Plot Summary
Critical Evaluation
I enjoyed this book. I thought Ashley was a realistic character. Her parents and stepparents were also believable. The writing was not 'perfect.' But the story was still worth telling. The author seems to be still coming into her own as a writer but there is great potential.
Reader’s Annotation
Ashley has spent most of her life in fear. Fear from the abuse of her stepfather. But her mother does not believe her.
Information about the author
I was inspired to write this story by my own recovery from childhood sexual abuse. In the process of working through my own grief, disbelief, and anger, I was writing poems and short stories, and sharing them with my (long-suffering) therapist. One day, he suggested that I try writing a novel.
It took me about four months of starting and stopping, always ending up in the same place: stuck inside myself-- until one day I became so sick of the scenery that I decided to try to imagine what it would have been like if I had been able to get out of the abusive situation I was in at age 15-- instead of remaining in it much longer. What if a young girl in that situation had a father who had allowed his own shame at being a lousy dad to keep him away for her entire life, as Ashley's father, David does? AND- what if he was able to come through for her in a way he never thought he could, when she needed him the most?
Genre
realistic fiction
Curriculum Ties
health. psychology. abuse.
Booktalking Ideas
*How do you heal from traumatic events in her life? *Where do you go for peace? *Who is a safe person you can talk to?
Reading Level
age 13 and up
Challenge Issues
N/A
Why Included?
This novel was one of three assigned novels for this class. It helps round out this collection by dealing with the stressful issue of abuse.
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