Kellcey

by Kacey Kells

"Kellcey is not just a book. It's the women's rights bible!".Kellcey by Kacey Kells tells the story of a bright happy teenager living in Victoria, British Columbia, with her parents and sister, Cindy. Their idyllic family life is shattered by the untimely death of Cindy and Kellcey becomes increasingly lonely as her grief stricken parents constantly bicker, blaming each other for the untimely death of their daughter. Kacey (alias Kellcey), a beautiful teenage girl, is unable to find the love and attention she needs at home and finds it in Ben, a fellow student at her high school. Head over heels in love with Ben, she commits herself totally to him, despite her reservations about the company he keeps. A horrific sexual assault at a party where Ben fails her badly, is to leave Kellcey traumatized and unable to continue to live in her beloved Canada.She tries to rebuild her shattered life in far off London with a new friend and an online alter ‘Kellcey'. Kacey Kell's compelling and at times disturbing book takes us on the teenager's life journey. Courageously, she deals with the dramatic issue of violence against girls and women, and its consequences.

352 pages, Paperback

Published February 27, 2020

About the author

Hi!
I am the author of two books:

-"KELLCEY", a memoir which relates what it is t be the victim of a rape and its consequences

-"(His)Story of Women: the second sex?" which analysis the status of women from ancient Greece until today and discusses the importance of women empowerment for modern societies

Reviews

[Albert Steeg · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me some time to find the courage to read "Kellcey". What I expected, happened; it really hit a raw nerve. There were times I could not read on, wanted to skip parts. I did not do that, forced myself to go on and I'm glad I read it all. It must have taken so much courage and perseverance to write this.
It's the autobiographical story of a girl/young woman who has it all, looses it all in a horrible way and her struggle to find the strength to carry on. After I finished reading I think the most important aspect of the book is the way up, the fighting back to the light from the darkness of her hell.
Somehow for me it feels like there should be one or more chapters added, maybe that would give this reader an even better feeling. My heart cries out for a happy ending and I have to say that my sense of justice has definitely been hurt.
Even when there is a great need for an editor to remove all the typos that slipped in - can printer Amazon be blamed for this? - and that the book might not be a literary master piece, I have no hesitation at all to give it 5 stars.

[Bibiana Krall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kellcey is a coming of age/survival memoir that reads like a personal diary or journal.

Realistic and heartbreaking, it tells of what can happen to any of us: sisters, our daughters, or friends if we find ourselves in the wrong social situation with the wrong people. Life portrayed initially in Vancouver was like any young woman might share, friendships, school, weekends away at the beach, fashion and a love for music. Loss of her sister in a tragic accident, then the unraveling of her parent’s marriage becomes part of Kellcey’s fast-forward into adulthood.

First love is shown in such a way that brought back sweet memories of my own, but after that point in this memoir…the comparison to my experience stops.

What struck home for me was how close to a normal teen’s life this all was, until one night Kellcey made a grave mistake and her life downshifted into a sexual assault, torment, shame and terror.

The instinctual warning she felt for John many times before came to fruition and her true-love (or so she thought) didn’t stand up for her when she needed him the most. Was Ben’s complacency because of the effects of alcohol or was it something else entirely? It’s tough to say.

There are so many important messages to hear and listen to in this brave memoir. Rather than dwell on the atrocity of what happened, I would like to say this.

Listen to your gut instinct. Please read this true story and talk about it, learn to trust yourself if something feels off. Support people who come forward to talk about it. When or if something happens like this to you or someone you know, find your community as Kellcey did to heal and try to pick up the pieces.

Educate yourself about this enormous issue and make it known that predators like the one’s portrayed in this story have no place in this world. The saddest part is the person who was the most aggressive in this retelling, and who is totally evil -- hails from a “Good Family.” It’s always difficult to imagine that the handsome, intelligent kid from around the block could do something so heinous.

But it happened in this case and happens more often than we know, because very few of the victims feel as if they can safely report it without being ostracized by society for assuming that the victim somehow instigated this.

Rape needs to end and the shaming of people who talk about surviving it is only the beginning. Parents need to speak to all of their children and talk about this when they are discussing life and important topics.

