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Silenced #1
Silenced
Amber Brown spent her entire existence believing Dave was her father. When her mother reveals this is untrue, she goes through an emotional spiral with depression. It's hard for her to believe her mother had lied to her all this time.
A move to a new home and town causes Amber to be consumed by her "darkness" and reverts to cutting to free herself from her pain.
When Casey, her new friend enters her life, she introduces Amber to parties, drugs, and Amber's new boyfriend Landon. The secret of cutting begins to take affect on Amber as she tries to hide it from her friends and family. In the mist of everything, Amber has the desire to find out who her biological father is.
Follow Amber through her trials of depression and cutting, along with the discovery of love.
A move to a new home and town causes Amber to be consumed by her "darkness" and reverts to cutting to free herself from her pain.
When Casey, her new friend enters her life, she introduces Amber to parties, drugs, and Amber's new boyfriend Landon. The secret of cutting begins to take affect on Amber as she tries to hide it from her friends and family. In the mist of everything, Amber has the desire to find out who her biological father is.
Follow Amber through her trials of depression and cutting, along with the discovery of love.
180 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2012
8 people are currently reading
1618 people want to read
About the author
RaeBeth McGee-Buda
9 books153 followersRae-Beth McGee-Buda resides in the rolling hills of Fairview, West Virginia with her husband, daughter, and son.
She’s been writing in some form her entire life, but loving young sister, Audra McGee noticed her talent and gave her the reassurance she needed to start her writing career. After many months of deliberation, Rae-Beth decided to trust her sister's word and expand her short story into what we all know and love as The Silenced Series.
Rae-Beth is a mother to an angel in Heaven...Miss Dakota, whom she honored in Saying Goodbye Without Saying Hello. Her goal for her books is to inspire and give hope. She is a Christian author, who firmly believes in God and incorporates her faith into some of her work.
She’s been writing in some form her entire life, but loving young sister, Audra McGee noticed her talent and gave her the reassurance she needed to start her writing career. After many months of deliberation, Rae-Beth decided to trust her sister's word and expand her short story into what we all know and love as The Silenced Series.
Rae-Beth is a mother to an angel in Heaven...Miss Dakota, whom she honored in Saying Goodbye Without Saying Hello. Her goal for her books is to inspire and give hope. She is a Christian author, who firmly believes in God and incorporates her faith into some of her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 17, 2012
I was excited to read this book as it was given to me for an honest review, and I could tell by reading about the book that I have not read anything else like it before. I was not disappointed after I got into the book. Amber's journey starts out with a move to a new home, learning that a truth she has known all her life turns out to be a lie, she starts cutting herself for release. Everything that she feels as a reader I could feel, the descriptions of the scenes in the book were amazingly well written.
As I took the journey through Amber's eyes, I wanted to know more about her, about her life in general and more about the lie she's lived with all her life. Finding out the truth at a time when she did, caused Amber to spiral down into the darkness, depression sets in and she starts cutting for release. At this point I wanted to reach into the story and help her as I would with anyone whom I know in real life. She becomes friends with a few from her new school and things start to look up for Amber, her friend Casey is like a new sister to her. She also meets Landon and hits it off pretty well, he turns out to be her rock, something she can look forward too and this helps her to keep from cutting so much.
The author ends on a note that has me curious, wondering what is to come and wanting to know more. I can't help it author's all have a tendency to do this to readers, some more than others. As I finished Silenced (Silenced Series) all I kept thinking about is what's next, I want to read on. And that my dear readers is what every reader wants in a book, any book they read. <3 You Raebeth, be sure to let me know when I can expect your next book!
As I took the journey through Amber's eyes, I wanted to know more about her, about her life in general and more about the lie she's lived with all her life. Finding out the truth at a time when she did, caused Amber to spiral down into the darkness, depression sets in and she starts cutting for release. At this point I wanted to reach into the story and help her as I would with anyone whom I know in real life. She becomes friends with a few from her new school and things start to look up for Amber, her friend Casey is like a new sister to her. She also meets Landon and hits it off pretty well, he turns out to be her rock, something she can look forward too and this helps her to keep from cutting so much.
The author ends on a note that has me curious, wondering what is to come and wanting to know more. I can't help it author's all have a tendency to do this to readers, some more than others. As I finished Silenced (Silenced Series) all I kept thinking about is what's next, I want to read on. And that my dear readers is what every reader wants in a book, any book they read. <3 You Raebeth, be sure to let me know when I can expect your next book!
December 18, 2012
I have gone through depression most of my life, I have never been able to put into words the feelings that I feel every day of my life. The beautiful Miss Raebeth did that for me. I could not believe my eyes as I read Amber's feelings and the darkness that enveloped her I literally had tears rolling down my cheeks. I am actually going to take this book with me to my next therapist appointment, I have each page marked on a piece of paper so I can easily look it up while talking, and I will FINALLY be able to express in words how I feel inside. I have never resorted to cutting as Amber did but I totally understand the release that it gave her.
I got more and more mad at her mother as the story went on, the bold out right lies were atrocious! I was on the edge of my seat and unfortunately I am STILL on the edge of my seat! I want more! I cannot wait to see what happens in the upcoming books. I pray they come out soon because I am hanging by a thread just as I was hanging by Raebeths every word!
I would recommend this book to anyone with children/teenagers whether you think they might be depressed or not, or family members/friends that might be going through difficult times because this truly gives a great perspective into the mind of someone who might have the same feelings as Amber did throughout the book. at the end of the book I was SHOCKED! everything is going so great for Amber and then.....AAAHHH!!!
Great job Raebeth! I, as said before, cannot wait for the next book! if it wasnt for having to feed and bathe and play with the kiddos I would have had this book done in a day!!!
I got more and more mad at her mother as the story went on, the bold out right lies were atrocious! I was on the edge of my seat and unfortunately I am STILL on the edge of my seat! I want more! I cannot wait to see what happens in the upcoming books. I pray they come out soon because I am hanging by a thread just as I was hanging by Raebeths every word!
I would recommend this book to anyone with children/teenagers whether you think they might be depressed or not, or family members/friends that might be going through difficult times because this truly gives a great perspective into the mind of someone who might have the same feelings as Amber did throughout the book. at the end of the book I was SHOCKED! everything is going so great for Amber and then.....AAAHHH!!!
Great job Raebeth! I, as said before, cannot wait for the next book! if it wasnt for having to feed and bathe and play with the kiddos I would have had this book done in a day!!!
December 19, 2012
Raebeth sent me an e-copy of Silenced for an honest review and I have been swamped with work, other books that I have promised to read and review, and Christmas that I only began reading Silenced yesterday morning before heading to work.
I finished reading the book in a surprisingly short amount of time since I began it yesterday morning before heading to work and completed it yesterday evening after work! I couldn’t help it, Silenced wouldn’t let me go.
Whilst at work my mind kept drifting to Amber’s problem with control and her addiction to cutting. We see so many books on bullies, drugs, drink issues and so on but there are very few books around (that I have read) about issues like dealing with control, for example by causing pain or eating disorders.
Silenced is so well written, full of emotion and hurt yet it’s all relatable so it doesn’t feel like this could never happen to you or me. Amber could be any teenager suffering from a variety of family, friend and fitting-in problems but it’s her thought process and the way she deals with her problems that make Silenced unique.
The only disappointment is that Silenced ends with a cliff hanger so I need to wait until Raebeth releases the sequel!
I’m not usually at a loss for words but I don’t know how to write a review that does justice to what I have read and so I will stop here.
The only thing I will say is please read Silenced by Raebeth Buda...it IS worth it...
Zed (:
I finished reading the book in a surprisingly short amount of time since I began it yesterday morning before heading to work and completed it yesterday evening after work! I couldn’t help it, Silenced wouldn’t let me go.
Whilst at work my mind kept drifting to Amber’s problem with control and her addiction to cutting. We see so many books on bullies, drugs, drink issues and so on but there are very few books around (that I have read) about issues like dealing with control, for example by causing pain or eating disorders.
