But a more realistic hope is that Kendra will learn some new coping skills, and, in time, find the tools and strategies she needs to safely express her emotions instead of cutting” (185). Now, I know you’ll want her to stop hurting herself right away. “Self injury shows the depth of pain and turmoil someone is feeling. His home has often been a safe haven for her. Sandy is a healthy male and artistic role model for Kendra. There is an adult gay male character, Sandy, who is Kendra’s mom’s longtime friend. Kendra is also a lesbian and it was refreshing to find no excuses or justifications within the story for her orientation. Archer, the compassionate and supportive art teacher, who tells Kendra, “I think you’ve got to get out whatever’s hurting you through your art, so it doesn’t twist you up inside” (113). But Kendra knows that “Art is like a printout of my soul, showing all the things I can’t say” (56). In contrast to her mother who paints perfectly controlled landscapes, Kendra’s art is an expression of her hopes and fears, which her mother criticizes as being too raw. I imagine it will attract those who need this story and repel those who aren’t ready to explore the issue or those who are not interested. It is also a beautiful, hope-filled story about the courage to face the truth and the strength to embrace the beauty and love that often flutters around the edge of despair. I believe that is one way you know that you have a literary treasure in front of you: when you dread turning the last page because it means the story is over, yet tenderly smile knowing that the characters you’ve known to love have left a lovely, heartfelt mark on you.Scars is a powerful book, and not for the faint of heart. The characters are beautifully developed and relatable, even if the reader themself doesn’t struggle with the same issues mentioned and discussed. Though my choosing of it upon my bookshelf was 100% random, I am so glad this book was brought into my hands, and, as cheesy as it may sound, my heart. Scars is not for the closed-hearted, nor is it for those who have an unwelcoming bias towards those who struggle with self and sexual identity, and mental torment. It tells a sincere story of a young woman, with dreams of a life beyond intense psychological pain, whose many gifts, notably painting and drawing, help provide her a safe and healthier escape from her demons. This short, yet passionate young adult novel handles extremely heavy and sensitive issues with such a softness and care that truly brought tears to my eyes.
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