elements to this story that made it worthwhile, coping with loss of loved one’s, longing for acceptance, making hard choices, adoption and even prescription drug addiction. Truly a contemporary landscape that echoes what happens in our modern society. There were many, many more themes and situations that all families will likely experience on one level or another. I kept feeling part of their struggle, the push and pull of what each character was dealing with emotionally in the story. I connected this way and appreciate whenever a novel can accomplish this, that’s why I read fiction. That’s what I long for.
The writing was seamless and smooth, making this novel delightful and easy to read. When I noticed the author has a degree in English Literature on his bio, it made total sense. Only someone who is well read and has written even more can write a story like this.
I struggled with choosing a favorite character; it became a toss up between Caleb and Ethan. I appreciated Caleb’s strength for making the life for himself that he wanted at the cost of not being around his family, and I adored Ethan for his heart and soul and how he was all-in with every single thing that he did.
If you enjoy drama and complex family stories, you will love this one.
Secrets from long ago can come back and haunt you. Ben Glass dies tragically in a car crash leaving two letters for his wife. She finds she has a secret that he kept that could ruin his whole family but she doesn’t know which son it will effect the most. She must spend time with all five sons to try and figure out who will be hurt. She learns life has gone on and left them behind. One son is gay and married to the perfect partner in Maine. Another is a drug addict. The dutiful lawyer wants to be a painter. The recovering alcoholic and druggist is a DJ and the baby of the family who is a second year med student had a brain tumor and is dying. Nothing is as it seems. She doesn’t get the answer she wanted until a birth mother from the past comes forward at the end. And by that time she has already given her family a second chance as well as herself to move on. Live is filled with sorrow and sadness and out of that sometimes there is a rainbow.
Not long ago, I read Father Figure but Cudney, and after, I just knew I had to read Watching Glass Shatter! They are both very different books, but equally as good! Also this one had some interesting secrets!
What I liked best about this book is it is very character driven. I’m sure I’ve said this numerous times but those are my favorite kind of books. There were a lot of POV’s, and I’ve read books where the personalities feel too much the same or that they are there for no reason. But like Six of Crows (completely different genre), they perfectly fit in the puzzle of this novel.
I felt for the mom, Olivia, especially. As a mother, sometimes I think I’m doing things not enough or that I could have done things better. But no mother is a hundred percent perfect, we try our best because, and each day is a learning curve. And I loved her character!
There was a choice between Zach Glass and another character that most people would want to whip out the witch hunt torches for, but sometimes, things happen. As long as it isn’t a repetitive circle I believe people should be forgiven.
Overall, this was such a dang addicting read that I finished it way quicker than expected. I will say there is a particular chapter that made me tear up! Cudney just knows how to brings out all kinds of different emotions with his books. I need his next book already!
A Family in Distress
Watching Glass Shatter by James J. Cudney is an in depth look into the lives of a large family struggling to come together after the death of the patriarch. Each of the five sons have totally different personalities and lives. Cudney has an incredible ability to create characters so varying – this couldn’t be done without the author having an innate knowledge of human nature and personalities. The struggles this family endures is not typical, and yet, typical of any family trying to hold together but Cudney’s creation of these story people make them unique.
The progression of this story, showing the struggles of each son and the mother, who tries to hold the family together, is an incredible lesson of give and take that could happen to anyone in real life. At times, I wondered if this author had experienced parts of this tale or knew a family that endured these trials. At times it was hard to read. At times, I was frustrated with a couple of the characters. When a reader likes or hates a certain character, it’s a sign the writer has done a great job in building character personality. Fiction is wonderful when the reader feels a part of the plot, the characters and their lives. I don’t want to create a spoiler but this is not a simple book about a family. The matriarch has her own lessons and I loved her! But the “visitor” near the end of the story had a decision to make and it tore at my emotions. I was left wondering about a friend of mine who went through a similar situation.
This is the author’s first novel. I must say if he keeps writing like this, he has a magnificent future ahead of him. I highly recommend this book to couples and family people who may be going through their own trials, or anyone. There are epiphanies in this story to which anyone can relate.
A mother and her five sons learn to navigate new terrain after the death of her husband and their father, whose long-kept secret threatens to unravel the family’s bonds. But each son has secrets of his own, and the reader is intimately taken into their world to discover them.
Watching Glass Shatter dives into the lives of each of these six characters, making it a fine exploration of family dynamics and drama. You’ll welcome each of the Glass members into your own world as you spend a few hours of enjoyable reading getting to know them. The author does a wonderful job of bringing them all to life.
It is a story of family love, lies and a mystery that challenges a mother’s choices.
The moment I finished reading this book, my first thought was: There’s a bit of everything here – Mystery, romance and jealousy, betrayal and outrage, heartache and witty dialogue. It made for a complex, intriguing read.
The author shows us that ugly skeletons also live inside the closets of wealthy people, creating a drama with an intricate, though realistic twist that kept me thinking about it at odd hours of the day.
–
I didn’t like Olivia’s character. She was proud, bossy and controlling and rigid, and I disliked her from the first few pages. In fact, I liked Diane, the aunt, the most.
But as the story progressed, I understood the plot would have taken a different twist if the author had created Olivia any other way.
