What do you think?
Rate this book
Beneath The Skin
For 18-year-old Sidney Shaw, life pretty much sucks.
Her mom’s a drunk. Her dad’s worse. At school, she’s bullied by her ex-best friend. Cutting used to bring her relief, but not anymore. Something's got to give.
When Sidney punches a kid to protect her little brother, she’s forced into group counseling with perfect, popular Arianna, who looks like the type to grieve over a broken nail. But Arianna has secrets of her own. She might just be an ally, if Sidney can let her guard down.
And then there’s the new guy, sweet and funny Lucas, who sees straight through Sidney’s tough, snarky façade.
But Sidney's wounds go deeper than anyone knows. As her father's abuse escalates, her secrets threaten to unravel her. How far is she willing to go to protect her family? And who can she turn to when the unthinkable happens?
Her mom’s a drunk. Her dad’s worse. At school, she’s bullied by her ex-best friend. Cutting used to bring her relief, but not anymore. Something's got to give.
When Sidney punches a kid to protect her little brother, she’s forced into group counseling with perfect, popular Arianna, who looks like the type to grieve over a broken nail. But Arianna has secrets of her own. She might just be an ally, if Sidney can let her guard down.
And then there’s the new guy, sweet and funny Lucas, who sees straight through Sidney’s tough, snarky façade.
But Sidney's wounds go deeper than anyone knows. As her father's abuse escalates, her secrets threaten to unravel her. How far is she willing to go to protect her family? And who can she turn to when the unthinkable happens?
326 pages, Paperback
First published December 22, 2016
500 people are currently reading
2425 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
July 11, 2017
The only thing I'll add is that, yes, there are dark things, but that doesn't necessarily make them deep. I thought the bullying at the MC's school seemed a little far fetched, but I could be wrong. Not any person who bullied her had a specific (or even a real) reason. They just did. I get that some people are mean just to be mean, but a lot of times, there are reasons. Also the friendships seemed a little forced too. If someone rejects another's friendship multiple times, that person would most likely give up on them and not be friends. I am glad they didn't give up (good for you Lucas) and that everyone became a little closer, but I didn't feel for them because there wasn't much to feel.
April 28, 2017
5 Stars!!!
*I have received a free copy of this book from the author, as part of the Read to Review program in We ♥ YA Books! group on Goodreads, in exchange for my honest review.*
Beneath The Skin was an amazing journey of holding on, fighting, surviving, growing and transforming...
The main character - Sidney Shaw- is not a likable, poor, little sweet teen you'll love right away and feel sorry for.
She's, atually, kind of a snarky, sarcastic, mean, "bad girl". In fact, when we first meet her, she has just punched a 12 year-old kid. (But I have to say I did Like her a LOT, since the beginning).
We soon come to realise that Sidney's Family home life is very hard and painful.
“No one cares. No one wants to see. Some pretend to want to know, but they don’t really. No one wants to know about all the ugly things in the world. They don’t want to know that the darkest, most despicable acts happen right under their noses, that the real monsters live amongst us. They don’t want to know.”
Sidney's mother is a selfish mindless drunk and her father is worse ... he's an horrible human being.
And then, there's Sidney's 2 younger brothers - Frankie (11) and Aaron (8) - who she has to take care of, most days, because her mother is incapable of, and her father is mostly gone.
Still... It is better when her father is away from home, if not for the lack of money and having to ration food until he comes back with money for groceries... because when he is home, things shift, they change for the worse and life really sucks.
But, Sidney is Not a poor little victim... she deals with it all the best way she can... the only way she can...
“There’s only me. The freak who wants to cut her own skin off and beats up little kids and resents her own brothers, who pushes away any whiff of kindness because she doesn’t deserve any of it, who hides her true self in a shield of rage. The slut who thinks and does ugly, dirty, despicable things.”
“I want more. I want more than this. I want to be more than this. I want to claw out of my own skin and be someone—something, anything—else.”
Sidney is just hoding off until graduation, when she'll be able to leave home for good to go to College.
“Escape. Escape is the only thought keeping me tethered to this earth. I need to be gone.”
Due to the all punching a 12 year-old incident, Sidney is put in Group Therapy sessions with the popular, perfect, Colombian christian girl, Arianna Torres. And Sidney is not happy about it...
Only, Sidney's about to find out Arianna may be more like her then it seams, as she, too, has her own issues and her life is not as perfect as Sidney thinks.
“It always surprises me how the deepest pain—the stuff nobody ever sees—how it doesn’t even leave a mark, no scars. Nothing. It didn’t seem right. So I made one myself.”
Then, there's the new kid in class, Half-asian, sweet and funny Lucas kusuma, who seams to see more into Sydney than her angry, snarky front.
As time passes by and Sidney's life unravels in the worse possible way, getting harder and harder, it is in these 2 people, she'll find the True Friendship, Care, Support and Trust she desperately needs to keep going.
“Arianna said we have choices. God gives us a choice. Every single one of us. We make choices for good or choices for evil. Choices for self-protection and survival or choices for something bigger, better, greater than ourselves. Even when it doesn’t feel like a choice, it still is.
I have a choice.”
