The Character

by Tiffini Johnson

"There is something really important you need to know about me right away. It's a secret. But I'll tell I only have one good memory of my dad." So begins ten-year-old Anna's story, a story of abuse that is heart breaking and often difficult to read. In the midst of intense pain, though, Anna finds hope and the will to overcome through her friendship with the mysterious storyteller Ash. An intense and ground-breaking work on a societal and familial issue that is all to often swept under the rug, "The Character" is a study of one remarkable girl and her method for overcoming a life of tragedy and pain.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

202 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2010

About the author

When she's not acting as a canvas for her two young girls to paint upon, searching for creepy crawly bugs or playing any number of imaginative games, Tiffini can be found writing. Writing has been a part of Tiffini's world for as long as she can remember; she was reading her own books aloud to classmates by the third grade. The majority of her books focus on childhood trauma, the effects of said trauma, and the children who must overcome it.

She is also an avid reader who enjoys cooking, Georgia, teaching, music and public speaking. She soaks up country music like sunshine and currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

Reviews

[Tiffini Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THE PROLOGUE HERE here!

[April Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrative voice is stunningly beautiful. I fell in love with Anna just because she sounded SOOOO much like all the ten year old girls I know. The book made me violently angry. I think this was the writer's intent. I was so pissed off at what was happening to this girl and the fact that NOBODY saw it, not even her "loving" mother, that I just about threw the book several times. But then Anna would say something SOOOOOO insightful or just, normal, that I had to finish it. I am proud to say that I made it through the story without crying (I doubt that will be typical!) Then I read the "For Reflection" (which is really like the afterward, or something, just when the author wants to talk a little bit more about the subject) and cried until I drowned because I GOT IT: this shit HAPPENS.

This writer knows how to write. She knows how to write and tell a story, better than Ash does (which, I won't give it away, but SAYS A LOT). I think her strong point is in evoking EMOTION and I think it's an important read, if just only for the afterward part. I thought that the John bit was a bit much, but the afterward explained that and then I had an AHA moment and GOT IT, so I can't even say that against it. There were a few areas where she had tense shifts (sometimes even within a sentence) but she may have just been trying to pll a JD Salinger thing where she talks in a "real" way. I really don't care. I don't know that I will ever read it again, just because it's emotional impact is astronomical, but this is a book that I would highly recommend (in fact, I think I'll recommend it to my book group!)

[Tika Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Character" by Tiffini Johnson is a vivid account of the thoughts, fears and innermost feelings of personal inadequacy of an abused girl. She blames herself for everything, but learns how to survive and deal with her day to day life. She is stupid and nobody likes her, people stare at her. One day the girl meets someone who will become her best friend, who opens her eyes, as well as her heart. Ash is a grown man, a story teller. He teaches her about the simple pleasures life has to offer ... the song of a bird, a kite, a tree, the clouds, and trust. Ash tells her wonderful stories and encourages her to write them down. Eventully she writes her own stories and finds she's good at it. This makes all the difference to her. She is good at something. One day maybe she will become a story teller too.

"The Character" is written in first person and is a sensitive account of psycological, physical, and emotional damage, as well as the inner strength found within one young girl.

Tika Newman

[Michael Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel will make you cry.

Told in a first person narrative by ten year-old Anna, the story is about sexual and physical abuse. The author has accurately captured the voice, grammar, and life of a child trapped in a nightmare where morning never seems to come and reality fades to what the mind imagines or denies. It is a painful read that will touch your emotions as you feel Anna’s loneliness, betrayal, guilt, shame, and pain. Stay with it and you will be rewarded in ways you could not have imagined.

The Characters

Anna – the ten year-old narrator
Ash – Anna’s imaginary friend
Daddy – Anna’s father
Mama – Anna’s mother
Emily Grayson – a classmate
Miss Sarah – a child psychologist/therapist
Mrs. Keller – Anna’s teacher
John – Mama’s new friend

The Story

The prologue opens with Anna sharing a memory of the day her father took her swimming. It is a nice memory and we learn it is the only good memory that she has of her father. We quickly learn that Anna was seven years old the first time her father abused her. Trapped alone with him in the evenings while her mother works as a nurse she shivers in her bed as she hears floorboards creak and doorknobs turn.

[Joleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed emotions about this book. As a high school librarian I was disturbed by how graphic some of the abuse scenes were portrayed. I felt like the emotions of the book would have been just as strong without all of the detail. In the first part I had a hard time and wasn't sure I wanted to finish reading the book. I am glad that I did though. By the end I felt like it was all pulled together very well.I really liked the stories that Ash told and how he helped Anna use her talents and creativity as a writer and story teller to help pull her through her childhood.

This book has left me pondering many things. So I guess that is good. I am very glad I read it but am still not sure what to think and tell people about it. Not many books leave me puzzled like this!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book from a friend using it for a forensics event in debate. She started to preform in class and started with the bird story. She could barely through that when we had to take a break for everyone to collect their emotions. I, along with the girl, were crying our eyes out. We talked and realize that we had a bond beyond most: we were both survivors. She recommended the book to me just as I will recommend the book to any other survivors. It is hard to read and caused many triggers, but the way that Anna is able to cope with it is inspiring on a level that I cannot even begin to describe. I cried while reading it multiple times and even had to set it down to collect myself. Overall it is written so well and anyone who reads it will fall in love with Anna.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win this book in a giveaway from goodreads. If I hadn't, I probably wouldn't have read this book.
I'm glad I did.
The Character is a fantastic book. Anna's voice is realistic, and I sometimes forgot she was a fictional character. I wondered several time how she was able to deal with her abuse, and remain a creative young girl with a talent for telling stories. Then I realized-stories were what helped her.
The book was excellent and it's message was great. I'd reccomend this book to anyone who wants to read a well written novel that will make you think.

[Jan Dukakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the saddest book I think I have ever read. It is written from a kid's perspective. She does not even know what abuse IS. All she knows is that Daddy hurts her. There are some very disturbing, very intense passages of child abuse that reach into your soul and yank your heart out of your chest. It's like YOU, the READER, are Anna's only friend and she tells you everything. The writing is amazing, the language is goose-pimply good and the story is inspiring if heartbreaking. You will NOT forget this story.

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Character” is a very sad story that brings to light the atrocities of sexual child abuse. I can't say that I enjoyed this book because the subject matter was so disturbing, but it did make me stop and think about all the terrible things that happen to children and often go unnoticed. I believe that even though this book tackles a tough subject, it is an important book because it does bring alarming attention to a distressing and repulsive issue.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Character is a wonderful book to enlighten children who are being physically, emotionally or sexually abused. I can only imagine that the pages of this book would teach a child how to handle and cope with that situation.
I love the interaction between Anna and Ash. And the little girl voice is sweet. Author Tiffini Johnson has told this story with all little children in mind. God bless her!

[Michala Tyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this because though it's a truly gut wrenching topic I am always amazed to see these kinds of books. Why? Well if you read to the end, this author specifically shares my reasoning. To sum it up though...ones story can truly make a huge impact on another who is or has also ensured the same or similar. Thank you tiffani for your courage to share your voice.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

Never
has their been a story similar to mine, it was creepy. I was molested when I was a little girl, two times. Instead of telling, I kept it to myself. I really did feel as this character did, there was something wrong with me. Now, being older, I can see it wasn't my fault!!

[linda proudfoot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read one of those books you want to know what is in the next page

[Dáithí's · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deeply touching book about a little girl and her quest for respite from her sexual abuse, and search to find the answer to the question "do wishes come true?". Tiffini is a beautiful soul, that I am blessed and honoured to call a friend. Her loving compassion toward her daughters is something that warms my heart to the core.

I am a retired child abuse / sex crimes detective, so this story is sadly one that I am all too familiar with. Tiffini translates the emotions of a 10 year old's wishes, fears, pain, and moods with "pen" point precision. This story can also touch those who just didn't fit in at school or with their peer groups.

Now that I am a pastor, with an large community outreach for those who are in need of healing, I will be using this book as a tool to tap into the emotions of those who have been abused to empower them and hopefully enlist them them in the fight to eradicate this kind of behaviour from society. Is this type of thinking reality based? I can "wish" can't I?

[Jessie Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ms. Johnson's has a gift for capturing her characters' voices. I was captivated by Anna's character and her story. Anna's narration was endearing and heartbreaking. I only wish it was her story that was continued.


I received a copy of this book from the author through Goodreads First Reads. My review of this book was not influenced by the author or Goodreads in way.

[KayLee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna was a very realistic character; Her feelings were so strong and well written. Also, I loved Ash, and how Anna bonded with him through stories. It really made me think, about all those kids out there who just need some love <3

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gut-wrenching, yet beautifully written. Don't skip The Reflection at the conclusion of the book. It underlines the importance of the message.

[Ben H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unforgettable.

[Tammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very hard book to read. Trigger alert for any survivors.

[Toni Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It amazes me how the human psyche can adapt in traumatic situations.