Silenced is so well written, full of emotion and hurt yet it’s all relatable so it doesn’t feel like this could never happen to you or me. Amber could be any teenager suffering from a variety of family, friend and fitting-in problems but it’s her thought process and the way she deals with her problems that make Silenced unique.
The only disappointment is that Silenced ends with a cliff hanger so I need to wait until Raebeth releases the sequel!
I’m not usually at a loss for words but I don’t know how to write a review that does justice to what I have read and so I will stop here.
The only thing I will say is please read Silenced by Raebeth Buda...it IS worth it...
Zed (:
December 17, 2012
This is a deep look into Amber's life. Amber is a troubled teen who finds out the man she calls dad is actually her step father. After finding this out the family moves into a new town for her senior year. Amber meets Casey who quickly becomes her only friend. Casey is also troubled and can easily relate to Amber. Amber's life turns around after meeting Landon and quickly falls in love with him. This story is full of shocking events but gives you a great view into the life of a cutter. I can't wait to read the next book, the cliff hanger at the end still has me shocked! WaAR
December 24, 2012
Very interesting read for me as I used to have severe depression and I would say the way Amber sees the world is pretty accurate. I also mutilated myself but in much different ways than this girl does at least at the beginning.
This book is amazingly quick read, it just flies along and I'll admit its really drawn me in.
This book is amazingly quick read, it just flies along and I'll admit its really drawn me in.
February 17, 2013
ORIGINAL POST AT: LITTLE BOOK STAR
Silenced is a story that for sure someone has experienced before. Although not everyone will relate to it, the author did an awesome job because I sure felt a connection with the main character, Amber. The story isn’t just about depression and cutting, it’s also about friendship, family, love, and growing up. What I love the most about this book is that Amber developed as a character as the story was progressing. You could see and feel how hard it is for her to resist cutting herself. Yes I do think some readers will be bothered by the part where Amber cuts her wrist. It made me flinch while reading it, but I am glad that the author did not take out the details because it made it easier for me to feel what Amber was feeling during the time she was cutting herself. Besides Amber, I also liked the rest of the characters.
I really like Amber’s boyfriend, Landon. He is a year older than Amber (he’s 18) and drinks & smokes. At first you’d think “uh oh” this guy will be a bad influence to Amber. Surprisingly, he wasn’t and his character was the complete opposite of my first impression of him. He’s very important both in the story and Amber’s life. Another thing that I liked about Silenced is there’s more to “finding-my-real-father”. While Amber’s in the search for her biological father, she encounters problems with her new friend Casey and her mother who refuses to tell her the truth. At the same time though, the thing I didn’t really like is those problems with her friend and mom took more place in the story when the main point is finding who her real father is. Let’s just say she spent more time thinking about her situation with Casey and her mother than her father.
Overall I recommend Silenced to contemporary lovers, to those who have been depressed or IS in this kind of situation, and to anyone, really. I’ll be on the lookout for the next book as the ending was a cliff hanger! I love cliff hangers btw as long as it has a second book (lol). I hope to see more of father daughter relationship and I can’t wait what really is up with Amber’s friend Casey.
Silenced is a story that for sure someone has experienced before. Although not everyone will relate to it, the author did an awesome job because I sure felt a connection with the main character, Amber. The story isn’t just about depression and cutting, it’s also about friendship, family, love, and growing up. What I love the most about this book is that Amber developed as a character as the story was progressing. You could see and feel how hard it is for her to resist cutting herself. Yes I do think some readers will be bothered by the part where Amber cuts her wrist. It made me flinch while reading it, but I am glad that the author did not take out the details because it made it easier for me to feel what Amber was feeling during the time she was cutting herself. Besides Amber, I also liked the rest of the characters.
I really like Amber’s boyfriend, Landon. He is a year older than Amber (he’s 18) and drinks & smokes. At first you’d think “uh oh” this guy will be a bad influence to Amber. Surprisingly, he wasn’t and his character was the complete opposite of my first impression of him. He’s very important both in the story and Amber’s life. Another thing that I liked about Silenced is there’s more to “finding-my-real-father”. While Amber’s in the search for her biological father, she encounters problems with her new friend Casey and her mother who refuses to tell her the truth. At the same time though, the thing I didn’t really like is those problems with her friend and mom took more place in the story when the main point is finding who her real father is. Let’s just say she spent more time thinking about her situation with Casey and her mother than her father.
Overall I recommend Silenced to contemporary lovers, to those who have been depressed or IS in this kind of situation, and to anyone, really. I’ll be on the lookout for the next book as the ending was a cliff hanger! I love cliff hangers btw as long as it has a second book (lol). I hope to see more of father daughter relationship and I can’t wait what really is up with Amber’s friend Casey.
January 3, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. Thank you,RaeBeth!
I really enjoyed this book and read it very fast, in,like,5 hours,RaeBeth did a great job with this book!
When I started, I thought that it will be a depressing book, about a girl that is cutting her veins all the time. But it’s not, “Silenced” it’s a book about how love can change everything and anything. It’s a book about trust, about loyalty and about true friends.
I liked the characters, especially Amber. I felt sorry for everything she’s been through, but I think that she needed to tell her mother about the depression. I don’t know what you think when you have depression, but I had some friends that were depressed. They asked for help and now they are ok.
Casey reminded me from the start about one of my ex-friend and I could predict how their friendship will end up. I’ve been through this kind of friendship once and I’m glad it’s over. I was frustrated when Amber couldn’t see the true Casey. I was like “Wake up,Amber,wake up!!” . Finally, she did!
I really got into the story. I was very interested to see how is Amber in the next chapter and what is going to happen. As I said, I read this book in 5 hours, because the story is hooking.I’m serious, I couldn’t put it down!!
As I was reading it, I felt like I was reading Amber’ diary. The author didn’t focus on describing places or people. She focused on the action and that’s why I felt like the book was a little rushed. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t want a book with huge descriptions about places or people.I would’ve liked to find more about Amber’s feelings and emotions, because “Silenced” could’ve been more deep.
The end left me with a huge question: “What happened with Amber?” . I was utterly happy when RaeBeth told me tha there’s gonna be a 2nd book. I’m definitely going to read it!!!
I recommend “Silenced” to everyone because you’ll understand how important is to be a good friend to someone or how much trust means.
I really enjoyed this book and read it very fast, in,like,5 hours,RaeBeth did a great job with this book!
When I started, I thought that it will be a depressing book, about a girl that is cutting her veins all the time. But it’s not, “Silenced” it’s a book about how love can change everything and anything. It’s a book about trust, about loyalty and about true friends.
I liked the characters, especially Amber. I felt sorry for everything she’s been through, but I think that she needed to tell her mother about the depression. I don’t know what you think when you have depression, but I had some friends that were depressed. They asked for help and now they are ok.
Casey reminded me from the start about one of my ex-friend and I could predict how their friendship will end up. I’ve been through this kind of friendship once and I’m glad it’s over. I was frustrated when Amber couldn’t see the true Casey. I was like “Wake up,Amber,wake up!!” . Finally, she did!
I really got into the story. I was very interested to see how is Amber in the next chapter and what is going to happen. As I said, I read this book in 5 hours, because the story is hooking.I’m serious, I couldn’t put it down!!
As I was reading it, I felt like I was reading Amber’ diary. The author didn’t focus on describing places or people. She focused on the action and that’s why I felt like the book was a little rushed. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t want a book with huge descriptions about places or people.I would’ve liked to find more about Amber’s feelings and emotions, because “Silenced” could’ve been more deep.
The end left me with a huge question: “What happened with Amber?” . I was utterly happy when RaeBeth told me tha there’s gonna be a 2nd book. I’m definitely going to read it!!!
I recommend “Silenced” to everyone because you’ll understand how important is to be a good friend to someone or how much trust means.
January 22, 2013
All I'll say is WOW..... Review will be up on Jan. 22!! :)
Here it is.....