**********************
I really Loved this book...
I Loved the Deepness of it, the Seriousness of it, the Diversity, the Feelings it brought on to me, the beautiful writing (so many inspiring, Heartbreaking, heartfelt quotes!) and the Complex characters, with so many different struggles and issues, but Still so strong on their own!
This was the most serious and realistic book I have read on broken people and abuse... and I really liked that the author Does NOT try to manipulate our feelings, she doesn't pull at our heartstrings, trying to write a sad, cryable story... and Still, we FEEL...we Feel A LOT!
And, let me just say, this isn't your tipical Romance book (even though there is Love here), because the focus is on Sidney's and Arianna's issues and how they struggle with it and rise from it. And the Friendship that grows between these 2 girls is Beautiful and The Truest Friendship I've read.
To sum it up... this was a Beautiful, Realistic tale of Survival and going throught Hardship and Painful events, and Rising from it all.
*I have received a free copy of this book from the author, as part of the Read to Review program in We ♥ YA Books! group on Goodreads, in exchange for my honest review.*
Beneath The Skin was an amazing journey of holding on, fighting, surviving, growing and transforming...
The main character - Sidney Shaw- is not a likable, poor, little sweet teen you'll love right away and feel sorry for.
She's, atually, kind of a snarky, sarcastic, mean, "bad girl". In fact, when we first meet her, she has just punched a 12 year-old kid. (But I have to say I did Like her a LOT, since the beginning).
We soon come to realise that Sidney's Family home life is very hard and painful.
“No one cares. No one wants to see. Some pretend to want to know, but they don’t really. No one wants to know about all the ugly things in the world. They don’t want to know that the darkest, most despicable acts happen right under their noses, that the real monsters live amongst us. They don’t want to know.”
Sidney's mother is a selfish mindless drunk and her father is worse ... he's an horrible human being.
And then, there's Sidney's 2 younger brothers - Frankie (11) and Aaron (8) - who she has to take care of, most days, because her mother is incapable of, and her father is mostly gone.
Still... It is better when her father is away from home, if not for the lack of money and having to ration food until he comes back with money for groceries... because when he is home, things shift, they change for the worse and life really sucks.
But, Sidney is Not a poor little victim... she deals with it all the best way she can... the only way she can...
“There’s only me. The freak who wants to cut her own skin off and beats up little kids and resents her own brothers, who pushes away any whiff of kindness because she doesn’t deserve any of it, who hides her true self in a shield of rage. The slut who thinks and does ugly, dirty, despicable things.”
“I want more. I want more than this. I want to be more than this. I want to claw out of my own skin and be someone—something, anything—else.”
Sidney is just hoding off until graduation, when she'll be able to leave home for good to go to College.
“Escape. Escape is the only thought keeping me tethered to this earth. I need to be gone.”
Due to the all punching a 12 year-old incident, Sidney is put in Group Therapy sessions with the popular, perfect, Colombian christian girl, Arianna Torres. And Sidney is not happy about it...
Only, Sidney's about to find out Arianna may be more like her then it seams, as she, too, has her own issues and her life is not as perfect as Sidney thinks.
“It always surprises me how the deepest pain—the stuff nobody ever sees—how it doesn’t even leave a mark, no scars. Nothing. It didn’t seem right. So I made one myself.”
Then, there's the new kid in class, Half-asian, sweet and funny Lucas kusuma, who seams to see more into Sydney than her angry, snarky front.
As time passes by and Sidney's life unravels in the worse possible way, getting harder and harder, it is in these 2 people, she'll find the True Friendship, Care, Support and Trust she desperately needs to keep going.
“Arianna said we have choices. God gives us a choice. Every single one of us. We make choices for good or choices for evil. Choices for self-protection and survival or choices for something bigger, better, greater than ourselves. Even when it doesn’t feel like a choice, it still is.
I have a choice.”
**********************
I really Loved this book...
I Loved the Deepness of it, the Seriousness of it, the Diversity, the Feelings it brought on to me, the beautiful writing (so many inspiring, Heartbreaking, heartfelt quotes!) and the Complex characters, with so many different struggles and issues, but Still so strong on their own!
This was the most serious and realistic book I have read on broken people and abuse... and I really liked that the author Does NOT try to manipulate our feelings, she doesn't pull at our heartstrings, trying to write a sad, cryable story... and Still, we FEEL...we Feel A LOT!
And, let me just say, this isn't your tipical Romance book (even though there is Love here), because the focus is on Sidney's and Arianna's issues and how they struggle with it and rise from it. And the Friendship that grows between these 2 girls is Beautiful and The Truest Friendship I've read.
To sum it up... this was a Beautiful, Realistic tale of Survival and going throught Hardship and Painful events, and Rising from it all.
February 23, 2017
A Hell of a ride. It has left me awed and shocked. It is an amazing debut novel that follows the life of a girl abuded physically and mentally, and really, it has left me astonished and without knowing what to say.
February 25, 2018
A heart-felt, challenging, and uncompromisingly realistic novel, the book takes the reader literally beneath the skin: inside the head and heart and life of Sidney Shaw, a girl who wants to be fat, to be as unattractive as possible. There are compelling reasons for this, which are revealed in the course of her story.
