Details
Title: Scars
Author: Cheryl Rainfield
Publisher: WestSide Books
Release Date: May 31st' 2011
Available to order here: Amazon / Book Depository / Barnes & Noble
Synopsis
Kendra, fifteen, hasn't
felt safe since she began to recall devastating memories of childhood
sexual abuse, especially because she still can't remember the most
important detail-- her abuser's identity. Frightened, Kendra believes
someone is always watching and following her, leaving menacing messages
only she understands. If she lets her guard down even for a minute, it
could cost Kendra her life. To relieve the pressure, Kendra cuts; aside
from her brilliantly expressive artwork, it's her only way of coping.
Since her own mother is too self-absorbed to hear her cries for help,
Kendra finds support in others instead: from her therapist and her art
teacher, from Sandy, the close family friend who encourages her artwork,
and from Meghan, the classmate who's becoming a friend and maybe more.
But the truth about Kendra's abuse is just waiting to explode, with
startling unforeseen consequences. Scars is the unforgettable story of one girl's frightening path to the truth.
My Review
When I first saw the blurb for "Scars", I was deeply enchanted by it. I
felt like I just HAD to read the book, especially given my own personal
history with self-mutilation. I literally hounded the author, (who, by
the way, is a complete and total sweetheart - and an immensely
compassionate lady!), stalked the book and it's progress until I finally
got myself a copy. What I didn't realize was how difficult it got, from
there on out.
Day in, and day out, the book sat on the top row of the book-shelf right next to my bed. That's the row reserved for "books to be read ASAP!", and yet, every time I tried to begin reading this novel, the emotions that accompanied the story were all too real for me to face. I have to admit, and apologize, that it took me forever to find the courage to read this novel. But let me tell you this, I am beyond grateful that I did. This novel is one of the BEST books I've read in a very long time.
I must forewarn you as a reader, though, the subject matter of this book (self-mutilation, sexual abuse) is kind of hard to stomach - but I believe it is really important for us to face these issues, and to bring these issues to light. The story is heartbreaking, deeply affecting, extremely suspenseful, masterfully crafted...but above all, it is an important story, that needed telling. It might make you uneasy, or even queasy, but it will also give you a glimpse into the world of a tortured soul. She never sexualized abuse or rape, and did not linger on the actual act, but rather, on how the abuse made the character feel. I am in awe of the way that the author handled the subject matter, and how gingerly and delicately she developed her characters. Cheryl Rainfield has become my favorite, and I will read whatever she writes from here on out.
Day in, and day out, the book sat on the top row of the book-shelf right next to my bed. That's the row reserved for "books to be read ASAP!", and yet, every time I tried to begin reading this novel, the emotions that accompanied the story were all too real for me to face. I have to admit, and apologize, that it took me forever to find the courage to read this novel. But let me tell you this, I am beyond grateful that I did. This novel is one of the BEST books I've read in a very long time.
I must forewarn you as a reader, though, the subject matter of this book (self-mutilation, sexual abuse) is kind of hard to stomach - but I believe it is really important for us to face these issues, and to bring these issues to light. The story is heartbreaking, deeply affecting, extremely suspenseful, masterfully crafted...but above all, it is an important story, that needed telling. It might make you uneasy, or even queasy, but it will also give you a glimpse into the world of a tortured soul. She never sexualized abuse or rape, and did not linger on the actual act, but rather, on how the abuse made the character feel. I am in awe of the way that the author handled the subject matter, and how gingerly and delicately she developed her characters. Cheryl Rainfield has become my favorite, and I will read whatever she writes from here on out.
My Rating : 5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a copy
of this book via the author. I was not compensated
monetarily, or in any other way, for my opinion. The opinions
stated in this review are solely mine, and are not representative
of views of the author, or publishing company, of this book.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: SCARS is FREE just for today, on Amazon.com - so please go and get your copy, RIGHT NOW!!! http://ow.ly/bmQHL
IMPORTANT NOTICE: SCARS is FREE just for today, on Amazon.com - so please go and get your copy, RIGHT NOW!!! http://ow.ly/bmQHL
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I like books that deal with serious issues. I think everyone should read them. Even if it's not something you personally struggle with. It can help you better understand those who do struggle with it, and possible see warning signs or cries for help from others. I'll have to give this one a try!
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much, I completely agree! A lot of the book focuses on how the victim FEELS, not being able to recall, and still feeling scared and vulnerable all the time! I think everyone should read books like these, because they pertain to REALITY - these things are happening all around us, and reading books of that subject matter help us understand (and, hopefully, avoid) these issues. Thank you for the comment, hope you visit again, soon :)
DeleteThis sounds like a tough read. I don't know much about self mutilation because, to be honest, I don't know if I can stomach this.
ReplyDeleteDid you learn about this type of stuff in medical school?
http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
Zohar,
DeleteThank you for your comment - and I completely understand that this subject is not palatable by everyone. It IS a tough subject, and especially in this book...my goodness, it was ten times harder because of what the outcome is. You are a very kind, sweet person...so it comes as no surprise to me that this might be too shocking for you. Yes, I learned a lot about it in medical school, and during my psychiatry rotation. I used to wear full-sleeves all the time before that, and learning about it gave me the strength to become more accepting and tolerant of my own scars. Again, thank you for your comment, and hope you visit the blog again, soon :)
I've heard about this book -- it sounds intense. Glad you found it so helpful!
ReplyDeleteHey Jen,
DeleteYes, it did help. I think all books in which there are characters that you can relate to, end up being emotionally cathartic. This was definitely one of those books. The author was also an abuse victim, and is an absolutely amazing and inspiring lady...love her so much! If you're into such books, I'd definitely recommend it. Thank you for your comment, and hope you visit the blog again, soon! :)
I am so glad you took the time to read this and share it with others. You are so right...even though books like these are hard to read, they are the stories that must be told. They are the stories of real people (even when the stories are fictional). I will definitely be checking this one out, even though I missed the free day. Oh, and P.S. You now have a new blog stalker. Crap, did I just say that out loud? teehee ;-)
ReplyDelete