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Say Something
Little beauty.
That's what he called me when he stole my innocence. I was a trusting, little girl, and he ruined everything. I tried to tell someone, but my mother made me change my story. After all these years, I still carry this dark secret in my heart.
Now there’s this guy in my class. A nice guy. And he likes me. He makes me think that maybe, just maybe, I could be normal. I could be happy. Just when things are getting good, the pervert barrels back into my life and I discover another little girl is in danger.
Now, what do I do? I can stay safe and silent…or I can do whatever it takes to make sure he never calls another girl "little beauty" again.
*Abuse is NOT depicted in a graphic manner.
That's what he called me when he stole my innocence. I was a trusting, little girl, and he ruined everything. I tried to tell someone, but my mother made me change my story. After all these years, I still carry this dark secret in my heart.
Now there’s this guy in my class. A nice guy. And he likes me. He makes me think that maybe, just maybe, I could be normal. I could be happy. Just when things are getting good, the pervert barrels back into my life and I discover another little girl is in danger.
Now, what do I do? I can stay safe and silent…or I can do whatever it takes to make sure he never calls another girl "little beauty" again.
*Abuse is NOT depicted in a graphic manner.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2019
1 person is currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Morrison
3 books2 followersHello! I live in Missouri with my husband and two huge chocolate labs who torture my spouse by plucking and eating his heirloom tomatoes just as they ripen. Most of the time we also have a foster dog staying with us – 20 have stayed with us on their way to forever homes over the past couple of years.
My work as a leadership development consultant took an unexpected turn a while back when I developed a program designed to help adults keep children safe from abuse. After the sessions, survivors often talked to me about their stories, and the statistics became people—daughters and sons, siblings, parents, friends. And their collective voice resounded in my head, demanding to be heard.
I’m a big believer in the power of stories to positively impact our world. Say Something was inspired by these brave women and men. Maggie is a fictional character and this story is uniquely hers, yet her story and her power are every woman’s and every girl’s.
I hope you enjoy the book and are inspired to be part of the change we all need to see.
My work as a leadership development consultant took an unexpected turn a while back when I developed a program designed to help adults keep children safe from abuse. After the sessions, survivors often talked to me about their stories, and the statistics became people—daughters and sons, siblings, parents, friends. And their collective voice resounded in my head, demanding to be heard.
I’m a big believer in the power of stories to positively impact our world. Say Something was inspired by these brave women and men. Maggie is a fictional character and this story is uniquely hers, yet her story and her power are every woman’s and every girl’s.
I hope you enjoy the book and are inspired to be part of the change we all need to see.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 6, 2020
Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie's story was raw, heartbreaking and incredibly courageous. And even if we don't see it, we have many Maggies around us. Fighting and Surviving. Alone.
The writer deserves an applause for delivering such a powerful, honest yet optimistic take on sexual abuse and PTSD. I hope the justice at the end of the book isn't limited to fiction. This is something everyone ought to read. As a principle.
Maggie's story was raw, heartbreaking and incredibly courageous. And even if we don't see it, we have many Maggies around us. Fighting and Surviving. Alone.
The writer deserves an applause for delivering such a powerful, honest yet optimistic take on sexual abuse and PTSD. I hope the justice at the end of the book isn't limited to fiction. This is something everyone ought to read. As a principle.
January 31, 2019
Content warnings include sexual abuse, physical abuse and alcoholism.
I’ve read every review that’s been written about this book so far and they’re pretty much overwhelmingly positive so I’ll start by alerting you to those and encouraging you to read some of them to balance out what I have to say. I really hope this book will help readers, those who will be validated by seeing themselves in Maggie’s story and those whose eyes will be opened and their sensitivity engaged by what they find in its pages.
I’m always on the lookout for good books about sexual assault and I applaud anyone who tackles this horrendous topic at all so it breaks my heart that I couldn’t five star this book and tell you all that you absolutely have to read it immediately.
There’s something about this book that didn’t quite feel authentic to me but even a day after finishing reading I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is. The author spoke to survivors, counsellors and members of law enforcement and I think it’s wonderful they took the time to do that, yet it reads at times like they were spending so much time trying to tick all the boxes on a list they’d collated from their research that there wasn’t much time left to truly bring Maggie’s experience to life.
For example, Maggie feels angry because her mother forced her to recant what she’d told a friend about the man who sexually abused her. Of course she’s angry but that doesn’t even begin to explain what that feels like. Show me the abandonment Maggie experienced when the one person in this world she should have been able to rely on to protect her above anyone else instead took the side of the man who’d abused her. Show me how Maggie felt when her mother told her that the perpetrator was only being affectionate and how the denial of something that Maggie knew without a shadow of a doubt to be the truth then led her to question her very reality; if something she knew for sure could be so easily dismissed then how she ever really be sure about anything again?! Please don’t just tell me she was angry.
I don’t know. Maybe because of my own experiences I’m pulling this to bits too much. This book does get a lot right about the long term effects of sexual abuse and it does tick a lot of the boxes. Maybe it’s wrong of me to expect this book to take a deep dive on what Maggie’s experience would really feel like but even some aspects of the abuse itself didn’t sit right with me, like the fact that Maggie’s abuser .
The insta romance annoyed me so much! Part of this will no doubt be a byproduct of my romantiphobia. Other readers have loved this romance but it drove me crazy. After only four dates she told this boy her most painful secret, the first time she’s spoken about it in almost ten years (with the exception of a counsellor she sees sometimes). Really? And she calls him “my boy”. 🤢
“My boy” takes it upon himself to decide what Maggie needs and goes into full blown action mode without even consulting her. This is a young woman whose life was turned upside down as a direct result of loss of control so, while I was never going to think a boy taking it upon himself to make critical decisions for a girl without her input was romantic, it was even less so in Maggie’s situation. And “my boy” takes control of Maggie’s decisions after he’s already decided that if he ever meets the perpetrator he’s going to beat him up. Hello, toxic masculinity!
The only character I really liked in this book was Kelvin. Maggie irritated me, “my boy” spent much of the book practising his own weird blend of sensitivity and the toxic masculinity thing and Maggie’s mother drove me crazy, but at least she was realistic. I hated her mother’s responses to Maggie’s abuse and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I did understand where she was coming from (I still think that almost any response other than the one she had would have been a better choice).
While it’s great that Maggie was able to report her abuse to authorities it bugged me that other options weren’t explored. Not everyone reports sexual abuse and not everyone who does report it gets a result that could be even accidentally mistaken for justice. I’m all for reporting if a survivor chooses to do so but there’s an unfair expectation that if you’ve been victimised in this way then it’s your responsibility to protect potential future victims by reporting this crime. This puts a huge burden on people and if they do report and the perpetrator gets away with it then it can be even more devastating for the survivor in the long run. They can feel like it was their fault the perpetrator is still free to potentially assault other people, when the sole responsibility for past, present and potential future abuse lies with the abuser.
