The Merciful Scar

this book has quickly become my favorite of my whole library of books. It's realistic. it doesn't brush over its topic. it calls awareness to the issue without going into gruesome detail. the writers make me feel connected to the artist, and as if I'm right there, in the book with her. good book for age 13 and up.

Three things:1) I'm related to a cutter, so the first couple of chapters were horribly difficult to get through, but worth it. I cried. I hurt all over again. It was cathartic, on some level, to read this as the mother of a cutter.2) As a prolific reader, I appreciate the candor and humor which I found in this book, but especially the finesse. This is a well-written piece of gut-wrenching fiction.3) Initially I stepped back and asked, "How did they get from completely buried to such freedom in this time frame?" But I worked as a tech in a psych hospital for a couple of years, with women much like the main character, and have seen it happen. It's realistic. The setting and the people were right. It doesn't often happen like this, but the beauty of this story is knowing that it CAN. And that with God in the details, and willingness from the cutter, it can.That said, I love the ranch setting for healing. I love everything about this book. I'll be buying more copies. Thank you, ladies, for writing it.*I did NOT receive a free copy of this book. I purchased it for my Kindle. Now I wish I'd gotten a paper copy.*

I have had several bat kol revelations in the past month. Like Kirsten, I have been hiding from a painful past. I didn’t turn to physical self-harm. My self-harm took many decades of emotional and mental tolls. I held myself back from pursuing a life-long dream. All these years I suffered from a lack of self-confidence caused by an abusive alcoholic father. Every time I tried to follow my dream I heard his voice telling me I wasn’t good enough or smart enough. Between the message in this book and the message in the movie I Can Only Imagine, I’m going to let go and let God lead me.

about cutting- it’s amazing how these women can write such incredible books that, even if you have no direct experience, the takeaways always can be lessons for your own life. I couldn’t put this book down- the descriptive writing puts me right there in time and place... and I feel as if I am literally ‘watching’ it as I read.

This is a book parents and grandparents should read if they have preteens or teens. It is not a book the young should read outside of a support group. Adolescents are often drawn to experimentation and this book could give them ideas they might never have thought of.It should be read by adults who work with young females.Parenting is a difficult process and this book might leave some parents taking the blame for things they have no control over. Good parents should also be aware that seemingly wonderful, normal Christian girls often injure themselves. Life is difficult for teens even those who do not deal with crises.

My teenage daughter & I read this together. Tough topic - but all too real. Helps an outsider empathize with someone who struggles with addictions & self harm.

The first time I read this I sat and read it at one go. Incredible story of redemption, loss, and love! I became so involved with the characters. While the topics are sometimes hard to deal with, the authors did a superb job of shedding light on the issues and offering hope for them. Gave some copies as Christmas gifts. Everyone loves this book.  The Merciful Scar

Although I expected a more spiritual application I still really liked this book. It was insightful, funny in places and sad in a few. I went through part of it twice. It is a really good story on a subject that I was not familiar with. It ended too soon but not badly. The resource list at the end could be helpful. I recommend it.

Deals with emotional problems and how Jesus Christ can bring strength. For young people struggling to be accepted Jesus is there