This book should be consider a self-help book for those who were molested, abused, and rape and yet it is work of fiction that speaks the stories of millions who sadly could relate to Diego. This is my second time reading a novel by Alex Sanchez and this man can speak volumes for me. I rarely ever read a book in its entirety in one setting and yet both times when I seek the comfort of Alex Sanchez's books, I find myself in the late hours of the night absorbed in his novels. His writing style is unique and somehow I feel as though he is writing these books for me because the characters are believable, I could relate to the characters whether physically or emotionally, and I find it remarkable that his books could bring me comfort and acknowledge that I am not alone with it comes to my sexual identity, romance, and friendship.

In this novel, we are introduced to Mr. Vidas, a probation officer who has appeared in court and deal with a teenager named Diego MacMann. He is sixteen year old, first time in court, and it is because he horrifically beat the crap out of gay guy in his school for giving him flirtatious looks. Clearly he has major anger issues. On the other hand, Diego, a hard working student, is scared for his life because he does not want to attend juvie but reluctantly is grateful about the terms and conditions that he must follow in order to stay out of jail. He accepts the plea deal, and must have a session with Vidas.

In the beginning, Diego feels shy and suspicious about Vidas and wants this whole dilemma to simply disappear! Diego does not understand how his anger is uncontrollable and during the home visit, Vidas learns that Diego's stepfather, Mac, committed suicide three years ago and something is not right about the way Diego reacts to this information.

Luckily for Diego he finally has found someone who he can place his trust and confide with everything because no one, including his mother takes the time to listen to him and show that they care about him. He has such a low sense of self, like he believes he is damaged goods and that no one will love him that they will simply leave like family. Vidas doesn't make the connection at first but he notices how Diego has low self-esteem and witnesses that his wrist are full of cut marks. He immediately learns that Diego has cuts all over his body, and feels different methods to discover the source of his anger.

Clearly from the beginning I figured what was wrong with Diego and I felt so heart broken for him that he was raped and molested by his stepfather since the age of 6 until Mac's suicide. No child should ever experience this pain and lost of innocence and I just wanted to hug him and tell him that it was not his fault and he should not feel guilty or embarrassed about the situation because he was simply a child and desperately wanted a father because his biological father left his family when he was very young. Even though Mac was dead, he still lived inside of Diego and because of this constant abuse, Diego pretty much was drowning in his own pain and anger from what had happen to him as a child.

I was never molested or rape, but I could completely connect to Diego about his low sense of worth. My parents divorced when I was very young, and within the first few years after their divorce, my father remarried and practically disown his own kids and his mother. I was furious, heartbroken, and was never the same after that event. I felt in many ways that I had to "grow up" and deal with my emotions alone because my mom struggled as a single parent, and my family is not very good at discussing about each others feelings. It also didn't help that I was bullied in elementary school, and having this sense of abandonment and abuse, it made me feel and believe that I did not have real friends, and that I was this hideous creature that would make people leave from my life.

I suffered for years this type of depression and dealing with my sexuality identity did not make things any easier. Luckily for me after my 1st year of high school was over, as a complete surprise from my mother, she signed me up for a summer camp in New York that forever will change my life for the better. Till this day I am forever grateful for my mother and don't know how to repay her back for her sacrifices. In this summer camp, I got to hang out with kids who shared similar passions like me, did a lot of performing arts, exercise, and learn how to be free and happy for once in my life.

This camp was practically paradise for 6 weeks and it gave me the opportunity to disconnect from the chaos of my daily life. The most important part of this camp was that I had counselors who were a few years older than me, who were gay, and could relate to me and showed me that everything gets better in life. I never could believe in a million years that I would encounter people from different parts of the world who could be my friend and help me learn how to trust people, feel handsome and brave. I cried so much during that time not because I was sad, but because I could finally let go to the things that no longer serve me. To apologize to the little boy for what happen and to let him know that he is loved, that being gay is perfectly normal, and how to feel beautiful inside and out. I will always be grateful for this life changing experience and how the pressure of the world was finally lifted off my shoulders.

The reason why I included this in my review is because as you read this book, you learn about the tragedy of Diego's past and through these life changing sessions with Vidas, he learns how to accept it and how to let go and forgive the past. Also he learns that the past does not define who he is and that it was not his fault to be raped and molested. Diego goes through this life changing experience and finally begins to feel like a human being. He gets a hold of his emotions and learns to finally be happy about his life and free from the terror that he suffered for years.

I seriously hope that Diego's experience and my life story could help those who are suffering similar situations and know that by acknowledging what happen and learning how to let go could essentially help you physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I will absolutely cherish this book and thank you Alex Sanchez for writing this book, by using your writing to provide a voice to those who are silenced or needs encouragement to speak out the wrong that was dealt to them. Thank you!