Kendra, a sexual abuse survivor, cuts to cope with the pain, but she doesn't remember the identity of who abused her. Kendra makes a friend in Meghan, and falls in love with her. When Kendra's abuser starts threatening her, she must find a way to face her past and stop hurting herself--before it's too late.
Scars
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Starred Review. Grade 9 Up—Fifteen-year-old Kendra is being stalked by someone who wants her dead, and she is overwhelmed by the compulsion to cut herself. She is dealing with shadowy memories of sexual abuse from her early childhood and wonders why she cannot recall her rapist's face. Kendra is a tough, vulnerable, troubled teen, a survivor who will win readers' hearts as she struggles to deal with her life. While her biggest challenges may be extreme, there is much that any teen can relate to: frustration with a clueless mother, delight as her friendship with Meghan grows into love, and the struggle for identity and self-knowledge. Watching, guiding, and caring for this emerging young woman are three adults who offer emotional support rather than answers: a gay mentor, a therapist, and a teacher who knows true artistic talent when she sees it. Particularly well written are the scenes with Kendra's therapist; there's no miracle working here, just the long hard slog through pain and uncertainty. And when the revelation comes, there is no cardboard villain in the shadows, but rather a complex person whose cruelties and self-deceptions are believable and deeply sad. The excellent resource section covers widely respected books, Web sites, organizations, and help lines for youth seeking information on extreme abuse, cutting, same-sex attraction, and dissociation. This book will be a particular comfort and source of insight for teens facing any of these challenges, but whatever their life experience, they will be on the edge of their seats, rooting for Kendra to unravel the mystery that shadows her life. This is one heck of a good book!—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Booklist
The scars that crisscross 15-year-old Kendra’s arms are not for public consumption. Her cutting is kept secret from her parents, her friends, and even her beloved therapist. But things change when she meets Meghan, a classmate whose promiscuity with boys belies her budding romantic interest in Kendra. Like other books and movies on this topic, Kendra’s story isn’t really about cutting—she was sexually abused between the ages of 2 and 12, and the resulting trauma has blocked out her rapist’s identity. What sets Rainfield’s story apart is the stalking element: her rapist is still hounding her, giving her frightening reminders that she will be killed if she tells anyone the truth. Sophisticated readers may very well roll their eyes at melodramatic clichés (“It’s only my utility knife that releases the screams inside me”) but that same sense of overwhelming emotion might appeal to teens wrestling with similar issues. The book becomes most enjoyable near the end, when it makes an implausible hairpin turn into the realm of psychothriller. Rainfield’s closing research guide is unusually extensive. Grades 8-11. --Daniel Kraus
--This text refers to the
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I don't hide the fact that I'm a rape victim - or that I used to be a self-mutilator (still am, depending on who you are and how you define SM - I cope now with tattoos and body piercing because it's safer than slashing up my arms or legs and it allows me to take something that makes me feel awful and turn it into art, but that doesn't always sit well with everyone else. Truth be told, I stopped cutting because I found out that one of my friends cut as well - and he scared me into turning the situation into something that really did help me cope without risking my life).
I don't talk about it very often because I have problems discussing these topics, but I do read a lot of writing about both subjects. And, very often, I find that the fictional books aren't very realistic. They try to gloss over the bad parts and make everything hunky-dory at the end. Not so with this book. The author doesn't gloss over the pain and, while things do end on a more positive note, I wasn't given the impression that Kendra's life will just be A-okay now. She still has problems on the road ahead of her. She still has good days and bad days, but she's going to get through them because she's a survivor. And I love that ending because it gives hope to people like me. So I have to give the author kudos - she did something very rare and I hope this book helps other kids who find themselves in a similar situation.
Too often, the people around me have a hard time understanding what I'm going through - from now on, I'll recommend this book to them and let it show them.
I don't talk about it very often because I have problems discussing these topics, but I do read a lot of writing about both subjects. And, very often, I find that the fictional books aren't very realistic. They try to gloss over the bad parts and make everything hunky-dory at the end. Not so with this book. The author doesn't gloss over the pain and, while things do end on a more positive note, I wasn't given the impression that Kendra's life will just be A-okay now. She still has problems on the road ahead of her. She still has good days and bad days, but she's going to get through them because she's a survivor. And I love that ending because it gives hope to people like me. So I have to give the author kudos - she did something very rare and I hope this book helps other kids who find themselves in a similar situation.
