The Perfect Cut

Burtinshaw, J. (2008). The perfect cut. Vancouver, BC: Raincoast Books.

Author:
Julie Burtinshaw

Summary:
After the death of his sister Bryan is numb. His entire family is falling apart and his big sister can no longer protect him. The only way he can feel like he is alive is by cutting himself. As he spirals deeper into depression and self destruction his mother and friends try to reach out to help him. But only Bryan can decide to save himself.

Response and Reaction:
This book deals with a lot of serious issues including suicide, underage drinking and drug use and self mutilation. Burtinshaw handles these topics maturely and on a level that young adults will relate to. She also shows that there are no quick fixes, and that sometimes treatments do not work or can be harmful. Bryan has to work hard on himself and his relationships and learn healthy ways to cope with his grief in order to move forward in his life.

Format:
Young Adult Novel

Age Range:
15-18 years old

Themes:
Suicide, drugs, self mutilation, abuse, therapy, death, coping, divorce, alcoholism