Scars

Must Read!

Great book. Best book I have ever read. I would love to have it on my nook, so i can have it at hand where ever!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

SCARS

This is a must read. It is heartwrenching. It will never leave you.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Disturbing, but a must read.

I have to preface this by saying I had a very normal childhood and was just a very average teen, so parts of this book were tough for me to relate to personally at first. But it didn't take long before I totally felt for Kendra, whose pain is so deep that she cuts to help herself cope with her horrible memories of abuse and the current threat of her molester stalking her. I think this book provides an excellent window into the lives of kids who self-injure and makes it easier to understand why they might hurt themselves to ease pain. I think the author tackled this obviously sensitive issue with honesty while injecting a lot of hope in Kendra's story.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I've never read a book that felt so real.

This book is a must read for anyone who has dealt with abuse/cutting or other issues as well as friends and supporters. The story is so real that I did not want to put the book down. It was written so believably that you are inside Kendra's head experiencing situations as she feels them. As a survivor I really feel as though this story must be read and shared in the world.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a powerful and moving story. Kendra is a sexual abuse su

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. After a few months of seeing a therapist, Kendra begins to recollect the identity of her abuser and finds herself once again threatened by her him. Consequently, she is forced to face her past and deal with the pain that plagues her. I liked that the book ended on a realistic note, and didn't have a "happily ever after"ending. Kendra does begin the healing process, but will clearly have some work ahead of her. I thought this was an important message. Although there are times where the writing is more for "young teens" I found the overall story powerful and informative. It helped me to understand the emotional pain and thought process of someone who self mutilates. This book is a great resource for anyone - parents, friends, educators - who want to understand self mutilation. In addition, the author includes a list of resources that should be helpful to anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.

My name is Kendra. I’m 15, I’m an artist, I’m

My name is Kendra. I’m 15, I’m an artist, I’m a daughter, and I’m trying to heal. Years ago, I was sexual abused but I don’t know who the abuser was and that is what I am trying to uncover in therapy, or at least that is part of the purpose. I also cut, no… not with scissor but I cut myself….see I feel that this helps me with my “healing”. Not many people understand this concept so I don’t try to explain it, I keep this secret hidden, from everyone, its better this way. I have a few friends and my life started to get better, I thought things would eventually be okay but then, I started remembering and then my world turned upside down.
What a great read! I loved the emotions that Kendra had and she felt so real and alive in her expressions and her actions. When she cut herself and the emotional outlet she received reminded me so many times of why other people drink, take drugs, have sexual addictions, etc. - it was just that hers is so visual and exposed to the world. I was thankful to see she had an “out” with so many different people and glad she was strong individual who fought for what she wanted. I hope others can read this book and gain strength from it. The Author’s Note and the Resource Guide in the back are a true testament to the help and support that are available just for the asking. I know this topic is tough to read for some people, but it is reality. I really enjoyed this book.

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! (yes there is a but) after I read the first chapter, I was honestly already hooked. It started off with what I assumed would be a slow start, the main character Kendra is in her therapists office, talking about the sexual abuse she went through and about her rapist. Then things got exciting. We learn that Kendra is not only partaking in self harm, but that the man who sexually abused her might be following her.

How do we know this? Well, first we get wrenched into a memory of her abuse. From that point on (still in the first chapter) my heart was pounding. How did I know that I was going to love the book? Because to end the chapter, Kendra gets a note from him.

Scars was a novel that I found myself reading without stopping. It's one of those novels that you just can't put down. Cheryl Rainfield's writing was one of those descriptive yet thoughtful styles where you can vividly imagine everything and still feel the pain and emotions that Kendra did. I even found myself shivering and staring at my arms whenever the detailing of splitting skin during a cut was written.

