For anyone who is a cutter, knows a cutter, has been abused, or knows someone who has been abused.
This story was well written.
It is a heavy topic but Rainfield deals with the issues in an amazingly relatable way.

This book felt so real, well written, and the main character came alive for me on the pages. I felt her tension and her fear, but also her moments of hope and happiness. I highly recommend it.

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.

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.

'Scars' is a book that you are unlikely to forget. Long after you finish devouring its delicious words, you are left with its imprint forever upon your soul. It is courageous and honest. It explores subject matters that need to be spoken about. Things that are, even in this day and age, brushed under the carpet in some circles. I was immediately swept up into Kendra's world, and her story held me captive the entire journey. I highly recommend that you not only read this book, but talk about it!