The Hallmark ending sets up unrealistic expectations for anyone considering reporting sexual abuse. Had Maggie reported her abuse to the police in my state she would’ve been told flat out that because she had no physical evidence of the abuse there was almost no chance the perpetrator would be able to be charged, let alone make it to trial. Sure, .
Regardless of my feelings about the specifics of this book I really do hope it finds its way into the hands of those who would benefit from reading it. Once again, please read other reviews before deciding if this book is for you or not. I’m just one opinion and I’m an outlier.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Cold Fire Publishing, LLC for the opportunity to read this book.
I’ve read every review that’s been written about this book so far and they’re pretty much overwhelmingly positive so I’ll start by alerting you to those and encouraging you to read some of them to balance out what I have to say. I really hope this book will help readers, those who will be validated by seeing themselves in Maggie’s story and those whose eyes will be opened and their sensitivity engaged by what they find in its pages.
I’m always on the lookout for good books about sexual assault and I applaud anyone who tackles this horrendous topic at all so it breaks my heart that I couldn’t five star this book and tell you all that you absolutely have to read it immediately.
There’s something about this book that didn’t quite feel authentic to me but even a day after finishing reading I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is. The author spoke to survivors, counsellors and members of law enforcement and I think it’s wonderful they took the time to do that, yet it reads at times like they were spending so much time trying to tick all the boxes on a list they’d collated from their research that there wasn’t much time left to truly bring Maggie’s experience to life.
For example, Maggie feels angry because her mother forced her to recant what she’d told a friend about the man who sexually abused her. Of course she’s angry but that doesn’t even begin to explain what that feels like. Show me the abandonment Maggie experienced when the one person in this world she should have been able to rely on to protect her above anyone else instead took the side of the man who’d abused her. Show me how Maggie felt when her mother told her that the perpetrator was only being affectionate and how the denial of something that Maggie knew without a shadow of a doubt to be the truth then led her to question her very reality; if something she knew for sure could be so easily dismissed then how she ever really be sure about anything again?! Please don’t just tell me she was angry.
I don’t know. Maybe because of my own experiences I’m pulling this to bits too much. This book does get a lot right about the long term effects of sexual abuse and it does tick a lot of the boxes. Maybe it’s wrong of me to expect this book to take a deep dive on what Maggie’s experience would really feel like but even some aspects of the abuse itself didn’t sit right with me, like the fact that Maggie’s abuser .
The insta romance annoyed me so much! Part of this will no doubt be a byproduct of my romantiphobia. Other readers have loved this romance but it drove me crazy. After only four dates she told this boy her most painful secret, the first time she’s spoken about it in almost ten years (with the exception of a counsellor she sees sometimes). Really? And she calls him “my boy”. 🤢
“My boy” takes it upon himself to decide what Maggie needs and goes into full blown action mode without even consulting her. This is a young woman whose life was turned upside down as a direct result of loss of control so, while I was never going to think a boy taking it upon himself to make critical decisions for a girl without her input was romantic, it was even less so in Maggie’s situation. And “my boy” takes control of Maggie’s decisions after he’s already decided that if he ever meets the perpetrator he’s going to beat him up. Hello, toxic masculinity!
The only character I really liked in this book was Kelvin. Maggie irritated me, “my boy” spent much of the book practising his own weird blend of sensitivity and the toxic masculinity thing and Maggie’s mother drove me crazy, but at least she was realistic. I hated her mother’s responses to Maggie’s abuse and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I did understand where she was coming from (I still think that almost any response other than the one she had would have been a better choice).
While it’s great that Maggie was able to report her abuse to authorities it bugged me that other options weren’t explored. Not everyone reports sexual abuse and not everyone who does report it gets a result that could be even accidentally mistaken for justice. I’m all for reporting if a survivor chooses to do so but there’s an unfair expectation that if you’ve been victimised in this way then it’s your responsibility to protect potential future victims by reporting this crime. This puts a huge burden on people and if they do report and the perpetrator gets away with it then it can be even more devastating for the survivor in the long run. They can feel like it was their fault the perpetrator is still free to potentially assault other people, when the sole responsibility for past, present and potential future abuse lies with the abuser.
The Hallmark ending sets up unrealistic expectations for anyone considering reporting sexual abuse. Had Maggie reported her abuse to the police in my state she would’ve been told flat out that because she had no physical evidence of the abuse there was almost no chance the perpetrator would be able to be charged, let alone make it to trial. Sure, .
Regardless of my feelings about the specifics of this book I really do hope it finds its way into the hands of those who would benefit from reading it. Once again, please read other reviews before deciding if this book is for you or not. I’m just one opinion and I’m an outlier.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Cold Fire Publishing, LLC for the opportunity to read this book.
January 28, 2019
Although Cathy Morrisons, Say Something, has parts that are difficult to read, I found it really highlights the subject of sexual abuse.
There should be more books like this to show that anyone can be abused but also anyone can be the abuser.
There should be more books like this to show that anyone can be abused but also anyone can be the abuser.
January 25, 2019
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of SAY SOMETHING by Cathy Morrison in exchange for my honest review.***
At age eight, Maggie discloses sexual abuse by her mother’s boyfriend Warren. Under pressure from her mother, she recents. Now seventeen, Maggie sees Warren with a little girl, sparking PTSD and fear for her safety and that of the child.
Cathy Morrison did a lot of good research on sexual abuse, prosecution and therapy to make SAY SOMETHING as authentic as possible. Maggie’s PTSD’s symptoms felt real and reminiscent of my own under similar circumstances. At times I Morrison made Maggie too much of a martyr with her friends, a trope often seen in YA lit with similar characters with mental health or abuse issues.
The satisfying ending was unrealistic to the point of being corny. While most survivors dream of the ending of SAY SOMETHING, of the dozens I’ve met, I don’t know anyone who has had such a Disneyesque experience.
SAY ANYTHING is a book that tugs at the heart which readers won’t want to put down, even after they’ve finished.
#SayAnything
At age eight, Maggie discloses sexual abuse by her mother’s boyfriend Warren. Under pressure from her mother, she recents. Now seventeen, Maggie sees Warren with a little girl, sparking PTSD and fear for her safety and that of the child.
Cathy Morrison did a lot of good research on sexual abuse, prosecution and therapy to make SAY SOMETHING as authentic as possible. Maggie’s PTSD’s symptoms felt real and reminiscent of my own under similar circumstances. At times I Morrison made Maggie too much of a martyr with her friends, a trope often seen in YA lit with similar characters with mental health or abuse issues.
The satisfying ending was unrealistic to the point of being corny. While most survivors dream of the ending of SAY SOMETHING, of the dozens I’ve met, I don’t know anyone who has had such a Disneyesque experience.
SAY ANYTHING is a book that tugs at the heart which readers won’t want to put down, even after they’ve finished.
#SayAnything
March 31, 2019
***Actual rating: 3/5 Unflinching Stars***
Trigger Warning: Child sexual abuse, child molestation (Though none of those sensitive scenes were depicted in detail.)