Sidney is driven to cut herself, as she tries to amputate the pain from her life. The school counselor partners her with someone so completely different that she cannot imagine what he was thinking.
Her life goes from bad to worse, to appalling. Some of what she suffers she almost brings upon herself, in making herself a social pariah.
Nevertheless, there are points of light, as bright and as tiny and which feel as far off as the stars. Lucas likes her sass and her willingness to strip away social facades. Arianna, impossibly, becomes a friend. And then there is a violent resolution to her greatest agony. This is not the end of the book, though, as there are consequences to deal with, and a good deal of growing up still to do.
Through the entire novel, Sidney's voice is painfully authentic, and as far from 'nice' as she is, she wins the reader's heart and unstinting support.
A very fine work, this is at times a gut-wrenching novel which addresses serious teen issues head-on and without any sugar-coating. Sensitive readers, note that Kyla Stone pulls no punches. Trigger themes abound. This is a great book.
Sidney is driven to cut herself, as she tries to amputate the pain from her life. The school counselor partners her with someone so completely different that she cannot imagine what he was thinking.
Her life goes from bad to worse, to appalling. Some of what she suffers she almost brings upon herself, in making herself a social pariah.
Nevertheless, there are points of light, as bright and as tiny and which feel as far off as the stars. Lucas likes her sass and her willingness to strip away social facades. Arianna, impossibly, becomes a friend. And then there is a violent resolution to her greatest agony. This is not the end of the book, though, as there are consequences to deal with, and a good deal of growing up still to do.
Through the entire novel, Sidney's voice is painfully authentic, and as far from 'nice' as she is, she wins the reader's heart and unstinting support.
A very fine work, this is at times a gut-wrenching novel which addresses serious teen issues head-on and without any sugar-coating. Sensitive readers, note that Kyla Stone pulls no punches. Trigger themes abound. This is a great book.
December 16, 2016
I have to say right now this book has a lot of hard things to deal with. Such as rape, self-harm, and so much more.
I was pulling for Sydney from the beginning of the story. What a life that her and her brothers had to live with. And don't get me started on their mother, I don't even think she deserves that titled. Sydney was more of a mother to her two brothers.
And her awful father, I just couldn't stand him, and there were parts in the book with him, that I just had to put the book down for a few minutes. Just for I wouldn't through my kindle across my bedroom.
I really loved the characters of Lucas and Arianna. Both of them had problems of their own to deal with, but they were there for Sydney when she needed them. And even if Sydney didn't want them there or wasn't nice to them, they were still there for her.
I really felt bad for Sydney because she didn't think she deserves to be loved. And while you understand why she feels this way, it still tears you up inside.
I am so glad that things started to look up for her in the end. I am so happy that I was able to get a copy of this book to read and review. It's a sad book but its a book that will tug at your heartstrings.
I would say that if books with the type of subjects that I mentioned above bothers you, then I would say not to read the book. But I will say the author did a great job handling the subject matters I mentioned. As well as some that I didn't mentioned.
I was pulling for Sydney from the beginning of the story. What a life that her and her brothers had to live with. And don't get me started on their mother, I don't even think she deserves that titled. Sydney was more of a mother to her two brothers.
And her awful father, I just couldn't stand him, and there were parts in the book with him, that I just had to put the book down for a few minutes. Just for I wouldn't through my kindle across my bedroom.
I really loved the characters of Lucas and Arianna. Both of them had problems of their own to deal with, but they were there for Sydney when she needed them. And even if Sydney didn't want them there or wasn't nice to them, they were still there for her.
I really felt bad for Sydney because she didn't think she deserves to be loved. And while you understand why she feels this way, it still tears you up inside.
I am so glad that things started to look up for her in the end. I am so happy that I was able to get a copy of this book to read and review. It's a sad book but its a book that will tug at your heartstrings.
I would say that if books with the type of subjects that I mentioned above bothers you, then I would say not to read the book. But I will say the author did a great job handling the subject matters I mentioned. As well as some that I didn't mentioned.
July 19, 2018
This book made me feel splendiferous. (I received a copy by the Author for a honest review)
There are books that have abusive, homophobic or sexist characters, which although raise important questions don't address them, and that makes me strongly dislike those authors and books.
