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Book Review of Ghost Girl

Ghost Girl
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Torey Hayden has had some heartbreaking experiences and this one has got to be near the top of her list. Poor little Jadie is so damaged from the horrific abuse she has endured that it expresses itself in physical ways. When Torey first meets this little girl, Jadie is an "elective mute" and maintains her body in a hunched-over position, as if protecting her very soul from further abuse. The details of the abuse, which are revealed very gradually as Jadie learns to trust Torey, will turn the stomachs of even the most hardened reader of non-fiction books.

Along the way of this sad tale, the reader is introduced to some other precious children who, despite troubles of their own, show an inspiring determination and spirit.

My only disappointment was that the ending is not as neatly tied-up as I would have liked (i.e., case proven and culprits jailed for life), but true-life is often untidy and Torey, herself, acknowledges that. A fascinating tale for those interested in these types of social/societal issues.