Reviews

Scars by Cheryl Rainfield

shimimire's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse, Incest, Pedophilia, Rape, and Self harm

flowerhatprincess's review against another edition

4.0

this book was great not only could i not put it down it actually related to what i went to except for the cutting...

thepetitepunk's review against another edition

I’m not really sure how to describe my feelings. Nothing about this book was enjoyable, but given the content, that was expect. But there were quite a few moments where I also wanted to give up completely. I didn’t really like how quickly Kendra’s romantic relationship formed, but other than that, I don’t have any real criticisms besides the fact that this might have been too heavy for me to read at this point in my life, especially as an audiobook. I marked this as want-to-read over 4 years ago and I think if I had read it then, the story would have meant something different to me.

TWs: sexual abuse, explicit self harm (cutting), guns, pedophilia, rape, homophobia, repression, manipulation and threats, alcoholic parent

ritaslilnook's review against another edition

3.0

I can't say it was a bad book; it wasn't. I just feel like everything happened so fast, you know? Sometimes that can be good but, in this case, I say I'd like to have been "invited" into Kendra's story a little bit more - that and how she felt. Some descriptions were perfect but others, again, were so fast, you didn't even have the time to hurt with her. I'm sure I'm not the only one who likes to be sucked into the book and live it, feel it. If that makes sense. I'm really crappy at writing reviews so yeah, I really liked it though. And to the writer, MAD LOVE, you have all my respect for everything you have been through. Keep it up!

heatherliz86's review against another edition

4.0

Scars isn’t your typical flossy fun, YA read but a powerful, potent book with an important message for young teens who go to cutting for relief from the emotional pain inside.Cheryl Rainfield makes the plot initially simplistic based on the summary but is filled with twists, turns and shocking moments.

My thoughts

This novel deals with many issues such as cutting, rape, abuse, and homosexuality. Reainfield's book doesn’t overburden itself to become a multi-issue agenda piece disguised as a novel, not at all. Kendra the main character , who was raped when she was five years old but can't remember who the predator is will go to cutting to release the pain she feels. The abuser will start stalking Kendra because he wants her to remember him.You will follow Kendra's journey how to overcome the tough pieces of her life. Kendra tore at my heartstrings in this novel.


I recommend this book for young teens but also for parents because of the struggles teens will go through with all aspects of life and how parents have a responsibility to help our kids with hard struggles with life.

renatalynn's review against another edition

5.0

Loved it
Very insightful into the thoughts of someone sexually abused and continuously mentally abused
Sad that this could easily be a true story

kb_hg's review against another edition

4.0

This is a very hard hitting book, but handled the subjects well

heidi1313's review against another edition

5.0

This was a great book. As a social worker, I found it to be an accurate representation of trauma and how memories can be repressed. My only 'critique' would be that sadly most accounts of abuse do not end this positively (as in offender being held accountable, abuse survivor having necessary supports, and non offending parenting making their own meaningful change).

muppetymelody's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.25

scritzma's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25