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fangirlexpress · 1 year

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December 2022 Book Review (Part 1)

Believe it or not, I do have interests outside of the One Chicago & Grey's Anatomy fandoms lol One of my favorite pastimes is reading. I usually have an old-fashioned "tree" book in hand. I adore the written word. Fiction is my jam. Escaping into a fantasy world where anything is possible feels amazing!

I thought every once in a while, I'd share my thoughts about the books I'm reading. Please feel free to chime in with your opinions as well. I'd love to hear about your own favorite books. Oh, and send me some recs if you can!

I have read 16 total novels in the month of December. I am pretty sure I won't finish any more before the year is up but here is the first of two lists with a few thoughts on each book. Thanks for checking out this post & come back soon please for Part 2.

Dread on Arrival

I've read 2 or 3 other books in this series, and not one of them has impressed me. Like, at all. But this one was by far the worst of the bunch. The plot was terrible. There were about 200 hundred characters to try to remember, and if it was supposed to be a murder mystery, where was the damned murder, huh? It didn't happen until almost 70% through the book and the denouement was shoddily wrapped up. The best part about this book? Finishing it! I will not be reading anymore Claudia Bishop books from here on out.

Mary Anne's Bad-Luck Mystery

So, I have a little confession to make. I am an incurable "Baby-sitters Club" addict. There is no fix for me. I am hopeless as I am way past my tween years but still reading these books with no end in sight. My dream is to be Ann M. Martin and invent a series with characters as iconic and amazing as Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and the rest of the gang. I mean, if only...

But I digress. We're here to talk about Mary Anne and her Bad Luck. This was actually one of the rare books I'd never read before and while I enjoyed it for the most part, I thought it paled in comparison to the epic spookiness of The Ghost at Dawn's House (book # 9). That book had meat and depth & moved important story forward. This was pretty silly, and kind of felt like a whole lot of something about nothing. But hey, not every book needs to be deep and heavy like War and Peace, right?

Author Day

Speaking of Ann M. Martin, it was only about a year ago that I learned she wrote a spin-off series to the "Baby-sitters Club Little Sister" series called “The Kids in Ms. Colman's Class”. (Color me shocked that I did not know everything about my bookish idol lol) This was a very short-lived series. I think it has maybe 12 or 13 books and it follows (as the series title suggests) the kids in Ms. Colman’s class. They are the fellow classmates of the precocious Karen Brewer who is Kristy Thomas’s stepsister (Kristy is, as most people know, the founder & president of the BSC).

The series is very pedestrian, very dry, and pretty darn generic. I honestly wonder if Ann even really wrote it herself, or if one of her ghostwriters did. It’s full of lazy storytelling. The plot of this one is so thin, it’s almost invisible. I honestly only gave it 3 stars out of loyalty to the BSC franchise. I know. Bad me, bad me. I can see why the series did not take off. Ann (or her ghostwriter, or whomever) did not even try to give these kids unique personalities. It’s a shame too because it could have been a cool concept for the pre-tween crowd of the 90's.

The Mystery at Lilac Inn

Ahh my Nancy Drew. Now there’s another series I really like & grew up with. Nancy is such a cool character, always so quick on her feet and ready to tackle any mystery that comes her way. I also like that she’s truly sympathetic to the hardships that befall the misfortunate in these books & always willing to make things right for the people the best way she knows how. If Ann M. Martin is my real-life bookish idol, then Ms. Drew is my fictional one. Oh, to be like that fearless titan blonde snoop!

This book in particular was pretty exciting to read. Our pal Nancy got into some big trouble. There were some vicious baddies, including a Nancy doppelganger! There was danger galore. Sweet Helen Corning (my favorite of Nancy’s sidekicks) was around. I was a pretty happy camper. A solid read for sure.

The Family Remains This is the follow-up to the hit bestseller The Family Upstairs. I was hypnotized by that book. It had me on the edge of my seat, furiously turning pages, excited to see what would come next. This book? Not so much. It wasn't bad. Not at all. But I felt Jewell tried too hard to 1) preach to her readers & 2) wrap things up in a neat little bow, thus forsaking a lot of excitement and drama in the process. Truthfully, I read psychological thrillers for well, the thrill, and for the insanity of it all, and there wasn't a ton of either here. It was kind of a letdown and I'm wondering if Jewell should have left well enough alone with just the one book. Not every loose end needs to be tied up. In real life, things stay tangled sometimes.