Say Something is a story about encouraging (female) victims of sexual abuse, particularly when that happens in their childhood, to speak up for themselves and stand their ground despite what others think. Honestly, I have mixed thoughts about this book.
To begin with, as "right" as this sounds, I don't fully agree with the author's perspective because 1) the case in this book takes a sharp turn by the end of the trial, tainting the initially good cause of the enforcement of law, which I don't appreciate very much, and 2) I personally am not convinced by the reasons why people should stand out the way the female protagonist in this book does. In other words, our female main character, Maggie, is the victim of a child sexual abuse case happening when she was only eight and even though she reported to the school's counselor and the police then, her mom told her to recant so that they could get money from the abuser, a.k.a. Maggie's mom's ex-boyfriend, who also happened to be one of the most powerful prosecutors in the county. As you can see, this case here is a typical example of someone in the higher social ranking does something terribly wrong, but it's not hard to imagine people's reaction when hearing upon Maggie's accusation of him: disbelief, dismay, calling her a slut, and only a few of people support her.
So when Maggie finally decides to tell her story, an ugly truth she's been hiding for years until she's 17, her entire world is flipped upside down. The only people truly care about her are her football star boyfriend, Matt, and his best friend, Kelvin. (Of course there are some secondary characters but I skip them.) I love that Matt can always play the perfect-boyfriend-role-model all the time and show affection/thoughtfulness when Maggie needs the most. However, the author mentions way too much "Poor Matt" in the story since Maggie doesn't tell Matt everything until pretty late in their relationship and that Matt is CONSTANTLY CONFUSED by Maggie's sudden tuning outs.
Besides, there are also some minor parts that I find quite contradictory. For instance, in the beginning of the story, Maggie's having a self-deprecative conversation with her reflection in the mirror, where she mentions how much she hates her BRIGHT BLUE eyes. Somehow, in the middle of the book when she's going out on a date with Matt, she says the dress brings out the GREEN IN HER HAZEL EYES. I know this is just a teeny, tiny bit of the whole story compared to those bigger issues but still! I like to picture those characters in my head with as many details as possible, and eye color is definitely one of those features I value.
Okay, apparently I'm rambling right now so let's get back to the plot. The entire story is fairly predictable, in my opinion, because when I come to think of it, this book focuses on Maggie saying something about the child sexual abuse just so she can not only justify herself, but save another "little beauty," as the said abuser likes to call his victims, from going through the same horrifying experience as Maggie's. Therefore, with the satisfying ending, Maggie becomes the public hero *DUH* and though she can never have the normal life she yearns for, she's content at the moment.
To sum up, this book isn't bad, but the plot and character development could be more deliberately thought-out. There's still room for improvement regarding many smaller aspects such us character's personality and appearances. That being said, I wouldn't highly recommend this book to everyone, but the moral here is still worthy of spreading: seeking help when you see someone or when you encounter similar child sexual abuse incidents is essential, no matter how daunting the process may be. Speaking up and defending yourself/other victims will make you stronger, and someone will always appreciate your brave deeds.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed this book from NetGalley.***
"We are all broken. That's how the light gets in."-Author unknown -Maggie's journal
Trigger Warning: Child sexual abuse, child molestation (Though none of those sensitive scenes were depicted in detail.)
Say Something is a story about encouraging (female) victims of sexual abuse, particularly when that happens in their childhood, to speak up for themselves and stand their ground despite what others think. Honestly, I have mixed thoughts about this book.
To begin with, as "right" as this sounds, I don't fully agree with the author's perspective because 1) the case in this book takes a sharp turn by the end of the trial, tainting the initially good cause of the enforcement of law, which I don't appreciate very much, and 2) I personally am not convinced by the reasons why people should stand out the way the female protagonist in this book does. In other words, our female main character, Maggie, is the victim of a child sexual abuse case happening when she was only eight and even though she reported to the school's counselor and the police then, her mom told her to recant so that they could get money from the abuser, a.k.a. Maggie's mom's ex-boyfriend, who also happened to be one of the most powerful prosecutors in the county. As you can see, this case here is a typical example of someone in the higher social ranking does something terribly wrong, but it's not hard to imagine people's reaction when hearing upon Maggie's accusation of him: disbelief, dismay, calling her a slut, and only a few of people support her.
So when Maggie finally decides to tell her story, an ugly truth she's been hiding for years until she's 17, her entire world is flipped upside down. The only people truly care about her are her football star boyfriend, Matt, and his best friend, Kelvin. (Of course there are some secondary characters but I skip them.) I love that Matt can always play the perfect-boyfriend-role-model all the time and show affection/thoughtfulness when Maggie needs the most. However, the author mentions way too much "Poor Matt" in the story since Maggie doesn't tell Matt everything until pretty late in their relationship and that Matt is CONSTANTLY CONFUSED by Maggie's sudden tuning outs.
Besides, there are also some minor parts that I find quite contradictory. For instance, in the beginning of the story, Maggie's having a self-deprecative conversation with her reflection in the mirror, where she mentions how much she hates her BRIGHT BLUE eyes. Somehow, in the middle of the book when she's going out on a date with Matt, she says the dress brings out the GREEN IN HER HAZEL EYES. I know this is just a teeny, tiny bit of the whole story compared to those bigger issues but still! I like to picture those characters in my head with as many details as possible, and eye color is definitely one of those features I value.
Okay, apparently I'm rambling right now so let's get back to the plot. The entire story is fairly predictable, in my opinion, because when I come to think of it, this book focuses on Maggie saying something about the child sexual abuse just so she can not only justify herself, but save another "little beauty," as the said abuser likes to call his victims, from going through the same horrifying experience as Maggie's. Therefore, with the satisfying ending, Maggie becomes the public hero *DUH* and though she can never have the normal life she yearns for, she's content at the moment.
To sum up, this book isn't bad, but the plot and character development could be more deliberately thought-out. There's still room for improvement regarding many smaller aspects such us character's personality and appearances. That being said, I wouldn't highly recommend this book to everyone, but the moral here is still worthy of spreading: seeking help when you see someone or when you encounter similar child sexual abuse incidents is essential, no matter how daunting the process may be. Speaking up and defending yourself/other victims will make you stronger, and someone will always appreciate your brave deeds.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed this book from NetGalley.***
May 23, 2019
Say Something by Cathy Morrison is a emotionally powerful read dealing with child sexual abuse and how it has affected Maggie, our main character, for the past ten years.
Maggie is a seventeen year old high school student and while she may get great grades and is a fantastic athlete, she finds it hard to get to close or make friends with anyone. Maggie is still trying to define herself as a person and as a woman especially after what she went through as a child. The person who abused her is still free nor has he ever been arrested. She likes a boy, Matt, in her class and he seems to return her affections, but with a big secret between them, Maggie is very unsure of herself and her budding relationship. It is not until she sees her abuser again with another little girl does Maggie decide to speak up. Will her abuser finally face the consequences of his actions?