As for the main character Kendra, I thought of her as a strong and tortured character. Her home life was one that I found irritating. The fact that her mother constantly blamed herself for what happened to Kendra and was always yelling at her about not letting her in had me clawing at the pages (in a good way) because her mother never tried to help Kendra during the abuse. As for her father, he seems alright (*narrows eyes*). Back to Kendra! I felt like she went through some of those more painful and touchy subjects that lead most teenagers to suicide (sexual abuse, homosexuality, self harm, etc.) and it was commonly referenced in the book that Kendra used to consider killing herself.

The entire novel was a mystery too, I was constantly trying to figure out who Kendra's stalker/abuser was. Rainfield planted the idea of so many people Kendra knew as her stalker/abuser who was commonly referenced to as him. I am happy to admit that by the time I was guessing who he actually was, the novel finally revealed who Kendra's abuser was and it is definitely one of those twists that you NEVER saw coming.

I recommend this to any fans of the contemporary genre, mystery or just want a good fast paced read in general. Scars is one of those novels that you continue thinking about long after you finish it. You won't be able to forget Kendra's story and struggle to stop her self harm and to find out who hurt her before things get too dangerous...

Wonderful

You really can connect with the characters it is an amazing love story as well i recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good read

easy to relate

I am a cutter as well. And reading this book I could relate to alot of what she went to. I wasn't raped as a child but was sexually asulted as a young adult by the first guy I ever trusted. Reading this book trying to recover from cutting and stuff this book so very helpful in lots of ways. As kendra rinds you that it may not stop quickly there is light on the other side. And it is normal to fall when you do. And that just sets peace in my mind tonight as i finished the book. I very much recommend this book whether you are a cutter or not because being a cutter you find you feel very alone when your surrounded by people who don't understand it. And if you are a cutter i recommend this book to you to wheather you are ready to quiet or not. this book is on my top ten books and will read it again..

SOOOO GOOOD

Simply put. Amazing. Could NOT put it down!! Can't wait for the next book from this author. This book was so great. Comparable to Ellen Hopkins, who I love!

Absolutely Amazing!

Scars is an amazing book and has joined my list of favorites! Kendra's journey through the book and her battles with cutting and the memories of abuse she endured is mesmerizing and unforgettable. As a survivor of sexual abuse and self-harm, it was at times like looking into the mirror at myself. Reading a book with a character I could really relate to was a great feeling. When I suggested it to a few of my friends who are not survivors, they too said the book was almost haunting. You can feel every emotion Kendra is going through and you will not want to put the book down until the end.

Powerful, Emotional, Healing

Scars is by all mean a powerful book. I normally don't read books about cutting - the thought of people hurting themselves scares me - but the description on the back of the book drew me in. I sat down and read it all in one sitting, and I was not disappointed. It's fast-paced, suspenseful, educational, and most of all, emotional. The pain and struggles in the book are real, but so is the triumph.

Through Kendra, the main character, Rainfield creates an emotionally real world of family, friends, and role models. I held my breath along with Kendra as she tried to uncover the mystery of her abuser, and felt her relief and hope at every victory, no matter how small.

This book is for survivors of abuse. It's for people who self-harm. It's for LGBTQ kids. It's for people who don't understand self-harm, or the turmoil that victims of abuse go through. It's for people who have felt alone in their struggle. It's for anyone who has felt pain.

Scars is painful. It hurts. But it also heals, and I think that anyone's who has ever suffered silently could find solace and comfort in Kendra's story.

An Amazing and Breathtaking Book

in the book Scars, Kendra is a teenager with a very big secret - someone molested her, and she doesn't know who did it. From being followed by her molester to being a troubled gay teenager, Kendra is struggling in her own skin. But she has an outlet - her artwork and her therapist Carolyn. Kendra is an amazing artist, and uses that as her way of cooping with everything. But another outlet she has thats to get her emotional pain out is her cutting. Her father's job is getting downsized, and the possibility of her not being able to see Carolyn anymore is becoming bigger, and her cutting habits are becoming more frequent. Kendra, however, meets a girl at school, Meghan; they become very good friends, even though their social circles aren't even close to being the same. Scars can relate to any teenager in every way, weather they're gay, straight, boy, girl, raped, anything. The novel Scars is different then any other i have read; it connects to teenagers, not juts as a book, but as a true person. The deep meaning behind his book is amazing. The title drew me to this book because it gave me this overall connecting to the book, plus you understand what its about before you even read the first page. Also, the book is so detailed. The way she describes everything in it, its amazing how it all fits together. There is a lot of expert writing in this book. The commentary dashes are amazing; it gives you a sense of imaginary and relate ability.

