Conversation With Author Laura Sibson
Sometimes speaking up for what is right is scary, even to your own family. Author Laura Sibson’s debut novel The Art of Breaking Things deals with just this – speaking up about assault to protect those who are vulnerable. Laura visited today for a Conversation With with the students, who have been reading the novel for the past several weeks. Laura has an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and published The Art of Breaking Things this summer.
The novel’s main character, Skye, has been using partying as a way to deal with trauma from long ago.The book follows Skye processing her trauma in a way that feels very real, and ultimately shows the reader that there are better ways to heal from trauma than turning to substances, and that speaking up for what’s right is the most important thing, even if it has consequences.
The students responded very positively to the novel and the discussion, despite the difficult subject matter. Senior Olivia told Laura that The Art of Breaking things is her favorite book that she’s read at TCS! “After reading the book, the talk gave me more insight in the book, and it raised a lot more questions. She said a lot of things that will stick with me, like how people will turn to unhealthy behaviors when they don’t know how to cope,” Olivia said. Sophomore Joshua responded that he enjoyed the discussion because “she gave a good perspective on the book. I like how she related it to events in her own life.” Destiny, also a sophomore, said “she knows how to write- she added a lot of emotions. She knows how to make a reader interested.”
We appreciate The Ivy Bookshop for arranging this visit to our school and we are very grateful to Laura Sibson for coming to share insights on the book the students have been reading. We enjoyed being able to discuss the difficult subject matter in a mature way. Laura has given us a lot to think about- thank you Laura for your great discussion!