This is not one of those books, it raises so many questions, but directly confronts them in the best way possible, here is a really good example, roughly a quarter through the book:
““Am I the word that Pop said? Faggot?” I bite my lip so hard I taste blood. My hatred for Frank this moment is a towering inferno. “No. Never. There’s nothing you could do to make you that word. It’s a mean, nasty word that mean and nasty people use to tear someone down and make them feel bad. That’s all. Okay?” “Okay, but people at school say that word to me, too. ’Cause I like pink and sparkly things. ’Cause I cry sometimes. They say I like boys.” I want to beat the snot out of every kid in his school. I don’t care how young they are. They’re old enough to know better. I want to shake Aaron and tell him he has to be tougher, stronger, harder, but his sweet little face is looking up at me, and I just can’t bring myself to do it. “You are good. Just like this. Whatever you want to be is just fine. It doesn’t matter if you like boys or pink sparkles or wear purple polka dotted skirts to school every day. Okay? No one has a right to treat you like crap.” The corners of his mouth tilt into a tiny smile. “Will you hold my hand?” I lace my fingers through his. They are still so small, so delicate. I swallow hard. “Tonight, you need to stay in your room. Don’t come out, okay?” He nods. I hold his hand all the way home in the crackling silence. The dread creeps up my throat, strangling my breath. ”
If that doesn't make you love this book to bits and pieces, I don't know what will, oh, maybe it's the incredibly well written characters that sometimes have scenes that make me just feel good inside, all the wit and sass included:
““Keep rolling your eyes,” I mutter. “Maybe someday you’ll find a brain back there.” Lucas laughs. ”
“You said Jasmine was a ‘loathsome toad.’ I said to myself, ‘here’s a girl. She’s creative with her words, just like me.’ And I just knew.” He shrugs, grinning sheepishly.”
The characters in this book are so well written, I can find myself relating to people who, seemingly, have absolutely nothing in common with me. They all seem real, which is something I rarely see in books lately.
The story seems to come in two arcs, or rather, you can stop reading the book at roughly the halfway point and be left with a fully fledged, good experience, if you continue on reading though, it will leave you with an amazing second half of the book and an amazing experience.
I read this book in 1 sitting, then I put it down for a while, cried a bit, and read it again, it's that good. This book is that great.
READ IT READ IT READ IT.
- yona
There are books that have abusive, homophobic or sexist characters, which although raise important questions don't address them, and that makes me strongly dislike those authors and books.
This is not one of those books, it raises so many questions, but directly confronts them in the best way possible, here is a really good example, roughly a quarter through the book:
““Am I the word that Pop said? Faggot?” I bite my lip so hard I taste blood. My hatred for Frank this moment is a towering inferno. “No. Never. There’s nothing you could do to make you that word. It’s a mean, nasty word that mean and nasty people use to tear someone down and make them feel bad. That’s all. Okay?” “Okay, but people at school say that word to me, too. ’Cause I like pink and sparkly things. ’Cause I cry sometimes. They say I like boys.” I want to beat the snot out of every kid in his school. I don’t care how young they are. They’re old enough to know better. I want to shake Aaron and tell him he has to be tougher, stronger, harder, but his sweet little face is looking up at me, and I just can’t bring myself to do it. “You are good. Just like this. Whatever you want to be is just fine. It doesn’t matter if you like boys or pink sparkles or wear purple polka dotted skirts to school every day. Okay? No one has a right to treat you like crap.” The corners of his mouth tilt into a tiny smile. “Will you hold my hand?” I lace my fingers through his. They are still so small, so delicate. I swallow hard. “Tonight, you need to stay in your room. Don’t come out, okay?” He nods. I hold his hand all the way home in the crackling silence. The dread creeps up my throat, strangling my breath. ”
If that doesn't make you love this book to bits and pieces, I don't know what will, oh, maybe it's the incredibly well written characters that sometimes have scenes that make me just feel good inside, all the wit and sass included:
““Keep rolling your eyes,” I mutter. “Maybe someday you’ll find a brain back there.” Lucas laughs. ”
“You said Jasmine was a ‘loathsome toad.’ I said to myself, ‘here’s a girl. She’s creative with her words, just like me.’ And I just knew.” He shrugs, grinning sheepishly.”
The characters in this book are so well written, I can find myself relating to people who, seemingly, have absolutely nothing in common with me. They all seem real, which is something I rarely see in books lately.
The story seems to come in two arcs, or rather, you can stop reading the book at roughly the halfway point and be left with a fully fledged, good experience, if you continue on reading though, it will leave you with an amazing second half of the book and an amazing experience.
I read this book in 1 sitting, then I put it down for a while, cried a bit, and read it again, it's that good. This book is that great.
READ IT READ IT READ IT.
- yona
February 2, 2017
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am in awe! What a brilliant book!!!
It is fiction but it felt so real, like you were taking every step with Sidney. You cry with her, you cry for her and you just want to get in on the fight an punch the lights out of everyone who is hurting her.
I could not put this book down.
Beautiful story, so sad your heart breaks but it spells HOPE.
Be warned that this book contains possible triggering topics so keep that in mind before you read.
I stepped out of familiar waters by reading a book like this which is a world apart from my usual genre, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. LOVED it! Oh and those last two words...........brilliant!! (and yes you will have to read the book to know what that means)
I am in awe! What a brilliant book!!!
It is fiction but it felt so real, like you were taking every step with Sidney. You cry with her, you cry for her and you just want to get in on the fight an punch the lights out of everyone who is hurting her.
I could not put this book down.
Beautiful story, so sad your heart breaks but it spells HOPE.
Be warned that this book contains possible triggering topics so keep that in mind before you read.
I stepped out of familiar waters by reading a book like this which is a world apart from my usual genre, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. LOVED it! Oh and those last two words...........brilliant!! (and yes you will have to read the book to know what that means)
February 3, 2018
Rating: 3.5 Stars
(I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.)
