Scars - Cheryl Rainfield - Blog Tour Review and Giveaway

Kendra hasn't felt safe since devastating memories of childhood sexual abuse began surfacing, especially because she still can't remember the most important detail--her abuser's identity. Kendra knows someone is always watching, following her and leaving menacing messages, and making her fear for her life. Kendra cuts to relieve the pressure; it's how she copes, along with her brilliant, expressive artwork. Her mother is too self-absorbed to listen, so Kendra finds support elsewhere: from her therapist and her art teacher; from Sandy, a family friend who encourages her painting; and from Meghan, a friend and maybe more. Will they ever learn the truth about Kendra's terrible secret? Scars is the story of one girl's frightening path to the truth.

Title: Scars

Author: Cheryl Rainfield

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Publisher: Westside Books

Publication Date: March 24, 2010

Source: Received from author courtesy of The Teen Book Scene. Many thanks goes to both Cheryl Rainfield and Kari from The Teen Book Scene for sending me this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. 

My rating: 5/5

Scars tells the troubling story of a young girl's struggle with cutting, and her resurfacing memories of childhood sexual abuse. The more Kendra remembers, the more she learns about her abuser's identity, but the memories leave a devastating trail of knowledge in their wake. Kendra's coping mechanism from the memories is her use of cutting, and her emotional and expressive painting. 

I can't begin to fathom the immense strain and psychological damage that abuse survivors have had placed on them. Following Kendra's story, and her use of cutting to help her cope; it seems almost right for her to cut. It bleeds away the pain, and makes everything go away for awhile. This is a mindset that a lot of people have. As the book progresses, we see that cutting is a dangerous method of coping, and one that causes more harm for Kendra. She has already suffered so much abuse from her abuser, that it is painful to read that she is inflicting still more abuse on herself. Unfortunately, too many times we see the results of cutting end in tragedy. 

Kendra was a mesmerizing character. Her fear is palpable, as is her struggle with cutting, wanting to heal, and her hope of finding happiness. She is expertly written and I found Rainfield's heart pouring through all of the facets of Kendra's character. 

Rainfield's writing is expressive and detailed, bringing an understanding to the reasons that one will take to cope with stressors brought on by abuse, as well as the need for structure that does not involve cutting. 

All in all, a book well worth reading as it brings to light the harsh reality of abuse, and what it means for those who have been abused and have to deal with the long lasting ramifications. Unfortunately, many don't receive the help they need to turn from using cutting as a coping mechanism, to a safer outlet for their emotions. 

Giveaway

Cheryl Rainfield has graciously offered a signed copy of her book, along with two bookmarks, for a giveaway. All you need to enter is to comment on this post with your email address stating you would like to be entered. 

Contest is US/Canada only. 
Contest ends October 1, 2010.


You can follow along with the rest of the tour here.