"Split Open" By Greta Lind: A Gripping Novel With Female Characters On a Collision Course by Elisa Schmitz

Although I didn't get to read as much as I would have liked to this year, I did get to read Split Open by Greta Lind. During a very hectic year, it gave me a wonderful escape.

Twenty years ago, author Greta Lind fearlessly jumped into an out-of-control school bus as it careened downhill toward a crowded intersection, preventing catastrophe. That life-changing moment was the spark for her gripping debut novel, “Split Open.” 

An actor who has appeared in "All My Children" and the hit film "Rudy” (and a high school classmate of mine!), Greta had been feeling disempowered as a stay-at-home wife and mother. Like many moms, she no longer recognized herself. Yet she climbed onto that runaway bus and, without fear or thought, grabbed the steering wheel and hit the brakes. In that moment she wondered: “Who am I?” And that's where "Split Open” begins. What a great plot, sparked by her own real-life experience!

From the first page, the story hooks you and doesn't let go. Greta’s urgent, passionate, authentic writing style kept me intrigued. On a collision course, the complex female characters were compelling, and the questions raised in the book were relatable: 

• "Who am I, apart from wife and mother?" 
• "What is gained and lost when we have children?" 
• "How can a person feel closer to and more disconnected from herself at the same time?” 

Greta's brutally honest, soul-bearing and thought-provoking words capture you and leave you wanting more.

One of the lines that stayed with me: “Jennifer knows that a person can change the very moment she does the impossible. It is then not only possible but already done.” Wow!

Once I started this book, I couldn’t stop reading. I hope Greta expands her powerful voice by continuing to write gripping stories that make you think, and allow you to escape, all at once. Highly recommend this book!

Note: 30Seconds is a participant in the Amazon affiliate advertising program and this post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission or fees if you make a purchase via those links. The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get inspiration in your newsfeed daily. Inspire and be inspired.