While I wasn't optimistic on how I'd feel about this book in the beginning, this was quickly changed. This book made me feel something I still can't quite express.
I did not enjoy this book. Not due to the writing, characters, or the plot, but because of how heartbroken and emotional Beneath The Skin was. (So this is probably a backhanded compliment to the author.) Relaying the struggles of Sidney Shaw, this book deals with a lot of issues; self-harm, rape, depression and so much more.
I have been waiting for a story where the main character finally isn't for the most part perfect, and Sidney Shaw is it. Snarky, sarcastic, and hurtful even to those she loved, it was difficult to like her at first. Arianna hit close to home because of how relatable she was to me, and even Frankie and Aaron had me rooting for them. Most of the characters in this story were so diverse but more importantly realistic. There isn't a happy ending for all the characters, and many were still left struggling, but I think the plot did a good job at sticking to theme: learning how to face your problems and find the strength to live.
My only problem would be slight bits of executing the story and characters. The story was so centered around Sidney's growth and healing that I feel Lucas and Arianna's problems were never fully explored, although Sidney learning to sympathize with others would've been a good thing. An example would be when Lucas poured out his grievances and Sidney seemed to comfort him at first, but it quickly turned into Sidney being comforted instead.
Another bit about the execution might be a little sensitive, but it would probably be the introducing of ethnicity in the characters. I absolutely loved the fact that the characters were diverse, but there seemed to be a tendency to single out even minor characters' ethnicities in want to make it more diverse. I suggest and hope that they do not take away their diversity, but perhaps portray the characters in ways not immediately starting off with "He's Asian, with...." and large expository regarding their race. The point was to portray different ethnicities, but I winded up feeling as if they were singled out over it.
Overall though, I think Beneath The Skin is a novel that teaches people to be strong in spite of hardships. I'm glad to have read it for the new perspectives I've experienced.
(I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.)
While I wasn't optimistic on how I'd feel about this book in the beginning, this was quickly changed. This book made me feel something I still can't quite express.
I did not enjoy this book. Not due to the writing, characters, or the plot, but because of how heartbroken and emotional Beneath The Skin was. (So this is probably a backhanded compliment to the author.) Relaying the struggles of Sidney Shaw, this book deals with a lot of issues; self-harm, rape, depression and so much more.
I have been waiting for a story where the main character finally isn't for the most part perfect, and Sidney Shaw is it. Snarky, sarcastic, and hurtful even to those she loved, it was difficult to like her at first. Arianna hit close to home because of how relatable she was to me, and even Frankie and Aaron had me rooting for them. Most of the characters in this story were so diverse but more importantly realistic. There isn't a happy ending for all the characters, and many were still left struggling, but I think the plot did a good job at sticking to theme: learning how to face your problems and find the strength to live.
My only problem would be slight bits of executing the story and characters. The story was so centered around Sidney's growth and healing that I feel Lucas and Arianna's problems were never fully explored, although Sidney learning to sympathize with others would've been a good thing. An example would be when Lucas poured out his grievances and Sidney seemed to comfort him at first, but it quickly turned into Sidney being comforted instead.
Another bit about the execution might be a little sensitive, but it would probably be the introducing of ethnicity in the characters. I absolutely loved the fact that the characters were diverse, but there seemed to be a tendency to single out even minor characters' ethnicities in want to make it more diverse. I suggest and hope that they do not take away their diversity, but perhaps portray the characters in ways not immediately starting off with "He's Asian, with...." and large expository regarding their race. The point was to portray different ethnicities, but I winded up feeling as if they were singled out over it.
Overall though, I think Beneath The Skin is a novel that teaches people to be strong in spite of hardships. I'm glad to have read it for the new perspectives I've experienced.
July 31, 2017
Read this review and more on my blog.The Book Return Blog
Sidney Shaw has a terrible home life. Her former best friend now torments her. She covers up the pain by pushing people away. She also cuts herself.
Sidney does everything she can to protect her little brothers. When that means Sidney strikes a boy who was bullying her brother at school, there are consequences. She now has to start group therapy with one of her school's popular girls, Adriana.
First off, this book has some big trigger points. For example self-mutilation, eating disorders, sexual abuse. Each of this things are important topics that affect many teens today.
I thought that the author handled each of those topics well. They were each approach slowly and were woven into the tapestry of the storyline. This took away some of the shock factor that these trigger points could have invoked.
Sidney as a character was very complex and relatable but very human. She did everything she could to fix things for herself and her family but often came up short. My favorite character was Lucas. He pulled Sidney out of her shell and helped her see the light at the end of the tunnel. I did like Adriana but I felt like maybe the insta-friendship between her and Sidney was a little forced. Sidney's dad was the villain of the story. He wasn't totally evil and Sidney did see some positive things in him. Sidney's mother, however, had no redeeming qualities what so ever. I would have liked to see a little more of her when she wasn't totally out of it.
'Beneath the Skin' delved into some important topics but is an important read. I look forward to more of Kyla Stones books.This review was originally posted on The Book return...
Sidney Shaw has a terrible home life. Her former best friend now torments her. She covers up the pain by pushing people away. She also cuts herself.
