Breaking Point (St. Martin's True Crime Library)

Rating:
Summary: Not Quite All Together
Review: As an avid reader of true crime books, and as a mother of three, I was drawn to the story of Andrea Yates. While some argue that surely she had to be insane to commit such an incomprehensible act, others are ready to pull the switch, so to speak. This book gives some insight as to the inadequacies of our mental health treatment system, and outlines the many times Andrea might have been helped, but tragically was not.

Breaking Point was clearly written in a hurry, to get it onto the shelves while the trial is progressing. At random points through the story, Spencer refers to a radical preacher, of sorts, who seems to have had influence on the Yates family, but the extent of their relationship is not explored, nor do some of the references to the Woroneckis seem to tie into the Yates story whatsoever. It is hinted that the Yates family helped the Woroneckis financially, but no details are given.

It seems Suzy Spencer could have spent extra time doing more in-depth research of parts of this story, rather than publishing it as quickly as possible and then suing to be allowed into the courtroom to add more rushed text to the tale.

Rating:
Summary: Not Quite All Together
Review: As an avid reader of true crime books, and as a mother of three, I was drawn to the story of Andrea Yates. While some argue that surely she had to be insane to commit such an incomprehensible act, others are ready to pull the switch, so to speak. This book gives some insight as to the inadequacies of our mental health treatment system, and outlines the many times Andrea might have been helped, but tragically was not.

Breaking Point was clearly written in a hurry, to get it onto the shelves while the trial is progressing. At random points through the story, Spencer refers to a radical preacher, of sorts, who seems to have had influence on the Yates family, but the extent of their relationship is not explored, nor do some of the references to the Woroneckis seem to tie into the Yates story whatsoever. It is hinted that the Yates family helped the Woroneckis financially, but no details are given.

It seems Suzy Spencer could have spent extra time doing more in-depth research of parts of this story, rather than publishing it as quickly as possible and then suing to be allowed into the courtroom to add more rushed text to the tale.

Rating:
Summary: good crime backgrounder
Review: Being from Houston where this crime took place I liked the behind the scenes info on TV cameraman John Treadgold and the first police officers reaction to being first on the scene of this tragedy. The background into the families life was very detailed. Some reviewers question the book not covering the trial: but it was mainly a P.S. to the actual act anyway.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: I don't review alot of books or read alot of books published before the trial,But the shock and horror of Andrea Yates killing those 5 children just stayed with me. I seen the book and bought it. It was a good book about a horrible crime. When I first saw this awful Tradgedy on the news I wanted Andrea Yates Hung from the nearest tree. After reading the book , I see now how very troubled she was.She should be punished , but so should her husband and the mental health community. I am glad Ms. Spencer spared us some of the gory details.The book was very informative and gave me a much better understanding on what was/wasnt going on in Andrea Yates head! ...

Rating:
Summary: An Important Book
Review: It is a very sensational story. A quiet suburbs, a NASA engineer, a stay at home mother,and five small white coffins. Suzy Spencer takes you to this seemingly normal home in a pleasant neighborhood and strips it bare of all its pretenses. Spencer does not flinch from telling the sensational details. But she takes it one step further. She reveals the root cause of the tragedy. She does something few true crime writers dare to do; she shows us why this happened and the answer is simple. We as a society have swept mental health issues under rug. As a result, we ostrasize people with mental illness and the insurance companies are enabled to provide just enough coverage to slap a band-aid on the problem -- never enough to accomplish a cure.
By telling the story of Andrea Yates hard fought battle for mental health and her ultimate defeat, Spencer lays bare society's sins.
Breaking Point is more than a well-written, page-turning True Crime book. It is also a clarion call to action.

Breaking Point is an important read.

Rating:
Summary: good crime backgrounder
Review: This book would have been much, much better if they had A) stayed on topic and B)Waited until the trial was over.

Why A)? I don't even get the connection between the Worrenikis or whoever, and then the fact that the 2 photos of the girls could have been used for family pictures that proved that Andrea is not some sadisitic child-murderer.

B) What is the point on profiling a case when you can only speculate the end result?

On to the case. How is it that Susan Smith was, at first, only given 30 years at the minimum for the cold-hearted, greedy murder of little Michael and Alex? Yet Andrea Yates, an obviously sick woman, was given life w/ no chance of parole for the murders of Noah, John, Paul, Luke and Mary? Andrea did it out of love; Susan did it to get back at David and get with Tom. I don't think that there are any exceptions to the murdering of kids, it's all horrible, however I think there should be different sentancing. The fact that Belinda Hill rejected Andrea's insane plea blows my mind and it's obvious that Belinda Hill did not research Andrea's history.

The jury that day not only took away any chance of Andrea getting better, yet they took away Rusty's only remaining family, and Andrea's family's dreams.

If only doctors had realized how serious Andrea's sicknesses really were, those five children would be alive and well today, Andrea would be in treatment, and June 20, 2001 would not be a day that Americans remembered. THe day that five children were tragically taken away-not only by their mother's hands, but by the Texas doctors.

Rating:
Summary: Too Unreal....
Review: When I heard about Andrea Yates drowning her 5 kids,
I could not believe it. I went on the journey to find
out why. I was hoping the jury would find her insane
Which I think she was. After reading Spencers book
I could at least look into her life, although the book
was written very rapid, she got her point across.
Andrea was living the life her husband wanted HIM to
live. She was a meek person, who was overwhelmed by
5 children, homeschooling, chores around the house.
While her husband went to work, she was stuck at home.
He would give her night off, BUT that night off was
to go shopping for food. I find Rusty 50% at fault
He should do some jail for not being there for his
wife. He clearly was at fault for not doing more.
I found myself disliking Rusty more and more as I read
the book. He overpowered Andrea, whatever he said was
the word. I feel so sorry for these children who were
so innocent. We can only wonder what went inside this
house. But I do expect more books to be written and we
can only read and try to understand....We all know
that Andrea's life is done. Rusty, well who cares, he
will find someone to have more children with...
Rest in peace Children.

Rating:
Summary: When Will St. Martins Press Ever Learn?
Review: When the verdict on the andrea yates case was reached and much public opinion was everywhere..I decided to educate myself a bit on why any mother would do such a thing. It really is a sad story and the book helps to paint a picture of what andrea yates life was like for many years prior to the murders. I enjoyed this book and was not able to put it down..However I definitely feel as though the book dragged on near the end as it describes the court room in the competency hearing..this part of the book was obviously essential but too long....All in all I would suggest this book to all interested in this unbelievable story.