How can I even begin to review this book. It was amazing....I couldn't even put it down!! I was given this book by the author for an honest review. I really liked the way Raebeth writes. She is able to portray a vivid picture with her words and that is a plus for me when reading. I felt like I was with Amber, while she was at her low points, sitting in her bathroom cutting herself. I was really happy for Amber when things were going well for her, but I was waiting for something to go wrong. I was totally thinking it wasn't going to happen, and the story would just end happy, but fall flat of the actual message of the story. However, Raebeth pulled it all together at the end and blew me away. Her writing flowed and it was very addicting. I loved all her twists and turns and the way different situations come into play.
I really loved the main character, Amber. She was a strong lead and she was a really down to earth, real person. Her life problems were real things and it wasn't overpowering, which is great because it was believable. I also loved Landon. I really need a man like that in my life. He makes my heart melt. Ladies, trust me, you will be in love. Romance isn't dead!! He was a wonderful compliment to Amber and he always made me smile. As for Casey, I wasn't a huge fan of hers because she reminded me of a friend I use to have and that brings back bad memories. She wasn't the nicest person and as things progress, I disliked her more and more. However, she was a great character for the storyline and she makes the progression make perfect sense.
Overall, I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 for a real and emotional storyline, great main characters with perfect side characters, and an awesome cliff hanging ending. Raebeth, you rock and I can't wait for book 2!!
Here it is.....
How can I even begin to review this book. It was amazing....I couldn't even put it down!! I was given this book by the author for an honest review. I really liked the way Raebeth writes. She is able to portray a vivid picture with her words and that is a plus for me when reading. I felt like I was with Amber, while she was at her low points, sitting in her bathroom cutting herself. I was really happy for Amber when things were going well for her, but I was waiting for something to go wrong. I was totally thinking it wasn't going to happen, and the story would just end happy, but fall flat of the actual message of the story. However, Raebeth pulled it all together at the end and blew me away. Her writing flowed and it was very addicting. I loved all her twists and turns and the way different situations come into play.
I really loved the main character, Amber. She was a strong lead and she was a really down to earth, real person. Her life problems were real things and it wasn't overpowering, which is great because it was believable. I also loved Landon. I really need a man like that in my life. He makes my heart melt. Ladies, trust me, you will be in love. Romance isn't dead!! He was a wonderful compliment to Amber and he always made me smile. As for Casey, I wasn't a huge fan of hers because she reminded me of a friend I use to have and that brings back bad memories. She wasn't the nicest person and as things progress, I disliked her more and more. However, she was a great character for the storyline and she makes the progression make perfect sense.
Overall, I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 for a real and emotional storyline, great main characters with perfect side characters, and an awesome cliff hanging ending. Raebeth, you rock and I can't wait for book 2!!
January 18, 2013
WOW! Where do I literally start with this book. I was intrigued by the story line and when I realized it was about a girl a teenage girl cutting herself it made me think of a person who is really really close to me. It was like most of her story was being written. With the way Amber was treated at school because she was different, the problems with her family life, only have 1 best friend and then another who just did not seem all there at times. To even the boy who knew about her cutting herself and did not want her to do it again because he was afraid for her.
There were a few things that got to me a bit in this book.
One thing I do wish the author would have gone into detail about is when she started cutting herself exactly. How did her and her friend start and why?
What was up with Casey? It was like she was a bit crazy in my opinion. She would be fine one minute, then the next be upset. I wonder if she knew the truth with Amber's family.
The way Amber treated her mom I can relate to that part because I have seen someone act that same way!
I loved reading how Amber's boyfriend was his safe haven, and I know how important it is for someone to have a safe haven when they are hurting themselves. This book really opened my eyes to what some teenagers do out their and it made me ask questions to the person close to me about the whole cutting scene. The way the darkness was described I could almost feel it myself in this book.
This is a hard topic for anyone to talk about as it deals with depression and the need to relive oneself from everything even for a few minutes to a day to a week.
RaeBeth hit the head of the nail on this book, and as I see there is a book 2 I am SOOOOOOOO GOING TO BUY IT.
Thank you again RaeBeth, for writing a book like this that brings something so sensitive to others and brings up the subject in a way that is not pushy for people to understand. You write it in a way that gets others aware of things like this happening.
There were a few things that got to me a bit in this book.
One thing I do wish the author would have gone into detail about is when she started cutting herself exactly. How did her and her friend start and why?
What was up with Casey? It was like she was a bit crazy in my opinion. She would be fine one minute, then the next be upset. I wonder if she knew the truth with Amber's family.
The way Amber treated her mom I can relate to that part because I have seen someone act that same way!
I loved reading how Amber's boyfriend was his safe haven, and I know how important it is for someone to have a safe haven when they are hurting themselves. This book really opened my eyes to what some teenagers do out their and it made me ask questions to the person close to me about the whole cutting scene. The way the darkness was described I could almost feel it myself in this book.
This is a hard topic for anyone to talk about as it deals with depression and the need to relive oneself from everything even for a few minutes to a day to a week.
RaeBeth hit the head of the nail on this book, and as I see there is a book 2 I am SOOOOOOOO GOING TO BUY IT.
Thank you again RaeBeth, for writing a book like this that brings something so sensitive to others and brings up the subject in a way that is not pushy for people to understand. You write it in a way that gets others aware of things like this happening.
January 11, 2013
I was very happy to get the chance to read this story. I thank RaeBeth McGee-Buda for such a great insist into the world of a young girl and her battle with her the darkness she is feeling.
Amber always thought her life was pretty good. Until her mother reveals that the man she thought was her father her whole life is not. And she won’t talk to Amber about any of it. After he drops this bombshell on her they decide to move back to her now stepfather home town. Amber is distraught and very confused. She is not happy with the move and wants to go back. She falls into a darkness that makes Amber turn to cutting her self to release the pain she is feeling. She is now starting a new school and the presser is a lot for Amber, until she meets a new girl named Casey who introduces Amber to a life of parties, drugs and even a boy. Now Amber is not only trying to hid the cutting from her parents but now her friends and boyfriend and the things in Amber’s life are unfolding right in front of her.
I was very pulled into this one once I started. The story of Amber and the struggle to find her self and to under stand the actions of the people around her was page turning. I really felt for Amber and the fact that someone so young and beautiful was struggling with such a problem and could not talk to anyone about it. I really was unhappy with her mother I thought she could have made a better effort in making sure Amber was doing better.
I loved the connection she had with Landon even if he was not the best guy for her; he sure as heck helped her see she was worth something. You won’t want to miss this one, you will fall in love with each person and there struggle through his or her own self. You won’t want to put it down that’s for sure!!
Amber always thought her life was pretty good. Until her mother reveals that the man she thought was her father her whole life is not. And she won’t talk to Amber about any of it. After he drops this bombshell on her they decide to move back to her now stepfather home town. Amber is distraught and very confused. She is not happy with the move and wants to go back. She falls into a darkness that makes Amber turn to cutting her self to release the pain she is feeling. She is now starting a new school and the presser is a lot for Amber, until she meets a new girl named Casey who introduces Amber to a life of parties, drugs and even a boy. Now Amber is not only trying to hid the cutting from her parents but now her friends and boyfriend and the things in Amber’s life are unfolding right in front of her.
I was very pulled into this one once I started. The story of Amber and the struggle to find her self and to under stand the actions of the people around her was page turning. I really felt for Amber and the fact that someone so young and beautiful was struggling with such a problem and could not talk to anyone about it. I really was unhappy with her mother I thought she could have made a better effort in making sure Amber was doing better.
I loved the connection she had with Landon even if he was not the best guy for her; he sure as heck helped her see she was worth something. You won’t want to miss this one, you will fall in love with each person and there struggle through his or her own self. You won’t want to put it down that’s for sure!!
