Scars
Cheryl Rainfield
Publisher: Westside Books
Release Date: March 24, 2010 (BUT the paperback will be out May 25, so don’t forget to check that out!!)
Pages: 250
Source: Copy for Review

Rating: 3.5 stars

Summary (Via Goodreads): 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.

Scars was kind of like a car crash for me – you know that tragic accident that you pass, and have to slow down to look at, even though know you know you shouldn’t? Scars was like that – an absolutely horrifying story and was really sad, yet I couldn’t stop reading once I started.
The plot was really intriguing. It was incredibly tragic to think that that sort of thing happens, but it was one of those stories that needs to be read. Mixed with the sadder seens there were scenes that, while I was reading them, I just couldn’t stop smiling! They were so heartwarming. At times, things seemed to work out too perfectly for Kendra. That would probably be my biggest fault of the book.
The characters were all very well written. Kendra was a really strong character and very easy to relate to, even though most people haven’t gone through the same things she has. Rainfeld made is really easy to get into Kendra’s head and understand her emotions. Meghan was kind of like the shining ray of light of the book I thought. I really admired her for her attitude and the way she stayed strong.
Scars was a really great read – I read it in 3 sittings. The story was intriguing and the characters were great. I would really recommend it.