Cuts Like a Knife

by Darlene Ryan

Just when Daniel thinks he knows Mac, he realizes he may lose her forever.
Daniel has been crazy about Mac from the moment she transferred to his school. She's smart, funny, loyal and fiercely independent. The only problem is, when life gets too hard for Mac, she runs away. But she always comes back.

Except now Mac's grandmother is dead, their house is about to be torn down and she's been humiliated in front of the entire school. When Daniel finds out Mac has been saying goodbye to her friends, he realizes she's planning on leaving for good. Getting more and more desperate as he searches the city, Daniel finds an unexpected and unlikely ally. But can he find Mac before he loses her forever?

Genres: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Mental Health, Teen, Death, Fiction, Canada

109 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2012

About the author

Darlene Ryan also writes under the names Sofie Kelly and Sofie Ryan.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started Cuts Like a Knife and right away had a bad feeling the story would turn tragic. When a certain character started giving away her things / giving "gifts", it just seemed like she was planning to hurt herself. Sadly that was correct. They ended up finding her just in time in order to save her from the hanging. Very intense ending. I liked the book.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just didn't hold my interest, at all, and so when I would get interrupted I didn't feel like hurry back to it.

The story starts with Daniel and Mac together with Mac bringing him somewhere secret. Afterwards she leaves without his knowledge and so he tried to figure out where she went. On the way, he talks with friends of hers and learns that she's been giving away items that are very special to her and he become very concerned about her. The ending was good and felt realistic.

[Dylan Burkwalt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book "cuts like a knife" by Darlene Ryan in a matter of days though that may be slow to some, it was fast to me. I highly recommend this book to readers that are into mystery, and a good love story. This book really draws you in with two characters one trying to find the other because the other just disappeared.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mature (sex stuff)

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daniel and Mac are best friends. Daniel also has a crush on Mac, which complicates things slightly, but not uncomfortably so. Mac has been having a rough time. Her beloved grandmother died and the house is about to be torn down; she's living with an uncle who is a complete and utter jerk; she's been humiliated in front of the entire school. Mac has always had a tendency to run away when things get tough, but Daniel is now convinced that Mac is ready to go away for good and he is desperate to save her.

An Orca Soundings book. A bit of foul language, especially in reference to the uncle, one sweet and tender sex scene with no graphic descriptions. Complex and mature themes.

[Azarie Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first began reading “Cuts Like a Knife”, I had a sneaking suspicion that the novel would end tragically. It appeared as if a certain character (Mac) was intending to harm herself when she began to give away her belongings and giving out “gifts.” She doesn’t even answer Daniel's calls anymore. Sadly, this was the case. Even though this book is brief and only took a few days to read overall, there is a lot you can learn from it. One takeaway from this book is that you may not know individuals as well as you believe. My overall conception I took away from this novel is, “one can always fake a smile, but can't always hide their anguish.” Even if they’re among your closest friends. Nowadays, people are unpredictable and have the ability to do practically anything.

The main character, Daniel, realizes he may never see Mac (his crush and best friend) again, just when he feels he knows her. Daniel has been smitten with Mac since she first enrolled at his school. She’s intelligent, humorous, loyal, and fiercely self-reliant. The only problem is, Mac has always had a proclivity for fleeing when things become difficult. But, she always returns. Except Mac’s grandmother is no longer alive, her home is set to be demolished, and she has begun saying farewell to her pals. However, there are a few issues with Mac that no one is aware of. Daniel is afraid that she is about to flee for good and he is frantic to save her. As he searches the city with increasing desperation, Daniel meets an unexpected and unlikely ally. But will he be able to locate Mac before she vanishes forever?

At certain parts of the novel, I became scared and anxious because I did not want Mac to die. Although, they were able to locate her just in time...