December 20, 2012
Although I have never cut myself, reading Silenced made me feel at home with some of my feelings of depression. This is a roller coaster book, be prepared to strap yourself in for a tumultuous ride. What I liked most about this book is that Amber is real. I think many people will relate to her, her emotions and her take on the world. I enjoyed this book very much. I read a lot and I know when I'm reading a good book when I can't put it down. For some reason though, Casey and Amber's mother annoyed me. That's my only complaint about this book lol. And the end!!! I can't wait until the next one to find out what happens. Thank you RaeBeth for writing a book about something real. It seems like many authors just skirt around real issues such as depression, cutting, etc. but RaeBeth did a great job with portraying genuine facts about these issues. I think a lot of teens should read this book to get a grasp on their feelings. I've never written a book review before - but I'm telling you.. READ THIS BOOK!! I teared up and laughed and especially got the chills multiple times. My heart was pounding right as Amber's was. You won't be disappointed with Silenced. I know I wasn't.
December 28, 2012
Silenced follows the story of Amber Brown. For her life seems to be going down a downward spiral. She had to leave her town and move and on top of that she finds out that the person she called her father isn’t really her biological father. Overcome with depression and looking for a way out Amber does something that gives her an escape from all the pain and darkness.
Silenced is a story that shows how depression affects a person and that it CAN be overcome. I found that I could connect with the story. Being a teenager is tougher than it was before. The pressure to do well, to score good grades, to have a good social life – is daunting. And going through all that while going through depression is harder. It doesn’t just go away and the fact that the author captured that in the book was amazing. The topic which the book is focused around is one of those close to my heart and it’s not something we should take lightly It gives an insight into the mind of a cutter... I think people need to read this book and get a perspective on what actually happens and how depression could ruin someone if it gets too far.
Silenced is a story that shows how depression affects a person and that it CAN be overcome. I found that I could connect with the story. Being a teenager is tougher than it was before. The pressure to do well, to score good grades, to have a good social life – is daunting. And going through all that while going through depression is harder. It doesn’t just go away and the fact that the author captured that in the book was amazing. The topic which the book is focused around is one of those close to my heart and it’s not something we should take lightly It gives an insight into the mind of a cutter... I think people need to read this book and get a perspective on what actually happens and how depression could ruin someone if it gets too far.
March 30, 2013
Oh my gosh! Yes, thank you for writing this! this is something I wish was on teenage parents nightstands! They need to know this exists and is real! Your heart is promised to break for Amber, but also just in understanding what is out there today, and how people feel! I think there is MUCH to relate to! RaeBeth, you really have a great strength in tapping into your characters, writing with heart, and writing for emotion. LOVE this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone-especially the parents of children going into pre-teen/teen/start of adulthood.
I look forward to seeing what else RaeBeth comes out with!
I look forward to seeing what else RaeBeth comes out with!
March 15, 2013
I think Silenced is a powerful read where it takes the reader into the mind of Amber, an American teenager. She deals with depression and cutting, which was brought on by lies she's learned. I was captured by the story and I think the overall message within this book should be the main reason to read it. I see a lot of reviews saying the author wasn't in touch with the character but I feel differently. I couldn't have felt the pain any more then Amber.. it felt so real.
I say this is a must read for all parents and teens.
I say this is a must read for all parents and teens.
January 26, 2013
Where I first picked up this book, I nearly put it down. The theme of cutting made me very uncomfortable, as I have a family member who has battled this problem in the past. For some reason, I kept reading and discovered that this topic was handled quite well! The story of a young girl's struggle was handled with taste and a gentleness I really did not expect to find. This book is suitable for all ages, high school age up. Middle school students might enjoy it with a little guidance from a parent, teacher, or counselor.
December 23, 2012
I didn't think i would like this book at the beginning as it jumps straight into the darkness of depression and self harming but as the story progressed i got more into it. You will read about Amber and her struggles through life and the feeling of relief she gets through cutting as day to day pressures get to her. The love of a nice young man helps her along the way too. My advice to anyone that wants to read but is struggling past chapter one is to stick with it, it's worth it..!!
December 28, 2012
Absolutely loved it. This book is amazing and can not wait for the next one. i would recommend this book to anyone that is in to a good read and into a book they don't want to put down until they are done with the book.
January 23, 2013
loved the book, can't wait for another ! this book was an easy read for me.... just couldn't put it down.
June 15, 2013
Originally posted on my blog.
Silenced is the story of Amber Brown, a teenager surrounded by pain, darkness and addicted to the wish of harming herself.
In the moment that her mother told her that the person she called “father” for all her life is not her true parent, she realized that her entire life was just a lie and the hate for her mother amplified.
The fact that she moves into another town doesn’t help her either, because she loses her only friend and realizes she’s completely alone, with no shoulder to cry on, having on her side only the devoted friend she always had: depression.
However, Casey’s interested to become her friend and in a short while they get closer. But when Amber meets Landon, everything changes. Her friendship with Casey gets cold, while the link between her and Landon becomes stronger, but it’s still being filled with Amber’s secrets and with the thoughts that she could never let him find out what’s going on with her.
I liked the story because Raebeth manages to give, in natural phrases, feelings and strong emotions, in which the reader finds himself and lives them along with Amber.
The action seemed a little bit rushed here and there, certain decisions of the characters being easily questioned, but the book reached its purpose, shaping precisely the life of a cutter.
Casey was one of the characters I admired at first, but in the end I came to hate her. Her selfish-aggressive personality showed up ever since Landon and Amber started to date each other. Her envy is visible, she is being the kind of person that feels great in the presence of those who have it worse than her.
Her hipocrisy and insensibility made me wish to do something to change the situation (even slapping the bitch once or twice sounded great), but it was impossible!
Another character that got to my nerves was Amber’s mother. Since the beginning of the book, she managed to piss me off in a big style. She’s the type of parent who forbids anything to her child and, despite the fact that she has a daughter which has awesome grades, catches fire at any reaction that comes from her. If I wouldn’t have met such kind of people – parents – in the real life, I would say that she has an abnormal and overreacted behaviour. But, unfortunately, people like this exist.
Another thing that bothered me was that, despite her behaviour as a strict adult, which was showed by her along the book, some reasons she invoked were pretty childish. Somewhere in her mind, her mother’s a kind of teenager who suffers because of the unfulfillments in her emotional life.
Like I said, some events seemed rushed and the way the action jumped sometimes from a paragraph to another confused me a little, but it didn’t matter that much. Except this, Silenced was perfect!
The inside storm, the permanent fight, the moments of despair, the temporary bliss and all the dramatic episodes reached their target, every single one of them being lived and relived by the reader. This was the most important thing, the fact that you can get related to the character and its feelings.
I recommend the book to everyone, because it’s built on that emotional disorder, full of darkness and misunderstood by many, called depression. A lot of people laugh at the subject, they treat it with ignorance, claiming that these feelings are only a sort of temporal mood, only a child’s caprice, but the truth is different. Depression is not a game, neither is cutting, or any other form of self-harm, or bipolar disorders; they’re NOT a game! These are real problems, which a normal person may consider a joke, but until you’re not there, until you don’t feel it on your own skin and you don’t find out more about it, you can’t get into the subject.
This being only my humble opinion, you can’t talk about this kind of disorders without knowing how it really feels.
Silenced is the story of Amber Brown, a teenager surrounded by pain, darkness and addicted to the wish of harming herself.
In the moment that her mother told her that the person she called “father” for all her life is not her true parent, she realized that her entire life was just a lie and the hate for her mother amplified.
The fact that she moves into another town doesn’t help her either, because she loses her only friend and realizes she’s completely alone, with no shoulder to cry on, having on her side only the devoted friend she always had: depression.
However, Casey’s interested to become her friend and in a short while they get closer. But when Amber meets Landon, everything changes. Her friendship with Casey gets cold, while the link between her and Landon becomes stronger, but it’s still being filled with Amber’s secrets and with the thoughts that she could never let him find out what’s going on with her.
I liked the story because Raebeth manages to give, in natural phrases, feelings and strong emotions, in which the reader finds himself and lives them along with Amber.
