Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Banned Book Week - Author Cheryl Rainfield

Today we welcome author Cheryl Rainfield to Paper Hangover, Cheryl shares with us her views on Banned Books in celebration of Banned Books Week. 

A percentage of all profits for Scars go to the Toronto Rape Crisis Center/Multicultural Women Against Rape and Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN).

Cheryl works tirelessly to promote SCARS, why?  Because it helps, it strikes a chord in teens who are using this self-destructive behavior to make themselves feel better about situations they are far too young to handle. Because she believes in it's message, and not just of her book but any book that conveys an underpinning knowledge for the real abuse that some teens face everyday.
          We can't sweep abuse under the rug just because it doesn't happen in our house, it's there, it's ugly, and it's real. Teens in these situations need a lifeline, they need release. Can you understand the positive link between reading a book and identifying with the character, leading you to seek help and talk about your experience, ultimately starting the healing process. Or, lashing out at friends and family, or worse risking drugs and alcohol to numb the pain, and we have seen in the news all to often this past year, teen suicide.

Here is Cheryl with a vlog on Banned Books.




Praise for SCARS
Scars is a 2010 GG Finalist (Governor General Literary Award), #1 in ALA's Top 10 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, and is on ALA's Rainbow List (LGBT recommended books).

"Scars is a brave novel, a read-in-one-sitting-except-when-you-have-to-put-it-down-to-breathe novel."
-- Ellen Hopkins, author of Burned, a National Book Award nominee and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and Glass, an ALA Top Ten Book for Young Adults

"Scars is a painful and well told story, obviously written with the heart's blood of the author. It could prove to be a life-saver for other young victims of abuse and self-harm."
-- Lois Duncan, Margaret A. Edwards Award-winning author of Killing Mr. Griffin and I Know What You Did Last Summer

"Scars is the 'must' read for any teen. I couldn't put it down."
-- Gail Giles, author of Right Behind You, a 2009 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

"Rainfield's gripping, chillingly honest account of an abused teen's fight to survive her history, and its consequent self-harm, is written with such compassion and empathy that this is ultimately a story of hope."
-- Wendy Orr, author of Peeling the Onion

"Scars is a beautifully written, deeply compassionate story of sexual abuse, cutting, and the process of recovery from both. I expected a harsh, bitter rage, but instead found a warm, embracing voice. Anger is there, yes, along with terror, but what a surprise to read such an uplifting book about such devastating issues! Those who have been victims will find a realistic portrayal of abuse and self-harm, but also a heartfelt understanding and an encouraging journey toward healing. Others will simply be glad they read this book and learned so much from such a generous teacher."
-- Kathleen Jeffrie Johnson, author of Target, Gone, and A Fast and Brutal Wing

"Scars is an engrossing, frightening, suspenseful and utterly realistic portrayal of cutting as a girl's outlet to deal with the horror of sexual abuse. Rainfield beautifully captures the power of redemptive love required of survivors to move beyond trauma to inner strength and peace. A must-read for teens and those who care deeply about them."
-- Julie Anne Peters, author of Luna, Rage: A Love Story, and By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead

"A gripping fast-paced young adult novel that explores the complex dynamics that have led to an epidemic of cutting and self-injury. A realistic, yet hopeful read, Scars provides young people with a powerful role model in 15-year-old Kendra Marshall--a struggling abuse survivor who emerges at the novel's end having found strength, community and a pathway to healing."
-- Laura Davis, co-author of The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, 20th Anniversary Edition

"An important and necessary book for young people struggling with abuse, cutting, sexual orientation and building a healthy life. We all need to see our lives reflected in the books we read. Cheryl Rainfield has made a meaningful contribution with Scars. I hope this story reaches all the young people who need it."
-- Ellen Bass, co-author of The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, 20th Anniversary Edition

"Kendra's journey will tug your heartstrings and have you holding your breath at the same time. Cheryl Rainfield's deeply emotional novel is a must read."
-- Marlene Perez, author of Dead Is the New Black


So take heed of Banned Book Week, should books be banned? Or are these books so powerful that they threaten the very fabric that society clings too, Denial. 

Leave a comment include your email address and be a follower of Paper Hangover, to win one of two copies of Scars.


You can visit Cheryl's website, follow her on Twitter or purchase SCARS.

7 comments:

prerna pickett said...

books have the power to change someone's life for the better. Books like Scars can help a teen, or even an adult, to understand that they're not alone and to even seek help for their issues. I don't understand the point of banning books, it only makes people more curious to read the subject matter. If you have a problem with the book, then don't let your child read it! How hard is it to monitor what your kid is reading? It's called being a parent, and I think if someone is pushing for a book to be banned then they're too lazy to talk to their kids about real world issues. Tackle those hard subjects with your children and they won't feel the need to go find another source to help them understand. Sorry for the long comment! My e-mail is prernapickett at yahoo.com.

Unknown said...

Thanks Prerna, long comments are welcome! I totally agree with you. The people who ban or challenge books either don't live in reality or have never come across a teen in pain.

Sad to say but abuse happens. Let's deal with it.

Unknown said...

I'm commenting on my own post....but I had to add SCARS was a finalist of the 2010 Govenor General Literary Award in Canada.

Kelly Hashway said...

Great vlog by Cheryl. I completely agree. And the ironic thing is that banning books in an attempt to keep them from people, just makes people want to read them more. I don't know about anyone else, but no one is going to tell me I can't read a book I want to read.

Sophia Chang said...

Cheryl is awesome. I'm so glad we're supporting her.

sophiathewriter at gmail

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