Stacey’s Mistake Another day, another BSC read, but honestly, I didn’t enjoy this one very much, to be honest. I am not a big fan of the books where the girls have their feet on each other’s necks, and that was certainly the case here pretty much from beginning to nearly the end. Obviously, teen girls are gunna teen girl, & fight. That’s a given, but they get so mean about it, you gotta wonder why they even hang out sometimes. Plus, I found some of the characterizations off. Confidant, self-assured Cali girl Dawn suddenly was scared of her own shadow? Did not compute. It was just a weird book all around. Again, I rated it a 3 simply out of loyalty to the BSC franchise, but it’s far from my fave book in the series.

Spirit of the Season

I read a review from someone that said this was the “worst book ever written”. While I can’t totally agree (that dubious “honor” actually belongs to the 50 Shades books *sorry Christian Grey fans!*), it is pretty bad. What do you call a Christmas tale without charm, warmth, whimsy, humor, or joy? Crap. Spirit of the Season was utter crap! Sticky crap oozing on the sidewalk. I think I’ve read Michaels before. She was never Shakespeare, but she wasn’t bad… Was she?

The main character in this was so selfish and rude. The way she kept verbally attacking the help at her late grandmother’s bed and breakfast was awful. And they’d forgive her simply because of her stress and “low blood sugar”. Like, no, no. Girl’s a beeyotch, that doesn’t fly with me. There was zero romantic chemistry between her and her new beau. Their insta-love was pathetic. I enjoy a good romance like nobody’s business, but this wasn't it. So, if you’re looking for a holiday read next year, do yourself a favor and don't pick up this one!

Cut

How do you rate a book like Cut? It’s such an important topic. I read the writer spent something like 3 years researching the topic before she wrote it. That's a serious commitment. This was short, almost too short, but still powerful with a fairly hopeful ending. Maybe too hopeful. Do things ever wrap up that easily in real life? Still, the prose was sparse and strong. While it was not quite on the level of a book like Speak (though that also has a too-convenient ending), it was still very readable and relatable. I would recommend it to all teens.

And that's it for now, folks. I will have the second & final part of my December book reviews up in a few days. Thanks for checking this out!

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chronicsymptomsyndrome · 4 months

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Shoutout to anyone that liked these books as a kid. I hope we’re all healing okay.

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ireadyabooks · 1 month

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Books That Make You Feel Less Alone 💚

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, all of us at I read YA have rounded up some of our favorite books that make us feel less alone. Below, you’ll find some moving and important reads that speak honestly and powerfully about mental health. Share with us some books that make you feel less alone!

I Am Not Alone by Francisco X. Stork

Award-winning author Francisco X. Stork revisits some of the themes and ideas that made Marcelo in the Real World such an unforgettable novel.

Alberto's life isn't easy: He's an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who lives with his sister's abusive boyfriend—but he'd always accepted his place in the world. Until he starts hearing the voice of a man called Captain America, a voice that wants him to achieve more, no matter the cost.

Grace has it all: She has a supportive boyfriend, she's on track to be valedictorian, and she's sure to go to the college of her dreams. Still, nothing feels right to her any more after the divorce of her parents, and feels she needs something more.

When Alberto and Grace meet, they have an immediate and electric connection. But when Alberto is present at the scene of a terrible crime, he becomes a suspect. And with his developing schizophrenia, he's not even sure he believes in his own innocence.

Can Grace find a way to prove Alberto's innocence to himself and the world?

This is a page-turning thriller and a sensitive story about mental health, love, and community that will appeal to anyone who has struggled with their place in the world, from award-winning author Francisco X. Stork.

Start reading I Am Not Alone now!

I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman

From the bestselling creator of Heartstopper and Loveless, a deeply funny and deeply moving exploration of identity, friendship, and fame.

For Angel Rahimi life is about one thing: The Ark -- a boy band that's taking the world by storm. Being part of The Ark's fandom has given her everything she loves -- her friend Juliet, her dreams, her place in the world. Her Muslim family doesn't understand the band's allure -- but Angel feels there are things about her they'll never understand.

Jimmy Kaga-Ricci owes everything to The Ark. He's their frontman -- and playing in a band with his mates is all he ever dreamed of doing, even if it only amplifies his anxiety. The fans are very accepting that he's trans -- but they also keep shipping him with his longtime friend and bandmate, Rowan. But Jimmy and Rowan are just friends -- and Rowan has a secret girlfriend the fans can never know about. Dreams don't always turn out the way you think and when Jimmy and Angel are unexpectedly thrust together, they find out how strange and surprising facing up to reality can be.

A funny, wise, and heartbreakingly true coming of age novel. I Was Born for This is a stunning reflection of modern teenage life, and the power of believing in something -- especially yourself.