The action seemed a little bit rushed here and there, certain decisions of the characters being easily questioned, but the book reached its purpose, shaping precisely the life of a cutter.
Casey was one of the characters I admired at first, but in the end I came to hate her. Her selfish-aggressive personality showed up ever since Landon and Amber started to date each other. Her envy is visible, she is being the kind of person that feels great in the presence of those who have it worse than her.
Her hipocrisy and insensibility made me wish to do something to change the situation (even slapping the bitch once or twice sounded great), but it was impossible!
Another character that got to my nerves was Amber’s mother. Since the beginning of the book, she managed to piss me off in a big style. She’s the type of parent who forbids anything to her child and, despite the fact that she has a daughter which has awesome grades, catches fire at any reaction that comes from her. If I wouldn’t have met such kind of people – parents – in the real life, I would say that she has an abnormal and overreacted behaviour. But, unfortunately, people like this exist.
Another thing that bothered me was that, despite her behaviour as a strict adult, which was showed by her along the book, some reasons she invoked were pretty childish. Somewhere in her mind, her mother’s a kind of teenager who suffers because of the unfulfillments in her emotional life.
Like I said, some events seemed rushed and the way the action jumped sometimes from a paragraph to another confused me a little, but it didn’t matter that much. Except this, Silenced was perfect!
The inside storm, the permanent fight, the moments of despair, the temporary bliss and all the dramatic episodes reached their target, every single one of them being lived and relived by the reader. This was the most important thing, the fact that you can get related to the character and its feelings.
I recommend the book to everyone, because it’s built on that emotional disorder, full of darkness and misunderstood by many, called depression. A lot of people laugh at the subject, they treat it with ignorance, claiming that these feelings are only a sort of temporal mood, only a child’s caprice, but the truth is different. Depression is not a game, neither is cutting, or any other form of self-harm, or bipolar disorders; they’re NOT a game! These are real problems, which a normal person may consider a joke, but until you’re not there, until you don’t feel it on your own skin and you don’t find out more about it, you can’t get into the subject.
This being only my humble opinion, you can’t talk about this kind of disorders without knowing how it really feels.
January 14, 2013
Silenced by Raebeth Buda
This is one of those rare stories which will have the reader love or really dislike the story.
It is about a girl who suffers from depression and self harm to alleviate her sufferings.
I am thus far undecided as to whether I love it or really dislike it. My problems with the book are this, once the protagonist meets a boy, she is all better. She cuts down on cutting, feels as if she belongs and moves from the dark to the sunlight in no time at all. I know a bit about depression and given -- a new love can for a time fool you into feeling good, it will not chase away the shadows to this degree.
Secondly, the girl over explains the most mundane of things and then, when a really big issue arrives, she brushes over it within two sentences after a page and a half worth of a description of everyday things.
My third problem is the end... but this will be one of those things that will either appeal to you or wont. The fact that it did not appeal to me is a very subjective thing.
So I figure that Amber, our protagonist is moving towards love and that that is what keeps her from spiralling down further. I have no frame of reference for what Amber is going through. So I formed no connection with her, I felt sorry for her mother, dreadful for poor Dave and empathy for the new best friend but Amber started out as and remained an enigma for me. This is where the story is really very well done. NOTE. How many parents can really say they are familiar with the life of their teenagers? Few are my guess. All of us used to be or are teenagers so that endless lightless angst is apparent to us all. I actually disliked the way Amber handled her mother. She was extremely disrespectful and childish. Again this alienated Amber for me and made my sympathies for her parents manifest all the more.
My second issue, the over explanation of the mundane, I think this is a technique used by the author to take the reader into that angst, into that eternal struggle of the teenager, being overly aware of some things and clueless of others. It did not work for me but I am sure it will appeal too many.
Well to address the end, I can’t. Read it. Make up your own mind.
Thus a fast recap. This is a story that addresses issues that is mostly glossed over if that. It is a tough subject to address and I think the author did an amazing job in addressing these issues. She chose writing techniques that may not be to my personal liking but had the desired effect nonetheless. That was well done. I think parents should read this. Especially those reading this thinking – ghmf, I know my child... chances are you might not know them as well as you think.
I give this a 3 * review.
I think as a debut novel the author has done an amazing job.
But do not take my word for it. Read it, decide for yourself.
WaAr.
This is one of those rare stories which will have the reader love or really dislike the story.
It is about a girl who suffers from depression and self harm to alleviate her sufferings.
I am thus far undecided as to whether I love it or really dislike it. My problems with the book are this, once the protagonist meets a boy, she is all better. She cuts down on cutting, feels as if she belongs and moves from the dark to the sunlight in no time at all. I know a bit about depression and given -- a new love can for a time fool you into feeling good, it will not chase away the shadows to this degree.
Secondly, the girl over explains the most mundane of things and then, when a really big issue arrives, she brushes over it within two sentences after a page and a half worth of a description of everyday things.
My third problem is the end... but this will be one of those things that will either appeal to you or wont. The fact that it did not appeal to me is a very subjective thing.
So I figure that Amber, our protagonist is moving towards love and that that is what keeps her from spiralling down further. I have no frame of reference for what Amber is going through. So I formed no connection with her, I felt sorry for her mother, dreadful for poor Dave and empathy for the new best friend but Amber started out as and remained an enigma for me. This is where the story is really very well done. NOTE. How many parents can really say they are familiar with the life of their teenagers? Few are my guess. All of us used to be or are teenagers so that endless lightless angst is apparent to us all. I actually disliked the way Amber handled her mother. She was extremely disrespectful and childish. Again this alienated Amber for me and made my sympathies for her parents manifest all the more.
My second issue, the over explanation of the mundane, I think this is a technique used by the author to take the reader into that angst, into that eternal struggle of the teenager, being overly aware of some things and clueless of others. It did not work for me but I am sure it will appeal too many.
Well to address the end, I can’t. Read it. Make up your own mind.
Thus a fast recap. This is a story that addresses issues that is mostly glossed over if that. It is a tough subject to address and I think the author did an amazing job in addressing these issues. She chose writing techniques that may not be to my personal liking but had the desired effect nonetheless. That was well done. I think parents should read this. Especially those reading this thinking – ghmf, I know my child... chances are you might not know them as well as you think.
I give this a 3 * review.
I think as a debut novel the author has done an amazing job.
But do not take my word for it. Read it, decide for yourself.
WaAr.
April 30, 2013
I was given a copy from the author for an honest review. I think she had a great basis for this story. It revolves around a high school senior named Amber that has been cutting to deal with her emotions. She is told by her mother that who she thought was her dad is not her biological dad, they move to a new state the summer of her senior year, and she is considered an outcast. She likes her black whether it be her hair, her makeup, or her cloths. She is going through a lot and turns to cutting to deal with it. I think the author does a phenomenal job dealing with the emotions and the thought process of someone who is a cutter and I give her mad props for that. She did a great job describing the thought process of someone in that situation.
Now as far as the rest of the story, that’s where I have an issue with. I felt it moved very fast and at times unrealistic. She meets Casey on the bus the first day of school and become best of friends. She is very similar to Amber in looks and appearances. The second week of school Casey talks Amber to going to a party where she meets Landon, the 18 year old who graduated the year before and is now a security guard at a prison. I personally know a prison guard and they have to have some sort of training to go into this field or college degree in criminology. I thought it was odd that at 18 straight out of high school would go straight in to this field. The next day he asks her to go “steady”. Now I don’t know any 18 year old that asks someone to go steady… but this reminds me of a bad 80’s movie. Just my opinion. Amber is still cutting to deal with things but with meeting Landon it does help her. There are parts in the book that just makes me what to say really??? For instance, Amber is at Casey’s house and makes a comment about a picture of her family and at the same time she attempts to make conversation with Casey’s dad. This part gets blow into some major drama between Amber, Casey and Casey’s boyfriend Patrick. Since Patrick is friends with Landon he later apologizes for his actions. Then sometime later Patrick is in a major accident and Amber is affected like she was Patrick’s girlfriend… That just struck me as odd and some of the dialog with the accident seemed out there as far how it would go in real life. There is another instance where Amber catches Casey making out with someone else at Prom and Amber goes off on her like Patrick was her best friend and not the other way around. The loyalty just seemed out of place. There is a major cliffhanger at the end and I am a tiny bit curious how it plays out in the end. With that said, I am not sure if I would spend the money to find out. I do think the author brings to light some very real issues in dealing with the life of a teenager but overall the execution of the story just didn’t hit the mark.
