aliencatl0rd's review against another edition
5.0
Exceptional piece that everyone should read at least once to get a small glimpse of what life can be like for someone who self harms, and their means of recovery through institutionalization. McCormick puts the reader through the virtually unexplainable feelings of euphoria and rush of endorphins associated with cutting in a clear manner so that almost anyone can mentally experience it. The reading is easy and possibly middle school level, but its ease does not bore for even more advanced readers. While it may not dissuade anyone from self harm, it might change some people's viewpoint on the issue.
kcoccia's review against another edition
3.0
I think I was more impressed by this book when I was younger
lunabob's review against another edition
3.0
I cannot possibly give this book a good review. I was quite disappointed with it, being someone who dealt with the issue that is introduced in this small paperback I felt like it was not accurate enough. McCormick claims to have done years of research to write the story and she may have, however, no amount of research can accurately display what someone who hurts their self is thinking or feeling. You have to had experienced it all on your own to truly understand the situation. The only thing slightly accurate in this book is the child who does it and shows it off and the main characters *SPOILER* want to get better in the end. It is a long and hard road to go down and it doesn't just stop, its something you fight with for so long that it seems impossible to get 'better'.
It takes determination and you have to really truly want it. You will find days even weeks where you will think its all for nothing and want to reach for that sharp edge again. I do not believe this book gives the main character the story she deserves.
It takes determination and you have to really truly want it. You will find days even weeks where you will think its all for nothing and want to reach for that sharp edge again. I do not believe this book gives the main character the story she deserves.
alchemysmack's review against another edition
2.0
this reminded me of my stay at a facility. which I can't decide if that's a good or bad thing.
2 stars because I feel like nothing was resolved. and it just seemed like a short book about a girl who won't talk, but you never find out why. and it just ends abruptly.
2 stars because I feel like nothing was resolved. and it just seemed like a short book about a girl who won't talk, but you never find out why. and it just ends abruptly.
caffeinatedmix's review against another edition
3.0
A point I'd like to put forth is that this book is about the girl and not about cutting. A lot of people are giving it crap for not reflecting the depth of cutting as an issue - this book is not about that. If the fact that it is a rather thin book didn't give you a hint that it won't focus heavily on cutting, well, you can't blame the book for your expectations.
3/5 for its language, for staying away from heavily used stereotypes, for characters that aren't well developed (I've a feeling I won't remember them tomorrow), but for still being able to produce a story that makes sense and doesn't leave me grumbling.
3/5 for its language, for staying away from heavily used stereotypes, for characters that aren't well developed (I've a feeling I won't remember them tomorrow), but for still being able to produce a story that makes sense and doesn't leave me grumbling.
lore_1703's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
carole_hogue's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
emiliosandoz's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
i know everyone has been sucking the cock of this book since it was written, but let me tell you: this is one of the most unrealistic books about self harm out there. the fact the author supposedly researched this book for ten years beforehand does Not show At All.
a PIE TIN TOP cut that deep? please be serious.
a PIE TIN TOP cut that deep? please be serious.
kricketa's review against another edition
3.0
teen self-mutilation isn't usually this dramatic, but this book (which i originally read in high school) was worth a re-read.