Start reading I Was Born of This now!

Solitaire by Alice Oseman

The amazing novel that introduced Nick and Charlie from Heartstopper -- and the unforgettable Tori Spring.

Tori Spring isn't sure how to be happy again. Then she meets Michael Holden, and they try to unmask the mysterious Solitaire (and survive high school) in Alice Oseman's stunning, unflinching honest debut novel, which first introduced her fan-favorite Heartstopper characters Nick and Charlie.

Start reading Solitaire now!

This Winter by Alice Oseman

A very special Heartstopper story set over a challenging holiday season . . .

Reuniting Tori Spring, her little brother Charlie, and Charlie's boyfriend Nick, this novella sees the Spring siblings brave a particularly difficult festive season.

Start reading This Winter now!

Rainbow! Volume 1 by Gloom & Sunny

From Tapas Media, the same webtoon platform that brought you Magical Boy, comes Rainbow!, a new LGBTQ+ YA graphic novel series!

Teenager Boo Meadows has pink hair and a very vivid imagination -- she has trouble separating from the real world. In her daydreams, she dances beautifully at balls or fights monsters as a magical girl. In reality, she has a complicated home life, work stress, school stress, and a wicked crush on the girl of her dreams. When a new student, Mimi, arrives at school, Boo starts exploring a side of herself that she never considered before. As she grows closer with Mimi, it may finally be time for Boo to face reality . . . Who is the real Mimi? The one in her dreams? Or the one in real life?

Rainbow! is perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Magical Boy, full of heart, adorable illustrations, and a storyline that any teenager can relate to!

Start reading Rainbow! Volume 1 now!

Cut by Patricia McCormick

An astonishing novel about pain, release, and recovery from two-time National Book Award finalist, Patricia McCormick.

A tingle arced across my scalp. The floor tipped up at me and my body spiraled away. Then I was on the ceiling looking down, waiting to see what would happen next.

Callie cuts herself. Never too deep, never enough to die. But enough to feel the pain. Enough to feel the scream inside.

Now she's at Sea Pines, a "residential treatment facility" filled with girls struggling with problems of their own. Callie doesn't want to have anything to do with them. She doesn't want to have anything to do with anyone. She won't even speak.

But Callie can only stay silent for so long . . .

Start reading Cut now!

#ireadya #ya books #I Am Not Alone #Francisco X Stork #Cut #Patricia McCormick #I Was Born for This #Solitaire #This Winter #Alice Oseman #Rainbow! Volume 1 #Gloom & Sunny #Books That Make You Feel Less Alone #mental health #mental health awareness

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marebear-and-her-digidiary · 7 months

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Welcome to my blog!

My name is Mary-Margaret! I am a 24 year old Canadian wife and homemaker. I use my blog as my digital diary and scrapbook. I’m married to my husband, Christian. We have a dog named Twitch, he is a chihuahua mix, and a male bearded dragon.

Favourite hobbies and things:

Hobbies: sewing, needlework, reading, retro + modern gaming, nostalgic media, collecting houseplants, antiquing, stargazing, fashion, cosplay, arts and crafts, photography

Colours: warm tones, gem tones, earth tones, muted colours, gold, creams

Seasons: Autumn, Winter

Animals: dogs, birds, squirrels, deer, bears, foxes, wolves, reptiles

Foods: shepherd's pie, taco bowls, pizza, black bean burgers

Favourite Media:

Genres: horror, comedy, romance, psychological thriller, fantasy

TV Series: Bones, Roseanne, Mary Tyler Moore, Rhoda, All in the Family, I love Lucy, The Waltons, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, Criminal Minds, early to mid 00s Disney Channel/Nickelodeon/Teletoon/4Kids sitcoms and cartoons, Betty Boop, Looney Tunes, Garfield, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Smurfs, The Woody Woodpecker Show, The Jetsons

Anime: Princess Jellyfish, Toradora!, The Disappearance of Yuki Nagato, Lucky Star, Future Diary

Movies: Rose Red, Halloween series, Ring series, Darkness Falls, Spiderwick Chronicles, Halloweentown series, Tim Burton films, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Resident Evil (2002)

Video Games: Atelier series, Persona series, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Star Ocean series, Resident Evil 1-3, Dead Space series, Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, Amazing Island, Tony Hawk: American Wasteland, Mario Party 4, Harvest Moon, Story of Seasons, Animal Crossing series, Wii Sports, Digimon series, Pokemon series, FFXIV

Books: A Corner of The Universe by Ann M Martin, to drink coffee with a ghost by Amanda Lovelace, Lush by Natasha Friend, cut by Patricia McCormick

Musical Artists: Black Veil Brides, Asking Alexandria, Andy Black, Bring Me the Horizon, Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Evanescence, P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Avril Lavigne, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, Eminem, Doja Cat, Trixie Mattel

#about mary #about me #about marebear

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papermoonloveslucy · 1 year

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KIDZ!

