First of all, how pretty is this cover? It's one of the reasons I picked the book. Also, there's just something about a story of struggle that I always enjoy reading, and that wasn't much different with this book. I did rate it 3 stars on Goodreads, but let me explain why.

I liked the story. I did. And I didn't hate the character of Charlie, which is unusual for me because I always tend to hate most of the characters in a book. I just didn't understand the timeline throughout the story. I think it perhaps wasn't even a year in length, which made the story seem unrealistic to me. I don't see people turning their lives around in such a short time. I mean, really, how often does someone finally have the last straw and do a one-eighty and not mess up again? I don't know actually, but I am sure it isn't often.

Anyways, this novel is about seventeen year old Charlotte "Charlie" Davis. She starts off in a rehab center and this novel follows her on her journey (for about a year, I'm thinking) after she leaves rehab. It's 100% a very emotional, heartbreaking book. There were parts that reminded me a lot of A Million Little Pieces (which is one of my favorite books in the world), especially in the beginning, and I was worried the writer was trying to mimic that writing style, but it lifted, and I was glad it did. I found the first part of the book (there are three parts) to be very boring, but pretty short "chapters," and there were some sections I wish were written in more detail. It took me most of a week to get through the first half of the book, and then I read the second half in one sitting.

After it was over, I just felt kind of "hmph." That's truly to best way to describe it. I felt like it wrapped up kind of quickly, the ending didn't feel realistic, and I want to know what happens next. I want to know more about Riley and Julie, Linus and Tanner, and Ellis, but mostly I want to know more about Mikey. I feel like he started as such an integral part of the book and we weren't really given enough depth into him. I guess I kind of feel that way with most of the characters except Charlie - we weren't given enough about any of them.

When I marked this read on Goodreads and it asked for my rating, I sat with my finger above my phone for several minutes. I wanted to give it four stars, but there was just something missing for me and I really felt I had to give it only three stars.

I think this book could be hit or miss, depending on what you usually enjoy reading, but I wouldn't tell you not to read it.

I will say that I could tell this book took a lot of heart and soul from the author, Kathleen Glasgow, who in the acknowledgments admits to being a cutter, and that broke my heart for her. I think she is brave and beautiful for writing such a soul-bearing story. This book is a novel and not a memoir, but I know those feelings written within the pages took a lot of self-discovery and self-love and I 100% applaud Kathleen for her strength and graciousness.

What are some of your favorite books that talk about sensitive topics?