4.5 Stars

Beautiful, poignant, and sad, this book explores what it's like to be raised in an abusively religious family. Pattyn has a distinct voice as a character. I recommend letting her tell you her story, instead of me summarizing it here. The entire book is riveting. My only complaint is that so much happened in just the last few pages that it felt unbelievable compared to the rest. Still, take a minute to sit with it when you're done, and it'll sink in. Like most of Ellen Hopkins' first books, it does end on a cliff hanger, so check out the sequel at the same time as this book so you don't feel the wrath of the book hangover.