Krista Reviews: Scars by Cheryl Rainfield

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.

Hardcover, 248 pages

Published March 24th 2010 by Westside Books

The story begins with Kendra remembering what happened to her as a child. Problems at school and then home issues add to that, all culminating in a powerful climax. Cheryl Rainfield pushes Kendra to her absolute breaking point to fully explore the emotions she’s experiencing. The release of those emotions and the choices she makes, are the whole focus of this book.

Books with subjects like abuse and self harm are not necessarily as popular as other realistic fiction/contemporary books are, and the combination of issues in Scar adds to its intensity. The writing is excellent, especially when describing Kendra’s needs and feelings. The need to cut and find release from the emotional pain is very well detailed, and is told on different levels so everybody can relate to her.

I recommend this book for those that have an interest in exploring what goes on in a person’s head when they are thinking of self harm. Kendra has moments of real breakthroughs, and great insight into her mind space is given throughout the story. I think it’s an important read and well done.