4.5/5 ⭐️

I first read this book when I was 14 I think. I remember that the book store seller gave us the dvd’s movie as well as the book for a little extra. I was thrilled!
I read the book and then so the movie with my mom: she cried.
I remember being shocked reading the book and discovering Melinda’s secret: it was the first book that talked about themes like this. I was 14 when my best friend at the time told me she had been through the same. I was shocked but I gave her the book. She said “This is my life.”

I think this book is an excellent example of someone living with a big burden, a big secret. Melinda’s is big enough that make her depress. The sad thing is that no one around her can understand her.
I’m glad people have started talking about this issue more because people like Melinda, like my friend can feel safe to talk about it before something worst happens.
This book for me, a non victim but still an advocate for speaking up, means a lot. It was one of my favorite books when I was younger and it still holds a great place in my heart.
This should be read in school so things like what happen to Melinda won’t happen.