Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
The cycle of abuse is one of society's seemingly incurable ills. One generation passes its violence on to the next. Destiny and her sister, Cassidy, are victims of this tragic cycle.
BAD GIRLS CLUB focuses on one such family. Destiny is in high school attempting to entertain thoughts of her future, but her present seems to become more demanding of her time. Destiny's mother has long been suffering from mental illness. Her mood swings and depression result in rough times for five-year-old Cassidy. Destiny has realized, since the birth of her younger sibling, that her mother has never loved the little girl. Neglect and physical abuse have become normal behavior.
Most children could rely on the other parent for some sort of protection; however, in Destiny's case her father's focus is always on his wife's well-being and not that of his children. He realizes his wife needs help, but he's unwilling to take the necessary steps to find her the help she desperately needs. Instead he relies on Destiny's help to care for her and to keep the truth of their lives hidden.
With the use of flashbacks, Gregerson reveals the history of abuse which has caused Destiny's mother to continue the behavior toward her own children. The arrival of Destiny's grandmother offers a promise of better things to come. But will Grandmother's help even be welcomed -- and will it be too late?
BAD GIRLS CLUB by Judy Gregerson tells a heartbreaking story. Unfortunately, it is a story told much too often. Readers will feel the fear and frustration as Destiny tries to do her best to keep loving her mother and at the same time keep her younger sister safe. This book will help those who have suffered a similar situation and open the eyes of those who haven't.
The cycle of abuse is one of society's seemingly incurable ills. One generation passes its violence on to the next. Destiny and her sister, Cassidy, are victims of this tragic cycle.
BAD GIRLS CLUB focuses on one such family. Destiny is in high school attempting to entertain thoughts of her future, but her present seems to become more demanding of her time. Destiny's mother has long been suffering from mental illness. Her mood swings and depression result in rough times for five-year-old Cassidy. Destiny has realized, since the birth of her younger sibling, that her mother has never loved the little girl. Neglect and physical abuse have become normal behavior.
Most children could rely on the other parent for some sort of protection; however, in Destiny's case her father's focus is always on his wife's well-being and not that of his children. He realizes his wife needs help, but he's unwilling to take the necessary steps to find her the help she desperately needs. Instead he relies on Destiny's help to care for her and to keep the truth of their lives hidden.
With the use of flashbacks, Gregerson reveals the history of abuse which has caused Destiny's mother to continue the behavior toward her own children. The arrival of Destiny's grandmother offers a promise of better things to come. But will Grandmother's help even be welcomed -- and will it be too late?
BAD GIRLS CLUB by Judy Gregerson tells a heartbreaking story. Unfortunately, it is a story told much too often. Readers will feel the fear and frustration as Destiny tries to do her best to keep loving her mother and at the same time keep her younger sister safe. This book will help those who have suffered a similar situation and open the eyes of those who haven't.
