With her father imprisoned, 15-year-old Meredith thinks she could live out her high-school days safely, but when he is released early for good behavior, her security is shattered. A popular youth baseball coach, her father has abused Mer as well as other boys and girls. With strict orders that he not be left alone with his daughter, he is returned to the condo complex where she and her mother live. In contrast to Mer's terror, her mother is giddy with delight at his return, and together the reunited couple plans to conceive another child. Yet in the shadows and stillness, Mer's nightmare begins anew.(summary courtesy of Amazon)
So maybe this wasn't the greatest book to read while on a vacation, but I got so wrapped up in it that the fact that it was filled with raw emotion and heavy ideas, didn't really register with me. I think there's only a certain number of authors who can pull off a story like this one while making it realistic and addicting at the same time. The subject matter was far from light and I was glad for that change as I had been reading a lot of fluff up until then. This book made me think and actually feel something for the first time in a long time. There are many books out there that will confuse you and make you use your mind, but there are only a couple, Such a Pretty Girl included, that will tear at your heart strings and make you ache; whether that be with sympathy, disgust, horror, or another equally strong emotion. This isn't a book to take lightly but even though it has many heavy elements you can't help but be engrossed by the story. I got pulled in almost grudgingly because as I was reading, I didn't want to be able to get into the book, but I knew that if I was to truly appreciate the book for what it was, I had to submerge myself in the gruesome yet gripping story. And I'm so glad I did. The book really got to me and I think I'll remember it for quite some time; and that my friends, is the mark of a truly good story. One that will captivate you and pull you in no matter what. And for that, I highly recommend it. But, just as a warning, it's only for mature readers as there is a bit of graphic content.
