The Perfect Cut is definitely not the kind of book you'll want to
read if you want something for laughs- it's dark, edgy and focuses
on a teen who's experiencing a tough time seemingly alone.
Almost a year ago, Brian's beloved sister Michelle died, leaving
him to fend for himself against a cold father and a mother who has
taken to drinking at night to ease the pain of losing her child.
Brian doesn't care much about anything anymore- his once high
grades are slipping, he's skipping school- and he's seriously
depressed. The only time when he feels in control and can actually
feel something is when he cuts.
In fact, his sister had been a cutter too- a secret he's still
keeping from everyone who regarded Michelle in another light and
one that's slowly fueling the guilt he feels over her death.
Told mainly in Brian's perspective (sometimes it will randomly
switch to another character for a very short time), the book takes
place in the present but also flashes back from time to time in the
past.
If you've read a 'cutter' book before, you'll probably find many of
the events predictable, but if not, prepare to have this book open
your eyes to the issues- both social and psychological- this book
explores.
The Perfect Cut is one of the 2010 nominations for the White Pine
Award.