The conclusion is very dramatic and the novel was entertaining. It frustrated me that Darelene finished the book the way she did. I think there should be a second novel based on the way she ended it. It leaves the audience wondering what the outcome would be and many unanswered questions. For example, what happens to Mac? Will she and Daniel remain friends? Or develop into something more? Readers who enjoy mystery and a wonderful love tale should definitely pick up this book. I would advise that the reader be 13 years of age or older due to one romantic sex scene, a little rude language, and swearing. Although, there are no graphic details. It also contains themes that are complex and sophisticated. It is excellent for difficult or reluctant readers looking for a tough, compelling novel. In terms of characters, I had the impression that Daniel didn’t know Mac very well, or perhaps the short length of the novel contributed to this impression. Daniel and his eccentric and sweet mother are charming and easy to relate to. His voice has a genuine tone to it and teens will be able to identify with him and his predicament. Both male and female readers will be captivated by the novel's intriguing characters, brisk pace, and engaging tale. However, for such a short book, it contained an unexpected amount of complexity. Darlene discusses all of the warning indicators that a person who is suicidal may display. The protagonist is sincere and endearing.

I definitely would not recommend this novel to anyone I know, but it is a must-read for anyone who likes short stories with a wide range of emotions.

[Alyssa Brenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished the book in 2 Days. Keep me interested and I loved how she ended the book.

[Nova Ekberg]

har inte läst den????????????????????

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. Could feel the energy he was giving off. Really wish there was a part two....wasn't ready for the end.

[melissa Kamy Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

regular

[Stephanie Duerr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐ It was all right. Was more of a short story than a book. But it packed an emotional punch. I liked how the mother was actually involved it didn't brush her kid off

[Sama Jali · Rating 4 out of 5]

welll that escalated quickly...

[Samantha Corral · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good. I like the way the book was wrote. The ending was unexpected.

[Sierra LeRoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Cuts Like a Knife" is a short story about a boy named Daniel who is head over heels for his friend, Mac. She is everything to Daniel. There is only one flaw: Mac runs away from her problems. Literally. The only thing Daniel can do is sit and wait for her to come back, but he worries that, one day, she won't come back. One day, Mac starts saying goodbye to her friends, but there is something different this time from the other goodbyes. Slowly, Daniel realizes his fears are starting to come true.

Even though this book was really short and it only took me a day to read, you can take a lot from it. One thing you can take from this book is that maybe you don't know people like you think you do, even if you think they're one of your closest friends. People are scary these days. They are capable of almost anything and everything. I don't know if that's what the author wanted the readers to see, but that's what I got out of this book. As for the characters, I feel like Daniel didn't know Mac very well or maybe it was the shortness of the book that made it seem that way. I don't really know.

In the book, Mac calls Daniel "Danny Boy." This made me think of a song we are learning to play in band called "The Legend of Danny Boy." The song is slower and very emotional and dramatic. It's one of my favorites. It reminded me of the book because the song starts out nice and sweet, playing at a low tone, the same way the events of the book are. As the song continues, there is a big part where it just blows up and it makes me feel an emotion that has no name. This certain part would be perfect for when Daniel starts to look for Mac.

I liked this book. It was one of those short, confusing, yet perfectly simple books. Those kind of books are my favorite. I learn something new from every book I read, whether its about myself, others, or the world we live in. In this particular book, I learned to fully know a person because everyone is capable of something you didn't know they could or would do. I probably wouldn't recommend this to anyone I know, but people who like short books that are all kinds of emotional, you should read this book.