Now as far as the rest of the story, that’s where I have an issue with. I felt it moved very fast and at times unrealistic. She meets Casey on the bus the first day of school and become best of friends. She is very similar to Amber in looks and appearances. The second week of school Casey talks Amber to going to a party where she meets Landon, the 18 year old who graduated the year before and is now a security guard at a prison. I personally know a prison guard and they have to have some sort of training to go into this field or college degree in criminology. I thought it was odd that at 18 straight out of high school would go straight in to this field. The next day he asks her to go “steady”. Now I don’t know any 18 year old that asks someone to go steady… but this reminds me of a bad 80’s movie. Just my opinion. Amber is still cutting to deal with things but with meeting Landon it does help her. There are parts in the book that just makes me what to say really??? For instance, Amber is at Casey’s house and makes a comment about a picture of her family and at the same time she attempts to make conversation with Casey’s dad. This part gets blow into some major drama between Amber, Casey and Casey’s boyfriend Patrick. Since Patrick is friends with Landon he later apologizes for his actions. Then sometime later Patrick is in a major accident and Amber is affected like she was Patrick’s girlfriend… That just struck me as odd and some of the dialog with the accident seemed out there as far how it would go in real life. There is another instance where Amber catches Casey making out with someone else at Prom and Amber goes off on her like Patrick was her best friend and not the other way around. The loyalty just seemed out of place. There is a major cliffhanger at the end and I am a tiny bit curious how it plays out in the end. With that said, I am not sure if I would spend the money to find out. I do think the author brings to light some very real issues in dealing with the life of a teenager but overall the execution of the story just didn’t hit the mark.
March 22, 2013
Originally posted at DJ's Book Corner
I can't even begin to understand the emotions and darkness surrounding this book. I've never experienced this type of sadness and depression, and with God on my side, I hope I never do. The subject of self harm is one that makes almost everybody uncomfortable, but that's because it's never talked about. This was a brave undertaking and I admire Raebeth for it, especially since she has a real personal connection to it.
The beginning of Silenced was good. The ending, was good. It's what happened in between that I had a few problems with. First of all, Amber. I felt for her because of her situation and her unrelenting depression, but she acted like a six-year-old for most of the book. She was very immature, but even Raebeth said that she was in her interview with me so maybe that was the point. However, this immaturity kept me from becoming invested in her. All I really wanted her to do was stop whining.
I didn't like Casey from the jump and she only confirmed my dislike of her as the book went on. Amber's mother was uber annoying, but I'm sure that was done on purpose as well. I felt bad for Dave (Amber's dad) because of how Amber treats him when she finds out he's not her biological father, even though he's the only father she's ever known (the situation with her real father is CRAZY). And another thing, I really wanted to know, but alas, mean ol' Raebeth kept me in suspense.
Then there is the insta-love between Amber and Landon. It didn't work for me. They fell in love in like 24 hours and were sleeping together in 48. I can't get with that. Yeah, I'm sure there are teens in real life who move this fast, but the majority do not. On top of that, Landon is perfect. He doesn't have any flaws. He's just not a realistic guy. In a fantasy setting, this might fly. But in a contemporary it just doesn't work for me.
Overall, Silenced was a decent read. I really wished the characters had been more fleshed-out and that Amber and Landon's relationship had moved slower, but I'm kind of interested in what happens next. Especially with that ending. Cliffhanger!
I can't even begin to understand the emotions and darkness surrounding this book. I've never experienced this type of sadness and depression, and with God on my side, I hope I never do. The subject of self harm is one that makes almost everybody uncomfortable, but that's because it's never talked about. This was a brave undertaking and I admire Raebeth for it, especially since she has a real personal connection to it.
The beginning of Silenced was good. The ending, was good. It's what happened in between that I had a few problems with. First of all, Amber. I felt for her because of her situation and her unrelenting depression, but she acted like a six-year-old for most of the book. She was very immature, but even Raebeth said that she was in her interview with me so maybe that was the point. However, this immaturity kept me from becoming invested in her. All I really wanted her to do was stop whining.
I didn't like Casey from the jump and she only confirmed my dislike of her as the book went on. Amber's mother was uber annoying, but I'm sure that was done on purpose as well. I felt bad for Dave (Amber's dad) because of how Amber treats him when she finds out he's not her biological father, even though he's the only father she's ever known (the situation with her real father is CRAZY). And another thing, I really wanted to know, but alas, mean ol' Raebeth kept me in suspense.
Then there is the insta-love between Amber and Landon. It didn't work for me. They fell in love in like 24 hours and were sleeping together in 48. I can't get with that. Yeah, I'm sure there are teens in real life who move this fast, but the majority do not. On top of that, Landon is perfect. He doesn't have any flaws. He's just not a realistic guy. In a fantasy setting, this might fly. But in a contemporary it just doesn't work for me.
Overall, Silenced was a decent read. I really wished the characters had been more fleshed-out and that Amber and Landon's relationship had moved slower, but I'm kind of interested in what happens next. Especially with that ending. Cliffhanger!
January 22, 2013
This is a fascinating story of a woman suffering with depression. I struggled to put this book down!
Amber is a teenager who has had several changes in her life. Not only is her father not her father, but moving to a new home town and trying to make new friends has her feeling like her life is spiralling out of control. Her only respite from the emotional pain seems to come from the physical pain of cutting. I loved Amber's character. Having one set back after the other is enough to drive anyone into depression. I just wish that she didn't feel the urge to self-harm.
This is an emotionally laden story that brings into focus the effects of depression. Many people feel depressed at one time or another. However, sometimes the emotional pain is too much for one person, and they resort to diversionary tactics to try to make themselves feel better. Some do extreme sports, others overeat and a few self-harm. Amber is one of those who feels the release of endorphins after she cuts. Luckily, I have never had depression so bad that I have had to go to such extremes. I've had mild depression (who hasn't?), but I completely empathised with Amber. What surprised me is that no-one seemed to suspect that there was anything wrong. I suppose that people only see what they want to see. Just like eating disorders, severe depression can lead to unhealthy and dangerous behaviour. If undiagnosed, those suffering depression can spiral down to suicidal tendencies. I have had a few people I know take their lives due to depression. I felt completely helpless, as I had moved thousands of miles away, and had not spoken to them for a while so had no inkling at all.
If you or someone you know is prone to depression, I seriously suggest that medical advice be sought as soon as possible. There are medicines and support groups that may be able to help. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Raebeth McGee has written a powerful story that is a MUST READ. Her descriptive words, and the flow of the story, carried me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I shed more than a few tears, so a tissue may come in handy! I highly recommend this book to the older YA age range (15+) and adults alike. - Lynn Worton
Amber is a teenager who has had several changes in her life. Not only is her father not her father, but moving to a new home town and trying to make new friends has her feeling like her life is spiralling out of control. Her only respite from the emotional pain seems to come from the physical pain of cutting. I loved Amber's character. Having one set back after the other is enough to drive anyone into depression. I just wish that she didn't feel the urge to self-harm.
This is an emotionally laden story that brings into focus the effects of depression. Many people feel depressed at one time or another. However, sometimes the emotional pain is too much for one person, and they resort to diversionary tactics to try to make themselves feel better. Some do extreme sports, others overeat and a few self-harm. Amber is one of those who feels the release of endorphins after she cuts. Luckily, I have never had depression so bad that I have had to go to such extremes. I've had mild depression (who hasn't?), but I completely empathised with Amber. What surprised me is that no-one seemed to suspect that there was anything wrong. I suppose that people only see what they want to see. Just like eating disorders, severe depression can lead to unhealthy and dangerous behaviour. If undiagnosed, those suffering depression can spiral down to suicidal tendencies. I have had a few people I know take their lives due to depression. I felt completely helpless, as I had moved thousands of miles away, and had not spoken to them for a while so had no inkling at all.