I have had countless girlfriends approach me to share similar stories. I cannot say enough how important it is to speak out, and find a way for modern society to put an end to this brutal and toxic crime.

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I admire the author for her bravery, honesty, and ability to find hope and live in the light again.

Kacey you are amazing!

[Francine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book about a key social issue; well written, compelling and at times disturbing. Everybody, men and women, should read it to figure out what it is to be a victim... A must Read +++

[Vicky Whedbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading in high schools!

Being a victim of rape myself, this was a very emotional read for me. My heart goes out to Kacey for all that she was brutally subjected to and I'm sure still endures to this day. It had to be a heart wrenching challenge to relive the horror in the writing of this book, but hopefully it was somewhat cathartic as well.

Since rape can and does occur anywhere, no matter how reputable your attire or professionally you are presenting yourself (in my case, at my job at a floor covering business) the victim may not necessarily have control to change where they are, but perhaps by reading this book it may prevent a person from committing this heinous crime or being a willing participant with someone else.

At any rate, I pray that Kacey can someday find closure and peace, and that this book will help bring awareness to the unmerciful emotional, physical, and psychological torment a rape victim has to learn to overcome. You never know what a person may be carrying inside them just trying to get through each day. So be kind .
Prayers to you, Kacey. 🙏

[Mark Carnelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A read that WILL change minds.

This was an extremely hard read for me and at the same time a story that filled me with compassion for the wonderful courage and bravery of Kellcey. As a father, I was appalled at the treatment she received at the hands of those drunken louts, and full of anger for these perpetrators of this heinous crime. Unfortunately this occurrence is a sad indictment of present day society as rape and sexual abuse are reported time and time again in the media all around the world. It’s not just the alcohol and drugs that are the reasons for this behaviour, nor is it the belief that being privileged and entitled covers all sins. It is that many males, not all, believe that this behaviour is ‘normal’! Books, like this, NEED, to be studied and understood for the impact that it certainly would make upon the minds and future actions of the young that are the future of our declining morals.
I am staggered that this book has not received the plaudits that it deserves.
Five courageous ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for a story that needed to be told!

[Anna Casamento Arrigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is difficult enough to be a ‘normal’ teenager, however, when tragedy strikes in the form of the death of your closest friend and mentor,your sibling,it’s unimaginable. Now,compound that life altering tragedy with emotional abuse and,even more,inconceivable,a brutal sexual assault,what you are left with is how the hell or where the hell does one so young go from there? Incredible writing for one so young (apologies if it appears condescendingIT’S NOT MEANT TO BE)! Kellc grabs your attention from beginning to end with very insightful details,not only about death,family breakdowns,sexual assault,and but also successfully explores societal expectations in relationship to men vs. women. I respect her affinity for her birthplace,but, once,those very specific detailed inferences are made,the book soars!

[Regina Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Kellcey” by Kacey Kells is an honest and bravely written memoir. The writer drew me into her world with each passing chapter. I loved how she described the scenery /places in Victoria BC and when she finally arrived in London. The chapters when she was describing what happened that horrific night, I couldn’t help but feel angry and somewhat transported in the moment, it felt really real to me. I pray and hope those guys get what’s coming to them!!! Because believe me, it’s coming! She described herself in the book as “cowardice”, but she is so far from being that. She is so brave, and fearlessly wonderful. Definitely go read this book. Highly Recommend!!!

[Isha Choudhury · Rating 3 out of 5]

The heart breaking story of Kacey keeps you hooked but the length of the book might just turn you off. The author is fearless and courageous to come out so openly and talk about mental health issues, depression, loneliness and sexual assault. The themes of the book are as compelling as the story line, but what failed me in the book was the editing style. It was unnaturally prolonged and I feel it could have been cut short. The writing style is however quite realistic and the story keeps you engrossed from beginning till the end.