The Young People of the Lucyverse ~ Part 3

W.C. Fields famously warned performers never to work with children or animals. Luckily for us, Lucille Ball consistently disregarded his advice. Here’s a look at some of the young performers and characters of the Lucyverse.

“Lucy and the Drive-In Movie” (1969) ~ Jackie Berry is a married friend of Kim’s who has a newborn named Wendy. Her husband is said to be in the service. Jackie Berry uses her married name for the character. She ws the real-life wife of Ken Berry from 1960 to 1972, an actor championed by Lucille Ball.

“Lucy and Jack Benny’s Biography” (1970) ~ Lucy plays Jack’s mother and Michael Barbera plays Benny as a boy. Barbera was a child actor who was 12 years old at the time of filming. He accrued 18 screen credits before leaving the industry.

“Lucy Cuts Vincent’s Price” (1970) ~ Lucy says she previously talked on the phone to Mrs. Vincent Price when arranging entertainment for a big party the Price’s threw. In 1970, Vincent Price was married to costume designer Mary Grant (inset photo), although her name is never mentioned here. Making small talk on the telephone, Lucy asks about Little Vicki. This is a reference to the Price’s 8 year-old daughter, Victoria. Although Lucy visits their home, both characters remain off-screen.

“Lucy the Laundress” (1970) ~ Lucy smashes into a laundry truck. In order to pay for the repairs, she has to go to work at the laundry and encounters the owner’s two daughters Sue Chin Wong (left) and Linda Change Wong (right). Linda is played by Rosalind Chao who makes her screen debut with this episode. She created the role of Soon-Ye Klinger on “M*A*S*H” and “After M*A*S*H” but is perhaps best known for playing Keiko O'Brien on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Deep Space Nine.” During that series she also filmed The Joy Luck Club. More recent credits include “Blackish,” “This is Us,” and “The Catch.” Heather Lee (Sue Chin Wong) makes her screen appearance in this episode. When Lucy meets the sisters, she greets them in an exaggerated and condescending Chinese accent. The girls look horrified and answer back in voices totally devoid of any Asian influence. To further the humor of Lucy’s backward thinking, the girls are eating hamburgers with ketchup, a typical American-style meal.

“Lucy and Ma Parker” (1970) ~ A criminal mastermind (Carole Cook) enlists two little people (Jerry Marin and Billy Curtis) to play her ‘children’. Milton (Marin) is dressed as ‘Little Mildred’ in the style of child star Shirley Temple. Curtis plays Herman Golab, who is dressed as Buster Brown.

“Lucy and the Italian Bombshell” (1971) ~ Harry’s former flame Donna Colucci (Kaye Ballard) is married and has a large brood of children: Ricardo, Anna Maria, Louisa, Luigi, Vincenzo, Dino, Lucrezia, Alfredo Jr., Margarito, Bruno, Rosa, and Frederico - all of whom appear uncredited.

“Lucy and Donny Osmond” (1972) ~ Lucy takes her pre-teen niece Patricia (Eve Plumb) to see her favorite singer, Donny Osmond. Plumb is probably best known as the middle daughter, Jan, on TV’s “The Brady Bunch” (1969-74). She filmed this episode simultaneously with “The Brady Bunch” which aired Friday nights on ABC. This is her only time acting with Lucille Ball. Coincidentally, Desi Arnaz Jr. made a guest-appearance on “The Brady Bunch” in 1970 where he was the ‘dream date’ of Jan’s sister Marcia (Maureen McCormick).

“Lucy and Her Prince Charming” (1972) ~ Harry hastily arranges a home wedding ceremony for Lucy and a Prince (Ricardo Montalban) - including a flower girl and a ring bearer - played by two uncredited young actors.

Mame (1974) ~ Lucille Ball plays Auntie Mame to orphaned Patrick Dennis, played by Bruce Dern as a child.

“Life With Lucy” (1986) ~ Lucy Barker and Curtis McGibbon (Gale Gordon) are grandparents to Becky and Kevin McGibbon. Becky is played by Jenny Lewis. Ten year-old Lewis appeared in all 13 episodes, only 8 of which were aired.

