caffeinatedmix's review against another edition
2.0
Underwhelming. Way too fast-paced. Tackles issues that the author should have spent more time developing. A fair bit unrealistic.
sandyfrancesca's review against another edition
5.0
This was a very delicate story, told in the POV of a 15year old, a very mature 15year old. Let me start by saying I LOVED IT. In my opinion abuse stories tend to be dark and dramatic and overly complicated, everything this was not. It was deep. It made you think. It left you in awe of a teenager. And quite frankly at least for a while leaves you inspired to be a stronger. The way it written, i found myself turning the pages so enthralled and hypnotised by the story. I loved it.
khaleesi987's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’m so sad I’m done reading this book! It’s so well written and the character’s voice is so passionate. A great book for anyone who has or is in pain.
bettyboop25's review against another edition
2.0
I liked this book but there were many problems. This seemed unrealistic because why did this problem last so long? She was seeing a THERAPIST.!!! There is no way that a therapist would just ignore everything that the main character was saying. Also, I think there were many more themes that that could have been expounded upon ... but the author chose to focus on the fact that Kendra was cutting herself.
I also have a problem with the fact that the author took the stereotypical way out (the person who did it was obvious). I like the thought of this book but it wasn't executed as well as it could have been.
I also have a problem with the fact that the author took the stereotypical way out (the person who did it was obvious). I like the thought of this book but it wasn't executed as well as it could have been.
mahdigasmi's review against another edition
4.0
I don't fee like reviewing books lately but this one was a unique one I want to document and memorize it.
The plot + protagonist(s)
The book is mainly about Kendra 15 yo girl who was a victim of sexual abuse. The book follows her process of finding her abuse, her fight against fear and of course Kendra finding love.
About Kendra: she's a typical YA character ( as I always say ) but this time the major problem is the sexual abuse.
Positive thoughts:
1- the writing: I really love the writing! Not the best I've read but it was really captivating.
2- the setting: the events in the book were all set in periode of one week which is a plus for the book because it makes the transition from chapter to chapter easier and it helps to catch up with story even if we had to put it for a little while.
3- Honesty: I don't if it only occurs to me but I literally freaked out every time she got those memories. Along with that, this book is full of emotions: grief, sadness, fear and they're all so truthful to me.
4- This is something I think you'd only feel once you've read the book: the whole book was wrapped in a very logical and reasonable way, I'd expected a lot of drama, I'd thought the writer would go off the limits with some stuff ( not to spoil you) but I was so revealed that didn't happen.
5- I think that I went with lots of predicts,negative ones to be honest, and that really helped.
Negative thoughts:
The ending: it's mainly the reason I dropped that fifith star: first thing I had no clue who was the doer which was a good thing because the author made us hanging on there till the end. But once the truth was revealed everything was clichéd!! Clichéd reactions, clichéd dialogues, events....ugh and that's what I hate the most! This obnoxious lack of creativity!!
In addition, I wouldn't give this book a 5 star even with a different end, because in the end this was a nice book, I'm glad that I've read something with a molested girl's perspective but it didn't blew me away.
The plot + protagonist(s)
The book is mainly about Kendra 15 yo girl who was a victim of sexual abuse. The book follows her process of finding her abuse, her fight against fear and of course Kendra finding love.
About Kendra: she's a typical YA character ( as I always say ) but this time the major problem is the sexual abuse.
Positive thoughts:
1- the writing: I really love the writing! Not the best I've read but it was really captivating.
2- the setting: the events in the book were all set in periode of one week which is a plus for the book because it makes the transition from chapter to chapter easier and it helps to catch up with story even if we had to put it for a little while.
3- Honesty: I don't if it only occurs to me but I literally freaked out every time she got those memories. Along with that, this book is full of emotions: grief, sadness, fear and they're all so truthful to me.
4- This is something I think you'd only feel once you've read the book: the whole book was wrapped in a very logical and reasonable way, I'd expected a lot of drama, I'd thought the writer would go off the limits with some stuff ( not to spoil you) but I was so revealed that didn't happen.
5- I think that I went with lots of predicts,negative ones to be honest, and that really helped.
Negative thoughts:
The ending: it's mainly the reason I dropped that fifith star: first thing I had no clue who was the doer which was a good thing because the author made us hanging on there till the end. But once the truth was revealed everything was clichéd!! Clichéd reactions, clichéd dialogues, events....ugh and that's what I hate the most! This obnoxious lack of creativity!!
In addition, I wouldn't give this book a 5 star even with a different end, because in the end this was a nice book, I'm glad that I've read something with a molested girl's perspective but it didn't blew me away.
emiliosandoz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
the Only book out there that's accurate when it comes to self-harm and that's because it's written by another self-harmer. also a very VERY realistic book when it comes to the effects of sexual abuse when your memories are repressed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, Self harm, and Sexual assault
kaylakaotik's review against another edition
5.0
WARNING: This book (not the review, however) can be triggering for anyone that has dealt with self-injury or sexual abuse.
This book was amazing. Cheryl Rainfield does an amazing job at telling Kendra’s story.
Rainfield’s writing, at least in this book, is incredibly powerful. Her choice of language, especially during the parts about self-injury were real and raw. I was able to feel Kendra’s pain and my heart broke for her. After the identity of the abuser is revealed, I had to take a couple of moments away from reading because I felt sick. Many times, especially towards the end of the book, I had tears in my eyes.
I devoured this book once I sat down to read it. Even though I mentioned that this book can be triggering, the ending was one of hope. It wasn’t an ending of perfection and rainbows and butterflies, but hope… hope that one day, even after all the struggles we’ve been through, things will finally be okay.
This book was amazing. Cheryl Rainfield does an amazing job at telling Kendra’s story.
Rainfield’s writing, at least in this book, is incredibly powerful. Her choice of language, especially during the parts about self-injury were real and raw. I was able to feel Kendra’s pain and my heart broke for her. After the identity of the abuser is revealed, I had to take a couple of moments away from reading because I felt sick. Many times, especially towards the end of the book, I had tears in my eyes.
I devoured this book once I sat down to read it. Even though I mentioned that this book can be triggering, the ending was one of hope. It wasn’t an ending of perfection and rainbows and butterflies, but hope… hope that one day, even after all the struggles we’ve been through, things will finally be okay.
eb00kie's review against another edition
4.0
As a novel on abuse it's jerky. All the steps are there, but with little in between. Also, the romance was choppy and underdeveloped - dare I say, idealized, guaranteeing strike three: Instant-happy end - once the mystery was solved, everybody found a quick solution achieving HARMONY
However, said mystery is dark, baroque(or "rich in detail", for the not-so-snob) and raw, in terms of feeling (albeit simple to solve). Herein lies the mystery of the four stars.
However, said mystery is dark, baroque(or "rich in detail", for the not-so-snob) and raw, in terms of feeling (albeit simple to solve). Herein lies the mystery of the four stars.
ahowington's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this YA book. An easy read with a story line I enjoyed. I like to read the stories of drugs, abuse and etc. I don't quite get all the reasonings of the addictions, the sorrow but I feel for each of the characters knowing that each of the authors have usually experienced their stories in some form and I feel blessed that I haven't. If you enjoy books with this type of story line, this will be one to read.