[Mary Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for everyone, male and female, age 16 and up

The author has presented her story with a unique writing style that I appreciate. Her story needs to be read by everyone. Ignore the fact that the small press who published her book didn't do anything regarding syntax, punctuation, etc. I cannot sing this book because all should read it and the fact that the author could write her story, that alone makes it a compelling five star read! Kacey lost her elder sister to a MVA in which the driver of the other vehicle was drunk. Losing a sibling is hard. Quite hard. I lost my baby brother and it was traumatic, to say the least. Kacey brings to the surface a deep level of intelligence and emotional observations and feeling throughout this memoir. Kacey had a boyfriend and the relationship went to level of being sexual at a young age of 15. I personally feel that 15 is too young, but Kacey gave this much thought, and she obtained birth control pills as she knew having a baby would not be good in her life at that age. In many ways, Kacey was more responsible at 15 than many at 18. Now for the gritty part. Kacey was raped by more than one male while her boyfriend was basically pas sc ed out from alcohol. Her boyfriend was not the perp! Three other men had gruesome parts in this atrocity, and the ridiculed Kacey relentlessly throughout. Did you know that a husband can rape his wife? That is true! I know. I was raped repeatedly by my ex. I was stripped of my self esteem with ridicule, name calling, feeling dirty, not good enough, tainted and sullied. This was in my 20s. I'm now pushing 60 and my self esteem is still very low. So I understood what Kacey wrote and how she felt both then and now. Kacey overcame a lot in one year of time. Was it easy? Hell no! Can she leave this nightmare behind her? Yes and no. Kacey certainly was able to have another relationship with a man, but there are always times when a small part of her can't get away fully from her sexual assault when with a new loving and caring partner. Kacey is beautiful and has a perfect body. I'm neither. But the big thing is we both keep on pushing on as we do have that glimmer of hope. Kacey was able to have friends and family to help her as well as a rape crisis center. Those are vital for one who has been raped. Note: Even if raped more than a year in the past, it's not too late to go to meetings at a rape crisis center. It's never too late. It doesn't have to become a "13 Reasons Why" deal. So please, if nothing else, take that fact to heart. I could write much more but I think my point has been made for those reading my review, and certainly Kacey made her points. Five stars.

[Millie Thom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kellcey is a highly emotive and thought-provoking read that readily drew me in and held my interest throughout. Although it is classed as fiction in the book’s front matter, and states that the names, characters, places and incidents originate from the author’s imagination, the whole story comes across as very real – and totally heartbreaking at times.
Ms Kells tells a story that countless women worldwide could relate to. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for her to write some of the scenes, particularly the brutal and harrowing rape – the build up to which is painstakingly done.
Told through the voice of a formerly happy teenager at her middle-class home in Canada with the joys of a bright future ahead, we are taken through a series of events that serve as precursors to the fateful attack. The most notable of these are the death of the older sister that Kellcey loved and looked to for advice, and the consequent estrangement between her parents.
Feeling alone and unloved, the miserable sixteen-year-old turns to her wider family and friends for support. Her own romantic ideas of having a boyfriend she can love and trust – and who will love her in return – sets the downward spiral in motion. Unfortunately, the boyfriend Kellcey falls ‘head over heels’ in love with proves to be anything but her knight in shining armour.
Alcohol abuse, unwise friendships, betrayal, and the flaunting of wealth and family status become features in the lives of some of the characters, and ultimately Kellcey is lured into a social situation from which she cannot retreat.
This book did, indeed, stir multiple emotion in me, the most powerful of these being anger: anger at the ways that rapists can terrify their victims into silence, and so often ‘get away’ with their crime(s) leaving them free to rape again; anger that many rapists do not rape due to sexual lust but as a means of showing dominance over the woman – or, perhaps, women in general; and anger that there are still people who assume that rape victims must have been ‘asking for it’! Ms Kells addresses some of issues and stresses that full equality for women is still some way off, even in the western world.
I also felt sadness and pity for Kellcey, horror and revulsion at the rape itself and in the fact that rapists can gain such satisfaction in seeing a woman so defiled. And finally, I felt great admiration for the young woman who ultimately refuses to let the rape break her and ruin the rest of her life. Healing is a long process, but with support from newfound friends and colleagues, strength and determination eventually take hold.

[Jeff Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, of all let me start off by saying this-if this memoir by Ms. Kells does not make you think about our culture today or turn your stomach I wonder if anything will.
Ms. Kells, tells a difficult story very well. Very few people I know truly has the courage to tell the rest of the world what happened. Very courageous and very inspiring indeed.
I read the entire story in one setting as I do most of the books I read. I cannot tell you how many times I felt bad and wanted to cry based on what I read.
One thing I have learned (of many things) in life is that no two people’s struggles is exactly the same. Even people who have been sexually assaulted or raped do not go through the exact same process (may be similar but not exactly the same as no two people on earth is). Kellcey is a truly inspirational story which I hope you all read and truly take the time to appreciate. The lessons are many the biggest of which that while males and females are created differently (biologically and psychologically) they are created equally.
Not only does Ms. Kells writes about sexual assault and the effect it has on her physically and emotionally but she also in many cases describes situations I have seen far too often, and is unacceptable, and that is the culture of bullying and sexual harassment (often precursors to sexual assault and rape). Sexual assault and rape is not so often about sex but about power and control and the lack of respect for the rights of others which is a very good point of her memoir. Until society starts to truly realize that men and women, while different, are equal it is an unfortunate fact that many more cases like Ms. Kells will continue to exist. Ms. Kells demonstrated true courage when she wrote this memoir and it is my hope that many others read this memoir and learn to look at life just a little differently. Sometimes a little change can mean the biggest different. Outstanding story from start to finish and well written.

[Eve Koguce · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Kellcey” by Kacey Kells is a story that often is left untold.

It felt like reading a diary. And this narrative style made the story even more heartbreaking.
Kacey Kells tells about her almost perfect “before” life with the ingenuousness of youth. Her thoughts are so pure that you feel helpless fury that this purity was taken away from her. A tragedy has changed her family’s life, and if that alone wasn’t enough, she had to face the most unimaginable cruelty that almost shattered her, making her lose self-confidence and faith in people.

An unexpected “side effect” from reading this book is that now I want to visit Canada. The author describes her homeland with the deepest love and in bright, appealing colours. I felt acutely how difficult it was for her to leave it. It was like leaving a part of your heart behind.

Reading the book also gave me a chance to relive my impressions of London, the city that stunned me when I came there for the first time and that became almost like the second home to me after I spent a lot of time wandering its crowded ancient streets.

While issues of gender equality and women’s rights can be viewed from different perspectives, there is only one way to look at abuse. Those who haven’t experienced it or haven’t met victims of it, don’t realise the depth of its devastating effect.

“Kellcey” is a story that won’t leave anyone indifferent.

[A.L. Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I accidently deleted my last review. This story was beautifully and well written, and took a lot of courage for her to tell her story. It is a topic that happens way too much and its a shame. We are never victims, only strong, brave, survivors.

[Daisy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kellcey

Is a becoming of age autobiography with a profound difference.
From the start Kellcey, goes through a parental breakup, alienation from her father, she then suffers immense rejection, from a father who has always been so close to her. With the realisation that love, can be as destructive as it can be a thing of beauty.
The relationship between herself and her mother, is now vital for their survival.
Kellcey, starts a relationship with Ben, who is all that she needs at that time, only to discover there were two sides to Ben, which are slowly immerging…like a Jekle and Hyde, and the realisation her boyfriend was not all he seemed to be – for when he drank, the aggressive, possessive, domineering side came into view. They say, when unsure, walk away, but love blinds us to this, as many women out there will testify to.
There is also still the idea that women are objects to obtain, and because they have beauty, even more so, they are regarded as a trophy, something you wear on your arm.
Then there is the destructiveness of some men, who seek to denigrate a blossoming flower, purely because they can… they have the power to subjugate and abuse, as they themselves could never hope to find a person like Kellcey, which they did not deserve, the only option is if they take her by force, purely because they thought they had a right to, and, because they could.
Women have suffered this way since time immemorial…. regarded as chattels, objectified as something men had a right to own.
Within this harrowing autobiography, Kellcey goes through total degradation, self-loathing, shame and self-blame. It is not until she moves far away from her home, that she finally comes to terms with what happened, helped by psychologists, psychoanalysts, and a rape trauma group. The courage it takes to make this step, is so profound, many do not survive, but those who do, they help others.
To say that this is an amazing story, is an understatement. Would I have survived at that age, I do not think so. To have actually documented everything, and put it out there, takes immense courage.
Unfortunately, and sadly, still in this 21st century, women are still abused…and if they try to accuse… well many rape cases do not even come to trial.
All women have the right to live as they want, the right to say ‘no’ to something they do not want. To stand up and be counted like any other human being, regardless of gender.
This book should not only be read by women, but men also. Maybe then they will understand.
If you read my review, please, read this book, it HAS to be read, and, stand up for women’s rights!!
Kacey, I admire you so much.

[J.G. MacLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Kellcey, by Kacey Kells. This book is an important contribution to the MeToo movement and should be required reading for every high school senior or college freshman.

Kells describes an idyllic childhood transformed by tragedy that affects each family member in profound ways. Filled with loneliness and often isolated, Kellcey turns to a relationship with an older boy of whom her mother approves. Unfortunately, Ben’s friend, John, makes crude remarks around Kellcey and Ben has to step in to prevent him from acting on his unwanted advances. This early glimpse into a culture that objectifies women at extremely young ages and teaches boys that this form of toxic masculinity is normal, is difficult to read emotionally as it is so relatable to many women.

I could also relate to much of the landscape in this book, as I have visited the locations where Kellcey lives and travels. Tofino, with its magnificent trees and parks, brought back many fond memories for me, yet set against this backdrop of natural beauty is an escalation of misogyny that will make readers feel incensed once again. Alcohol is often used as an excuse for the mistreatment of women, including name-calling and sexual assault. Unfortunately, none of these events are unrealistic for our everyday interactions. They are all too common and Kells does an excellent job of detailing them using imagery that makes the reader recoil with disgust.

Without inserting too many plot spoilers, Kellcey not only bears witness to what countless other women have gone through, but also offers a message of hope. Kells is clear when she characterizes Kellcey as a resilient young woman who is brave enough to speak her truth, face it, and work to heal. I applaud the author for her courage to write such an honest story and look forward to reading her future publications.

A definite 5-stars from me!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content: this book needed to be written and needs to be read. This young girl's journey, the ups and the heartbreaking downs had to be released. Kellcey's journey sadly isn't a one off rare occurrence and many young girl's need to read this to understand that they aren't alone. My heart broke and bled for her time and again and I read on praying for things to improve. Did they? You shall have to read to find out.

[Lori Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could help so many that have gone through the same situation and dare I say that parents should read it before their children go to grade school to help both genders understand that this world needs both “sides of the coin” to function! That it is not okay to prey on females and that females you are stronger than you think! Or sometimes lately it’s the male being preyed upon but still not okay! Good book. Glad that Second Life worked for her. I had the opposite.

[Colin Ridyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first-person, chronologically forward-moving novel, Kellcey begins with the heroine describing her early life, a “beautiful, peaceful and safe environment’ before delivering the hook which inexorably draws the reader into the story. Fast forward then to early teens to reveal the heroine tragically losing her sister but ‘blossoming’ into a confident 15-year-old falling in love for the first time with a confident, broad-shouldered, muscular handsome hero.

Ben, the ‘dreamboy’ of Kellcey’s desire is so deliciously described, one could be forgiven for thinking it the beginning of a wonderful romantic novel; an illusion maintained in subsequent chapters which describe the day her romantic ‘hero’ asks and takes her on a date, their blossoming romance, the meeting parents, holiday surfing and stolen kisses in the school yard. The fantasised contrasts with courtly love, vampire romance and Regency’s le bon ton are also worthy of mention; I particularly loved the tragically ironic juxtaposition of the maternal dragoness and the fair maiden rescued by the knight in shining armour.

Of further interest was the way a free-spirited grandmother and a more stubborn grandparent who embodied ‘millenia of archaic traditions’ were contrasted. The author provides a wonderfully coloured palette, upon which, like a classical painter of old, the heroine paints interesting arguments on social Darwinistic follies. Is it, she argues, fair for parents to expect their daughters to behave maturely when they are cocooned in the cotton wool pseudo protectionism of traditional genderist dogma? The real question it quite rightly elicits though, is, why, after millions of years of evolution, are we even in this situation? Surely to God, in a world of equality our daughters (and sons) should always be free to come and go as they please without the fear of negative consequences? Alas, this question still has no reassuring answers in a society where we are constantly bombarded with the stark reminders of how the innocent, too many times, fall victim to the indifferent, cold-blooded, fork-tongued champions of greed, lust, envy, wrath, pride, gluttony and sloth.

One such malign entity comes in the form of, John, who from the start makes crude and inappropriate remarks around Kellcey forcing Ben to intervene. This foreshadowing and framing of a culture that treats women as property at extremely young ages and teaches boys the objectification of women is a normal part of the homosocial order is the central theme of the story and casts its malevolent shadow over the blossoming romance between the two star-crossed lovers. Kellcey is, in many ways, a profound social commentary on a par with other greats such as Priestley’s “An Inspector Calls” and Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” both which, similarly highlighted the suffocating injustices and inequalities suffered by women.

What I thought quite excellent in Kellcey, and what gave the book its own unique powerful voice was how the heroine as her older, wiser self, would share her own thoughts and effectively coach the reader pointing out danger signs, suggesting what is right, what is wrong, and more importantly, how things in life can start to go amiss in ways one may not fully appreciate at the time. The eloquent message she drives home is especially relevant to all young lovers – beware the folly of building up your hopes and dreams on the shaky foundations of a bad romance.

And in spite of Kellcey’s initial deification of Ben, it is indeed a bad romance. His abuse and excessive drinking cause him to all but pass out at a party. This is seen as a green light by John, who, together with a group of his friends commits the most despicable of crimes. The chapter describing exactly what happens next comes with a warning as indeed it should. It pulls no punches and is not for the faint hearted. Reading it will leave you horrified, mortified and infuriated and in my case, an overwhelming desire to climb into the story book and deal out some summary justice.

In the aftermath and like Cormier’s classic novel, we find who the real ‘heroes’ are. The maternal dragoness, the girls in the rape crisis centre, kind-hearted Philip and the wounded veteran amongst others, all help Kellcey in different ways to come to terms with the contemptible crime committed against her. We have a flash forward to older Kellcey’s perspective and whilst I won’t drop any spoilers, the additional message she leaves is one of hope which really should be written in stone: A balanced and strong society cannot treat girls and women as a weak link; rather, it must see them as a full part of the community. A society cannot achieve all its potential if such discriminations remain.

In conclusion, I confidently predict generations of students will be studying Kellcey in future English literature modules in a way not too dissimilar to the way we study other such classical texts as Hemingway, Steinbeck & Priestley. Kellcey is a heroine with a powerful voice and the message she delivers is way too important for any civilised society to ignore.

[Jonathan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book. If you’re a feminist or not, read this book. If you’re a man or a woman, read this book. If you’re agender or xenogender, read this book. If you have a pulse, and can read, read this book. I seriously cannot over-emphasise how meaningful and how important this book actually is. I do have to mention some content warnings, namely for sexual abuse, alcohol use and psychological (self-)manipulation.

That being said, what can one say about the quality of this book? I’ll start with the things that bring the quality down, which are thankfully few. There are many more grammar and orthography errors than I would have expected from a traditionally-published book. Not enough to make it unintelligible, but enough for it to be noticeable. A lot of Kacey’s interest in fashion is presented by just naming stores she visits instead of what she finds in the stores and how she thinks of matching them together, which drags certain parts of her account down. And finally, her presentation of her family is inconsistent, and not just in a stream-of-consciousness, this-is-what-I-thought-of-them-as-a-teen kind of way. The readers only learn her mother has a job past the half-way point, and they find out she has cousins she was quite close to sometime later as well.

What, then, does this book do well? The first thing of note is that it has the absolute best stream-of-consciousness narrative style I have ever encountered. The narrative is presented in a very empathetic, very aware manner, which is very effective at conveying the headspace of the protagonists, and making the otherwise uninteresting become directly meaningful. As such, every twist of fate, both for good and for ill, that comes over Kacey has an impact upon the reader as well.

Aside from the main account, there are several asides interspersed within the text, where the more mature version of the author delivers a comment on the situation her younger self is experiencing. That seriously runs the risk of becoming very annoying, but Kacey is so skilled, so tactful, and so elegant in her approach to her narrative that, even when the asides interrupt tense scenes, they always add just the right emphasis and insight into that specific point of the narrative. Most of those asides are about the double standards surrounding the templates of and influences upon gender dynamics, and how her young self is frustrated by them, and the older laments them as causing a lot of suffering later on in life. That’s not to say the way girls are educated now, or were educated a decade or two ago, always leads to rape, but it does lead to a lack of confidence in themselves and in the authority figures around them, which leaves them more susceptible to bad influences.

It was very frustrating to look into how all the authority figures around her saw protection not as empowerment, but as enclosure, leading to exactly the kind of situation her life brings her to being less a question of if, and more a question of when. What is more interesting, and also sadder, perhaps unintentionally so, is observing how she internalises that worldview, she often compares herself to 19th century romantic female leads, and says she is proud to be ‘owned’ by her boyfriend. While at times unpleasant, and outright disturbing in one particular sequence, her candidness remains her greatest strength, not just in how she writes the story, but also in how she builds herself back up after the rape, in how she once again gains trust over herself and builds authentic, stronger support structures. In spite of exploring some very dark topics, the ultimate message is one of hope, and of endurance.

Overall, Kellcey stands out as a powerful manifesto, a description of society’s ills, and a guide book to remedy them.

[Mark Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kellcey is a story everyone should read. It is especially timely in today’s “Me Too” era, but this narrative about the effects of a brutal sexual attack on a teenaged girl is timeless. I’m neither young nor female, but I can vouch for the impact this memoir carries. I could feel her pain.

It’s a message that we all have to hear. Rape is not just a horrible, traumatizing experience, it changes a victim’s life forever. It’s impact is not just physical; it’s emotional, psychological, and it destroys self-esteem. Just as importantly, the damage never completely goes away. This is not new information to those who pay attention to the plight of many women in today’s culture and throughout history. I have seen, firsthand, the lasting effect such abuse has on a woman even decades after it occurred.

What may be new for some readers are the details of the abuse and the very real struggle that follows. We follow the life of Kacey Kells from an early teen to a young adult, and she pulls us into the memoir in the beginning and never lets us go.

Yes, for the most part, the narrative reads like the diary written by young girl who hasn’t yet experienced much of life, and who has little use for proper punctuation and pacing. But it is, after all, exactly that--a diary. The editor in me was put off early on, by the overabundance of exclamation marks, multiple question marks, intrusive parenthetical comments, and paragraphs that regularly run for more than a page. The thing is, these very issues are what pulls you into the mind and emotions of a teenaged girl who still has a lot of growing up still to do. It is, in effect, real. Warning: Some of that reality may be too much for the faint of heart.

Kells takes us through family tragedy and turmoil that confuses and confounds her throughout the bulk of the narrative. But it’s the violent rape and the brutal verbal abuse that accompanies this despicable act that sticks with the reader well after the last page.

But Kellcey is not an essay on the effects of sexual abuse. It is a chance to go inside the mind and emotions of a victim of that abuse, in a way that only that victim can portray.

[Ivy Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make no mistake Kellcey is the story of the author's journey from being a victim of rape to being a survivor.
From darkness into the light.
But there is much more to the book. The author opens up about her hopes, dreams, fears, aspirations and doubts as a teenager so honestly that you can completely relate to her words. And then one day she goes from a happy, excited teen with stars in her eyes to a devastated one. This transition happens overnight because she is raped.
Let down by the boy she has put on pedestal. The boy she dreamed of spending the rest of her life with.
One empathizes with her need to remain silent, her need to run not confront. This makes the book all the more real. She's not like a celluloid character who arms herself with a gun and then turns into an avenging angel.
I think revenge is best served cold and by writing this book, Kacey has finally avenged her treatment at the hands of her tormentors and abusers. Even if the law didn't catch up with them where would they hide their faces? Their family and friends would know what they had done. I hope they pay.
The best revenge is also the fact that today the author is a happy go lucky person who has moved on in life, with women empowerment always remaining dear to her. Something good has come out of something so bad.
Her personal courage would have given countless girls the heart and the moxie to to speak up.
Kudos Author Kacey Kells.
Shine bright.

[Anya Pavelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a memoir written by a young person, but the author has encountered a great deal of heartbreak and triumph over the course of her life. The book description provides a strong synopsis of the book's major themes and plot points, so I'll mention what I got out of it. I recognized a lot of my youthful self, as well as young me's naivete, in the main character when she was a girl. Many young girls/women have soaring, idealistic views of life and feel defiant toward anyone and anything that challenges them. This rebelliousness is important because it allows us to define ourselves on our own terms (eventually). At the same time, there are a lot of growing pains in young womanhood. I think the author captures this journey well, and her strength shines through.