Olivia was a recent widow who wanted desperately to keep her family from falling apart after her husband’s unexpected death.
A woman with a brilliant life, a loving husband, and five intelligent sons, Olivia Glass was helpless to do anything as she watched her family break apart.
Her husband had lied to her for years, and her sons each hid a shocking secret, their lives far from what she had expected it to be.
“I know they love me. But will they remember me as a kind, generous, caring mother who nursed their wounds, blanketed them with kisses and offered them the keys to the world. Or will they remember me as the tough, controlling and impractical woman who simply gave birth to them?” – Olivia Glass
As Olivia tried to get closer to her sons, she stumbles upon the truths each had been guarding; secrets that lead her to question her ability as a mother.
As a mother myself, I inadvertently found myself wondering had I been in her place, what would I have done?
And it was this question that made me realize that Olivia was perfect for this story, her actions in perfect synch with the plot development.
As for the overview of the book, the language was easy, the characters understood, the plot and dialogue realistic. The title, ‘Watching Glass Shatter’ was a phrase that kept playing in my head every time a new twist was revealed.
I give kudos to James Cudney for creating this brilliant, character driven story.
James J. Cudney appeals to your emotions in this family drama. He appeals to you. At least one part of this story will relate to your own life, probably more than one part as so much happens.
Some things I liked:
• The wonderfully well-drawn characters.
• Multiple characters introduced but each is distinguishable.
• Genuine, believable character growth.
• Being shown and not told the key elements of the story.
• Well-orchestrated family dynamics.
• Excellent use of multiple perspectives.
• The chapters were named for the character at the focus of that chapter.
• The suspense of waiting to find out which son is it????!!!
Some things I did not like:
• If anything, I thought the dialogue in some instances was too formal and not natural enough. But this was fairly minor and did not detract from the story.
I’ve avoided books that make me cry for quite a while and this one ruined my streak. Get your tissues out and enjoy the ride. It’s marvelous.
Wow! What a debut. I found this plot to be refreshing and intriguing. The more I read, the more I wanted to know. Every time I learned a new secret and thought I had it all figured out, I was pulled in a different direction. I love novels like this. Watching Glass Shatter is a unique and intriguing story, that deserves all the praise it is receiving.
The character development in this one is top notch. I enjoyed reading each character’s point of views, and learning what made them tick. The dialogue is relatable and realistic, and I felt like I really knew the glass Family.
The themes of this novel are beautiful, and relatable. None of the secrets are far fetched in the slightest, and I think everyone can take something away from this one.
Pick this one up, you won’t regret it!
What happens when death comes and everything you have ever known is a lie?
Watching Glass Shatter is my friend James debut novel. I have to give him credit, he is one hell of an author. This book was amazing. Touching your heart in ways you can’t even imagine.
In this book Ben Glass, a father of 5 boys and loving husband, has his life cut short and is killed in a tragic car accident. Upon the reading of his will, his friend and lawyer Ira is tasked with telling his wife Olivia Glass a secret he has carried for years about one of his sons. This secret is something that has the potential to tear the family apart. As Olivia figures out what the next step is, she pays a visit to each of her sons to get a better feel for how to handle this disturbing secret. As Olivia visits each of her sons, she slowly realizes that everyone in the family is carrying around a deep dark secret. Olivia realizes that her perfect family is not so perfect after all. As the lies and secrets start to unravel it threatens to rip apart the family. Can Olivia fix the mess her family is in?
I can honestly say I was not prepared for this book. Had I known I would be ugly crying on several occasions, I might have made sure to be alone when reading it. The emotions I had while reading ran so deep. The story flows so flawlessly. So I must say break out the tissues, because this book is gut wrenching. It will tear your heart in two.
I love how the author develops each character, allowing them to tell their story and show you their differences in personalities. We as readers are allowed to follow their paths to self discovery, healing and overcoming the horrible secrets that threaten to tear the family core apart. Olivia truly is the hero of this story. She is so strong, loyal, loving and intelligent.
It is a wonderful story full of lies, secrets, loss, love, life and family. Once you start reading about the Glass family you become invested to seeing it through till the end. You can’t help but become part of the story, feeling what they feel. A page turner for sure. With loads of twists, this book holds the audience’s attention. Especially with big huge secret that will have you guessing till the end. I highly recommend this book. A heart wrenching family drama that will touch your soul.
Snore!
Mature audiences
Sexual situations – both heterosexual and homosexual – not too explicit
Got it for free from KindleUnlimited
I dragged along to 37% of the book and then decided I had better things to do with my time, like watching my artificial plants gather dust.
Plot: Dad dies in car accident. The will gets read and is entirely fair. Surprise: There are 2 letters -one for mom, and another for one of the sons. Mom is tasked with delving into the past to figure out who should get the letter.
The process is painful for her and the reader. I simply did not care.
I gave 2 stars instead of 1 because the story idea isn’t awful and the writing is okay.
Many other reviewers thought it was great, so I was surprised when I didn’t. I enjoy everything from cozy mysteries, to thrillers (Dean Koontz), to action (Lee.Childs), to sci-fi, steam punk, nonfiction, and on and on.
I suggest you read other people’s reviews to decide for yourself.