Review: Scars

Scars by Cheryl Rainfield

Summary: 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.

My Thoughts: I’m not sure how to go about reviewing Scars by Cheryl Rainfield. I’m not 100% sure how I feel about it. I must admit that I can see why some people think it should be banned from schools and whatnot – but I do NOT agree with that. This book helps me see why someone might use cutting as means to cope when life is too much. I can see how it could be a release, although I’d never be tempted to do it.

Anyway, I don’t want to get into talking about cutting in general. This is about the book. It’s an excellent resource. I can see how it can help teens who struggle – they can see that there really is hope. Plus, in the back of the book are pages and pages of resources. From help for those who cut and those who are survivors/victims of sexual abuse to those struggling with their own sexuality – or who are homosexual and need support.

The narrative itself is good, but not fantastic. I am pleased to say I had no inkling as to who he was until about the same time Kendra figured it out. I figured it wouldn’t be the obvious possibilities, because what’s the fun in that? (Fun meaning reading fun …) There were moments toward the end that seemed a bit outrageous, but I still found myself staying up into the wee hours of the morning to finish the book. It’s a fast, and somewhat suspenseful read. I must say that I love the title. Scars is not the simple title it first appears to be. This word applies to so much in this story – so much more than the marks left behind from Kendra’s cutting. And for that, I love the title!

So far as it being challenged by “concerned” parents, I must roll my eyes. As I stated above, I can see why some people might have a problem with it – the cutting, sexual abuse, and (God forbid!) homosexuality. I do NOT in any way agree with such reasoning. Will I let my daughters read this? Not any time soon (they’re only 8 and 3 right now), but if they want to sometime down the road, I won’t stop them. I will encourage them to talk to me about it, if it makes them think. For now, I just hope they wait until they’re in the later teen years, as I think it’s a bit heavy for younger teens. (This is definitely young adult.)

Rating Explanation: I considered not giving a starred rating to this book, because I could really go anywhere with it. The narrative itself I would give 3 stars, but given how well such a plethora of sensitive issues, I couldn’t leave it at that. As a potential resource and source of comfort, I felt it deserved 4 stars. So I combined the two for 3.5 stars.

Source: Received through The {Teen} Book Scene for review. (Click the button below for more tour stops.)

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Challenges: Counts for the 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge.

Find me on Goodreads.com >>

♥

FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.