“Yes, Lucy was a bit rough around the edges, and yes, she constantly smoked cigarettes on the set. She would pull her face back with tape, sort of like a cheap face-lift.“ ~ JENNY LEWIS

Philip Amelio (Kevin McGibbon) made his screen debut on “Life With Lucy” at the age of 10. He played Stephen Baldwin’s younger self in the film Born on the Fourth of July (1989). He gave up acting by his early teensPhilip died in 2005 at the age of 27 due to a mis-diagnosed bacterial infection.

Kelli Martin (right) played Becky’s friend Patty in two episodes of the series. Born in 1975, she made her acting debut at age 7 and went on to be seen as an Emmy-nominated regular on “Life Goes On” (1989-93) and “Christy” (1994-95) in which she played the title character.

BONUS KIDZ!

“Lucy the Diamond Cutter” (1970) ~ German diamond cutter Gustav (Wally Cox) calls Kim and Craig “the Katzenjammer Kids.” The Katzenjammer Kids was a comic strip created by German immigrant Rudolph Dirks which appeared from 1897 to 2006. The strip featured twins Hans and Fritz, who rebelled against authority.

“Lucy and the Generation Gap” (1969) ~ In the final sequence of the musical episode set in outer space, the Carters sing “Kids” a song written by Lee Adams and Charles Strouse for the 1960 Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie. The musical was filmed in 1963. This song is originally about the generation gap, so it requires the least lyrical changes. It was sung on stage and screen by Paul Lynde, playing the father of free-thinking kids obsessed with an Elvis-like rock and roll singer.

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ckell55 · 1 year

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Book Review: Cut by Patricia McCormick

7/10 I selected this book from my local library because I’ve been reading books about mental illness and neurodiversity lately. What I found was that once I picked up this book, I didn’t want to put it down. I finished it in less than twenty-four hours, and I thought it was a hauntingly real book about the overwhelming pain intense emotions and situations can bring up. When it’s discovered that…

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#Fiction #Mental Health

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elmersnepalilitblog · 1 year

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Week 12 Blog

Sold

Patricia McCormick

Pages read: 200-230

Word Count : 429

Summary (135):

In this section, it starts off with Lakshmi dealing with trying to not be sad about Harish. It then cuts to Lakshmi getting a customer who is an American, telling her that he would be able to get her out of here. Lakshmi says that she doesn’t want to leave but in her mind she is thinking about what he has offered. Later on, we see that Monica was kicked out of the Happiness House because she had gotten a virus. We also see a raid happen where the police raids the location and what they do is take Shahanna. Finally, we see that this section ends with Lakshmi going to Mumtaz and saying that her debt is paid off when Mumtaz then adds a lot more things that Lakshmi would have to pay for.

Critical Analysis (107):

Mccormick’s inclusion of the quote " Here at Happiness House, there are dirty men, old men, rough men, fat men, drunken men, sick men. I will be with them all. Any man, every man. I will become Monica. I will do whatever it takes to get out of here." goes to show the reader a big change in character from Lakshmi. McCormick is showing us character growth with Lakshmi not being scared and being now determined to escape from the Happiness House by fully committing herself to this force job. McCormick is showing the effects that the House has had on her and that she has finally snapped.

Personal Response (187):

This section of the book was great to read. A couple of things happened like Monica being kicked out, Shahanna now being missing, the police raid, the new added debts and Lakshmi new motivation to get out. The police raid was interesting to read because you would think that the girls are happy that there is help on the way but in reality, they have all been brainwashed to think that the police are bad. In fact, they fear the police as they had been told that they would be punished and humiliated by them if they were to get captured by them. I did like to see what happens at the end though when Lakshmi says that her debts are paid off but they are not. This leads her to get a sense of motivation that she is able to get out if she really tries to. This is kind of good to see because now we see that after all that has happened to her, she has finally snapped. I can’t wait to see how the book will end and what will happen to her.

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muji-boy · 2 years

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10, 15, 16, 25!! -🧙‍♂️

10. a book that got you through something

Cut by Patricia McCormick This book literally got me through my junior high days. I got it in my school's book order in sixth grade and it was the first book I ever read about mental illness.

15. a book rec you really enjoyed

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

16. a book you'd recommend to your younger self

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeler

25. a book by your favourite author

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

#personal #ask

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klownsupreme · 3 years

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there was a short book i once read in the eighth grade called cut, by patricia mccormick. it's about a girl put in a mental hospital for self harm. it's a good book, i highly recommend it, but that's not the point of why i want to talk about it.

(here's the book cover, though, for anyone who's interested:)

my english teacher in the eighth grade had a large collection of books from a variety of genres and topics, and this one always stuck out like a sore thumb to me. it was displayed in the general fiction section, a front-facing book rather than a spine-facing one.

when i first asked about it, my teacher didn't know where it came from. she only knew that it had her name written on the top of the book, marking the very top edge of the pages in fine black sharpie, and that it covered some heavy topics. she knew i could handle that, though, and she let me read it.

anyways, being in the eighth grade, i had little knowledge of what it was like to be in a mental hospital. i didn't know about the concept of eating disorders, though i had contemplated starving myself prior to that point. i didn't know much about suicide or self harm either, just that a few of my friends cut themselves (i actually managed to help one recover) and idolized the thought of suicide. when i first read the title of the book and saw the cover, i knew it had something to do with self harm. i thought it might be interesting to know more about the topic.

this book left me in shock from the first few pages. i don't remember most of the events of the book, but i do remember how it made me feel. it gave me a weight in my chest, a sense of terror that came with suddenly knowing that all of my thoughts about starving myself to lose weight and taking a blade to my skin were not healthy. i finally had a label for what i was feeling about myself, and that label was "wrong". i was feeling wrong about myself. reading the book helped me realize that my thoughts, if i acted on them, were going to hurt me.

unfortunately, it took almost a year for me to finally get on medication for anxiety. in that time, i felt lost, unaware of what to do with myself now that i knew what i knew. i refused to bring it up to my parents, because of the stigma that i knew surrounded mental illness. i feared that they would brush it off, so i continued my suffering. i had panic attacks in the bathroom, once in the middle of class (i was sent to the counselor, and she recommended i tell my parents, but i said no). it wasn't until i broke down in front of my parents that they finally realized something was going on. even now, i haven't told them about what initially led me to question my mental stability.

i'm still not completely fixed. even with my medication, i still suffer from intrusive thoughts, thoughts of anorexic behaviour, and general self deprecation. still, i know that it's better with the medication than it would have been without. i'm currently in my junior year of high school, reportedly the most stressful year of my high school career, and i know that without my medication i probably would have given in to my thoughts by now.

and to think that this paradigm shift in the way i saw myself and my mental illness all stemmed from reading a single book. it almost seems unreal now, how this book has stuck with me for as long as it has. it made me see my inner turmoil in a completely different way, made me see that i needed to get help. and even if i would refuse to answer that pleading for help until nearly a year later, cut helped me understand more about myself than anything else has.

my eighth grade english teacher recently moved up to the high school position, and is my english teacher now. i'll have to see if she kept the book. i want to read it again.

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jeanlikestoread · 4 years

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THERE ARE NO SEAS OR PINES AT SEA PINES

Cut by Patricia McCormick

"Cut" is a 2011 Push finalist that tells the story of Callie, a 13-year-old who likes cutting herself. The book is set in a mental health clinic called Sea Pines, or Sick Minds, as the patients call it, where Callie decides to endure silent treatment while her psychiatrist tries to give her the help she needs.

I have mixed feelings about this novel. This is one of the very short books I've read throughout the holidays, and since this is set around winter I figured this would be a great match for the snow going around lately in my hometown in Lancaster, California. Yes, it may very well be the apocalypse.

Self-harm and self-mutilation is an extremely serious and important subject matter and while I've never suffered through it, I have close friends who have. Not to mention, I have heavily researched and wrote screenplays myself that touch base with it. So the subject is very close to my heart. So, as clichéd and bland as the summary may seem and despite the polarizing critical reception, there's a lot more to this 151-paged book than expected. Not to mention, this book is way too short for such an intricate subject.

It's a really well written novella, and I disagree with other readers when they say that it is contrived, when I could tell from an airplane that each word was written with passion. Since the book is set in the Sick Minds clinic, there are of course many other problems the other patients face, so this book doesn't only attack self-injury as a mental illness, but eating disorders, obesity, and briefly, drug abuse. Not many books do that, and that is something that I really appreciate as a humanitarian myself. The book lives up to its themes about regret, pain, and the path towards healing.

Although the majority of readers comment on the fact that McCormick didn't live up to the reality of self-harm and her supposed 3 year research, I still think that this book has a very important moral that everyone should be aware of; nobody can decide your will to stop doing something that will harm you but you. This message not only pertains to self-harm but any other addiction there is. The moral behind this book is my favorite part.

This is a character-centered novel. It's written in first person point of view entirely from Callie's perspective, although for a 13 year old, the voice and vocabulary is much more mature sounding, which kind of bothered me a bit. Throughout the book I definitely got the vibe and angst of a teenager, but the youngest I would put Callie is 16. Also, the character of the nameless psychiatrist who, from Callie's perspective, is referred to as you (second person POV). I really never saw the necessity behind the change in narration whenever she showed up in the novel. I do think it is a rather unique way of showcasing an important relationship in the story even though I find it hard to get into.

