Cut by Patricia McCormick

Title: Cut

Author: Patricia McCormick

Publish Date: January 2002

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

Pages: 160pp

IBSN: 0439324599

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Range: 12 and up

Price: $16.95

Amazon: $7.99

Annotation: Callie is a normal teenager.  She attends high school and runs track, but Callie is hiding a big secret, she cuts herself.  When the cuts on Callie’s arms are revealed, Callie is sent away to deal with her problems. 

Summary: Fifteen year-old Callie appears to be normal, she attends high school and runs track.  When a school nurse notices all the cuts on Callie’s arms, Callie is sent away to a psychological treatment facility for adolescents. At the treatment center, Callie refuses to speak to anyone, including her family. Instead she watches, and listens and learns about all of her group mates (who are suffering from anorexia, behavioral problems and drug abuse), but they know nothing about her. Then, when Amanda joins the group and flaunts her cutting scars, it becomes more difficult for Callie to remain silent. She slowly begins to speak and shares her feelings.  In doing so, Callie realizes that she wants to get better.

Evaluation: I felt this was an important read as it shows a glimpse inside the mind of why someone would want to use self-mutilation as a coping mechanism.  This is a fast read, but also a deep and meaningful experience.  The psychological problems Callie faces are very real and very sad.  I think this is a great story for anyone either going through similar situations, or anyone who knows someone going through this. 

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness:

• Using self-mutilation as a coping mechanism.
• Feeling like you caused harm to someone you love (guilty).
• Feeling unable to speak about your problems. 
• Learning forgiveness. 

Reason this book was chosen: To explore the mentality of a cutter, both psychologically and emotionally.

Similar Titles: 

Willow by Julia Hoban

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Define “Normal” by Julie Anne Peters

Author Website: Click HERE

Awards:
Isinglass Teen Reads Award, 2004
ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2002
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, 2001