I had such a hard time reading this story, not because it isn’t written well, because it is. It has more to do with the subject matter. I hate seeing children hurt in any way and just the thought of knowing there are predators who target children is something inconceivable. Cathy Morrison really tells a heartfelt story that is both raw and emotional. Morrison shows the after effects of abuse and the daily struggle someone can go through, but it also shows such courage and redemption in Maggie’s story and the one main point that is hammered home is that maggie is a survivor and the abuse she suffered through does not define her life.
Say Something is a definitely a story that is honest and authentic. The writing flows so effortlessly through the pages and held my attention all the way through. I highly recommend.
Maggie is a seventeen year old high school student and while she may get great grades and is a fantastic athlete, she finds it hard to get to close or make friends with anyone. Maggie is still trying to define herself as a person and as a woman especially after what she went through as a child. The person who abused her is still free nor has he ever been arrested. She likes a boy, Matt, in her class and he seems to return her affections, but with a big secret between them, Maggie is very unsure of herself and her budding relationship. It is not until she sees her abuser again with another little girl does Maggie decide to speak up. Will her abuser finally face the consequences of his actions?
I had such a hard time reading this story, not because it isn’t written well, because it is. It has more to do with the subject matter. I hate seeing children hurt in any way and just the thought of knowing there are predators who target children is something inconceivable. Cathy Morrison really tells a heartfelt story that is both raw and emotional. Morrison shows the after effects of abuse and the daily struggle someone can go through, but it also shows such courage and redemption in Maggie’s story and the one main point that is hammered home is that maggie is a survivor and the abuse she suffered through does not define her life.
Say Something is a definitely a story that is honest and authentic. The writing flows so effortlessly through the pages and held my attention all the way through. I highly recommend.
April 22, 2019
Say Something' was not an easy read for me, not because of the subject matter, but because it happened to someone very close to me. Just hope that one day, and like Maggie, there will be a happy ending. Well written and a very moving read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, which i have freely given.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, which i have freely given.
February 21, 2019
I received an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Cold Fires Publishing for the chance to read and review it.
In this story Maggie is struggling to deal with the abuse she suffered at the hand of her mother's ex-fiance, Warren. He was a well connected, powerful man who used that power to intimidate and silence his victims. Ten years after the first time she told someone, she becomes interested in a boy at school. Her first date triggers night terrors of the abuse when all she wants is to feel like a normal teenager, but is anyone truly normal? Then one night she's on a date when Warren walks in with his new girlfriend and her little girl. Instantly she knows and it's time for her to say something. She has to protect the little girl even if it means she will never be that normal teenager she so desperately wants to be.
This book pleasantly surprised me. The topic of abuse is a difficult one due to the sheer number of individuals that can be triggered by it, but I think Cathy did a great job at relaying what happened without going into great detail. She definitely did her research when it comes to surviving this type of abuse. The PTSD is real, the feeling of being alone is real, and the fear in definitely real, and all of it can be suffocating. I felt for Maggie and was crying as she was gaining her voice. Being brave isn't always the easiest choice, but sometimes it's the only choice. I applaud this author and the story she wrote.
In this story Maggie is struggling to deal with the abuse she suffered at the hand of her mother's ex-fiance, Warren. He was a well connected, powerful man who used that power to intimidate and silence his victims. Ten years after the first time she told someone, she becomes interested in a boy at school. Her first date triggers night terrors of the abuse when all she wants is to feel like a normal teenager, but is anyone truly normal? Then one night she's on a date when Warren walks in with his new girlfriend and her little girl. Instantly she knows and it's time for her to say something. She has to protect the little girl even if it means she will never be that normal teenager she so desperately wants to be.
This book pleasantly surprised me. The topic of abuse is a difficult one due to the sheer number of individuals that can be triggered by it, but I think Cathy did a great job at relaying what happened without going into great detail. She definitely did her research when it comes to surviving this type of abuse. The PTSD is real, the feeling of being alone is real, and the fear in definitely real, and all of it can be suffocating. I felt for Maggie and was crying as she was gaining her voice. Being brave isn't always the easiest choice, but sometimes it's the only choice. I applaud this author and the story she wrote.
April 18, 2019
WOW, this was a powerful book, with a great title that just begged me to read it, especially with the cover of the book. I have read this book twice already and each time I do, I discover something new. I purchased several copies of this book and gave them to friends of mine. This is a hard topic to read about and it affects so many girls, boys, men and women. I read the part about figuring out who is in the club that no one talks about and no one wants to be a part of and the Author truly nailed it on the head with that insight. I read the part where it talks about how we stay quiet because we are ashamed and humiliated and feel like it’s a dirty and nasty secret. How the perverts and pedophiles make us scared and keep quiet because these monsters threaten and/or actually do violence to those we love. How it’s just so hard to believe that someone we know, love and trust can do despicable things to our children that we have placed into their care to be protected not abused. But if we just say something and bring it into the light and expose these monsters, we have hope, but it’s a tough, humiliating and horribly emotional and mental process. But with the steady support of our friends, families and the adults who are suppose to be there for us, to save us, these terrible destroyers of innocents can be brought to justice. I know that there just aren’t that many happy endings to the horrible things that happen to us, but I do believe that there are those who are strong enough, determined enough, to maybe not be able to save themselves but when faced with the ability to maybe save another, it gives them an added push to take a deep breath and the gumption to go the extra mile, especially for a child. There are so many great bits of information weaved into this book and at the end of it, that can help anyone who has been abused and more importantly give them hope. Hope to heal, hope to acknowledge and accept the fact that it wasn’t their fault that it happened to them, hope to eventually see these monsters pay for the physical, emotional and mental devastation they inflicted, hope to have the strength to save another, hope to eventually live a happy and normal life. I think this writer did a fantastic job of writing about such a difficult and dark subject and I hope this book becomes a beacon of light and a source of information and hope, for those who need all that it says because this author did Say Something!!!!!
May 16, 2019
2.5 stars rounded up.
This story is about a young woman named Maggie who endured sexual abuse as a child. Now as a high school student she has reverted into herself, put walls around herself to protect herself. But now things are changing. She is finally coming out of her shell, there is a guy she likes, a great guy. When things start looking up the man who abused her as a child comes back into her life and she fears he is hurting another little girl. Suddenly she has a lot of decisions to make, but will anyone believe her a second time?
I really loved the first half of this book. I felt like Cathy Morrison did a great job displaying the raw emotions and PTSD that Maggie goes through as a result of the trauma she went through as a child. As a reader I felt so empathetic for her, I wanted to help her. When life started to get better it made me smile, though you could still tell there was so much further she had to go and a lot of therapy she needed.
What I struggled with however was how everything ended in this book I don't want to go into the details but simply but everything just felt to connected and to after school special. I think Cathy Morrison could have benefit from writing a bit longer of a novel and drawing out the conflict of the story to make things more believable instead of having things be too simple.