I like Callie as a protagonist. She has a beautifully developed arc throughout the story. There is definitely a difference between how she talks in the first page and the last. That being said, it's a shame that her backstory was poorly presented. The minor details that were presented are pretty sentimental things and could've been developed a lot more.

Overall, this is a book with a simple but good storyline with good characters and a very important message. The many underwhelming parts come from the lots of moments that could've been better developed and set forth. All negativity aside, anyone who is going through self-harm or depression should definitely read it and see the reality and the moral through the fiction.

6/10

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nondualreality · 5 years

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Look. I have a strategy. Why expect anything? If you don’t expect anything, you don’t get disappointed

Patricia McCormick, Cut

#not so motivational quotes #motivational #positive thinking #laws of universe #law of attraction #intentions #manifestation #manifesting #abundance #quotes #loa #money #love #tips #inspiration #inspiring quotes #Patricia McCormick #Cut

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ireadyabooks · 2 months

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Cut: Read an Excerpt

An astonishing novel about pain, release, and recovery from two-time National Book Award finalist, Patricia McCormick.

A tingle arced across my scalp. The floor tipped up at me and my body spiraled away. Then I was on the ceiling looking down, waiting to see what would happen next.

Callie cuts herself. Never too deep, never enough to die. But enough to feel the pain. Enough to feel the scream inside.

Now she's at Sea Pines, a "residential treatment facility" filled with girls struggling with problems of their own. Callie doesn't want to have anything to do with them. She doesn't want to have anything to do with anyone. She won't even speak.

But Callie can only stay silent for so long . . .

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#ireadya #yabooks #Cut #Patricia McCormick

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literary-lion · 6 years

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Backlist Books I Want to Read | Top Ten Tuesday

The topic this week is Backlist Books I Want to Read!

I want everyone to know that me and my 191 to-read books feel personally attacked by this topic. I always find older books that I want to read but they just end up on my to read list forever because I have to keep up with the newer releases! So books will sit on that list for literally years before I maybe get around to them, possibly. I…

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mple-selhnhh · 3 years

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Look. I have a strategy.

Why expect anything?

If you don’t expect anything,

you don’t get disappointed.

-Patricia McCormick, Cut

#greek quotes #greek aesthetic #writers on tumblr #artists on tumblr #aesthetic #ελληνικά στιχάκια #blue aesthetic #ποίηση #love quotes #στιχάκια αγάπης #strategy #look #expectations #expect #disappointment #disappointed

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dominik528 · 3 years

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What I read in 2020, from worst to best

1. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng - ★☆☆☆☆ (review)

2. Rules of Civility by Amor Towles - ★☆☆☆☆ (review)

3. Love Traveling by Hitomi- ★☆☆☆☆

4. The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory - ★★☆☆☆ (review)

5. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo - ★★☆☆☆

6. Trinkets by Kirsten Smith - ★★☆☆☆

7. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros -★★☆☆☆

8. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson - ★★☆☆☆

9.The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick - ★★☆☆☆

10. Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple - ★★☆☆☆

11.Avenue of Mysteries by John Irvings - ★★☆☆☆

12. The Expatriates by Janice Y.K. Lee - ★★★☆☆ (review)

13. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo - ★★★☆☆ (review)

14. The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 10 (1969 - 1970) by Charles Schulz - ★★★☆☆ (review)

15. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden - ★★★☆☆ (review)

16. Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky - ★★★☆☆ (review)

