May 31, 2011

Review - Cut by Patricia McCormick (+ Giveaway)


Cut by Patricia McCormick
February 2002 from Push

Synopsis:
A tingle arced across my scalp. The floor tipped up at me and my body spiraled away. Then I was on the ceiling looking down, waiting to see what would happen next.
Callie cuts herself. Never too deep, never enough to die. But enough to feel the pain. Enough to feel the scream inside. Now she’s at Sea Pines, a “residential treatment facility” filled with girls struggling with problems of their own. Callie doesn’t want to have anything to do with them. She doesn’t want to have anything to do with anyone. She won’t even speak. But Callie can only stay silent for so long…
The 10th Anniversary edition of Cut includes a brand-new afterword from author Patricia McCormick, an author Q&A, and added resources.

Review:
This small book packs a big punch! Callie is in treatment for her cutting at Sick Minds Sea Pines. Half of the girls have an eating "issue" of some sort and the others are "druggies." Callie doesn't exactly fit those profiles so her treatment consists of individual and group therapy and is slow going. I can imagine that years ago, people didn't exactly know how to treat people who deliberately hurt themselves. They didn't exactly fit the mold for anything else, but their behavior was socially unacceptable and so they were labeled mentally ill. I think Callie is an example of this and her silent treatment is a result. I don't think she is giving up on herself, but maybe simply not knowing how to help herself or allow anyone else to help. Callie has her own treatment, the silent treatment. To her, it's her only choice. 

Your heart hurts for Callie as she slowly reveals what is at the core of her illness, and you can't help but root for her the whole way. Her painful journey can be inspirational for any young person in need. 

You can find Patricia on her website
Like This Is Teen on Facebook

Push has been kind enough to offer two books to readers! I urge you to read this book and pass it on or donate it to your local library if they don't already have a copy if you are one of the lucky winners. I know we all love books, and free books are even better, so share the love! ;)

*giveaway closed*