Sidney does everything she can to protect her little brothers. When that means Sidney strikes a boy who was bullying her brother at school, there are consequences. She now has to start group therapy with one of her school's popular girls, Adriana.
First off, this book has some big trigger points. For example self-mutilation, eating disorders, sexual abuse. Each of this things are important topics that affect many teens today.
I thought that the author handled each of those topics well. They were each approach slowly and were woven into the tapestry of the storyline. This took away some of the shock factor that these trigger points could have invoked.
Sidney as a character was very complex and relatable but very human. She did everything she could to fix things for herself and her family but often came up short. My favorite character was Lucas. He pulled Sidney out of her shell and helped her see the light at the end of the tunnel. I did like Adriana but I felt like maybe the insta-friendship between her and Sidney was a little forced. Sidney's dad was the villain of the story. He wasn't totally evil and Sidney did see some positive things in him. Sidney's mother, however, had no redeeming qualities what so ever. I would have liked to see a little more of her when she wasn't totally out of it.
'Beneath the Skin' delved into some important topics but is an important read. I look forward to more of Kyla Stones books.This review was originally posted on The Book return...
December 9, 2016
This young adult novel is well written and deals with a lot of touchy issues quite well. The main character, Sydney, is well drawn and very likable but also very real. The book reflects the way teens think, talk, and act but isn't so trendy that it becomes trite. I don't usually read young adult fiction, as I'm way past that age, but I liked this book. I think it's a good read for anyone interested in more serious issues that teens face today. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2017
I feel bad for Sydney since she has one of the worst lives a kid could possibly have. I like that she stood up for her sister and that she didn't care too much about getting in trouble. I really like that Lucas and Arianna were able to help her become more behaved. I really like this book. I received this book from the author for my honest review.
May 21, 2017
Beneath the skin by Kyla Stone.
To save her life, she must risk her heart . . .
For eighteen-year-old Sidney Shaw, life pretty much sucks. Her mom's a drunk. Her dad's worse. At school, she's bullied by her ex-best friend. And cutting no longer brings the relief she craves.
When Sidney is forced into group counseling, she meets perfect, popular Arianna, the type of girl who grieves over a broken nail. But Arianna has secrets of her own. She might prove herself a friend--if Sidney can let her guard down. Then there's Lucas, the sweet and funny new guy who sees straight through her tough, snarky façade.
But Sidney's wounds go deeper than anyone knows. When her secrets threaten to unravel her, Sidney must choose. How far is she willing to go to protect her family? And who can she turn to when the unthinkable happens?
OMG. A heartwrenching and moving read. It broke my heart poor Sidney. What she went through. Had tears in my eyes. 5*. Tbc on fb.
To save her life, she must risk her heart . . .
For eighteen-year-old Sidney Shaw, life pretty much sucks. Her mom's a drunk. Her dad's worse. At school, she's bullied by her ex-best friend. And cutting no longer brings the relief she craves.
When Sidney is forced into group counseling, she meets perfect, popular Arianna, the type of girl who grieves over a broken nail. But Arianna has secrets of her own. She might prove herself a friend--if Sidney can let her guard down. Then there's Lucas, the sweet and funny new guy who sees straight through her tough, snarky façade.
But Sidney's wounds go deeper than anyone knows. When her secrets threaten to unravel her, Sidney must choose. How far is she willing to go to protect her family? And who can she turn to when the unthinkable happens?
OMG. A heartwrenching and moving read. It broke my heart poor Sidney. What she went through. Had tears in my eyes. 5*. Tbc on fb.
December 13, 2017
Essential
This story should be required for anyone that has suffered through, or knows someone that may have suffered, any sort of abuse: physical, mental, emotional, or sexual. It gives an approximate view of what some victims feel, I said approximate because I’m sure the rage and sense of helplessness is far worse in reality. It hit my emotional buttons even though I was never abused, although I did have issues with depression.
This story should be required for anyone that has suffered through, or knows someone that may have suffered, any sort of abuse: physical, mental, emotional, or sexual. It gives an approximate view of what some victims feel, I said approximate because I’m sure the rage and sense of helplessness is far worse in reality. It hit my emotional buttons even though I was never abused, although I did have issues with depression.
October 29, 2024
I should start off this review by saying that this book is basically one big trigger warning. Read at your own risk. I probably would've given it four or five stars if it wasn't for the inner dialogue. That was absolutely incessant and annoying. Way too much. It probably could've cut this book in half and bet a lot better if not for that.
April 22, 2023
I don’t know how to feel about this book…
It was written very ya like but the topics that were described (some more graphically than others) aren’t what you would see in a ya book.
Overall this book COULDVE been a way better read but it just wasn’t executed well enough
2.5 ⭐️
It was written very ya like but the topics that were described (some more graphically than others) aren’t what you would see in a ya book.