While no trauma or sexual abuse is explicitly detailed in the novel there are definite trigger warnings fo this type of matter in this book. The after effects and struggles of those who have suffered at the hands of such abuse are fairly detailed and vivid. I feel like Cathy Morrison did a great job and really making us feel the struggle and PTSD that those who have been abused suffer. While I think books such as this one are important to read if it is something that will trigger or hurt to read never do so, your mental health is the most important thing.
I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys dark contemporary stories or someone who is trying to get a deeper understanding of emotions that are felt after an abusive situation. Though of course it should be said everyone will deal with their emotions and their situation differently.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers for the eArc in exchange for my review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
This story is about a young woman named Maggie who endured sexual abuse as a child. Now as a high school student she has reverted into herself, put walls around herself to protect herself. But now things are changing. She is finally coming out of her shell, there is a guy she likes, a great guy. When things start looking up the man who abused her as a child comes back into her life and she fears he is hurting another little girl. Suddenly she has a lot of decisions to make, but will anyone believe her a second time?
I really loved the first half of this book. I felt like Cathy Morrison did a great job displaying the raw emotions and PTSD that Maggie goes through as a result of the trauma she went through as a child. As a reader I felt so empathetic for her, I wanted to help her. When life started to get better it made me smile, though you could still tell there was so much further she had to go and a lot of therapy she needed.
What I struggled with however was how everything ended in this book I don't want to go into the details but simply but everything just felt to connected and to after school special. I think Cathy Morrison could have benefit from writing a bit longer of a novel and drawing out the conflict of the story to make things more believable instead of having things be too simple.
While no trauma or sexual abuse is explicitly detailed in the novel there are definite trigger warnings fo this type of matter in this book. The after effects and struggles of those who have suffered at the hands of such abuse are fairly detailed and vivid. I feel like Cathy Morrison did a great job and really making us feel the struggle and PTSD that those who have been abused suffer. While I think books such as this one are important to read if it is something that will trigger or hurt to read never do so, your mental health is the most important thing.
I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys dark contemporary stories or someone who is trying to get a deeper understanding of emotions that are felt after an abusive situation. Though of course it should be said everyone will deal with their emotions and their situation differently.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers for the eArc in exchange for my review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
February 4, 2019
3.5 *, almost 4.
The topic of this book is not so easy to face, but I'm glad that someone did.
My mind and my review are split in half.
From a mere plot/development point of view, I was a little disappointed from 2 things. First, that the love story went on so smooth, as if nothing different or difficult was happening. Not a real fight, not a doubt, only a maybe overprotective boy who is doing everything to protect Maggie, without even asking her what she thought. Second, that also the ending was too easy, without a glitch. I would like that justice worked as fast and as good as in this book but, from what I hear in the news, this isn't always the case.
Another thing that I would have loved, is to know more about Maggie's feelings. I would have wanted to go deeper into her mind to understand her thoughts and her behaviour.
On the other side, I'm grateful to the author and to NetGalley, for having the opportunity of reading this book. I can't talk from personal experience, but I hope that this could be a little of help for the people who were abused, to find the courage to speak up and also for the people, like me, who sometimes forget that such things happen a lot more frequently than expected. It reminds you that, sometimes, supporting people is already a big help.
Anyway, I think that this is a book worth reading and I really thank Cathy Morrison, the publishing house and Netgalley for giving me this opportunity.
The topic of this book is not so easy to face, but I'm glad that someone did.
My mind and my review are split in half.
From a mere plot/development point of view, I was a little disappointed from 2 things. First, that the love story went on so smooth, as if nothing different or difficult was happening. Not a real fight, not a doubt, only a maybe overprotective boy who is doing everything to protect Maggie, without even asking her what she thought. Second, that also the ending was too easy, without a glitch. I would like that justice worked as fast and as good as in this book but, from what I hear in the news, this isn't always the case.
Another thing that I would have loved, is to know more about Maggie's feelings. I would have wanted to go deeper into her mind to understand her thoughts and her behaviour.
On the other side, I'm grateful to the author and to NetGalley, for having the opportunity of reading this book. I can't talk from personal experience, but I hope that this could be a little of help for the people who were abused, to find the courage to speak up and also for the people, like me, who sometimes forget that such things happen a lot more frequently than expected. It reminds you that, sometimes, supporting people is already a big help.
Anyway, I think that this is a book worth reading and I really thank Cathy Morrison, the publishing house and Netgalley for giving me this opportunity.
February 13, 2019
Maggie is now a teenager forced with a tough decision. When she was only eight years old, her mother’s boyfriend would come into her room and touch her in places no adult should touch a child.
She did tell. She did seek help... but her mother convinced her to recant and take back her statement. Now, years later, she must decide if she should make another statement.
And potentially save this from happening to children who cross this monster’s path in the future.
Nothing highly upsetting or inappropriate was actually portrayed in this novel, and Maggie’s young love story with a classmate is very sweet.
However, for me, everything wrapped up just a bit TOO perfectly in the end. Glad to see happy endings - but it was all tied up with an extremely neat bow.
Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review!
She did tell. She did seek help... but her mother convinced her to recant and take back her statement. Now, years later, she must decide if she should make another statement.
And potentially save this from happening to children who cross this monster’s path in the future.
Nothing highly upsetting or inappropriate was actually portrayed in this novel, and Maggie’s young love story with a classmate is very sweet.
However, for me, everything wrapped up just a bit TOO perfectly in the end. Glad to see happy endings - but it was all tied up with an extremely neat bow.
Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review!
February 22, 2019
This story about sexual abuse started off strongly. Maggie was the sole focus of the story, but we learn during one of her high school classes that Maggie could pick out others who showed signs of a history of sexual abuse. Unfortunately, their stories were never told or even hinted at. Instead, a sweet romance starts to blossom between Maggie and Matt, who is a much admired football jock. Maggie runs hot and cold with Matt, She worries about telling Matt that she had been sexually abused. I won't drop any spoilers as to how he reacts to her disclosure of sexual abuse. There are no graphic descriptions of the sexual abuse. I felt that the story line and the love relationship were a tad predictable but I suspect many will enjoy the lighter tone of this very serious subject matter.
February 5, 2019
I read this book after it was recommended by a friend who went to college with the author. This book has such an important message and it should be part of middle school and high school libraries. It is well written and can start some powerful conversations
March 8, 2019
I think this is the time to use the strong word “Powerful” to describe a book.
This the story of Maggie, a 17 year old girl healing as best she can from sexual abuse she endured as a young child at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend.
