Papà, non mi toccare

by Ellen Howard

Sexually abused by her father and fearing for the safety of her younger sister, Gilly seeks the courage to tell someone what is happening.

Genres: Young Adult

136 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1986

About the author

Children sometimes ask, "Do you write about your own life?" I have to answer that I do not. The reason is simple: My own life is boring. Yet I would not trade it for anyone else's.

I grew up in a large and loving family--parents, grandparents, and three children all under the same roof, a big white house in Portland, Oregon. At school, I was able, but not brilliant. I liked to draw. I liked to play pretend. I liked dolls, too, right through eighth grade, and only fear of what others would say made me give them up then.

Most of all, I loved to read! And I dreamed of a time when, a grown-up married lady with thirteen children, I would write books.

But childhood dreams have a way of getting lost. It was not until I was in my mid-thirties, after marriage, a child, divorce, and remarriage, that I was able to complete college. By then, my family included not only my daughter Beth, but my husband's daughters, Cynthia, Laurie, and Shaley.

It was in college that an important thing happened. I rediscovered stories and remembered my dream of writing them. My first published book was a story for children (CIRCLE OF GIVING, 1984).

Since then, our daughters have grown up. Now we have seven grandchildren. I work at home, writing. I speak at schools. I teach writing. I give speeches to teachers, librarians, and others. But most of the time, I am at home, gardening, cooking, washing, and ironing . . . and writing.

I know my life sounds boring, but for me it is filled with all the adventure, excitement and drama I can find and make in books. To me it is the best kind of life!

Reviews

[Janine-heather Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very confronting, but well written. This story, although triggering was a strong insight into the life of a child living through sexual assault, and finding courage to talk about it. It helped me to personally change my life for the better.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ho preso questo libro al mercatino della biblioteca ad attrarmi è stata la bellissima copertina e in seguito il titolo. Viene affrontato un tema molto delicato, quello dell'abuso. Non sono rimasta molto soddisfatto alla fine del libro. Ho trovato molta superficialità nel trattare un argomento come questo. Mi aspettavo che mi lasciasse qualcosa di profondo ma ciò non è avvenuto. Per non parlare della conclusione che mi ha lasciata un po' esterefatta, una conclusione del genere per me è inaccettabile. Avrei anche potuto sorvolare su queste cose se non fosse che dietro c'è scritto "da 14 anni". Lo consiglierei? Onestamente si, vorrei veramente sapere cosa ne pensate ed è comunque un libro non leggero.

[Alma Say · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heart touching YA novel. I pray that no one would go through the phase that Gilly had gone through...

[Toni Umar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dreadful issue that is handled tactfully but honestly. Not a nice feeling as I read it but only due to the theme, the book itself was very well wriiten - i so felt for the main character Gilly and just wanted to help her. The realisation of Gillys Mum is covered well too. A new author to me but I will be looking for future writings.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read compared to another Ellen Howard book I have read, but regardless of that, Gillyflower is a very powerful book for the ten to thirteen crowd. Ellen Howard is a remarkable author and tackles issues beautifully.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well crafted story for tweens and young adults told in first person covers the tough issues of abuse and incest.