Helpful Score: 2
I would not recommend this book to anyone that is easily offended by graphic sexual details. That being said I can not believe that I lived 59 years with my head in the sand as to what some children go through growing up. This book, and Singing Songs by the same author, has made me want to volunteer with one of the organizations to advocate for children's rights. To think that this happens on a daily basis to so many children and that it happens right under our noses and we don't even realize it makes me sick to my stomach. I no longer want to live with my head in the sand.
If you can handle the language this was a very moving book about child abuse and a child finding her way into a wonderful family. It will be remembered in my eyes and stick with me for a long time.
I've been meaning to read this for a few years at least and it's been sitting here for about that long. I finally picked it up because a friend thought she may want to read it. I'm glad I read it so now it's off my shelf. But I'm not glad I read it because it's so great. It's not as great as people say.
I think what has people saying it's so great is how graphic it is.
**Hear me out.**
Most books aren't as graphic as this. In this way it's somewhat unique. So, it hits harder because of that alone. If you'll notice, many of the reviews state just how graphic it is. How they weren't expecting this, etc. I'm willing to bet anyone who doesn't read real life stories of abuse will be greatly bothered by it. Hell, I have read a lot of personal stories about brutality and it bothered me. But it didn't hit me as hard as I think it did some (most?) others.
My review is a lot like my friend Sabrina's. What I liked the most was the alternate story telling. I liked getting Hazen's side of the story. In fact, I found Hazen's side much more interesting.
The ending was anti-climatic.
The best part of the book is something else my Sabrina mentions - the fact that the author donated/donates a portion of the sales of the book to "organizations serving children who are victims of abuse". I'd have liked to have known which organizations but that's neither here nor there.
In the end I'd say beware, it's not all your friends made it out to be. And, it is graphic. I'm not sure I'd hand this to any teenager. He or she would have to be an older, mature teen for me to be okay with it.
I think what has people saying it's so great is how graphic it is.
**Hear me out.**
Most books aren't as graphic as this. In this way it's somewhat unique. So, it hits harder because of that alone. If you'll notice, many of the reviews state just how graphic it is. How they weren't expecting this, etc. I'm willing to bet anyone who doesn't read real life stories of abuse will be greatly bothered by it. Hell, I have read a lot of personal stories about brutality and it bothered me. But it didn't hit me as hard as I think it did some (most?) others.
My review is a lot like my friend Sabrina's. What I liked the most was the alternate story telling. I liked getting Hazen's side of the story. In fact, I found Hazen's side much more interesting.
The ending was anti-climatic.
The best part of the book is something else my Sabrina mentions - the fact that the author donated/donates a portion of the sales of the book to "organizations serving children who are victims of abuse". I'd have liked to have known which organizations but that's neither here nor there.
In the end I'd say beware, it's not all your friends made it out to be. And, it is graphic. I'm not sure I'd hand this to any teenager. He or she would have to be an older, mature teen for me to be okay with it.
This was a quick read for me, but difficult because of the content. It is about a girl who is sexually abused and while this is not described in great detail, it made me sick to my stomach. It is overall a good story.
Story Overview
Gemma Sullivan is a 12-year-old girl who hides her interest in school but secretly loves learning. She does her best to make a life for herself, despite her neglectful, alcoholic mother and the unwanted attentions of her mother's boyfriend Buddy. Buddy has been forcing Gemma to have sex with him since she was 7 years old and has convinced her that it must be kept secret or she will go to jail. Withdrawn and friendless, Gemma dreams of having a normal life with a normal mother and a clean home. But that doesn't seem to be in the cards for Gemma, especially when Buddy decides to pimp her out to his friend Hazen Woods for $100.
Hazen Wood is 36-years-old and, once he experiences sex with Gemma, begins to fantasize having her all to himself and living with her as man and wife. Increasingly plagued by his twisted desires, Hazen kidnaps Gemmaâforcing her to ride in the trunk of his car because she refuses to "play nice" and keeps trying to escape. They travel across the country, with the dynamics of their relationship evolving over time as Gemma learns to tolerate Hazen's depravity and violence by cultivating a rich inner life and imagination.