Maggie did tell her mother what Warren was doing to her and even told the authorities. Her frightened mother convinced her daughter to recant her words. Young Maggie does just that. Now at 17, she has relived the experience every day of her life. Did she do the right thing by listening to her mother? And don’t get me wrong, Maggie’s mother loves her daughter, but she also knows Warren is a powerful and maybe a dangerous man. She she is terrified of his retaliation. She feels its best to just let it go and forget it happened. Forget it happened?!? Now her daughter is living each day the best she can, making her way through high school with top notch grades and as a talented athlete. She spends her days on the outside, trying to stay under the radar. Her only friend Mari is now and you will learn the reason. Maggie remains aloof from everyone and this is ok for Maggie. She feels she needs to be an island. That is until she meets this extraordinary and patient guy named Matt. For some reason she decides to share her secret and he does everything he can to help her heal. It’s beautiful to see how their relationship has its ups and downs and the learning they both experience throughout. It’s truly a story of growth and recovery.
There are times reading, I would hold my breath waiting for the next reaction, never knowing if it would be positive, negative or even violent.
This story is an incredible 10 year journey of just one of many many sexually abused victims. The story demonstrates how support systems can fail and unlikely heroes emerge. Cathy Morrison didn’t just sit down and write a book. The author did her homework when it came to therapy techniques used for abuse victims. Read the acknowledgements.
I absolutely recommend this book for all mature readers, especially those who deal with children on a daily basis. ,
Your eyes will to what is happening every day in our world.
Some end in positive resolution, but many do not.
The abuse is not explained in graphic detail or really much detail at all. It didn’t need to be. The story evokes empathy as you read a book very hard to put down until the end.
I would say it is resolved, but I don’t know is victims of sexual abuse ever feel the peace and joy again young ones should experience as an innocent child.
This the story of Maggie, a 17 year old girl healing as best she can from sexual abuse she endured as a young child at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend.
Maggie did tell her mother what Warren was doing to her and even told the authorities. Her frightened mother convinced her daughter to recant her words. Young Maggie does just that. Now at 17, she has relived the experience every day of her life. Did she do the right thing by listening to her mother? And don’t get me wrong, Maggie’s mother loves her daughter, but she also knows Warren is a powerful and maybe a dangerous man. She she is terrified of his retaliation. She feels its best to just let it go and forget it happened. Forget it happened?!? Now her daughter is living each day the best she can, making her way through high school with top notch grades and as a talented athlete. She spends her days on the outside, trying to stay under the radar. Her only friend Mari is now and you will learn the reason. Maggie remains aloof from everyone and this is ok for Maggie. She feels she needs to be an island. That is until she meets this extraordinary and patient guy named Matt. For some reason she decides to share her secret and he does everything he can to help her heal. It’s beautiful to see how their relationship has its ups and downs and the learning they both experience throughout. It’s truly a story of growth and recovery.
There are times reading, I would hold my breath waiting for the next reaction, never knowing if it would be positive, negative or even violent.
This story is an incredible 10 year journey of just one of many many sexually abused victims. The story demonstrates how support systems can fail and unlikely heroes emerge. Cathy Morrison didn’t just sit down and write a book. The author did her homework when it came to therapy techniques used for abuse victims. Read the acknowledgements.
I absolutely recommend this book for all mature readers, especially those who deal with children on a daily basis. ,
Your eyes will to what is happening every day in our world.
Some end in positive resolution, but many do not.
The abuse is not explained in graphic detail or really much detail at all. It didn’t need to be. The story evokes empathy as you read a book very hard to put down until the end.
I would say it is resolved, but I don’t know is victims of sexual abuse ever feel the peace and joy again young ones should experience as an innocent child.
March 25, 2019
Have you ever read a book, not because you wanted to, but because you NEEDED to?
I know this book would cause emotional distress, possibly flashbacks, but most of all rage. I knew that...but I needed to read it anyway.
Say Something is a YA book. It's not graphic in its descriptions. It doesn't need to be. It's my hope that those that need justice get it but that's not always reality. In this story, it happens quickly and neatly though I can attest to that not being the standard, I appreciated it. Say Something is cathartic in its resolution because even if it's not a "real story," it is someone's real story.
Be brave. Be strong. Don't let the monsters rule your life. Say Something.
#saysomething #cathymorrison #metoo #sexualabuse #abuse #YA #bookstagram #books #NetGalley
I know this book would cause emotional distress, possibly flashbacks, but most of all rage. I knew that...but I needed to read it anyway.
Say Something is a YA book. It's not graphic in its descriptions. It doesn't need to be. It's my hope that those that need justice get it but that's not always reality. In this story, it happens quickly and neatly though I can attest to that not being the standard, I appreciated it. Say Something is cathartic in its resolution because even if it's not a "real story," it is someone's real story.
Be brave. Be strong. Don't let the monsters rule your life. Say Something.
#saysomething #cathymorrison #metoo #sexualabuse #abuse #YA #bookstagram #books #NetGalley
February 8, 2019
Received this book from Netgalley publishes. And I'm thankful for it!
"I think by nature I'm an optimist,but life has tried to paint me otherwise. Sometimes I have glimpses of me as a young girl. Before Warren. Everyday was full of possibilities. I'd meet a prince. I'd slay a dragon. I'd fall in love.
Girls who haven't been abused are so innocent
-Maggie's journal "
This book is about a 17 years old girl,Maggie who has been abused by her mothers then boyfriend, Warren. They moved into a big beautiful house and her mother thought their life would be better,perfect, Warren would change everything. Warren did change everything. When 8 years old Maggie was afraid of darkness Warren would sneak into her room with candies and told her to keep things secret from her mother or else mommy will get hurt. Little Maggie didn't know anything until one day at class, teacher told if someone touches where the swimsuit goes than to tell a trustworthy adult. She knew it then. She knew this isn't some joke,this isn't some game.
We all see child abuse, even rapes of young girls in todays life. God knows there must a girl or a boy who got abused today but cannot tell because they are afraid. Afraid of the pedophile. Afraid that he might hurt them. When he has money, power,fame he can do anything. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by the age of 18. Who knows, there might be some in this group?
But the worst part is they can't say anything, they can't speak up because nobody will listen. Powerful people like Warren hunts them every where they go. And pretends nothing ever happened. Maggie complained once but had to recant. Why? Cuase bastard Warren hurt her mother. Will make them suffer.
But time has changed. We need to stand up and SAY SOMETHING! It might save some other 8 years old. Justice shall come.
What I loved about this book was how Maggie's friends stood beside her. Specially Matt. Every boyfriend has to be like Matt! I just fell in love with Matt!
And what I didn't like about this book was how Maggie kept blocking everyone from helping her.
Other than that It's a good book. Everyone should check it out.
Highly recommended! ❤
"Once innocence is lost,you can never get it back"
"I think by nature I'm an optimist,but life has tried to paint me otherwise. Sometimes I have glimpses of me as a young girl. Before Warren. Everyday was full of possibilities. I'd meet a prince. I'd slay a dragon. I'd fall in love.