If you or someone you know is prone to depression, I seriously suggest that medical advice be sought as soon as possible. There are medicines and support groups that may be able to help. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Raebeth McGee has written a powerful story that is a MUST READ. Her descriptive words, and the flow of the story, carried me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I shed more than a few tears, so a tissue may come in handy! I highly recommend this book to the older YA age range (15+) and adults alike. - Lynn Worton
March 16, 2013
Book Review of
Silenced By Rae-Beth McGee
I want to start with the same information that I will start all my reviews with. I am far from an expert. I am just a fan that was given the opportunity to share my opinion. I encourage everyone to go and read all the books that I am reviewing and form your own opinions. That is what I would do!
The Pro's:
This story was of a more serious nature then any that I have reviewed before. It was very realistic and I could see someone going through the trauma that the main character experiencing. This story allows the reader a glimpse of what some people suffer through when they have emotional disabilities.
The heroine was a very troubled young lady. The pain and agony that she lived with day in and out was unbearable. She discovered an outlet but that in itself was not a positive thing. This story follows her as she battles her depression and tries to stop her self destructive behaviour.
The supporting characters were also very realistic and believable. There was not much emphasis on their roles as the story is specifically about the struggle of the heroine. There was one or two that had a more solidified role but not any kind of main one.
Rae-Beth McGee has written a story that pulls on the heartstrings and makes you wonder what if? Depression can befall anyone and does affect many. The seriousness of this issue is portrayed well whilst still allowing the reader to fall into the story.
The Con's:
The end of the story was quite abrupt. It is the first in a series so I can understand why it was done that way. But I still did not like it. I would have been happier if I had the second book right away so that I could continue reading.
The Overview:
This story begins with a young lady facing a hard choice. Live with unbearable pain or use the only release she knew of even though it was even more destructive. The story follows along that struggle and its ups and downs.
The Bottom Line: 8/10 needles
Review written by Anastasia Voth
Silenced By Rae-Beth McGee
I want to start with the same information that I will start all my reviews with. I am far from an expert. I am just a fan that was given the opportunity to share my opinion. I encourage everyone to go and read all the books that I am reviewing and form your own opinions. That is what I would do!
The Pro's:
This story was of a more serious nature then any that I have reviewed before. It was very realistic and I could see someone going through the trauma that the main character experiencing. This story allows the reader a glimpse of what some people suffer through when they have emotional disabilities.
The heroine was a very troubled young lady. The pain and agony that she lived with day in and out was unbearable. She discovered an outlet but that in itself was not a positive thing. This story follows her as she battles her depression and tries to stop her self destructive behaviour.
The supporting characters were also very realistic and believable. There was not much emphasis on their roles as the story is specifically about the struggle of the heroine. There was one or two that had a more solidified role but not any kind of main one.
Rae-Beth McGee has written a story that pulls on the heartstrings and makes you wonder what if? Depression can befall anyone and does affect many. The seriousness of this issue is portrayed well whilst still allowing the reader to fall into the story.
The Con's:
The end of the story was quite abrupt. It is the first in a series so I can understand why it was done that way. But I still did not like it. I would have been happier if I had the second book right away so that I could continue reading.
The Overview:
This story begins with a young lady facing a hard choice. Live with unbearable pain or use the only release she knew of even though it was even more destructive. The story follows along that struggle and its ups and downs.
The Bottom Line: 8/10 needles
Review written by Anastasia Voth
January 5, 2013
I was always aware that due to my own circumstances, Silenced was going to be a difficult read. Depression and self harm are very personal but I was hoping I would find traits in Amber I could connect with. Although I felt empathy for her character I felt that there was too much stomping around and "my mum hates me" which made Amber sound more like a typical teenager than truly depressed, which I felt was an uncomfortable line that Raebeth McGee walked.
However, Silenced does deal with issues of self harm well and as frankly as possible, without glorifying them to the book's YA readers.
I was disappointed by the way in which Raebeth McGee used the romance between Landon and Amber as a 'cure'. Amber stops the majority of her self harming when they become a couple, claiming he 'saved her'. I think this would have been an ideal opportunity for the author to step out of the stereotypes and let Amber fight a way out of the cycle herself, encouraging her female readers in the same position to do the similar thing. This is especially true for YA readers who will be self harming due to body image issues who do not have a boyfriend or feel worthy of one.
Despite my issues with the relationship between Landon and Amber the romance is well-written and tender and certainly satisfies the reader.
I enjoyed the way in which Raebeth McGee built the friendships between the two couples - the deconstruction of Casey's character was also very clever, especially compared to Amber's new strength.
The secondary storyline about Amber's biological father was unfortunately overwhelmed by other events and predictable. However I look forward to seeing how this develops in the sequel.
This book should be added to your TBR because it offers an insight into an often ignored problem- which is more common than people realise.
However, Silenced does deal with issues of self harm well and as frankly as possible, without glorifying them to the book's YA readers.
I was disappointed by the way in which Raebeth McGee used the romance between Landon and Amber as a 'cure'. Amber stops the majority of her self harming when they become a couple, claiming he 'saved her'. I think this would have been an ideal opportunity for the author to step out of the stereotypes and let Amber fight a way out of the cycle herself, encouraging her female readers in the same position to do the similar thing. This is especially true for YA readers who will be self harming due to body image issues who do not have a boyfriend or feel worthy of one.
Despite my issues with the relationship between Landon and Amber the romance is well-written and tender and certainly satisfies the reader.
I enjoyed the way in which Raebeth McGee built the friendships between the two couples - the deconstruction of Casey's character was also very clever, especially compared to Amber's new strength.
The secondary storyline about Amber's biological father was unfortunately overwhelmed by other events and predictable. However I look forward to seeing how this develops in the sequel.
This book should be added to your TBR because it offers an insight into an often ignored problem- which is more common than people realise.
January 18, 2013
When you read my review please keep in mind that Silenced is a YA book. Even though I read and review alot of books in this genre I am thirty-six years old so sometimes it's very hard to relate to a younger character. This is very true with this book. Amber is a seventeen year old girl who feels like she is unlikable, unwanted, and lied to and her whole world is falling apart. I felt like her feelings were blown way out of proportion considering her circumstances. But I guess that's what it's like being a teenager. I can certainly look back and think why was that such a big deal that was nothing.
Even though I couldn't relate to Ambers situation I could certainly relate to her addiction. I wasn't a cutter I was a drug addict. I started with the small things like pot and drinking when I was twelve and by the time I was eighteen I was an avid meth user. So much so I couldn't function without it. When Amber starts describing her withdraw and need it reminded me of that same feeling I used to get when I tried to "slow" down or when I felt I just couldn't function until I got my next fix.
This book is very emotion charged and full of ups and downs. VERY well written. I felt at times like I was reading not a character but out of a real girls diary. The story felt authentic and I think that's something that make for a great book. I like the way that at times Amber starts to realize that all though no one is going though exactly the same problems she has to deal with no body has a perfect life and everyone struggles with something.
I would and will be recommending this book to to my teenage reader friends. I think there are alot of lessons for a teenage girl to learn from reading this book.
Even though I couldn't relate to Ambers situation I could certainly relate to her addiction. I wasn't a cutter I was a drug addict. I started with the small things like pot and drinking when I was twelve and by the time I was eighteen I was an avid meth user. So much so I couldn't function without it. When Amber starts describing her withdraw and need it reminded me of that same feeling I used to get when I tried to "slow" down or when I felt I just couldn't function until I got my next fix.