Overall this book COULDVE been a way better read but it just wasn’t executed well enough
2.5 ⭐️
December 8, 2024
3 stars ⭐️
October 28, 2023
wow this one is NOT for the lighthearted... while reading this one, I was reminded of A Little Life and how I have YET to finish that book.
happy I've conquered another book that I added during my 2017 splurge lol. Sidney is struggling, she has taken the role of her mother in the household and it's affecting her mental and physical health. She resorts to anger on others and herself instead of allowing herself to feel it. This is a difficult book to read and I recommend looking at the trigger warnings before diving into it because man can it get heavy. Overall, I liked it and found that I was able to get into the storyline quickly in order to sort out what was to come. I truly wish Sidney's mother wasn't as brainwashed as she was... it was hard to read those parts.
happy I've conquered another book that I added during my 2017 splurge lol. Sidney is struggling, she has taken the role of her mother in the household and it's affecting her mental and physical health. She resorts to anger on others and herself instead of allowing herself to feel it. This is a difficult book to read and I recommend looking at the trigger warnings before diving into it because man can it get heavy. Overall, I liked it and found that I was able to get into the storyline quickly in order to sort out what was to come. I truly wish Sidney's mother wasn't as brainwashed as she was... it was hard to read those parts.
February 26, 2017
Love this book
It will make you cry but it's worth it Sidney is such a powerful character and (she has a great name my name is Sydney too) she has many problems at school and home but end the end this is a really good story read it you'll love it
It will make you cry but it's worth it Sidney is such a powerful character and (she has a great name my name is Sydney too) she has many problems at school and home but end the end this is a really good story read it you'll love it
July 22, 2024
Not like her other books
I love Kyla Stone's SHTF books. The end of the world background with the main stories being the characters and their life.
This was not that. This was emotional and at times hard to read. There are some triggers that should be mentioned - abuse and self harm, specifically.
But she does it in such away that I can empathize and understand why someone would cut. Something I truly could never wrap my head around. I always have compassion for someone who self harms, but I never could understand how they found relief in it.
Kyla Stone remains one of my favorite authors.
I love Kyla Stone's SHTF books. The end of the world background with the main stories being the characters and their life.
This was not that. This was emotional and at times hard to read. There are some triggers that should be mentioned - abuse and self harm, specifically.
But she does it in such away that I can empathize and understand why someone would cut. Something I truly could never wrap my head around. I always have compassion for someone who self harms, but I never could understand how they found relief in it.
Kyla Stone remains one of my favorite authors.
June 9, 2022
First of all self harm is not ok. In no way shape or form should this be credited that it’s something as normal and ok to do to yourself.
The young adult genre has been going further and further into those untouched territories. Breaking the norms and showing readers that these dark things untold happen, but sometimes they get told as a hey you should be doing this, and that’s not the message young people need. It should be used as tools to ward hem from it to learn with the character why it’s not ok and that getting help is always the answer.
I’m all for these norm breakers but only if the message is told correctly.
The main character was a typical whine fest and woe is me, which made this horrid to trudge through but I made it out of pure hope this one would be a positive message.
The young adult genre has been going further and further into those untouched territories. Breaking the norms and showing readers that these dark things untold happen, but sometimes they get told as a hey you should be doing this, and that’s not the message young people need. It should be used as tools to ward hem from it to learn with the character why it’s not ok and that getting help is always the answer.
I’m all for these norm breakers but only if the message is told correctly.
The main character was a typical whine fest and woe is me, which made this horrid to trudge through but I made it out of pure hope this one would be a positive message.
October 8, 2017
I'm laying here with my perfected silent cry. Tears streaming down my face. Wow. Just wow. Not everyone is going to be able to read this book. Triggers like abusers (physical, emotional and substance) Rape, and self harm. I lived this life and this author's words perfectly convey how it feels to be stuck in that place. The words you cannot find until it's already too late. Just amazing. Get sucked right in to Sidney and her world, family and friends. It's almost 3 am I could not put it down.
Extremely well written!
Extremely well written!
March 1, 2018
I was angry for what Sidney had to go through, the people who surrounded her everyday at school, and the neglect and chaos of her home life.
Most of the characters in this novel are deeply flawed in different ways, but that's what makes it accurate and believable.
It was a quick but heartfelt read.
Would Recommend!
Most of the characters in this novel are deeply flawed in different ways, but that's what makes it accurate and believable.
It was a quick but heartfelt read.
Would Recommend!
February 14, 2020
2.5 stars. I’m honestly a bit surprised at such a high rating of this book. It felt wayyy too drawn out. I thought it should’ve ended around 200 pages or so but oh well. The premise is a sad one but the writing was just not really engaging enough. Sydney is a very dark/angry character and has every right to be considering some of the things she’s gone through and still deals with but honestly the sarcasm after so long was just a bit too much. Like yes you’re angry ok we get it but so and so is trying to help you just be fucking nice for once. Meh.
December 12, 2016
This is a heart wrenching novel that addresses abuse problems head on - self harm, sexual abuse, bullying. This amazing novel landed on my reading list unexpectedly, and though well outside my usual preferred genre, I felt I had to read this to the end. An emotional rollercoaster with inspiring characters and a disturbingly believable plot line, very well written. This was an ARC received without obligation that I felt compelled to review as a compliment to the author's courage.
December 14, 2016
A strong powerful must read for any parent of teenagers. A tale of bullying, tragedy and rebuilding of a life so nearly lost. Set in a school in mid America this is a story of every parents worst nightmare written with no apology or excuse and, the worst thing - it's based on a true story.