Eventually, they end up in Chicago where fate intervenes and offers Gemma a chance to escape from Hazen. But will Gemma be able to rebuild her life and overcome the horror of her childhood? Will she be able to undo the damage of a lifetime of sexual abuse, violence, and neglect? Is there a chance for Gemma?
My Thoughts
On the back of the review copy that I received, author Meg Tilly talks about what inspired her to write this novel, including her own childhood experiences with sexual abuse by various family members. She writes that the voice of Hazen came to her first, and when she wrote as him: "...I was shaking and nauseous. I felt like I was coated in him somehow. The writer in me was a mix of things; terrified, but relieved too, excited even, because I knew I had touched something true." She didn't hear the voice of Gemma for a long time. "And then one day, a miracle happened. Gemma started talking to me in her quiet and shy voice and I thought, 'Ah...Now I can finally write this book.'"
I think it takes guts for Meg Tilly to reveal her own experiences with sexual abuse, but knowing this adds so much credibility to the character's voices. This isn't an easy book to read. Alternating between narration by Gemma and Hazen, the book was often so disturbing that I had to put it aside. Hearing Hazen's twisted logic and justification for what he does to Gemma made me sick. Unfortunately, I did feel like Meg Tilly took me into the mind of a pedophileâand it was a very disturbing place to visit. But, at the same time, getting to know Gemma and learning how she manages to survive and even thrive in a horrible environment and situation helped to offset the disgust I felt when reading Hazen's sections. As a reader, you root for Gemma and ache inside when she believes Hazen's threat and lies. Gemma thinks like a 12-year-old and not an adult, and you begin to understand how easily pedophiles can manipulate children in these situations.
I am very thankful that Meg Tilly provided Gemma with a way to escape from Hazen and have another shot at life. I don't think I could have finished this book if there hadn't been a glimmer of hope at the endâthat Gemma was finally exposed to adults who weren't out to abuse or take advantage of her. I know that not all abused children get a "happy" ending, but I'm glad the author chose to provide one for Gemma.
My Final Recommendation
I always struggle giving a "recommendation" for a book like this. This isn't a book you enjoy or read for pleasure. It is disturbing and shockingly graphic in many sections. The writing is goodâalmost too good in parts. I was really disturbed reading the sections narrated by Hazen; I didn't want to hear what was in his head. But, at the same time, perhaps there is value in being taken inside the mind of a pedophile. I'm glad the book ended with a chance for Gemma to reclaim her life; it would have been entirely too depressing if she hadn't. If the premise of this book interests you, I would recommend it as it was well-written and you won't soon forget it. As far as my ranking, I'm giving it 3.5 stars. I think it was a worthwhile book, but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone due to the subject matter.
Gemma Sullivan is a 12-year-old girl who hides her interest in school but secretly loves learning. She does her best to make a life for herself, despite her neglectful, alcoholic mother and the unwanted attentions of her mother's boyfriend Buddy. Buddy has been forcing Gemma to have sex with him since she was 7 years old and has convinced her that it must be kept secret or she will go to jail. Withdrawn and friendless, Gemma dreams of having a normal life with a normal mother and a clean home. But that doesn't seem to be in the cards for Gemma, especially when Buddy decides to pimp her out to his friend Hazen Woods for $100.
Hazen Wood is 36-years-old and, once he experiences sex with Gemma, begins to fantasize having her all to himself and living with her as man and wife. Increasingly plagued by his twisted desires, Hazen kidnaps Gemmaâforcing her to ride in the trunk of his car because she refuses to "play nice" and keeps trying to escape. They travel across the country, with the dynamics of their relationship evolving over time as Gemma learns to tolerate Hazen's depravity and violence by cultivating a rich inner life and imagination.
Eventually, they end up in Chicago where fate intervenes and offers Gemma a chance to escape from Hazen. But will Gemma be able to rebuild her life and overcome the horror of her childhood? Will she be able to undo the damage of a lifetime of sexual abuse, violence, and neglect? Is there a chance for Gemma?