Girls who haven't been abused are so innocent
-Maggie's journal "
This book is about a 17 years old girl,Maggie who has been abused by her mothers then boyfriend, Warren. They moved into a big beautiful house and her mother thought their life would be better,perfect, Warren would change everything. Warren did change everything. When 8 years old Maggie was afraid of darkness Warren would sneak into her room with candies and told her to keep things secret from her mother or else mommy will get hurt. Little Maggie didn't know anything until one day at class, teacher told if someone touches where the swimsuit goes than to tell a trustworthy adult. She knew it then. She knew this isn't some joke,this isn't some game.
We all see child abuse, even rapes of young girls in todays life. God knows there must a girl or a boy who got abused today but cannot tell because they are afraid. Afraid of the pedophile. Afraid that he might hurt them. When he has money, power,fame he can do anything. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by the age of 18. Who knows, there might be some in this group?
But the worst part is they can't say anything, they can't speak up because nobody will listen. Powerful people like Warren hunts them every where they go. And pretends nothing ever happened. Maggie complained once but had to recant. Why? Cuase bastard Warren hurt her mother. Will make them suffer.
But time has changed. We need to stand up and SAY SOMETHING! It might save some other 8 years old. Justice shall come.
What I loved about this book was how Maggie's friends stood beside her. Specially Matt. Every boyfriend has to be like Matt! I just fell in love with Matt!
And what I didn't like about this book was how Maggie kept blocking everyone from helping her.
Other than that It's a good book. Everyone should check it out.
Highly recommended! ❤
"Once innocence is lost,you can never get it back"
July 29, 2019
As is clear from the blurb, Say Something covers the subject of child sexual abuse, but it is written in a sensitive manner. There are no graphic scenes or unnecessary descriptions. The story focuses instead on the victim, Maggie, as she navigates her recovery; her therapy sessions, the night terrors, not to mention surviving high school and her first potential boyfriend all whilst harbouring the dark secrets of her past.
Maggie is constantly being pulled in multiple directions, torn between her head and her heart: To pursue her blossoming romance with Matt, or step away. To let Matt know what happened to her, and who did it, or keep quiet. To go through emotionally painful treatments in therapy, or keep suffering her freshly returned night terrors.
Her biggest decision of all, though, is when her abuser walks back in to her life. When she discovers another little girl could be in danger, Maggie needs to make the difficult decision of whether or not to finally speak up and report her abuser - And this time, no more recanting her story.
I found this to be such a powerful book, not only did the author tackle such a difficult subject, but she researched it well. The way the story is told continually highlights and reinforces the fact that abuse can happen to anyone, using real life facts and figures to get the message across. We need more books like this being published!
Maggie is constantly being pulled in multiple directions, torn between her head and her heart: To pursue her blossoming romance with Matt, or step away. To let Matt know what happened to her, and who did it, or keep quiet. To go through emotionally painful treatments in therapy, or keep suffering her freshly returned night terrors.
Her biggest decision of all, though, is when her abuser walks back in to her life. When she discovers another little girl could be in danger, Maggie needs to make the difficult decision of whether or not to finally speak up and report her abuser - And this time, no more recanting her story.
I found this to be such a powerful book, not only did the author tackle such a difficult subject, but she researched it well. The way the story is told continually highlights and reinforces the fact that abuse can happen to anyone, using real life facts and figures to get the message across. We need more books like this being published!
January 8, 2020
I would like to thank Cold Fire Publishing LLC and the Netgalley website for this partnership.
I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book. It features the pretty Maggie in the background and in the foreground of the lockers.
We learn that she was sexually abused, that he called her a little beauty and that her mother made her change her story. Maggie has been keeping this secret deep inside her all this time. She knows that what she went through before doesn't make up her character, her personality. She's a strong student, a good person, she never lets anyone near her. Because if someone comes into her life, they're going to have to know the whole truth. She has a student in her class who likes her and she wants to get closer to him to be a normal student without her past. Except her attacker's back and a little girl's in danger. She has two choices, either stay silent or take action. She doesn't want this man to call any girl a little beauty anymore.
A book read in one go, so much so that I hooked into the story so moving, captivating, full of suspense and twists and turns with endearing characters.
The author has done a good job in writing this book, it shows the cruelty of men towards young girls so fearful of them.
A must read book, one of my favorites for this year 2020.
I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book. It features the pretty Maggie in the background and in the foreground of the lockers.
We learn that she was sexually abused, that he called her a little beauty and that her mother made her change her story. Maggie has been keeping this secret deep inside her all this time. She knows that what she went through before doesn't make up her character, her personality. She's a strong student, a good person, she never lets anyone near her. Because if someone comes into her life, they're going to have to know the whole truth. She has a student in her class who likes her and she wants to get closer to him to be a normal student without her past. Except her attacker's back and a little girl's in danger. She has two choices, either stay silent or take action. She doesn't want this man to call any girl a little beauty anymore.
A book read in one go, so much so that I hooked into the story so moving, captivating, full of suspense and twists and turns with endearing characters.
The author has done a good job in writing this book, it shows the cruelty of men towards young girls so fearful of them.
A must read book, one of my favorites for this year 2020.
February 27, 2019
What a difficult and sensitive topic to address. Cathy Morrison has done just that with her book. I found that her book took me into the world of a young girl, Maggie, who is trying to heal from not only the pain of sexual assault but also wondering if she will get the support she needs to finally have her story heard and believed. As I read, I thought back to the handful of times as an elementary school teacher that the pain of this reality was all too real for some of my students. So as I read this book, I found myself wanting to reach into the pages and help Maggie as she struggled with trying to make things right. To be a part of her journey as she seeks the support of others, and finds ways to bring peace to her life is amazing. This book is written in such a way that it would be an excellent resource to use with middle or high school students on the topic of sexual assault. There are many people out there that need to know that it OK to say something. This book might give them the strength to do just that.
April 18, 2019
This book, unlike most young adult novels, allows the reader to engulf themselves into Maggie's world. For the sake of no spoilers, I will not include many specific details. However, as I was reading it, I found myself relating to the protagonist more and more. Sometimes it is very difficult for adults to understand the tribulations teenagers have to go through on a daily basis - sometimes more in the head than anything else. The author does a beautiful job simplistically describing the inner workings of Maggie. No matter the age, I feel like this is a must read. It allows young adults to become familiar and "woke" (as kids say these days) about the harsh realities of the world and how certain things can happen to anyone. It also allows adults to understand how teenagers think, which could lead to better relationships between the two generations. All in all, this novel is one of the best I have ever read and I am a book nerd. Sitting down and taking a day (and I do mean a day because you won't be able to put it down) to read Say Something is a choice you will not regret.
March 6, 2019
Say Something by Cathy Morrison draws you in right away with a slightly mysterious and heavy prologue about main character, Maggie, in a flashback to when she was eight years old.
You quickly come to learn that Maggie was sexually abused as a child by her mother's boyfriend, Warren. The majority of Say Something takes place in present day focusing on Maggie trying to cope with the sexual abuse ten years later and the fact that her mother made her recant her statement of abuse as a child. You see the effects Maggie's childhood has had on her relationships with her best friend, boyfriend, mother, and herself.
