When Kirsten was sixteen a tragedy happened to a family member and thats when she started cutting herself to release the inner pain. At age twenty three Kirsten has still been cutting herself during college to release the stress of different situations. The situation takes a turn for the worst when kirsten is found cutting herself by her boyfriend and she is admitted to a psych ward. Kirsten's pastor offers the help of a nun Sister Frankie who deals with girls like Kirsten who are battling inner demons. I really enjoyed reading how Kirsten was able to come to terms with her feelings , develop a closer relationship with god and fix her life. A story that accurately portrays the struggles of self injury. It doesn't glorify it, nor does it focus mostly on the physical act. Most of the story focuses on Kirsten's struggle to figure out why she self injures, who she want to be, and what she wants out of life and her relationships. She is exploring these while living on a working ranch, in place of a traditional inpatient program. The setting may not be realistic; most people deal with their self injury in a therapist's office or other treatment program. The emotional work that she completes is very realistic and relatable, even if you don't struggle with self injury. Through her journey she receives help from Sister Frankie who owns the ranch, Joesph, Emma who is another patient on the ranch, and Andy who is trying to do some healing of his own. I enjoyed the characters and relationships that formed between them. None are perfect. All learn from their experiences and each other every day. They seem authentic and relatable. This is a book based on the Christian faith, which is evident throughout. If this isn't your faith, don't let this stop you from reading this book. For Kirsten, her faith becomes a tool to help her stop self injuring and cope with her life in general. Many of the faith messages are based on overall good advice, whether you are religious or not. Also, at the end of each chapter there is a quote, from the text, that the authors encourage you to tweet or put on your Facebook. I did this for a few quotes. It's an interesting concept, different, and fun if you're into social media. Overall, a good realistic book about someone who struggles with self injury that many people will relate to on some level.
What do You think about The Merciful Scar (2013)?
I liked this book. I liked the main character (Kirstin) and think the story was well written.
—issy
This book was terrific although the ending definitely left me wanting more of this story.
—aaworces