AWESOME

It was a great read. I thought it was very discriptive and made you feel as if you were there with her. I loved this book.

so touching and makes you see cutters a whole different way....

this story is extremely real. its about a girl,Kendra, who got sexually abused and cuts herself to ease the pain. she is seeing a therapist and the flashbacks are getting more real everyday. she meets a girl who finds her scars and tries to help her through it. someone in the book turns out to be her abuser and u kinda guess at first but then you think "o wait it cant be him" but in the end u realize it is him. loved the cover even though my teacher picked it up and said it was inappropriate for school....LOOOOOOOVE THIS BOOOOOOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

another amazing book, definitely worth reading!

in scars, the girl really does hurt alot. it really shows. it helps people to understand why people cut, it shows their pain. very suspenseful!

Heartbreaking Thriller

A very raw and truthful story that deals with the all too real horror of abuse. The main character will grab your heart, hold on tight, and never let it go. Kendra's story is an unforgettable one that will haunt you long into the future. Her strength and resilience will inspire those that need a little faith in order to believe that there is hope and life after abuse. You can go on, just like Kendra.

Total Emotion

The fact that author Cheryl Rainfield is a former cutter and an abuse survivor makes Scars even more chilling than it would have been otherwise. Kendra is a victim of sexual abuse but she has repressed her memory of her abuser. She does remember him telling her that he will kill her if she ever tells what happened. He is now stalking her as well, occasionally dropping off little 'presents'.

To ease the extreme emotional pain, Kendra, a talented artist, draws. Her drawings evoke the sharp emotions she is experiencing. She has also begun cutting. She must keep all of this a secret. Her life depends on it.

Her mother has always been critical of Kendra and her art. She talks to Kendra but doesn't listen. Her father shows her more love and does listen, but he cannot be an outlet for her. The only person Kendra feels comfortable talking to is her therapist, Carolyn, who listens and is not judgmental. Yet through her therapy sessions she still has not been able to discover the identity of her abuser.

To make matters worse, Kendra has fallen for Meghan, a girl with a myriad of problems of her own.

No one can predict how he or she will react being a victim of sexual abuse or the parent of an abused child. The adults in Scars run the gamut from distance to understanding to love; from judgmental to non-judgmental. Every character in Scars is as real as I would imagine them to be. Kendra's emotion turmoil is so believable-her frustration at not being able to remember her abuser vs. her fear to remember him; her questioning her own sanity as she hears footsteps (or imagines she hears them) following her home from school. Kendra's elation with Meghan is a great juxtaposition with her sadness at her situation.

The pace of the story jumps between fast as Kendra runs away from her stalker to slow as she and Meghan enjoy a nice summer afternoon in the park.

Told in the first person, Scars by Cheryl Rainfield grips you from the page one. It is a great companion book to Cut by Patricia McCormick, also a must read, reviewed on this website. I cannot recommend these books enough.

A tough, beautiful story about abuse, pain, and hope

Scars is a powerful book, and not for the faint of heart. Its a harsh story about harsh issues. It is also a beautiful, hope-filled story about the courage to face the truth and the strength to embrace the beauty and love that often flutters around the edge of despair.

In contrast to her mother who paints perfectly controlled landscapes, Kendra's art is an expression of her hopes and fears, which her mother criticizes as being too raw. But Kendra knows that "Art is like a printout of my soul, showing all the things I can't say" (56). Her self-knowledge is reaffirmed by Mrs. Archer, the compassionate and supportive art teacher, who tells Kendra, "I think you've got to get out whatever's hurting you through your art, so it doesn't twist you up inside" (113).