The writing is amazing, the characerisations strong and for someone that's already written a book on bullying this has touched so many personal cords.
The writing is amazing, the characerisations strong and for someone that's already written a book on bullying this has touched so many personal cords.
December 11, 2016
I received this book from a librarything giveaway,and i have to say i loved it.Very well written, and a sensitive topic to write about.Sydney comes off really bad in the beginning, but as you see how much she's been through and still going through, it makes sense.I loved the friendship aspect too.I definitely recommend this.
December 13, 2016
So hard and beautiful
A great young adult novel, well-written, but brutally honest. The journey and challenges of the main character got straight to my heart. I felt for her, what she went through; the abuse, the hardship. It is a difficult theme but so real! I received an advanced copy of this book and I highly recommend it!
A great young adult novel, well-written, but brutally honest. The journey and challenges of the main character got straight to my heart. I felt for her, what she went through; the abuse, the hardship. It is a difficult theme but so real! I received an advanced copy of this book and I highly recommend it!
December 15, 2016
This book really hit me hard. As someone who has dealt with abuse and PTSD, I could relate enormously to Sidney and the feelings and pain expressed in this book. A great realistic fiction read, especially for anyone healing from trauma or abuse. There were twists in the plot that surprised me too, which is hard to do since I have read so many YA books!
January 3, 2018
This is definitely a young adult book, but not necessarily in a good way. The main character, Sidney, is angry and gives stupid juvenile answers, and what she thinks are quick comebacks, but are actually just plain stupid. It was a tough read, and made self harm okay, rather than the dangerous mental health condition it is. Not much good to say about this book really.
May 26, 2019
This book started off like it was going to be one of those YA novels where the main character is this overly tragic girl until the love interest shows up and suddenly everything is okay. Thankfully, this did not go that route. This is a story where the characters react to trauma and hardship in a pretty realistic way. The progression of recovery isn't linear in real life and that's how it's often portrayed in YA novels. Life sucks and then it's perfect, right? Nope. This book does a decent job and showing the ups and downs of trying to deal with complicated emotions.
I also loved the contrast between Sidney's situation and Arianna's. It becomes increasingly obvious as to why Sidney is angry and self-harms. She's abused at home and that's an easy enough concept to understand for the average reader. And I think this is why a lot of authors resort to some kind of physical abuse or other external factor to explain their protagonist's turmoil. There's an obvious cause-and-effect relationship. I get that. But that's not always the case. I'd say a good percentage of teenage depression isn't caused by being dirt poor, being bullied, having a drunk mom, and a rapist father all at the same time. To be honest, I was initially frustrated with this book because it seemed like the author was just throwing in as many factors as possible to give Sidney extra tragedy points. It didn't help that Lucas, the love interest, was introduced really early. But this book turned out to be different from one of those clichés. (Mostly. It had its moments where I actually rolled my eyes, but that's only when Lucas talked.) And that's partially due to the fact that Arianna's story is both similar and entirely different from Sidney's. No one has laid a finger on Arianna. She has a nice home, plays flute, is part of student government, etc. In short, she's never the kind of character in these stories to have any kind of emotional problems. She's seemingly perfect and harmless. And that's why I love her because she's the least likely to have an eating disorder and self harm and that's what makes her so incredibly real. I just wish we got a little more of her.
Really my biggest problem was Lucas. He didn't need to exist. Or he needed to be just a friend. Not every story needs a love interest, especially in these kinds of stories. I'm just glad it wasn't one of those "boy saves girl from horrible situation" stories. Sidney saved herself with the help of others by finally allowing herself to open up.
I also loved the contrast between Sidney's situation and Arianna's. It becomes increasingly obvious as to why Sidney is angry and self-harms. She's abused at home and that's an easy enough concept to understand for the average reader. And I think this is why a lot of authors resort to some kind of physical abuse or other external factor to explain their protagonist's turmoil. There's an obvious cause-and-effect relationship. I get that. But that's not always the case. I'd say a good percentage of teenage depression isn't caused by being dirt poor, being bullied, having a drunk mom, and a rapist father all at the same time. To be honest, I was initially frustrated with this book because it seemed like the author was just throwing in as many factors as possible to give Sidney extra tragedy points. It didn't help that Lucas, the love interest, was introduced really early. But this book turned out to be different from one of those clichés. (Mostly. It had its moments where I actually rolled my eyes, but that's only when Lucas talked.) And that's partially due to the fact that Arianna's story is both similar and entirely different from Sidney's. No one has laid a finger on Arianna. She has a nice home, plays flute, is part of student government, etc. In short, she's never the kind of character in these stories to have any kind of emotional problems. She's seemingly perfect and harmless. And that's why I love her because she's the least likely to have an eating disorder and self harm and that's what makes her so incredibly real. I just wish we got a little more of her.
Really my biggest problem was Lucas. He didn't need to exist. Or he needed to be just a friend. Not every story needs a love interest, especially in these kinds of stories. I'm just glad it wasn't one of those "boy saves girl from horrible situation" stories. Sidney saved herself with the help of others by finally allowing herself to open up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews