Scars

By: Cheryl Rainfield

Narrated by: Emily Bauer

Fifteen-year-old Kendra hasn't felt safe since she began to recall devastating memories of childhood sexual abuse, especially because she still can't remember the most important detail: her abuser's identity. Frightened, Kendra believes someone is always watching and following her, leaving menacing messages only she understands. If she lets her guard down even for a minute, it could cost Kendra her life. To relieve the pressure, Kendra cuts; aside from her brilliantly expressive artwork, it's her only way of coping. Since her own mother is too self-absorbed to hear her cries for help, Kendra finds support in others instead, from her therapist and her art teacher, from Sandy, the close family friend who encourages her artwork, and from Meghan, the classmate who's becoming a friend - and maybe more. But the truth about Kendra's abuse is just waiting to explode, with startling, unforeseen consequences. Scars is the unforgettable story of one girl's frightening path to the truth.

©2013 Cheryl Rainfield (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Loved it!

I am a survivor of sexual assault and thought this book to be right on point. This is my fourth time reading this book and it never gets old. I can relate to Kendra in more ways than one and recommend this book to anyone who has survived sexual assault experience, especially teenagers who are discovering their sexual orientation. The narration was perfect from the panic to the joy. I hope that the author writes a sequel featuring Kendra and Megan in adulthood. I give this five stars.

Well done

Loved narration, the book covers some tough topics which made me put off reading it for a while but I am glad I decided to read it. Hard to describe but the book managed to cover tough topics in a lighter way that made reading it interesting.

I really enjoyed it and Emily's voice was perfect!

Emily's voice was perfect!
I liked the story and I think it was well done! Thank you author.

Amazing book

I read this book years ago and I never stopped looking for it. I just re-read it and it was better than I remember. It’s hard to put down.

Good YA and adult read for survivors of sexual abuse. Authentic, Affirming and Healing

This story is likely fiction based on the author’s personal experiences or someone who was close. Either that or the author has a background in psychology. It is that accurate.

Some people might be upset that this book doesn’t have a warning about potentially triggering content for survivors of sexual abuse and assault. It doesn’t need one. There isn’t any detailed graphic content about the abuse. Just enough comes out through Kendra’s flashbacks and bits of memories that surface to tell what she experienced.

I feel I can say this with confidence. I am an adult survivor of child sexual abuse and I have lived this experience. I spent decades dealing with the trauma as an adult. Believe me, child abuse and trauma impacts your life in subtle ways that leaves you feeling isolated from the rest of the world. It’s devastating as a child who has no frame of reference for what’s happening to them. It’s even worse when the events are repressed and you begin to remember. Nothing stays buried forever. Having a safety net and trusted support systems is important, but often unavailable to minors. If you’re underaged and the abuser is a family member, it can be difficult to find someone who will listen and believe in your story. This book does an exceptional job of walking the listeners through Kendra’s experience of trying to reach out for help. Wondering if she can tell, if she will be believed, while also wondering if she’s loosing her mind, if her memories are real, if her abuser is still a threat… these are all very spot on questions in the minds of trauma survivors. This pressure is also why some people turn to self harm and cutting.

This book does an excellent job of describing the daily struggles with shame, flashbacks, dissociation and terror. All while trying to blend in and not draw attention to yourself and also cope with school and life. It’s a horrible way to grow up and it happens more often than people think.

Every child who grows up in a traumatic environment has to be able to develop their own unique coping mechanisms in order to survive. The pressure of trying to bury the secret or fend off memories does drive some people into self injury. Some turn to drugs or alcohol. Some don’t. It’s just too risky to let your guard down.

All of that was woven into this brilliant book. I wish I’d had the chance to read this when I was a teenager trying to find help. Telling doesn’t mean you are heard or believed.

Art is a powerful way to express your inner voice, music is another important avenue.

This book takes you through the journey. It may seem over the top to some listeners, but it is incredibly powerful and accurate.

For me it was validating. Just being with Kendra through her process was another way to understand that survivors are not alone. They are strong and resilient. With the right support they can regain their power. They can be heard, believed, and loved. It is possible to move forward towards a better future.

The narrator was EXCEPTIONAL. What a wonderful job of bringing Kendra’s story to life. I’d give her 10 stars if possible. I was able to listen, feel, and hear the experience of Kendra. Perfectly done and not overacted. Thanks for giving voice and power to a 15 year old girl.