Scars, by Cheryl Rainfield

Kendra must face her past and stop hurting herself

—before it's too late....

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.

Kendra's story...wow. It was the first in a series of 3 that I read in a weekend about rape/emotional/sexual abuse. (I really need a good book about puppies. That don't die...any ideas??)

She is tough, scared, vulnerable, unyielding. She's caught in the middle of trying to figure out who she is (which is a heck of a trial at 15 by itself) while attempting to overcome devastation. Memories of abuse that have suddenly sprung back to forefront of her mind.

It doesn't get any easier. She just can't catch a break. She feels she's being followed, watched, because she may reveal his identity. It's so.....far-fetched...that even her therapist isn't sure she believes that bit. She also is trying to find her way as a lesbian teen....it just seems like all the cards are stacked against her.

I've talked with other teachers and school people about how some of our kids are living experiences and situations that we'd never be able to imagine, in our wildest dreams. Kendra is the shining example of this.
Her story, told from someone who understands, so very well, is powerful.

Scars, is an important book. I kept thinking about Patricia McCormick's Cut, because of the subject matter. McCormick's book is so very well done and is probably the first "mainstream" book about someone who cuts themselves to ease the pain. I love McCormick's book, but Scars is so much more, simply because the author, Cheryl Rainfield, has lived a life with some chilling similarities. How similar?

The arms on the cover are the author's.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook galley from WestSide Books through the netGalley publisher/reader connection program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”