This book is very emotion charged and full of ups and downs. VERY well written. I felt at times like I was reading not a character but out of a real girls diary. The story felt authentic and I think that's something that make for a great book. I like the way that at times Amber starts to realize that all though no one is going though exactly the same problems she has to deal with no body has a perfect life and everyone struggles with something.
I would and will be recommending this book to to my teenage reader friends. I think there are alot of lessons for a teenage girl to learn from reading this book.
January 16, 2013
Silenced is about a girl named Amber who has just found out that the father she always assumed was her father is in fact not. In order to cope with this she cuts herself. Her family up and moves her away to another town. There she meets Casey who befriends her. Amber also decides to go on a search for her biological father.
Casey went too hot n' cold for me. I know there were reasons for it but I just could not at all connect with her, period. Amber's mother drove me absolutely batty. I understand being over protective to a point but it was almost verging on crazy. I never felt a connection between Landon and Amber. They were intimate way too fast and the relationship was very rushed.
I liked the story and it was a quick and fast read. The only character I felt a connection to was with was Amber. On a complete positive note: RaeBeth did a FANTASTIC job of describing the need that Amber felt to cut herself. The darkness that would over take her and how she felt after. I'm not going to lie it was a little uncomfortable for me to read. However, having said that, it really does give great insight into the world of cutting. Because even if it's not spoken about, it does happen and more than we like to admit, as well as why girls cut themselves and some understanding behind it.
There were some twists and turns along the way. Some I saw coming and some I did not.
There will be a book 2 and I will read it. I need to see what happens and how and if things get resolved.
This is a hard subject matter to hear about but I give some major kudos to RaeBeth McGee-Buda for writing about it and helping us to understand it better...
Casey went too hot n' cold for me. I know there were reasons for it but I just could not at all connect with her, period. Amber's mother drove me absolutely batty. I understand being over protective to a point but it was almost verging on crazy. I never felt a connection between Landon and Amber. They were intimate way too fast and the relationship was very rushed.
I liked the story and it was a quick and fast read. The only character I felt a connection to was with was Amber. On a complete positive note: RaeBeth did a FANTASTIC job of describing the need that Amber felt to cut herself. The darkness that would over take her and how she felt after. I'm not going to lie it was a little uncomfortable for me to read. However, having said that, it really does give great insight into the world of cutting. Because even if it's not spoken about, it does happen and more than we like to admit, as well as why girls cut themselves and some understanding behind it.
There were some twists and turns along the way. Some I saw coming and some I did not.
There will be a book 2 and I will read it. I need to see what happens and how and if things get resolved.
This is a hard subject matter to hear about but I give some major kudos to RaeBeth McGee-Buda for writing about it and helping us to understand it better...
March 1, 2013
Silenced by RaeBeth McGEE
Rating5*****
This book was provided by the author in exchange for honest literary review
I have to say this book was a real eye opener to me. Amber's story is one that happens too much in the lives of oung adults today. Cutting and self harm is so often overlooked because the signs are more subtle. The escalation of this often ends in suicide.
Amber has a life full of secreta created by a very narcissistic mother. Cutting became the escape from the lack of love she felt from her family. Until Landon came along, she never felt worthy of anyone's love or attention. It broke my heart to read how she felt so alone and empty. To see her struggle to free herself from the addicition to self harm brought me to tears. I was also saddened by the fact that the mom never seemed to accept any responsibility for her actions.
For a debut novel to have this amount of depth and emotion is phenomenal. The characters are well developed and are both likeable and relatable. You feel as if they are someone you have known for a long time. The plot is deep, but flows well. It remained engaging throughout the entire novel. I was very attached to this story.
I am curious to see where this goes in book two. It isn't your everyday they lived happily ever after story. It deals with people with real problems and some that just don't live happily ever after. I love that about this book.
I would have to recommend this one for readers 14+ because of some sex references as well as the deep content. While it may be fiction and somewhat raw and controversial, this is a must read for parents, teens, and others out there. Great job!!!
Rating5*****
This book was provided by the author in exchange for honest literary review
I have to say this book was a real eye opener to me. Amber's story is one that happens too much in the lives of oung adults today. Cutting and self harm is so often overlooked because the signs are more subtle. The escalation of this often ends in suicide.
Amber has a life full of secreta created by a very narcissistic mother. Cutting became the escape from the lack of love she felt from her family. Until Landon came along, she never felt worthy of anyone's love or attention. It broke my heart to read how she felt so alone and empty. To see her struggle to free herself from the addicition to self harm brought me to tears. I was also saddened by the fact that the mom never seemed to accept any responsibility for her actions.
For a debut novel to have this amount of depth and emotion is phenomenal. The characters are well developed and are both likeable and relatable. You feel as if they are someone you have known for a long time. The plot is deep, but flows well. It remained engaging throughout the entire novel. I was very attached to this story.
I am curious to see where this goes in book two. It isn't your everyday they lived happily ever after story. It deals with people with real problems and some that just don't live happily ever after. I love that about this book.
I would have to recommend this one for readers 14+ because of some sex references as well as the deep content. While it may be fiction and somewhat raw and controversial, this is a must read for parents, teens, and others out there. Great job!!!
March 26, 2013
"Silenced" by RaeBeth McGee was an intense but gratifying read about a 17 year old Goth girl called Amber who has taken to the razor blade to cut herself in order to make the world more bearable. This is a sometimes painful close-up of a teenage life that is not as straight forward and easy as those of a prom queen or a popular girl. Very descriptive and detailed we follow Amber in her day to day life, the arguments with parents, the depressing atmosphere at school, her friendship with Casey and her first boyfriend Landon. Told from Amber's perspective with raw honesty we gain a great psychological insight in to the mind of a self harmer as well as a girl who has not met her real father, an aspect of her life that she only recently discovered and which has a hard time to come to terms with.
The author demonstrates a great knowledge and empathy for teenage angst and mental health issues. Amber's parents are unaware of her cutting and they are far from cruel and often they are helpless in their attempts to make life more bearable for Amber.It speaks for the author how differentiated and non-stereotypical the characters are so we can understand even better how such issues can affect everyone and how difficult it is to spot and deal with.
Relief for Amber comes temporarily in form of the best friend Casey and the boyfriend Landon but once friendship and love have come to Amber's life it is far from uncomplicated, which is another thing I am most grateful for in this great book. I would have been disappointed if there had been an easy solution in the story as that would have simplified the problem.
Well done.
The author demonstrates a great knowledge and empathy for teenage angst and mental health issues. Amber's parents are unaware of her cutting and they are far from cruel and often they are helpless in their attempts to make life more bearable for Amber.It speaks for the author how differentiated and non-stereotypical the characters are so we can understand even better how such issues can affect everyone and how difficult it is to spot and deal with.
Relief for Amber comes temporarily in form of the best friend Casey and the boyfriend Landon but once friendship and love have come to Amber's life it is far from uncomplicated, which is another thing I am most grateful for in this great book. I would have been disappointed if there had been an easy solution in the story as that would have simplified the problem.
Well done.
January 14, 2013
First off i want to say this book is very hard hitting,depression is a hard thing to deal with (i suffer from it myself) so reading this book brought up alot of old feelings.I have also had to deal with some of the other issues that Amber has and this book made me face a few demons.
The way Raebeth writes the book she explains what Cutting is all about and why Amber feels the way she does and why Cutting herself gives her the release she needs.It actually gave me more insight to why people do it.
When Amber find's out that the man who brought her up isn't her father and then a move to a new town the Darkness get's worse and she find's the only way she can let the stress,anger and hurt out is by cutting herself.Starting a new school she quickly becomes friends with Casey,who has her own reason's to befriend Amber.Then she meets Landon sweet sweet Landon he quickly becomes her Rock and she feels safe with him and she stops cutting.Through her mothers lies she wants to find her real father and then finding picture's there is a shock in store.I didn't expect the ending but you can see it leads nicely onto the next book. Now i do feel at part's the story was rushed and skimmed over. But that doesn't take anything away from this heartwarming yet some times heart wrenching story.
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