[Carolyn Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed life of teen with explanations of the larger picture

This book would be great in high school sex ed classes as it explains so well how women are treated once beginning sex. Women have so much responsibility yet are not equals to men in our society. Men deal with fewer issues. Then after the rape, the teen describes how her life changes forever, while information in italics explains what she is experiencing. And through it all, she is a very good student, granddaughter, and person — while suffering emotionally.

[Natalie Grand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both your books are so amazing. Makesure to read her newest release friends called His(Story), so creative. Thank you Kacey for writing this book and increasing the vibration on the protection of women.

[Shane Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of hurt, betrayal and redemption

Why do the best people meet the worst people? One instant in time can rip apart a life. This is a book worth reading

[Patty Gilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Dayna BD · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author handles this brutal experience with grace and poise. It’s an incredible journey.

[Brenda Guiton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I applaud this author for her courage in writing this book with such honesty. It shows real strength of character to revisit and describe in detail the harrowing event that has had a lasting impact on her life.
A beautiful young girl from a middle-class family, Kellcey was intelligent and articulate with a bright future to look forward to. The world was her oyster until she had the misfortune to fall madly in love with Ben. The crowd he hung out with were an unsavoury bunch, his best friend, privileged and spoilt, a crude and intimidating character. It was Ben’s allegiance to him that resulted in his failure to protect Kellcey and ultimately led to her downfall.
It’s easy to see the reasons for Kellcey’s poor decisions: the tragic death of her sister leaving a huge void in her life and a need to fit in and be accepted by her peers. Being shy and sensitive by nature meant that Kellcey was open to intimidation and far too trusting; not forgetting that she was only sixteen at the time and still naive in many ways.
It would be wrong to suggest that she was unaware of her sexual allure and, though outwardly embarrassed by the crude innuendos, what girl doesn’t want to feel she is desirable and pretty enough to warrant some attention? (This is not to say that she encouraged this – far from it). This is even more understandable, given the traumatic situation at home - the rising tension between her parents as their crumbling relationship eventually breaks down and the father Kellcey hero-worshipped no longer having time for her.
Ms Kells doesn’t shy away from any of this in a well-written account of her ordeal and the devastating effects of rape. But, despite her gruelling experience, she manages to intersperse the story with some wonderful descriptive passages that highlight the happier times in her life, giving the reader a colourful glimpse of the interesting places she has seen.
Above all, Ms Kells gives hope and inspiration to others who have suffered a similar fate, proving that life doesn’t have to be defined by one terrible event and that it’s possible to fight back and become a stronger person in spite of it.
This is an admirable attempt to encourage those victims to follow in her footsteps and the book is well worthy of the highest rating. Well done Kacey Kells!

[Shahid · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Kellcey" by Kacey Kells is a poignant exploration of a teenager's journey through grief, trauma, and resilience. Set in Victoria, British Columbia, the story follows Kellcey, who struggles with the loss of her sister Cindy and the discord in her parents' relationship afterward. Seeking solace and attention, Kellcey falls in love with Ben, despite reservations about his friends.

The narrative takes a dark turn when Kellcey experiences a harrowing assault at a party, a betrayal that leaves her deeply scarred. Unable to stay in Canada, she moves to London, where she attempts to rebuild her life under the pseudonym 'Kellcey' online, finding new friendships and confronting her trauma.

Kacey Kells navigates sensitive topics with courage and insight, shedding light on the pervasive issue of violence against women and its profound impact on survivors. "Kellcey" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the resilience needed to overcome profound challenges.

[Noosha Ravaghi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kellcey, by Kacey Kells, is an honest memoir, in which the author chronicles the highlights of her childhood, illustrating her state of mind at the time of her first serious relationship during her teenage years, describes a sexual assault she suffers in great detail, reflecting why rape is one of the most underreported crimes, and finally gives an account of the effects of this traumatic event on her life.

This touching story, the author's insight, and the flow of words make Kellcey a fascinating read, despite the editing issues. I recommend this book to everyone, male and female, and give it five stars.