The Perfect Cut

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.

I had really high hopes for this book and was disappointed. Usually I enjoy book with a topic such as this, just because there is so much emotion present in them. However, I felt little more than frustration with the characters. I didn't enjoy the style of writing either - it definitely would've been more effective if written in first person. And honestly, it wasn't creative. At no point did I think, "I wonder what will happen next!" It was very predictable and cliche. Overall, I think this book is very overrated. The subject matter tries to trick you into thinking it will be an intense read, but it can't cover up for the mediocre writing.

I have read alot of books like this and a lot of them havenn't really sad what the character was going through. And considering I do still go to highschool this book really helps me understand the people in my school that have gone through this or is going through the exact same situation. So i want to thank Julie Burtinshaw for opening my eyes. : )

I believe that in today's society, books about social issues are indispensable. The Perfect Cut is one such book. Julie Burtinshaw has taken a hard look at one of today's most (unfortunately) common and much hushed topics - cutting.

While many people choose to believe this is a limited problems - in my opinion, it goes right up there with eating disorders - both issues are growing in leaps and bounds and people are choosing to ignore the problems.

The Perfect Cut describes the perfect, painful pleasure our main character takes in cutting himself (yes, I did say "him") as a way to release his stress, pain and sadness. This book is doubly unusual in that it made its main character a male. Again, most people will assume that cutting is strictly a female problem - but I do not believe this argument. What is so fascinating about Burtinshaw's book is that as the reader, I get to "be" in Bryan's mind - before, during and after he cuts himself. The vivid description of the cutting and of the feelings he experiences make this book extremely difficult to read and yet, strangely compelling at the same time.

Cutting is a complex issue and the author does not claim to have it all figured out - yet, this book is a gem - in telling us, simply and honestly, what Bryan is living with day in and day out (some of it in his head and some of it - his reality) we get a sense that this person is deeply hurt and although cutting is not the solution (neither is drugging, eating disorders or drinking for that matter) Bryan, in his own way, is trying to do the best that he can with all that is bottled up inside.

I believe the time for this book has come and I suggest it be read by all Young Adults and their parents alike - you are not going to like what you read, but it is OUR reality now.

The detail and depth Julie Burtinshaw went into to describe this young mans life was iunbelievably well done. I started this book, and neglect life until I was finished. From the very beginning I was drawn in to the story, as I have an interest in adolescent psychology, and I was not dissapointed. For anyone looking for a great book that is about more than just first kisses or friend problems, I reccomend this to you. Words cannot deescribe how much I LOVED this book. Thank you.