My Thoughts
On the back of the review copy that I received, author Meg Tilly talks about what inspired her to write this novel, including her own childhood experiences with sexual abuse by various family members. She writes that the voice of Hazen came to her first, and when she wrote as him: "...I was shaking and nauseous. I felt like I was coated in him somehow. The writer in me was a mix of things; terrified, but relieved too, excited even, because I knew I had touched something true." She didn't hear the voice of Gemma for a long time. "And then one day, a miracle happened. Gemma started talking to me in her quiet and shy voice and I thought, 'Ah...Now I can finally write this book.'"
I think it takes guts for Meg Tilly to reveal her own experiences with sexual abuse, but knowing this adds so much credibility to the character's voices. This isn't an easy book to read. Alternating between narration by Gemma and Hazen, the book was often so disturbing that I had to put it aside. Hearing Hazen's twisted logic and justification for what he does to Gemma made me sick. Unfortunately, I did feel like Meg Tilly took me into the mind of a pedophileâand it was a very disturbing place to visit. But, at the same time, getting to know Gemma and learning how she manages to survive and even thrive in a horrible environment and situation helped to offset the disgust I felt when reading Hazen's sections. As a reader, you root for Gemma and ache inside when she believes Hazen's threat and lies. Gemma thinks like a 12-year-old and not an adult, and you begin to understand how easily pedophiles can manipulate children in these situations.
I am very thankful that Meg Tilly provided Gemma with a way to escape from Hazen and have another shot at life. I don't think I could have finished this book if there hadn't been a glimmer of hope at the endâthat Gemma was finally exposed to adults who weren't out to abuse or take advantage of her. I know that not all abused children get a "happy" ending, but I'm glad the author chose to provide one for Gemma.
My Final Recommendation
I always struggle giving a "recommendation" for a book like this. This isn't a book you enjoy or read for pleasure. It is disturbing and shockingly graphic in many sections. The writing is goodâalmost too good in parts. I was really disturbed reading the sections narrated by Hazen; I didn't want to hear what was in his head. But, at the same time, perhaps there is value in being taken inside the mind of a pedophile. I'm glad the book ended with a chance for Gemma to reclaim her life; it would have been entirely too depressing if she hadn't. If the premise of this book interests you, I would recommend it as it was well-written and you won't soon forget it. As far as my ranking, I'm giving it 3.5 stars. I think it was a worthwhile book, but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone due to the subject matter.
Reviewed by Ashley B for TeensReadToo.com
Twelve-year-old Gemma is enjoying her young life on the outside, but she has a secret. She is being sexually abused by Buddy, her mother's boyfriend. He sells her out to Hazen Woods, who pays $100 to have sex with Gemma.
Hazen, later on, kidnaps Gemma, and they drove all over the country. She tried to get away, but he always found her. She gave up. Nobody would listen if she asked for help; no one would help her. She can't tell anyone anything, because Buddy embedded the thought into her that Gemma would go to jail if anyone ever found out. She stays strong with her imagination, and thinks that, eventually, she will be home again.
This is a difficult book for me to review. And it was a difficult book to read. I had no idea what to expect when I began reading this novel, because I knew it was about child abuse, which is a really tough subject for anyone. And as a disclaimer, this book is definitely not for younger readers.
The novel started off somewhat slow. But it wasn't long before I couldn't stop reading. I felt so much pain, Gemma's pain, from the start. I had trouble understanding how anyone could treat a child in that way. I think that the story was made better since it goes back and forth between Gemma's point of view and Hazen's. After reading Hazen's point of view for the first time, I could not FATHOM how a grown man could be so disgusting.
So, GEMMA was tough to read. But in reality, it was amazing. Really. By the end of the novel, I was so happy for Gemma, yet so sad for her. Books don't often give off this much emotion, which made the book even better for me.
Twelve-year-old Gemma is enjoying her young life on the outside, but she has a secret. She is being sexually abused by Buddy, her mother's boyfriend. He sells her out to Hazen Woods, who pays $100 to have sex with Gemma.
Hazen, later on, kidnaps Gemma, and they drove all over the country. She tried to get away, but he always found her. She gave up. Nobody would listen if she asked for help; no one would help her. She can't tell anyone anything, because Buddy embedded the thought into her that Gemma would go to jail if anyone ever found out. She stays strong with her imagination, and thinks that, eventually, she will be home again.