Part of the book is set in the past with flashbacks of eight year old Maggie. The flashbacks provide a better look into what Warren did to her and her relationship with her mother.
I also enjoyed Maggie as a character. She was courageous in a very real way. Her character as a whole did not feel forced or overly exaggerated in a way I feel like I so often see in other YA novels.
I appreciate the research that Cathy Morrison put into this book to make it as authentic as possible. Morrison was able to carry a story about sexual abuse without graphic content.
Overall, I would give Say Something by Cathy Morrison as 3.5 out of 5 stars. The story certainly kept me hooked, as I finished it in a day. Though, I do feel like the other main characters could have used a bit more substance. I would have loved to see a bit more about Maggie's mother and Warren's past relationship.
You quickly come to learn that Maggie was sexually abused as a child by her mother's boyfriend, Warren. The majority of Say Something takes place in present day focusing on Maggie trying to cope with the sexual abuse ten years later and the fact that her mother made her recant her statement of abuse as a child. You see the effects Maggie's childhood has had on her relationships with her best friend, boyfriend, mother, and herself.
Part of the book is set in the past with flashbacks of eight year old Maggie. The flashbacks provide a better look into what Warren did to her and her relationship with her mother.
I also enjoyed Maggie as a character. She was courageous in a very real way. Her character as a whole did not feel forced or overly exaggerated in a way I feel like I so often see in other YA novels.
I appreciate the research that Cathy Morrison put into this book to make it as authentic as possible. Morrison was able to carry a story about sexual abuse without graphic content.
Overall, I would give Say Something by Cathy Morrison as 3.5 out of 5 stars. The story certainly kept me hooked, as I finished it in a day. Though, I do feel like the other main characters could have used a bit more substance. I would have loved to see a bit more about Maggie's mother and Warren's past relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2019
Thirty years ago I worked in a hospital in Western Kansas that (believe it or not) was on the forefront of raising difficult topics. One of the issues we attempted to raise for discussion was around sexual abuse. I was very proud of the work our little hospital did those many years ago. When I read "Say Something" I immediately thought about how much easier our conversations and work there would have been if we had access to this book. Sexual abuse is a topic that many people avoid at all cost and it's difficult to get people to understand it's ok to talk about. So reading a book like "Say Something" and sharing it with a friend, our daughters, our sons, makes it so much easier. That's exactly what I'm doing with this book. Read and share - you never know the impact it might make!
July 1, 2019
"Say Something" is an interesting and delicately written novel, that covers a highly sensitive subject for the majority of readers. Cathy Morrison manages to achieve this in a way that doesn't rely on shock elements or graphically detailed descriptions but instead focuses on support and recovery.
In this well thought out book, the author provided flashbacks that explored what happened in the past but focused on the emotional aspect of Maggie's trauma.
Overall, I appreciated that this was a well-researched, valid book that wasn't sugar-coated but didn't rely heavily on graphical detail either.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Cold Fire Publishing LLC via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
In this well thought out book, the author provided flashbacks that explored what happened in the past but focused on the emotional aspect of Maggie's trauma.
Overall, I appreciated that this was a well-researched, valid book that wasn't sugar-coated but didn't rely heavily on graphical detail either.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Cold Fire Publishing LLC via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 4, 2019
This book is about seventeen year old Maggie & how events from her past & the trauma that she faced effects her life & relationships. Within her health class at school she can tell you who had also been effected by abuse just by looking at them. Knowing there is a bond of kinship from the similar traumas that they went through. As the book goes on the wheels are set into motion & Maggie is able to confront her abuser from her past.
Overall the book was a good read & the author was able to portray Maggie’s PTSD from her abuse, her mom’s reactions & actions on what had happened with Maggie are realistic.
The only thing that was a bit too “perfect” was the event that lead up to Warren’s arrest. It just seemed a little too in order & neatly packaged before the end of the book.
Overall the book was a good read & the author was able to portray Maggie’s PTSD from her abuse, her mom’s reactions & actions on what had happened with Maggie are realistic.
The only thing that was a bit too “perfect” was the event that lead up to Warren’s arrest. It just seemed a little too in order & neatly packaged before the end of the book.
February 3, 2019
This book is not graphic in nature to the abuse that Maggie experienced as a young girl, but if you are triggered, just be aware of the subject matter. I felt the writer was very sensitive to the issue of child molestation and abuse. It was well researched. Maggie is a brave girl, even though she doesn't feel like she is in the beginning. Her relationship with Matt made my heart warm. It's hard to forget they are teenagers and dealing with heavy subjects. It is a well written story and my heart goes out to anyone who has survived abuse. It took a lot of courage to come forward. I would read Morrison's books in the future.
August 7, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This was intense and social topic that few wish to talk about at all. Maggie is hiding a dark secret of her past that she does not want to face now that she has escaped that. She does not let people into her live very easy, but that is when she meets Matt. Then of course the other shoe drops and she has to face her past at the risk of the life that she has now built for herself. What is she willing to risk to do the risk things. I think....Say Something....
September 4, 2019
Content warning for sexual abuse.
This is the story of Maggie and how she bravely faced her abuser. I’m not sure how to describe this book...a great read would be inappropriate. I felt like this was a story that needed to be told. Showing the after effects of be molested continuing into adulthood. I felt like it was done very tastefully. The only complaint that I have is that I felt like the ending was rushed.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the story of Maggie and how she bravely faced her abuser. I’m not sure how to describe this book...a great read would be inappropriate. I felt like this was a story that needed to be told. Showing the after effects of be molested continuing into adulthood. I felt like it was done very tastefully. The only complaint that I have is that I felt like the ending was rushed.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 22, 2021
say Something was the first book I have read from this author. This YA was interesting and left me wanting more. Hope to read more from this author in the future.
Synopsis: Sometimes the most difficult choice is the only one you can make. Maggie knows the abuse she endured as a little girl isn’t all that defines her. She’s a strong student, varsity athlete, good person—but she’s careful not to let anyone close. Because letting someone in means risking the truth. And the truth didn’t work so well for her the first time.
Synopsis: Sometimes the most difficult choice is the only one you can make. Maggie knows the abuse she endured as a little girl isn’t all that defines her. She’s a strong student, varsity athlete, good person—but she’s careful not to let anyone close. Because letting someone in means risking the truth. And the truth didn’t work so well for her the first time.
February 1, 2019
Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book & was hooked from the first page. I was instantly taken with Maggie's character; she was so brave & courageous to tell her story of sexual abuse that she experienced as a child.
I think this is a book that, as upsetting as it is, should be read by everyone. It really shows that you don't know everyone's stories or background. So think before you speak or presume something about someone.
I really enjoyed this book & was hooked from the first page. I was instantly taken with Maggie's character; she was so brave & courageous to tell her story of sexual abuse that she experienced as a child.
I think this is a book that, as upsetting as it is, should be read by everyone. It really shows that you don't know everyone's stories or background. So think before you speak or presume something about someone.
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