Too often, the people around me have a hard time understanding what I'm going through - from now on, I'll recommend this book to them and let it show them.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a book I read in a day and then took two days to digest. I highly recommend it. That said, this is a book about prolonged sexual abuse and self-injury, in addition to being a book about a girl whose mother is not happy about her daughter's new girlfriend. It is not for everyone, but it will undoubtedly be really important for more than a few someones.
Throughout the course of the book, the bulk of which spans what feels like only a week, Kendra relives her abuse, through flashbacks that hit her out of (almost) nowhere and with her therapist, as she tries to remember the identity of her abuser. She also cuts herself, repeatedly, to cope with the pain and the panic that these memories bring on. Rainfield portrays all of this realistically and sensitively. She lets us inside Kendra's head to see her pain, shame, insecurities, fear and more. More importantly, she shows how much Kendra appreciates and depends on those who support her, even if Kendra doesn't always show it herself. It is Kendra's chosen family, her therapist, her art teacher, her mentor, and her girlfriend, that make it possible for her to face her abuse and ultimately her abuser.
There were some moments in the book when the dialog seemed less than authentic. Using Carolyn, Kendra's therapist, Rainfield can realistically work phrases like "you're not the one who deserves to be hurt, Kendra. He is," into a conversation about Kendra's self-injury. Instead when Meghan, Kendra's girlfriend of a day, says it, it can be a bit jarring (139)*. However, it is the right things to say and important for readers to, well, read. While the few exchanges like this between Kendra and Meghan pulled me momentarily out of the story, they are easily outweighed by the cute wow-you're-pretty moments that these two more often share. Their budding relationship adds the happiness that Kendra so desperately needs and the normalcy that the average reader will need in order to relate to all the Kendra is going through.
Cheryl Rainfield has also included an annotated bibliography of web resources, help lines and crisis support, books, articles, and videos for victims of sexual and ritual abuse, those who self-harm, teens thinking about suicide, and teens in the process of coming out or dealing with homophobia. She also highlights resources specifically for friends, family, and other vital supporters of people dealing with these issues.
Book source: Review copy from publisher.
*All quotes were taken from an uncorrected proof. Exact wording and page numbers may not match the final copy.
Throughout the course of the book, the bulk of which spans what feels like only a week, Kendra relives her abuse, through flashbacks that hit her out of (almost) nowhere and with her therapist, as she tries to remember the identity of her abuser. She also cuts herself, repeatedly, to cope with the pain and the panic that these memories bring on. Rainfield portrays all of this realistically and sensitively. She lets us inside Kendra's head to see her pain, shame, insecurities, fear and more. More importantly, she shows how much Kendra appreciates and depends on those who support her, even if Kendra doesn't always show it herself. It is Kendra's chosen family, her therapist, her art teacher, her mentor, and her girlfriend, that make it possible for her to face her abuse and ultimately her abuser.
There were some moments in the book when the dialog seemed less than authentic. Using Carolyn, Kendra's therapist, Rainfield can realistically work phrases like "you're not the one who deserves to be hurt, Kendra. He is," into a conversation about Kendra's self-injury. Instead when Meghan, Kendra's girlfriend of a day, says it, it can be a bit jarring (139)*. However, it is the right things to say and important for readers to, well, read. While the few exchanges like this between Kendra and Meghan pulled me momentarily out of the story, they are easily outweighed by the cute wow-you're-pretty moments that these two more often share. Their budding relationship adds the happiness that Kendra so desperately needs and the normalcy that the average reader will need in order to relate to all the Kendra is going through.
Cheryl Rainfield has also included an annotated bibliography of web resources, help lines and crisis support, books, articles, and videos for victims of sexual and ritual abuse, those who self-harm, teens thinking about suicide, and teens in the process of coming out or dealing with homophobia. She also highlights resources specifically for friends, family, and other vital supporters of people dealing with these issues.
Book source: Review copy from publisher.
*All quotes were taken from an uncorrected proof. Exact wording and page numbers may not match the final copy.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Kendra's been sexually abused, and she channels a lot of the anger and frustration from the situation into cutting herself. Kendra's been getting help from a therapist who she really loves working with, and she's using the positive energy and adult support from Carolyn to try to stop the cutting.
