Saturday, May 23, 2009

Cut by Patricia Mc Cormick

Book Review: Cut

Author: Patricia McCormick

AR: 5.0
PB FIC MCC

The first time 15 year old Callie cuts herself she is running in a track meet. She becomes so involved with running that everything around her seems to wash her out. She then finds herself at home and using her mom's Exacto knife to cut her wrist. She doesn't cut too deep but just enough to feel her body release the anger and frustration that she has built up inside. The anger and frustration that is caused from a family life that is unstable. Callie's mom has no time for her because she is always consumed by Sam and his illness. Callie's father is always busy working.

When her mom finds out what she is doing, she sends Callie to a residential treatment facility...Sick Minds as the other residents call it. Callie doesn't cut herself to commit suicide, but simply to feel the rush that her body goes through. At Sea Pines, Callie meets other young girls who are going through similar things as she is. However, they don't all cut themselves. Some are there for eating disorders, mental problems, etc. Callie has a hard time fitting in since she doesn't speak. She goes through therapy and listens to all the other girls gush out their feelings and frustrations. However, Callie does not. She simply sits there and stares out the window thinking to herself why she is there.

As part of therapy, Callie must attend counseling sessions. Every time she meets with the counselor, it is the couselor who always tries to prompt Callie to speak and to tell her what is bothering her. In turn, Callie just sits there in silence for an hour every session. So many thoughts run through her mind that she just wants to blurt out but even thinking about telling the counselor her thoughts exhausts her.

Callie goes through treatment and has has her ups and downs. The reader is easily wrapped up in her situation because it is told from first person point of view. Callie has several breakthroughs and really learns the true meaning of friendship and family.

I highly recommend this book for high school students. Many of my patrons have read this book and have all said they really like it.

2 comments:

  1. This book is so great!!!!! If you think it's just another stupid Emo book your wrong .I love this book and I even hate reading it's a book thats going to strap you in tight so hold on for the ride!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2. Omg! I Love This Book. Its so lively and it sperfect for ages 10~18!

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