Book Review/Blog Tour- Cut

By Patricia McCormick

Published by Pulse

Originally Released on February 1st, 2002

Source- 10th Anniversary Edition Book for review

3 stars- It's a good read

Fifteen-year old Callie is so withdrawn that she's not speaking to anyone including her therapist at the residential treatment facility where her parents and doctor send her after discovering that she cuts herself. Her story unfolds primarily through dramatic monologues, gradually revealing the family turmoil that led to her self-destructive behavior. Her little brother, Sam, is ill he nearly died in her care. Since Sam's illness, Callie's mother has become so worried and fragile that she rarely leaves the house. Her father has responded to the psychological and financial stress of Sam's illness by disappearing into his work, and when that doesn't work, into his drinking.

Callie's efforts to understand herself and her family illuminate her process of recovery honestly and with hope. Cut provides an insightful look at the psychology of cutting a form of self-abuse an estimated 2 million teenage girls inflict on themselves (quoted from Goodreads).

Cut is one of those small books that's packed with power, heartbreak and hope. From the cover to the story, everything about this story is eye opening and moving. Patricia McCormick has given a voice to those who cut in silence. More often than not cutters drift through life with no voice, no way to ask for help, and with no one to support them. Callie's voice is one of the reasons why I wanted to read and review this book.

Cut blew me away with how absorbed I became in 15 yr old Callie's world, a cutter who's now at a residential treatment center. The way in which Patricia wrote Callie's story is as though the reader is her therapist. I liked that not only did I get to read about the things Callie choose to tell her therapist, but I got to know by reading about the things she couldn't say. Her journey is amazing, realistic one, and I think many readers will in some way relate to Callie.

I was shocked at how emotional attached I was with Callie. Callie's story is a raw, emotional, and compelling one that has left me more aware of the silent suffers who cut. Who hide their pain. Callie is someone I wanted to hug, I wanted to tell her she could do it, and at other times I wanted to yell at her and ask her why she was doing this. I wanted to her to find her voice and overcome her suffering. Callie is a resilient character. Herstory isn't for everyone, but it's one I recommend to teens, teachers and parents. I'm glad Patricia has given a voice for all the Callie's out there. Though I wish there was more to Callie's story, Cut left me with a feeling of hope for Callie and her future.

About the Book the 10th Anniversary Edition

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…

The 10^th Anniversary edition of Cut includes a brand-new afterword from author Patricia McCormick, an author Q&A, and added resources.

About the Author

Patricia McCormick spent three years researching and writing her first novel, Cut. She is also the author of the National Book Award finalist Sold, as well as Purple Heart and My Brother’s Keeper. She lives in Manhattan. Learn more at www.pattymccormick.com.

Be sure to visit these sites:

www.facebook.com/thisisteen

www.pattymccormick.com