Such a Pretty Girl

Such a Pretty Girl

by Laura Wiess

2007

212 pages

"They promised me nine years of safety but only gave me three. Today my time has run out.”

Summary: For the past three years Meredith’s father has been locked up in prison for molesting her and many other children. She thought she was safe, that she could move on with her life, but her father is coming home early. Her mother, who should have been on her side, is ecstatic to have her husband home, ignoring Meredith’s pleas. Meredith knows he hasn’t changed and it’s only a matter time before her or someone else becomes his victim. She will do whatever it takes to get him locked up for good, even if that means sacrificing herself.

Review: Laura Wiess is brilliant at writing incredibly difficult and honest stuff. She doesn’t sugar coat or try too hard to make a point. What she produces is heartbreakingly raw. This is a very quick read, if you can suffer through the brokenness and destruction until the end. Meredith is a wonderfully dynamic character in that she is both paralyzed with her suffering and incredibly strong. She is so compelling, and her struggle so horrible that it’s hard to disconnect. Wiess does a great job of using flashback to give the reader a real sense of the abuse without becoming too graphic. In doing so I think she highlights that the story is about Meredith and her growth and strength, and not just the abuse. Overall, I thought the story was flawless.

You might enjoy Such a Pretty Girl if you like books with: difficult and emotionally provocative topics, a real focus on a main character’s experience instead of a fast paced plot, a mature writing style

Other books by Laura Wiess: Leftovers and How it Ends

If you liked Such a Pretty Girl you might also enjoy: Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, Leftovers by Laura Wiess, Chanda’s Wars by Allan Statton,

Additional Info: was awarded 2008 ALA Best Books for Young Adults award

Author website found here.

Here is a link to sexual assault centres in Southwestern Ontario. Please find one in your area if you need assistence.

Rating: W4/4 C4/4 P4/4 O4/4 PP2/4 CR3/4
Grade: S