This is a difficult book for me to review. And it was a difficult book to read. I had no idea what to expect when I began reading this novel, because I knew it was about child abuse, which is a really tough subject for anyone. And as a disclaimer, this book is definitely not for younger readers.
The novel started off somewhat slow. But it wasn't long before I couldn't stop reading. I felt so much pain, Gemma's pain, from the start. I had trouble understanding how anyone could treat a child in that way. I think that the story was made better since it goes back and forth between Gemma's point of view and Hazen's. After reading Hazen's point of view for the first time, I could not FATHOM how a grown man could be so disgusting.
So, GEMMA was tough to read. But in reality, it was amazing. Really. By the end of the novel, I was so happy for Gemma, yet so sad for her. Books don't often give off this much emotion, which made the book even better for me.
Story Overview
Gemma Sullivan is a 12-year-old girl who hides her interest in school but secretly loves learning. She does her best to make a life for herself, despite her neglectful, alcoholic mother and the unwanted attentions of her mother's boyfriend Buddy. Buddy has been forcing Gemma to have sex with him since she was 7 years old and has convinced her that it must be kept secret or she will go to jail. Withdrawn and friendless, Gemma dreams of having a normal life with a normal mother and a clean home. But that doesn't seem to be in the cards for Gemma, especially when Buddy decides to pimp her out to his friend Hazen Woods for $100.
Hazen Wood is 36-years-old and, once he experiences sex with Gemma, begins to fantasize having her all to himself and living with her as man and wife. Increasingly plagued by his twisted desires, Hazen kidnaps Gemmaâforcing her to ride in the trunk of his car because she refuses to "play nice" and keeps trying to escape. They travel across the country, with the dynamics of their relationship evolving over time as Gemma learns to tolerate Hazen's depravity and violence by cultivating a rich inner life and imagination.
Eventually, they end up in Chicago where fate intervenes and offers Gemma a chance to escape from Hazen. But will Gemma be able to rebuild her life and overcome the horror of her childhood? Will she be able to undo the damage of a lifetime of sexual abuse, violence, and neglect? Is there a chance for Gemma?
My Thoughts
On the back of the review copy that I received, author Meg Tilly talks about what inspired her to write this novel, including her own childhood experiences with sexual abuse by various family members. She writes that the voice of Hazen came to her first, and when she wrote as him: "...I was shaking and nauseous. I felt like I was coated in him somehow. The writer in me was a mix of things; terrified, but relieved too, excited even, because I knew I had touched something true." She didn't hear the voice of Gemma for a long time. "And then one day, a miracle happened. Gemma started talking to me in her quiet and shy voice and I thought, 'Ah...Now I can finally write this book.'"
I think it takes guts for Meg Tilly to reveal her own experiences with sexual abuse, but knowing this adds so much credibility to the character's voices. This isn't an easy book to read. Alternating between narration by Gemma and Hazen, the book was often so disturbing that I had to put it aside. Hearing Hazen's twisted logic and justification for what he does to Gemma made me sick. Unfortunately, I did feel like Meg Tilly took me into the mind of a pedophileâand it was a very disturbing place to visit. But, at the same time, getting to know Gemma and learning how she manages to survive and even thrive in a horrible environment and situation helped to offset the disgust I felt when reading Hazen's sections. As a reader, you root for Gemma and ache inside when she believes Hazen's threat and lies. Gemma thinks like a 12-year-old and not an adult, and you begin to understand how easily pedophiles can manipulate children in these situations.
I am very thankful that Meg Tilly provided Gemma with a way to escape from Hazen and have another shot at life. I don't think I could have finished this book if there hadn't been a glimmer of hope at the endâthat Gemma was finally exposed to adults who weren't out to abuse or take advantage of her. I know that not all abused children get a "happy" ending, but I'm glad the author chose to provide one for Gemma.
