ARC Spotlight – Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley

 

Thirteen year old Angie disappears during a camping trip, only to return three years later with no recollection of where she’s been. She’s a stranger in her own body, which has aged three years, while in her mind only a day has passed.

I love Angie’s strength and determination. She’s been put through so much, and even creates alternate personalities to deal with her trauma, but ultimately she faces her suffering head on. I loved the way the mystery of what happened to Angie unraveled through revelations of her alters and how Dissociative Identity Disorder is explored. 

Although the sexual abuse that Angie experiences is disturbing, this book is ultimately about healing. Angie has to deal with so much, but regains her power in a courageous way. I also liked Coley’s portrayal of Angie’s parents. They’re overjoyed to have her back, but also confused and frightened for her emotional well-being.

Pretty Girl-13 will be available March 19^th 2013 from Katherine Tegan Books.