[Tori Roudebush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my new favorite books now. There was so much suspense throughout the middle and end of the book. I passed this book on to one of my friends because I knew she would fall in love with it like I did.
Cuts Like a Knife if about Dan and Mac. Mac has a few problems no one knows about. Her grandmother just past, so what would the future bring her? Daniel is in love with Mac, and they surely express that. Mac gave away her favorite pieces of her grandmother.. So what will she do next? Is she really going to end it all?
Mac was my favorite character in this book. She lead you on the journey just as she lead Daniel. Daniel on the other hand was kind of a dumb head. How could he not put two and two together?
This book gave me so much anxiety because I couldn't let Mac die and neither could Daniel. The resolution of this book was not at all satisfying. I can't believe the Darlene just ended the book like that! Like what happens to Mac? Do her and Daniel stay friends, or become more?
I honestly can't find a difference in this writing style, except from it's not verse. Other than that it's not anything to distinguishing form any other book.
The theme I got from this book would be "someone can always fake a smile, but they can't always hide their pain."
This book reminds me of my life because I can't always fake being okay. There are some things better said then done.
As I said I LOVED this book! I liked everything about if. And again I recommended this book to my best friend because we like the same type of books.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended for gr. 9-12. Minor profanity, teen sexual encounter, teen suicide attempt

Daniel's best friend, Mac, has been acting strangely lately. She has been giving away her most beloved possessions and won't answer his phone calls. She has run away in the past, but this time she might be planning something more permanent. Who can Daniel trust to help him find her?

Excellent story told by the teen narrator. The reader gets a good sense of Daniel's increasing desperation as he tries to find Mac.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daniel really likes Mac, she's beautiful and he's her best friend, but one night she starts acting strange, giving away things and then disappearing. Daniel's afraid she's run away again. Can he find her before it's too late?

This is another Orca Soundings book. a little sweary, but soft swears (no Fs) a sexual situation that isn't explicit. It's ok in a Junior High Library, but probably not for a a 7th grader.

[Megan Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be good for reluctant high school readers--the swearing and sex, while not explicit, would add an aura of "ooo...guess what was in my book I read for school!" that students would appreciate. The suicide drama should be non-triggering, since the story is narrated by the friend. It includes signs to watch out for. While the story just seems to end, it is fast-paced and engagingly written.

[Dominic Drudge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an awesome book I really loved the mystery element to it. The mystery of how Mac disappeared and her friend the main character Daniel has to look for her: really keeps me on the edge of my seat wanting to know more. I recommend this book to people that are interested in mystery. I didn't like the cliff hanger ending because there are so many questions that are still unanswered. I am hoping that maybe a second book could be made.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short YA book sends a powerful message of teen responsibility and trust. I hope it gets widely read and perhaps saves some lives!

At only 110 pages it is a quick but meaningful read - a must read for teens and their moms alike.

[Lavabearian (Jessica) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My readers who like this topic will think this is too mild. The depth of the Orca books is intentionally shallow, but this may be one of the ones that will circulate because of the topic. A YES vote for me.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

i like reading these small orca books because they usually always have a great message. i feel sorry for the books that a lot of kids might not even look at because they are so small. i like the story and i like that it just ends and leaves you making up the rest of the story.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short novella for teens that has a great mother character. If only all mothers could be like this one. Ryan's story is short and intense, but wasn't heartwrenching, as it might have been, because there was such a strong good character (the mother) and the narrator's unfailing compassion.

[Cassidee Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuts like a Knife by Darlene Ryan is a inspiration book about friendship and hope, Daniel and Mac have been friends forever but when Macs grandmother dies and there house is about to be torn down, MAc leaves Daniel. Now Daniel is on a search for his best friend before it's too late.

[Andrew]

In this book it was an amazing love story about a young boy chasing the girl that he loves. And after her grandma dies she runs away but goes to the place that they first met to try and kill herself but he comes and saves her and they end up being in love with each other all over again.

[Cynthia Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow all I can say. This book by Darlene Ryan is fantastic. I literally finished it in one day that's how good it was.Has you hooked from page one. I really recommend y'all to read it. It won't disappoint.

[Kat Drennan-Scace · Rating 3 out of 5]

review in Resource Links.

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick but satisfying.

[Debbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

All teens should read this, just to get the other side of life, friendship and love!

[Guillermo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not Shakespeare, I'll give you that. A nice story - a page turner, even. Well written and a decent structure. Muddled with clichés, though.