17. Alphabet of Dreams by Susan Fletcher - ★★★☆☆ (review)

18. Girls on Fire by Robin Wasserman - ★★★☆☆ (review)

19. Archenemy by Frank Beddor - ★★★☆☆

20. Finally & 13 Gifts by Wendy Mass - ★★★☆☆

21. No One to Trust by Melody Carlson - ★★★☆☆

21. Girl in the Train by Paula Hawkins - ★★★☆☆

22. Empress of the World by Sara Ryan - ★★★☆☆

23. On the Come Up by Angie Thomas - ★★★☆☆

24. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson - ★★★☆☆

25. Clueless: Senior Year by Amber Benson - ★★★☆☆

26. This Book is Not Yet Rated by Peter Bognanni - ★★★☆☆

27. The Summer of Jordi Perez by Amy Spalding - ★★★☆☆

28. Blue is the Warmest Color by Julie Maroh - ★★★☆☆

29. Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote- ★★★☆☆

30. Bone Gap by Laura Ruby - ★★★☆☆

31. Lilac Girls by Martha Kelly - ★★★☆☆

32. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger - ★★★☆☆

33. Eggs by Jerry Spinelli - ★★★☆☆

34. Dumplin' & Puddin' by Julie Murphy - ★★★☆☆

35. The Body by Stephen King - ★★★☆☆

36. L: Change the World by M - ★★★☆☆

37. Sadie by Courtney Summers- ★★★☆☆

38. The Graveyard Shift by Neil Gaiman- ★★★☆☆

39. Save the Date by Morgan Matson - ★★★☆☆

40. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick - ★★★☆☆

41. Neil Gaiman's How to Talk to Girls at Parties by Fábio Moon - ★★★☆☆

42. Jughead, Vol. 3 by Ryan North - ★★★☆☆

43. Archie, Vol. 5 by Mark Waid - ★★★☆☆

44. Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 2 by Young Kim, Stephanie Meyer - ★★★☆☆

45. Sôdôk by Sheri Holman - ★★★☆☆

46. Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year by Demi Lovato - ★★★☆☆

47. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah- ★★★★☆ (spoiler review)

48. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd - ★★★★☆ (spoiler review)

49. Marlene by C.W. Gortner - ★★★★☆ (review)

50. Thomas Jefferson Dreams of Sally Hemings by Stephen O'Connor - ★★★★☆ (review)

51. The Siren by Kiera Cass - ★★★★☆ (review)

52. Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick - ★★★★☆ (review)

53. Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates - ★★★★☆ (review)

54. The Beguiled by Thomas Cullinan - ★★★★☆ (review)

55. The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware - ★★★★☆ (review)

56. Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews - ★★★★☆ (review)

57. Rutta & Kodama, Volumes 1 - 3 by Youko Fujitani - ★★★★☆ (review)

58. Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 by Young Kim, Stephanie Meyer - ★★★★☆ (review)

59. The House of Impossible Beauties by Joseph Cassara- ★★★★☆ (review)

60. Harry Potter 1 - 3 by J.K. Rowling - ★★★★☆

61. Esperanza Rising & Becoming Naomi León by Pam Muñoz Ryan - ★★★★☆

62. Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors - ★★★★☆

63. Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia- ★★★★☆

64. Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan - ★★★★☆

65. Blended by Sharon Draper - ★★★★☆

66. Shanghai Girls & Dreams of Joy by Lisa See - ★★★★☆

67. The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 25 (1999 - 2000) by Charles Schulz - ★★★★☆

68. The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman - ★★★★☆

69. Jahanara by Kathryn Lasky- ★★★★☆

70. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn - ★★★★☆

71. Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates - ★★★★☆

72. Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera - ★★★★☆

73. So Far From Home by Barry Denenberg - ★★★★☆

74. Soundless by Richelle Mead - ★★★★☆

75. Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine - ★★★★☆

76. This One Summer by Mariko & Jillian Tamaki - ★★★★☆

77. Archie, Vol. 6 by Mark Waid - ★★★★☆

78. Cut by Patricia McCormick- ★★★★☆

79. Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow- ★★★★☆

80. Jughead, Vol. 2 by Chip Zdarsky- ★★★★☆

81. Reggie & Me by Tom DeFalco - ★★★★☆

82. Radio Silence by Alice Oseman- ★★★★☆

83. Number the Stars & The Giver by Lois Lowry - ★★★★☆

84. Attack on Titan, Vol. 2, 3, 6 & 7 by Hajime Isayama - ★★★★☆

85. Call, Silent Night & Ice Dolls by Hitomi - ★★★★☆

86. Princess Ai, vol. 3 by Courtney Love & DJ Milky - ★★★★☆

87. Attack on Titan, Vol. 1, 4 & 5 by Hajime Isayama- ★★★★★ ( review , review )

88. Princess Ai, Vol. 1 & 2 by Courtney Love & DJ Milky - ★★★★★ (review)

89. Flower by Hitomi - ★★★★★ (review)

#books #list #GoodReads #2020 #reviews

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healinglilia · 3 years

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What book are you reading about the person who is mute??

it's Cut by Patricia McCormick. it's very very triggering so i don't recommend reading it if you're struggling with selfharm or eating disorders. also the story is located at a psych ward.

i just started reading it so i can't tell you more. i read it as a teenager but i wanted to read it again because i didn't remember what it was about. it's very raw and triggering.

#anon ask #mental health books #i'm reading it translated but i don't think that makes it any better or worse #please take care of yourself if you do decide to read it ♡ okay?

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