My Final Recommendation
I always struggle giving a "recommendation" for a book like this. This isn't a book you enjoy or read for pleasure. It is disturbing and shockingly graphic in many sections. The writing is goodâalmost too good in parts. I was really disturbed reading the sections narrated by Hazen; I didn't want to hear what was in his head. But, at the same time, perhaps there is value in being taken inside the mind of a pedophile. I'm glad the book ended with a chance for Gemma to reclaim her life; it would have been entirely too depressing if she hadn't. If the premise of this book interests you, I would recommend it as it was well-written and you won't soon forget it. As far as my ranking, I'm giving it 3.5 stars. I think it was a worthwhile book, but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone due to the subject matter.
Gemma Sullivan is a 12-year-old girl who hides her interest in school but secretly loves learning. She does her best to make a life for herself, despite her neglectful, alcoholic mother and the unwanted attentions of her mother's boyfriend Buddy. Buddy has been forcing Gemma to have sex with him since she was 7 years old and has convinced her that it must be kept secret or she will go to jail. Withdrawn and friendless, Gemma dreams of having a normal life with a normal mother and a clean home. But that doesn't seem to be in the cards for Gemma, especially when Buddy decides to pimp her out to his friend Hazen Woods for $100.
Hazen Wood is 36-years-old and, once he experiences sex with Gemma, begins to fantasize having her all to himself and living with her as man and wife. Increasingly plagued by his twisted desires, Hazen kidnaps Gemmaâforcing her to ride in the trunk of his car because she refuses to "play nice" and keeps trying to escape. They travel across the country, with the dynamics of their relationship evolving over time as Gemma learns to tolerate Hazen's depravity and violence by cultivating a rich inner life and imagination.
Eventually, they end up in Chicago where fate intervenes and offers Gemma a chance to escape from Hazen. But will Gemma be able to rebuild her life and overcome the horror of her childhood? Will she be able to undo the damage of a lifetime of sexual abuse, violence, and neglect? Is there a chance for Gemma?
My Thoughts
On the back of the review copy that I received, author Meg Tilly talks about what inspired her to write this novel, including her own childhood experiences with sexual abuse by various family members. She writes that the voice of Hazen came to her first, and when she wrote as him: "...I was shaking and nauseous. I felt like I was coated in him somehow. The writer in me was a mix of things; terrified, but relieved too, excited even, because I knew I had touched something true." She didn't hear the voice of Gemma for a long time. "And then one day, a miracle happened. Gemma started talking to me in her quiet and shy voice and I thought, 'Ah...Now I can finally write this book.'"
I think it takes guts for Meg Tilly to reveal her own experiences with sexual abuse, but knowing this adds so much credibility to the character's voices. This isn't an easy book to read. Alternating between narration by Gemma and Hazen, the book was often so disturbing that I had to put it aside. Hearing Hazen's twisted logic and justification for what he does to Gemma made me sick. Unfortunately, I did feel like Meg Tilly took me into the mind of a pedophileâand it was a very disturbing place to visit. But, at the same time, getting to know Gemma and learning how she manages to survive and even thrive in a horrible environment and situation helped to offset the disgust I felt when reading Hazen's sections. As a reader, you root for Gemma and ache inside when she believes Hazen's threat and lies. Gemma thinks like a 12-year-old and not an adult, and you begin to understand how easily pedophiles can manipulate children in these situations.
I am very thankful that Meg Tilly provided Gemma with a way to escape from Hazen and have another shot at life. I don't think I could have finished this book if there hadn't been a glimmer of hope at the endâthat Gemma was finally exposed to adults who weren't out to abuse or take advantage of her. I know that not all abused children get a "happy" ending, but I'm glad the author chose to provide one for Gemma.
My Final Recommendation
I always struggle giving a "recommendation" for a book like this. This isn't a book you enjoy or read for pleasure. It is disturbing and shockingly graphic in many sections. The writing is goodâalmost too good in parts. I was really disturbed reading the sections narrated by Hazen; I didn't want to hear what was in his head. But, at the same time, perhaps there is value in being taken inside the mind of a pedophile. I'm glad the book ended with a chance for Gemma to reclaim her life; it would have been entirely too depressing if she hadn't. If the premise of this book interests you, I would recommend it as it was well-written and you won't soon forget it. As far as my ranking, I'm giving it 3.5 stars. I think it was a worthwhile book, but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone due to the subject matter.