At school, things are tough. Kendra's former best friend-turned-girlfriend-turned-ex girlfriend has moved away and she's really feeling a little alone. In an instant when she thought she'd be a victim of bullying, another girl -- Meghan -- steps in to protect her. From here on in, Kendra is attracted to Meghan in a new and profound way that comes out in the art she creates. The art, as you'd imagine, shows the pain and torture she feels in her life. The art, as you'd also imagine, is something she can't show her mom, who used to believe she had potential as an artist (she herself is one).
Kendra feels distanced from both her parents, and she doesn't feel comfortable breaking the silence. Mom and dad know she was abused, but there's an unspoken rule about that moment that it not be brought up. But when Kendra discovers she's being stalked and her therapist finds out she's cutting and must inform her parents, things unravel in unexpected ways.
Scars was a very fast read and will appeal greatly to reluctant readers. It reminded me in a lot of ways of Patricia McCormick's classic Cut, and it will likely appeal to the same audience. The first reason seems obvious, but there are other similarities: a fully-fleshed main character with weaker secondary characters.
In Rainfield's book, I was disappointed in the use of safety character Sandy, as well as in both Kendra's mother and father. They were all straw characters, even in the dynamic and unexpected ending (or maybe BECAUSE of that unexpected ending). I had a very hard time buying the case of abuse being such a secret in the family because I never found myself learning anything about the family. I kind of suspect those last couple of lines might be spoiler-y, but I also don't think that will detract from the greater story.
One of the gutsy things Rainfield does here is develop a very outcasted character -- or at least what may be considered one socially -- and made her fairly normal. Kendra's a victim of abuse, a cutter, an artist, and a lesbian, but she never makes any of them define her singularly. A lot of times in issues books such as this, one issue becomes what defines a character, but for me, I found Kendra fully fleshed and wholly human: I cared a heck of a lot about her well-being and with each new aspect of her personality, I came to get a really good picture of how dynamic she was. I didn't want her to consider ending her life because she really had so much going FOR her in terms of a relationship and in a career in art.
This is an unflinching book, though I felt the ending was a little rushed. I'm kind of glad some of it rushed because of the unflinching aspect, but other parts I would have liked more character. The pacing and character reminded me a LOT of Darlene Ryan's Five Minutes More. I'd believe these two titles would also make good readalikes, as would they both appeal greatly to teens (and adults!) who are more reluctant readers. Scars stands out also because the language is pretty clean -- I don't remember any swearing but do remember an instance of the f-bomb being written as "f-you" or something similar...just as effective! -- and there are no sexual situations aside from the abuse. That in itself is handled very tactfully without sanitizing the severity of the situation. And the sweet romance throughout will bring a smile to your face. Sweet really is the best way to describe it.
While Scars isn't one of my personal favorites, it was a worthwhile and realistic read. It'll have a good audience, and it's one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to any number of teen readers. Give it to fans of Ellen Hopkins, Gail Giles, Patricia McCormick's Cut, Laurie Halse Anderson's Wintergirls or Speak, Nina La Cour's hold still, and other similar strong "issues" stories. It's one worth making room for on your shelves for sure.
At school, things are tough. Kendra's former best friend-turned-girlfriend-turned-ex girlfriend has moved away and she's really feeling a little alone. In an instant when she thought she'd be a victim of bullying, another girl -- Meghan -- steps in to protect her. From here on in, Kendra is attracted to Meghan in a new and profound way that comes out in the art she creates. The art, as you'd imagine, shows the pain and torture she feels in her life. The art, as you'd also imagine, is something she can't show her mom, who used to believe she had potential as an artist (she herself is one).
Kendra feels distanced from both her parents, and she doesn't feel comfortable breaking the silence. Mom and dad know she was abused, but there's an unspoken rule about that moment that it not be brought up. But when Kendra discovers she's being stalked and her therapist finds out she's cutting and must inform her parents, things unravel in unexpected ways.
Scars was a very fast read and will appeal greatly to reluctant readers. It reminded me in a lot of ways of Patricia McCormick's classic Cut, and it will likely appeal to the same audience. The first reason seems obvious, but there are other similarities: a fully-fleshed main character with weaker secondary characters.
In Rainfield's book, I was disappointed in the use of safety character Sandy, as well as in both Kendra's mother and father. They were all straw characters, even in the dynamic and unexpected ending (or maybe BECAUSE of that unexpected ending). I had a very hard time buying the case of abuse being such a secret in the family because I never found myself learning anything about the family. I kind of suspect those last couple of lines might be spoiler-y, but I also don't think that will detract from the greater story.
One of the gutsy things Rainfield does here is develop a very outcasted character -- or at least what may be considered one socially -- and made her fairly normal. Kendra's a victim of abuse, a cutter, an artist, and a lesbian, but she never makes any of them define her singularly. A lot of times in issues books such as this, one issue becomes what defines a character, but for me, I found Kendra fully fleshed and wholly human: I cared a heck of a lot about her well-being and with each new aspect of her personality, I came to get a really good picture of how dynamic she was. I didn't want her to consider ending her life because she really had so much going FOR her in terms of a relationship and in a career in art.
This is an unflinching book, though I felt the ending was a little rushed. I'm kind of glad some of it rushed because of the unflinching aspect, but other parts I would have liked more character. The pacing and character reminded me a LOT of Darlene Ryan's Five Minutes More. I'd believe these two titles would also make good readalikes, as would they both appeal greatly to teens (and adults!) who are more reluctant readers. Scars stands out also because the language is pretty clean -- I don't remember any swearing but do remember an instance of the f-bomb being written as "f-you" or something similar...just as effective! -- and there are no sexual situations aside from the abuse. That in itself is handled very tactfully without sanitizing the severity of the situation. And the sweet romance throughout will bring a smile to your face. Sweet really is the best way to describe it.
While Scars isn't one of my personal favorites, it was a worthwhile and realistic read. It'll have a good audience, and it's one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to any number of teen readers. Give it to fans of Ellen Hopkins, Gail Giles, Patricia McCormick's Cut, Laurie Halse Anderson's Wintergirls or Speak, Nina La Cour's hold still, and other similar strong "issues" stories. It's one worth making room for on your shelves for sure.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Cutting
Kendra has learned to cope with the pain of sexual abuse by cutting herself. Although she is in therapy, and finds release in her art work, she find that cutting is the only way... Read more
Published 11 days ago by Mary E. Young
Powerful and Thought Provoking
This is a powerful and moving story. Kendra is a sexual abuse survivor that has turned to cutting to cope with the overwhelming emotional pain in her life. Read more
Published 18 days ago by Succinct Reviews
A must read
This is such a powerful book! It's raw and honest and although it's labeled as adult, I believe young, mature people should read this book as well. Read more
Published 21 days ago by Felicia
Raw and Deep
First Thoughts:
This is one of those raw kinds of books; where emotion meets reality. The whole content is a very touchy subject to most readers, sexual rape and cutting... Read more
This is one of those raw kinds of books; where emotion meets reality. The whole content is a very touchy subject to most readers, sexual rape and cutting... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Lacey Williams
Scars - A Glimpse into the world of a tortured soul...
When I first saw the blurb for "Scars", I was deeply enchanted by it. I felt like I just HAD to read the book, especially given my own personal history with self-mutilation. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Hira N. Hasnain
Scars
This is a book I would recommend to others who are dealing with sexual abuse issues and self injurious behaviors. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Lisa Engelking
scars
This book is a page-turner. It gives an eerie prediction of what the Antichrist and his evil followers will do to snuff out Christianity. I highly recommend this book. Read more
Published 2 months ago by C. Singer
Very emotional.
I cannot start with why exactly this book is so emotional until you read it, and understand.
You need to be in a good place when you begin this book
You need to know you... Read more
You need to be in a good place when you begin this book
You need to know you... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Lori A. Hannis
Chapter by Chapter's review of Scars
After seeing what Scars was first about, I'll admit I was a bit hesitant- mainly because I'm not very used to reading the contemporary genre. BUT! Read more
Published 3 months ago by MaryAnn
A Must-Read if there are teens in your life
At the risk of sounding preachy, if you do anything with teenagers in your life, even if you are just a next-door-neighbor, this is a must read. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Alabama Teacher
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