The Best Reader:
scars

Scars by Cheryl Rainfield Publisher: Westside Books (March 24th, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 250 pages Source: Author Rating: 4 of 5 stars
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.
Review: This is such a heart-breaking story. After reading it, I know it is one that I will never forget. Kendra is being tortured by the glimpses of memories from her past. Those memories are ones that are of the horrible sexual abuse she experienced. Something that complicates Kendra's situation further is that she can't remember the face of her abuser. To attempt to deal with the pain she cuts herself as a way to release her emotions. Now Kendra is being watched and she knows her predator is back to try to control her again.

Kendra uses her art as a way to hold on to reality. That, along with her therapist Carolyn, are the only things that seem to keep Kendra moving forward. Soon Kendra gets to know Meghan, a girl from school, and instantly realizes what true love might be. Meghan has issues of her own but together her and Kendra are able to support and trust one another. Their love is sweet, gentle, and I felt Cheryl was able to express the true emotions of each character. Watching their relationship slowly progress gave me hope that Kendra had finally found the connection she needed.

Carolyn was able to give Kendra the help she needed in order to deal with the deeper issues involving memories, cutting, and the abuse itself. Her assistance enabled Kendra to take her time coming to terms with the flashes of memories she experienced. I loved the fact that this book did show the importance of someone receiving psychological help from a professional.

This story isn't just about love and healing. It has a powerful, shocking ending that made me speechless. It is disturbing and Cheryl doesn't shy away from the truth of abuse. I think the reality this book presents is exactly what more YA books need to incorporate. Sexual abuse is something that happens to many teens and young adults. It is a difficult topic but it is important for readers to fully understand what emotional problems can go along with being abused. It does not stop after the act or after the abuser has been caught and punished. As with Kendra's story, it can lead to self-harm and emotional instability that cannot be ignored.

For more information on Cheryl Rainfield or Scars: Cheryl Rainfield / Twitter / Goodreads
Buy from: Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble

I'm so excited to have Cheryl Rainfield on my blog today. She is sharing some of her amazing artwork with us.

This painting I did (in acrylic) as a teen was a self-portrait. To me, I was showing the fear, the terror, the vulnerability and pain and sadness that was from the sexual (and ritual) abuse, that was so much of my experience. It felt like it made up all of me. The not wanting to be there in the abuse, the trying to escape, yet being frozen by fear, and by the threats and control my abusers used on me—all that was, for me, put into that painting. I think I was also showing myself—I was vulnerable, and innocent, and not wanting anything that happened to me; I was not to blame.

I did this drawing in colored pencil on watercolor paper. That there’s
happiness and hope in this drawing is a big thing for me; like my main
character, Kendra, in Scars, I didn’t used to be able to draw happiness
without pain. I also was rarely ever able to use color; most of my artwork
was black and white. So using color and bringing happiness into it was a
great step that reflected my healing and also my increased safety. This drawing to me was about healing and being grounded—having roots,
feeling yourself connected to the earth. It’s also about, for me, following
your dreams, keeping hold of the sense of magic and hope inside you, and
allowing yourself to heal, to grow, to put down roots with people, to allow
yourself to be nurtured and safe and trust people, and to know that you can
have a say in the direction your life goes.

Scars by Cheryl Rainfield Publisher: Westside Books (March 24th, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 250 pages 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.

Giveaway
Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a signed copy of Scars by Cheryl Rainfield and 2 bookmarks.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US ONLY and ends October 5th.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Thank you Cheryl for being on my blog today and sharing your personal artwork with us.
My review of SCARS will be posted Saturday.

For more information on Cheryl Rainfield or Scars: Cheryl Rainfield / Twitter / Goodreads
Buy from: Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble