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22 Scars
Raised with apathy and spite, Amy’s life is a monotonous drone of deep despair, broken only by coffee and nights out with her best—and only—friend. She battles depression daily, fighting to keep her sanity in a world that, to her, is set on destroying her soul.
Her future is bleak, overcast with shadow and doubt; her past harbors terrible secrets that even those closest to her couldn’t begin to guess. When tragedy strikes someone she holds dear, will she succumb to the crushing weight of despair, or will she find the strength to fight—to live?
22 Scars is a story of what it takes to live daily with depression - and how the scars of a lifetime can pass through generations and beyond.
Can the past ever truly be forgotten?
Can depression ever be beat?
Her future is bleak, overcast with shadow and doubt; her past harbors terrible secrets that even those closest to her couldn’t begin to guess. When tragedy strikes someone she holds dear, will she succumb to the crushing weight of despair, or will she find the strength to fight—to live?
22 Scars is a story of what it takes to live daily with depression - and how the scars of a lifetime can pass through generations and beyond.
Can the past ever truly be forgotten?
Can depression ever be beat?
288 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2017
13 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
C.M. North
2 books35 followersC.M. North was born in the suburbs of Boston, MA, although he left there when he was two. He spent most of his childhood split between the soaring peaks of the Swiss Alps an the dark industrialism of northern England, and their scenery has left an indelible mark on his psyche and creativity.
He went to school in Sheffield, England, and earned a B.A. in Music Composition from the University of Sheffield. From there he somehow ended up returning to the stories he used to write as a child, and has spent most of the time since 2005 honing the craft of writing (though he says he’s a long way from a master yet).
He became severely depressed in his late teens, and this forms the basis for his first novel, 22 Scars. The story of a teenage girl suffering through catatonic depression in the wake of a tragic upbringing, it reflects many of the feelings and traumas that he lived through himself in those early, dark days.
He currently lives in northern New Jersey with his wife and son, and he firmly believes that without their support he would not be here today.
He went to school in Sheffield, England, and earned a B.A. in Music Composition from the University of Sheffield. From there he somehow ended up returning to the stories he used to write as a child, and has spent most of the time since 2005 honing the craft of writing (though he says he’s a long way from a master yet).
He became severely depressed in his late teens, and this forms the basis for his first novel, 22 Scars. The story of a teenage girl suffering through catatonic depression in the wake of a tragic upbringing, it reflects many of the feelings and traumas that he lived through himself in those early, dark days.
He currently lives in northern New Jersey with his wife and son, and he firmly believes that without their support he would not be here today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
December 19, 2018
This book deserves 5 stars for originality alone.
I initially requested it through NetGalley but their file didn't work, and after reading the Amazon Sample I actually bought the Kindle version. It's that good!
It reads a lot like The New Yorker for YA. And the depression is approached internally not only externally on the screen - as in, while you're reading, you're pretty much feeling as confused and disoriented and unsure of anything as Amy herself.
Many will scorn that. I think in today's literary world of too many similar books, that's sheer brilliance.
The writing style is raw and frank, and authentic. And I am literally DYING to read anything else by this author.
If you're a reader tired of predicting exactly what happens or where the book goes - this book is a whole new joyride for you.
Thank you NetGalley for connecting me to this author.
I initially requested it through NetGalley but their file didn't work, and after reading the Amazon Sample I actually bought the Kindle version. It's that good!
It reads a lot like The New Yorker for YA. And the depression is approached internally not only externally on the screen - as in, while you're reading, you're pretty much feeling as confused and disoriented and unsure of anything as Amy herself.
Many will scorn that. I think in today's literary world of too many similar books, that's sheer brilliance.
The writing style is raw and frank, and authentic. And I am literally DYING to read anything else by this author.
If you're a reader tired of predicting exactly what happens or where the book goes - this book is a whole new joyride for you.
Thank you NetGalley for connecting me to this author.
May 17, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
That hit me right in the childhood. And boy did it hit hard. I did not go into this expecting personal flashbacks like that. At one point, I had to put it down and step away, just to get out of that headspace. It's intense.
The descriptions are spot-f*king-on. From the depression-ache to the.... "parenting", I felt like I was reading a book about my past. Memories I'd buried were spilled out on the pages in front of me, as Amy went through so many of the same things I once did. Phrases the father said, the way he dealt with things, brought to the surface things I worked hard to repress.
This is beautifully written. The subtle details that go consciously unnoticed, but worm their way in, burrowing deep and creating this strong emotional bond to Amy, are incredible. You feel what she feels, and it only gets more painful - more real - as you keep reading.
It does jump to different perspectives, which threw me off at first, but as everything slowly came into focus, it became clear. I really enjoyed how it narrowed down to only Amy's point of view by the end. That really tied everything together.
Anyone who wants to understand and empathize with a depressed "young adult" should definitely read this book. Anyone going through depression themselves, even more so. Because while it is incredibly intense, it also shows things from other perspectives, and it serves as a good reminder that while you do feel so utterly alone, there's somebody out there who wants to make sure you're okay, even if they don't know how. Make sure you've got a way to get out of that headspace, though. It's an absolutely amazing book, but I almost feel like I need to schedule an appointment with a therapist now!
Because of how hard this hits, I would've liked to see Suicide Prevention Hotline numbers at the end of the book.
Suicide Prevention Hotline in the US - 1-800-273-8255
Online chat - SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
That hit me right in the childhood. And boy did it hit hard. I did not go into this expecting personal flashbacks like that. At one point, I had to put it down and step away, just to get out of that headspace. It's intense.
The descriptions are spot-f*king-on. From the depression-ache to the.... "parenting", I felt like I was reading a book about my past. Memories I'd buried were spilled out on the pages in front of me, as Amy went through so many of the same things I once did. Phrases the father said, the way he dealt with things, brought to the surface things I worked hard to repress.
This is beautifully written. The subtle details that go consciously unnoticed, but worm their way in, burrowing deep and creating this strong emotional bond to Amy, are incredible. You feel what she feels, and it only gets more painful - more real - as you keep reading.
It does jump to different perspectives, which threw me off at first, but as everything slowly came into focus, it became clear. I really enjoyed how it narrowed down to only Amy's point of view by the end. That really tied everything together.
Anyone who wants to understand and empathize with a depressed "young adult" should definitely read this book. Anyone going through depression themselves, even more so. Because while it is incredibly intense, it also shows things from other perspectives, and it serves as a good reminder that while you do feel so utterly alone, there's somebody out there who wants to make sure you're okay, even if they don't know how. Make sure you've got a way to get out of that headspace, though. It's an absolutely amazing book, but I almost feel like I need to schedule an appointment with a therapist now!
Because of how hard this hits, I would've liked to see Suicide Prevention Hotline numbers at the end of the book.
Suicide Prevention Hotline in the US - 1-800-273-8255
Online chat - SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
June 17, 2018
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Upon seeing 22 Scars on NetGalley and VRO, I was really interested in seeing what this author would do with a story regarding such an emotional and sensitive subject like depression, self-harm, and more. Having been a victim of both depression and self-harm, I requested it in hopes to find a book that will help open up people's eyes to the mental illness while providing an emotional story.
Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to my expectations. I've been telling myself a lot recently that I should stop expecting anything from the books I read so that I can't be disappointed, but I always fail to do that.
I got my copy off NetGalley and the version I received was riddled with weird formatting issues that turned quotation marks into a cluster of symbols which made it extremely hard to read and determine what was dialogue. Maybe that's the main reason I couldn't truly finish it (I mostly skimmed the rest because my eyes and brain hurt from trying to decipher the poor formatting job).
Anyway, let's get on to the actual story. I first want to touch upon the fact that it seemed like two different people wrote this. Some sentences flowed well, while others were broken up into tiny sentences when they could have been drawn out. I hate tiny sentences. It's so hard to read. It also makes me really annoyed. Do you see where I'm going with this? A previous book I read did this and I absolutely could not stand it.
The scenes moved back and forth, and it made it so hard to follow who we were supposed to be following. One moment, I'm reading Amy's story, the next, it's a couple getting married? What? Look, I see that it was an attempt at doing multiple perspectives to, in the end, connect the two, but it wasn't well done. Most good books with multiple perspectives tend to make it easy to tell what's what, but this just left me confused, irritated, and ready to just stop reading.
I tried not to DNF. I tried to keep going, I really did. I feel so bad leaving this review because of all the shining reviews left by other people. Maybe it was solely the corrupted formatting issue. Maybe I'll go back when/if I decide to get the published Kindle copy. With the format issue combined with the feel that it was written by two different people and the bad multiple perspectives, I just couldn't bring myself to finish. I'm sorry. Unfortunately, for now, this is my review.
July 10, 2018
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers*
*Trigger Warning - This book mentions, self-harm, suicide and rape*
This is a unique portrayal of a characters journey through the struggles she experiences in her life, and the emotions and thoughts she grapples with every day. The novel is brilliant in a subtle way, focusing primarily on understanding and developing the character of Amy, through events in her life, but also he lives of her parents.
The beginning was a bit slow and confusing, but it helped me properly understand Amy's daily life and get as comfortable as possible in it. Then the novel gradually delves deeper into her life and her struggles, slowly building my sympathy and understanding towards Amy. The further I got into the book, the more intrigued I become, but the harder it also became for me to read it, because the further I got in the book, the more it focused on events that shaped her into becoming the way she is. Including events in the lives of her parents that resulted in them being the way that they were.
The way the book was written took a while to get used to, but the detached way that it's written highlights the way that Amy feels about life. Essentially adding another dimension to the book which helps in setting the mood
This was an absolutely amazing and beautiful read in its own unique way. It ended in a bittersweet way that left me speechless. You should definitely read it if you enjoy these sorts of novel's.
*Trigger Warning - This book mentions, self-harm, suicide and rape*
This is a unique portrayal of a characters journey through the struggles she experiences in her life, and the emotions and thoughts she grapples with every day. The novel is brilliant in a subtle way, focusing primarily on understanding and developing the character of Amy, through events in her life, but also he lives of her parents.
The beginning was a bit slow and confusing, but it helped me properly understand Amy's daily life and get as comfortable as possible in it. Then the novel gradually delves deeper into her life and her struggles, slowly building my sympathy and understanding towards Amy. The further I got into the book, the more intrigued I become, but the harder it also became for me to read it, because the further I got in the book, the more it focused on events that shaped her into becoming the way she is. Including events in the lives of her parents that resulted in them being the way that they were.
The way the book was written took a while to get used to, but the detached way that it's written highlights the way that Amy feels about life. Essentially adding another dimension to the book which helps in setting the mood
This was an absolutely amazing and beautiful read in its own unique way. It ended in a bittersweet way that left me speechless. You should definitely read it if you enjoy these sorts of novel's.
June 13, 2018
Read this review and more on my blog.The Book Return Blog
I received this book for free from Author (via YA Books Central) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Amy leads a tortured life. She has a monster for a father and a distant mother. Amy self-harms and has suicidal tendencies. Then tragedy in her life leads her in a dangerous direction.
'22 Scars' highlights mental illness in teenagers. With recent events, I think a young adult book that focuses on mental health is an important thing. '22 Scars' did an excellent job taking on this difficult topic. I did read '13 Reasons Why' and found it somewhat lacking. Not only was the plot unrealistic and contrived, I don't think that it really approaches the underling mental illnesses that drives someone to suicide. I think '22 Scars' approaches this subject better. Not only is Amy's deep seeded problems explored but it also shows how her mental illness progresses through time.
'22 Scars' has two storylines. The connection between these storylines is not realized until late in the book. I found both storylines interesting although I did find that the one not involving teenage Amy more interesting. The main issue I had with teenage Amy's storyline was the plethora of characters, especially Amy's friends. There were so many I could not keep them straight. Also, the character of Beth's father helped the reader understand that someone can have major flaws and still be an ok parent, he didn't really add a lot to the story other than that. I would have liked to have read more about Amy's boss. I felt like there was more to him as a character. From the few times he is mentioned he seems interesting and kind and I would liked to have heard more of his story and maybe, even his point of view.
'22 Scars' is a wonderful story that takes on the subject of domestic violence, mental illnesses, and teen suicide. I really loved the way this novel approached each of these subjects. I highly recommend '22 Scars' and recommend it as an alternative to '13 Reasons Why'.This review was originally posted on The Book return...
I received this book for free from Author (via YA Books Central) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Amy leads a tortured life. She has a monster for a father and a distant mother. Amy self-harms and has suicidal tendencies. Then tragedy in her life leads her in a dangerous direction.
'22 Scars' highlights mental illness in teenagers. With recent events, I think a young adult book that focuses on mental health is an important thing. '22 Scars' did an excellent job taking on this difficult topic. I did read '13 Reasons Why' and found it somewhat lacking. Not only was the plot unrealistic and contrived, I don't think that it really approaches the underling mental illnesses that drives someone to suicide. I think '22 Scars' approaches this subject better. Not only is Amy's deep seeded problems explored but it also shows how her mental illness progresses through time.
'22 Scars' has two storylines. The connection between these storylines is not realized until late in the book. I found both storylines interesting although I did find that the one not involving teenage Amy more interesting. The main issue I had with teenage Amy's storyline was the plethora of characters, especially Amy's friends. There were so many I could not keep them straight. Also, the character of Beth's father helped the reader understand that someone can have major flaws and still be an ok parent, he didn't really add a lot to the story other than that. I would have liked to have read more about Amy's boss. I felt like there was more to him as a character. From the few times he is mentioned he seems interesting and kind and I would liked to have heard more of his story and maybe, even his point of view.
'22 Scars' is a wonderful story that takes on the subject of domestic violence, mental illnesses, and teen suicide. I really loved the way this novel approached each of these subjects. I highly recommend '22 Scars' and recommend it as an alternative to '13 Reasons Why'.This review was originally posted on The Book return...
September 9, 2018
It felt like a manuscript or an early concept, like the ideas were written but needed to be organized and completed into a book.
I'm learning to accept that sometimes in life we will not get an answer to the question "Why?" And maybe that was the point here; we're not suppose to know what happened we just need to accept it. But, unfortunately, because of that I never cared about any of the characters we never really get to know any of them, we're just dropped into the story and expected to keep up. I feel like it was suppose to be a mystery, like, we're suppose to stick around because we want to find out and we do find out in the end but by then it feels like too little too late. Plus there were many times I did not see myself making it to the end so I might never have found out myself.
I'm learning to accept that sometimes in life we will not get an answer to the question "Why?" And maybe that was the point here; we're not suppose to know what happened we just need to accept it. But, unfortunately, because of that I never cared about any of the characters we never really get to know any of them, we're just dropped into the story and expected to keep up. I feel like it was suppose to be a mystery, like, we're suppose to stick around because we want to find out and we do find out in the end but by then it feels like too little too late. Plus there were many times I did not see myself making it to the end so I might never have found out myself.
January 21, 2018
I really wanted to like this book just because I could relate to this topic so much. I did enjoy the journal entries because it reminded me of my journaling and my blog but the overall book just did nothing for me. It transitioned poorly between characters, it didn’t all tie together until the end and I just felt like it lacked a true plot.
May 29, 2018
This novel seems to be more character driven rather than plot driven which is fine, however the character driven aspect was kind of slow. I felt that sometimes it was hard to discern what Amy was really thinking at times. Also note that the book is hard to get into at first, however later on the book does pick up. Not a one click read but still glad i read this book. The mental health side of this book was very well done. I've read a lot of books were manic depression/suicidal thoughts and tendencies are glamorized and this novel does not do that. Instead it shows you what it is, its ugly side and what its like to live with it. I look forward to reading more by the author in the future as I think they can easily climb the charts if a few skill are tweaked.
3.5/5 Stars
**I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
3.5/5 Stars
**I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
July 30, 2020
This book was so well written that sometimes it was hard to put down, specially towards the end.
Amy's depression and its effects were described very sensibly and suicide is not romanticised, as it often is in similar books. . At the beginning it was bit slow and I feel like there are way too many questions left unanswered but overall it is an incredibly written, eye opening book.
*I received a complementary copy of this book from the author*
Amy's depression and its effects were described very sensibly and suicide is not romanticised, as it often is in similar books. . At the beginning it was bit slow and I feel like there are way too many questions left unanswered but overall it is an incredibly written, eye opening book.
*I received a complementary copy of this book from the author*
August 23, 2018
I recieved a free copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This was a novel which dealt with some very serious issues and fortunately did so in a sensitive manner. It was cautious, engaging, informative and the characters were very intriguing to read about. I enjoyed my time reading this, although it was about a very dark subject.
This was a novel which dealt with some very serious issues and fortunately did so in a sensitive manner. It was cautious, engaging, informative and the characters were very intriguing to read about. I enjoyed my time reading this, although it was about a very dark subject.
August 9, 2018
I was given this ARC from Voracious Readers for an honest review.
TRIGGER WARNING ** This novel deals with depression, suicide, mental and physical abuse as well as rape. If any of these are a trigger for you, please do not read this book.
This novel was really good. I felt like I knew Amy and everything she was going through. I could feel her pain and all I wanted to do was help her.
There are to different storylines that come together in the end. You do not know that until you start reading a chapter about a party. Once you figured out there are 2 stories it becomes easy to figure out which you are reading.
The second story is about a couple, how they met, fell in love, got married and the the bad stuff in between. You really start to despise the husband.
This novel was a harrowing tale about the bad parts of life, and what it is like when all the good is taken from you. It is a very good read.
If you want to read my full review, along with spoilers of what happens please check out:
http://bluntandhonestopinion.blogspot...
TRIGGER WARNING ** This novel deals with depression, suicide, mental and physical abuse as well as rape. If any of these are a trigger for you, please do not read this book.
This novel was really good. I felt like I knew Amy and everything she was going through. I could feel her pain and all I wanted to do was help her.
There are to different storylines that come together in the end. You do not know that until you start reading a chapter about a party. Once you figured out there are 2 stories it becomes easy to figure out which you are reading.
The second story is about a couple, how they met, fell in love, got married and the the bad stuff in between. You really start to despise the husband.
This novel was a harrowing tale about the bad parts of life, and what it is like when all the good is taken from you. It is a very good read.
If you want to read my full review, along with spoilers of what happens please check out:
http://bluntandhonestopinion.blogspot...
April 5, 2021
Harrowing.
The author writes with such insight into Amy's life, so much so that you feel you are Amy and are feeling her anguish.
This is not an easy read, but it is clever and makes you think. There are some passages where you feel you know what is happening but you don't, because you are living the thoughts of a different character. You need to be alert as the book switches at times between characters.
A bit of a confusing ending, which is why I scored 4 instead of 5.
The author writes with such insight into Amy's life, so much so that you feel you are Amy and are feeling her anguish.
This is not an easy read, but it is clever and makes you think. There are some passages where you feel you know what is happening but you don't, because you are living the thoughts of a different character. You need to be alert as the book switches at times between characters.
A bit of a confusing ending, which is why I scored 4 instead of 5.
August 30, 2018
As a person who has struggled with mental problems my whole life, this was hard to read. I like the way it educates the reader on depression and shows that many people throughout the world have it. Very emotional. Will stay with you for a while.
February 11, 2022
[I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for a review through Voracious Readers Only]
This was definitely a very dark and heart-wrenching but enjoyable read! The plot is very dialogue and character introspection driven but North pulls this off skillfully, along with some great use of dramatic irony and plot twists that completely blindsided me.
Both Amy’s anguish and emotional emptiness is very palpable to the reader as she struggles with both her depression and having to live with her neglectful and uncaring parents, among other problems, though these two issues in particular definitely interact and worsen the other. North’s insight into dysfunctional relationship dynamics (both romantic and familial) makes his characters feel very real.
I wanted so badly for things to get better for Amy and I thought that her and Bethany’s relationship was touching. I also really liked the story of the unnamed couple in the beginning and I wanted to keep reading to find out how it tied in with Amy’s, in addition to getting the perspectives of the other characters around her.
Despite the bleak tone of the novel, I really did enjoy reading this and I think fans of Thirteen Reasons Why, Cut, Speak, and Girls on Fire will too.
This was definitely a very dark and heart-wrenching but enjoyable read! The plot is very dialogue and character introspection driven but North pulls this off skillfully, along with some great use of dramatic irony and plot twists that completely blindsided me.
Both Amy’s anguish and emotional emptiness is very palpable to the reader as she struggles with both her depression and having to live with her neglectful and uncaring parents, among other problems, though these two issues in particular definitely interact and worsen the other. North’s insight into dysfunctional relationship dynamics (both romantic and familial) makes his characters feel very real.
I wanted so badly for things to get better for Amy and I thought that her and Bethany’s relationship was touching. I also really liked the story of the unnamed couple in the beginning and I wanted to keep reading to find out how it tied in with Amy’s, in addition to getting the perspectives of the other characters around her.
Despite the bleak tone of the novel, I really did enjoy reading this and I think fans of Thirteen Reasons Why, Cut, Speak, and Girls on Fire will too.
December 22, 2017
I got a free ebook copy of this from voraciousreadersonly.com in exchange for an honest review, and quite honestly I feel weird giving this such a low rating compared to the other reviews. There wasn't a ton of plot, which was fine. Some books are great at just being character driven rather than plot driven, but usually then you get a deep dive into what the character was thinking at all times. This book didn't really go there - at least for Amy - until the end.
Also, it felt kind of disjointed. I knew there was a purpose/reason for the book randomly cutting to the couple (and I had kind of pegged it early enough), but it was kind of jarring. What made it feel that way even more was the way the male was never named. It was a bit distracting and just generally weird.
I do think a strong part of the book were the diary entries. They sounded like stuff I could've written when I was a kid, and it really helped to show the progression of how the depression came on. So that I did like and it really kind of hit a note with me.
All in all it wasn't a bad story. I just think it skirted too much around some major events that truly impacted the main character (like not giving enough detail/showing enough thoughts/reactions from Amy in response to it).
Also, it felt kind of disjointed. I knew there was a purpose/reason for the book randomly cutting to the couple (and I had kind of pegged it early enough), but it was kind of jarring. What made it feel that way even more was the way the male was never named. It was a bit distracting and just generally weird.
I do think a strong part of the book were the diary entries. They sounded like stuff I could've written when I was a kid, and it really helped to show the progression of how the depression came on. So that I did like and it really kind of hit a note with me.
All in all it wasn't a bad story. I just think it skirted too much around some major events that truly impacted the main character (like not giving enough detail/showing enough thoughts/reactions from Amy in response to it).
January 16, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled with this book to begin with... there were sentences missing words or with extra words that shouldn't be there. There were chapters in which the people are only called he and she and we don't know who this he and she are (it was difficult to feel for the characters when you don't know their names).
But I persevered and I am so glad I did - What a fantastic book!
Don't get me wrong, it was a difficult read... but it was a difficult read because of the topics - self harm, rape, death, depression.
22 Scars has really opened my eyes in to what can trigger self harm and depression and how a teenager needs a good support system to be able to push through and build resilience.
Being a Foster carer, I will be writing a reflective journal about this book as part of my continuous training.
I struggled with this book to begin with... there were sentences missing words or with extra words that shouldn't be there. There were chapters in which the people are only called he and she and we don't know who this he and she are (it was difficult to feel for the characters when you don't know their names).
But I persevered and I am so glad I did - What a fantastic book!
Don't get me wrong, it was a difficult read... but it was a difficult read because of the topics - self harm, rape, death, depression.
22 Scars has really opened my eyes in to what can trigger self harm and depression and how a teenager needs a good support system to be able to push through and build resilience.
Being a Foster carer, I will be writing a reflective journal about this book as part of my continuous training.
December 29, 2022
I got a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only, and I really loved this book. It was cathartic for me, and the characters felt insanely real. The author did a great job tying in the different character perspectives to stitch together their narrative. Even though I wanted to read it in one sitting and restart it as soon as I finished, the emotions this book brought out in me made me take a few breaks to cope and process. Definitely worth the read though, especially if you've ever felt like you wanted to be be understood in the face of difficult circumstances and you just couldn't find that anywhere.
July 19, 2018
I received this book as a part of the Voracious Readers book club.
I was really excited about this book when I read the description. I work in the mental health field, so I was interested to see how this author depicted depression and all the crazy emotions of high school. I think for me, it did a good job of showing how dark life can be for someone suffering from depression.
Overall, the structure of the book was hard to follow. I think with the changing perspectives, it took me a while to follow, and I found myself trying to figure out the relationship between the characters rather than the plot as I read. I think this was intentional to help show the confusion associated with mental health issues, but it still made it somewhat challenging.
I also think this did not give an accurate depiction of what high school is like. I'm sure some kids are getting drunk at a very young age, but I don't know who would believe a fake ID that some 15 or 16 year old would present.
Despite all this, I did "enjoy" this book. I say "enjoy" because it is quite dark. I think it could be a good read for someone trying to understand someone's experience. It gives a perspective of the person suffering, and I think it could help friends and family of the depressed understand. I wouldn't recommend this book for everyone, but I think for a lot of people this could be a very emotionally educational read.
I was really excited about this book when I read the description. I work in the mental health field, so I was interested to see how this author depicted depression and all the crazy emotions of high school. I think for me, it did a good job of showing how dark life can be for someone suffering from depression.
Overall, the structure of the book was hard to follow. I think with the changing perspectives, it took me a while to follow, and I found myself trying to figure out the relationship between the characters rather than the plot as I read. I think this was intentional to help show the confusion associated with mental health issues, but it still made it somewhat challenging.
I also think this did not give an accurate depiction of what high school is like. I'm sure some kids are getting drunk at a very young age, but I don't know who would believe a fake ID that some 15 or 16 year old would present.
Despite all this, I did "enjoy" this book. I say "enjoy" because it is quite dark. I think it could be a good read for someone trying to understand someone's experience. It gives a perspective of the person suffering, and I think it could help friends and family of the depressed understand. I wouldn't recommend this book for everyone, but I think for a lot of people this could be a very emotionally educational read.
August 16, 2019
At first I took a little while to get into the book, by a little while, my first day I was reading for 2 hours, it probably took about half and hour to try and understand the way the book had been written, but, and I mean a HUGE BUT, once you get past that first hurdle, it's a book you just can not put down. I read this book in less that 6 hours, it.was.amazing!! Written with truth, honesty and facts that many have throughout their life. Being someone who battles depression, self harm and suicidal thought, I felt I could relate to this book. In detail. In all honesty, I truly believe that this book has been written by someone who must have experienced some of what went on in the book because it didnt sound like it was wrote by an outside, and for me someone battling all this, it meant a lot that it felt like this to me. I do feel though that I've been left on a bit of a cliff hanger...does this mean more greatness will be coming from the author? I truly hope so!!
April 27, 2019
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is one of the books where the review is hard to write because honestly the book was hard to read. Now don't get me wrong, I read it in less than 24 hours, but the subject makes it hard to read. Depression and self-harm is the main theme. Amy is the narrator and as you read her story, you begin to understand more about her childhood, her parents, her friends and the losses she has experienced. At one point, the narrative switches and it becomes confusing, but stick with it because it all comes together and rounds out the story nicely.
22 Scars offers an intimate look at depression and self-harm; the message is an important one.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy through Voracious Readers Only; all opinions are my own.
This is one of the books where the review is hard to write because honestly the book was hard to read. Now don't get me wrong, I read it in less than 24 hours, but the subject makes it hard to read. Depression and self-harm is the main theme. Amy is the narrator and as you read her story, you begin to understand more about her childhood, her parents, her friends and the losses she has experienced. At one point, the narrative switches and it becomes confusing, but stick with it because it all comes together and rounds out the story nicely.
22 Scars offers an intimate look at depression and self-harm; the message is an important one.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy through Voracious Readers Only; all opinions are my own.
December 27, 2022
I thank Voracious Readers Only for this ebook and am voluntarily leaving a review. If I could give this book more stars I would! I'm just letting you know that this is a heavy read. This book will stay with you long after you read it. I wish I could hug Amy! She has to deal with a trauma early on and never truly gets over her depression. I like that they gave us the point of view of Amy's mother but wish that she had not taken so long to be strong for her daughter. I also like that we are able to "read" Amy's diary. Trigger warnings: depression,self harm,suicide attempts,physical harm,bullying,attempted rape.
July 19, 2018
I received a copy of this book from voracious readers. Took me a fair while to twig about the couple in this book and link them in with the main character as it really could have done with a '15 years ago' chapter heading when it was about the couple so you know where you are. But have to admit it was bloody heartbreaking and I did shed a gallon on tears. A tad dark but considering the title and front cover of the book, you can figure out what the book is about so if you're prepared to go on this journey with the main characters then read on.
May 31, 2019
I received a free copy of this book from the author via voracious reader only.
This book was an amazing read. It has very dark content and insight into the grip depression has on a person. It was so uniquely written, I felt I was in the world of Amy as she struggles with the daily struggles of dealing with death, unloved by her parents, rejection and the secrets from the past she hides. It also highlights just how hard those around Amy struggled to see she was struggling yet didn’t do much to help. It definitely feeds from what it actually is like for people today struggling with depression and suicide.
This book was an amazing read. It has very dark content and insight into the grip depression has on a person. It was so uniquely written, I felt I was in the world of Amy as she struggles with the daily struggles of dealing with death, unloved by her parents, rejection and the secrets from the past she hides. It also highlights just how hard those around Amy struggled to see she was struggling yet didn’t do much to help. It definitely feeds from what it actually is like for people today struggling with depression and suicide.
May 18, 2018
I'd read this book again for sure it's a good read and it gives info that would help you better understand a person going threw depression so bad it feels better to them when they hurt themselves , these people are not alone and this book shows that ! I'm glad I got to read this book thank you for writing it C.M North helping people understand more of what it's like can only be a good and helpful thing
September 1, 2020
Sad, insightful, very sensitive & dark topics that the author handles very well.
This book covers extremely sensitive issues that are at times very hard to read. It tugs at your emotions and is very sad, but the author handles the dark scenarios and deep content exceptionally well. I found the book insightful and my heart went out to the characters in the book. It’s a hard topic that is handled with honesty and sensitivity, very well done.
This book covers extremely sensitive issues that are at times very hard to read. It tugs at your emotions and is very sad, but the author handles the dark scenarios and deep content exceptionally well. I found the book insightful and my heart went out to the characters in the book. It’s a hard topic that is handled with honesty and sensitivity, very well done.
February 26, 2025
C.M. North explores depression, self harm, and suicide in an honest and thoughtful way, while also not being afraid to write the details.
The journey we follow Amy through is thought provoking and moving way. As the two perspectives come together it explores the choices made and how much of an impact the generation before us can have on our circumstances.
The journey we follow Amy through is thought provoking and moving way. As the two perspectives come together it explores the choices made and how much of an impact the generation before us can have on our circumstances.
August 16, 2019
This book was so well written and just utterly heartbreaking. It was such an emotional journey that broached many difficult subjects.
I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
August 20, 2019
Darkly deep
Wow! Dark, deep, traumatic. I really liked the writing style. The story had a lot of feeling which was fantastic, the emotions, even on paper felt raw. A really great read!!!
Wow! Dark, deep, traumatic. I really liked the writing style. The story had a lot of feeling which was fantastic, the emotions, even on paper felt raw. A really great read!!!
March 6, 2021
This book covers the dark and raw emotions one feels when struggling with mental health and grief. It was brilliantly written with every character linked to each other in some way. Well done and I will definitely look for more books from this author!!
May 19, 2018
I thought this book was well written. I really hit home and i can relate to some of it. I couldn't put it down.
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