Kendra is also a lesbian and it was refreshing to find no excuses or justifications within the story for her orientation. There is an adult gay male character, Sandy, who is Kendra's mom's longtime friend. Sandy is a healthy male and artistic role model for Kendra. His home has often been a safe haven for her.

Other than her art, the one highlight in Kendra's life is her new friendship with and attraction to Meghan. Early in the book Meghan rescues Kendra from one of the school bullies and then they end up in an art therapy class together. Kendra and Meghan are both wounded girls trying to survive in their own ways. Whereas Kendra cuts herself, Meghan is a beautiful, tough girl who sleeps with guys initially hoping that her feelings for other girls will go away. Now she does it as a way to try to feel something, but it just keeps her numb. Her mom is a physically abusive alcoholic.

As they're waiting for the art therapy class to begin, Kendra mentions that her mom is a painter and Meghan asks what she paints. Kendra replies, "Landscapes. Scenery. Pretty pictures of cows in meadows with buttercups." Meghan snorts and replies, "Like we need more lies telling us how perfect life is. I tell ya, what we need to see is the real stuff, stuff that shows what people usually hide. Maybe if somebody painted that, then we wouldn't all feel so alone" (60).

Cheryl Rainfield has painted the real stuff with this book. I commend her for sharing her experience and baring her soul in writing it. I hope it gets into the hands of young people who may need it now or people who are recovering from abuse. It would also be a helpful book for parents, teachers, counselors, and friends to read in order to help them understand the feelings and compulsion behind self-harm. Just stopping the behavior isn't the point. As Kendra's therapist Carolyn says to her parents:

"Self injury shows the depth of pain and turmoil someone is feeling. Now, I know you'll want her to stop hurting herself right away. But a more realistic hope is that Kendra will learn some new coping skills, and, in time, find the tools and strategies she needs to safely express her emotions instead of cutting" (185).

I'm not surprised that the book is getting some award nominations. It was recently nominated for the American Library Association's Quick Picks and Stonewall awards.

So Powerful!

Kendra knows she was sexually abused in her childhood but she has just one problem-she can't remember the identity of her abuser. She isn't at a time in her life where she is strong enough to deal with memories of the abuse, so she cuts herself to forget; to make the memories go away when they threaten to overtake her.

Now, years after the abuse stopped, Kendra is getting the feeling that it isn't over. She starts to feel like someone is following her, watching her every move. Then her abuser starts leaving her messages, threatening to kill her if she tells anyone about the abuse.

Kendra doesn't think she can talk to anyone about her abuse or that she knows he is still after her. Her mother would just rather forget about the whole thing and her father has enough problems as it is to deal with at the moment. But then she meets Meghan, a girl who she connects with in almost every way possible, and she feels as if she can really open up to someone for the first time; she lets herself become vulnerable to Meghan, who does the same in return. Kendra finally lets herself feel loved by someone.

I think that even though this book mainly centers on the abuse that Kendra went through and trying to find out the identity of her abuser, I also think it's about coming to terms with something we have no control over, and learning to accept and love yourself after going through something horrific.

Even weeks after finishing Scars I can't stop thinking about Kendra and her story, which I've found out is common with sexual abuse victims. The climax of the book is something I never could've prepared myself for, it's thrown in your face so quickly that it's almost too hard to swallow. My breath caught in my throat, my jaw literally dropped, and I had to reread that one line to make sure that I'd read it correctly the first time.and I did.

I was very happy with the way Cheryl Rainfield ended the book, because I knew it couldn't end too happy with everything that had been discovered. I think it has the perfect ending, with everyone trying to face and accept the past and look forward to the future ahead of them.

I also want to applaud Cheryl for having the courage writing something that was very closely related to the experience that she had as a child. I don't think anyone could've written anything like Scars the way she had.